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Algarve: idyllic beaches

On one side, the sea carves out the coastline’s cliffs. On the border with Spain and all along the coastline that follows the Ria Formosa, the waters are calm and warm. They become rougher and colder as you move from east to west towards Sagres, the westernmost point of Europe. The Algarve preserves the heritage of the Moors and the spirit of the fishing folk. It is from here, in the 15th century, that Portuguese sailors set out to discover the world. Tourists will find idyllic beaches and benefit from pleasant temperatures year-round.

WHERE TO SLEEP

MONTE REI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Spacious, peaceful villas. Auteur restaurants. Ideal for golfers.

 

Tel. (+351) 282 952 521

 

www.monte-rei.com

OZADI TAVIRA HOTEL

Retro vacation style.

 

Quinta das Oliveiras, Tavira, Faro

Tel. (+351) 281 324 324

 

www.ozaditavirahotel.com

POUSADA PALÁCIO ESTOI

An 18th century Rococo style palace. Away from the beaches.

 

R. S. José, Estoi, Faro

Tel. (+351) 289 990 150

 

www.pousadas.pt/en/hotel/pousadaestoi

CASA MODESTA

Rural tourism with a touch of modernity. Family atmosphere.

 

Quatrim, Olhão

Tel. (+351) 289 701 096

 

www.casamodesta.pt

HOTEL QUINTA DO LAGO

A must. Classic luxury. Near golf courses and beaches.

 

Tel. (+351) 289 350 350

 

www.hotelquintadolago.com

CONRAD ALGARVE

Luxury and refinement. The Roof Garden Suite on the top floor is so extravagant you’ll forget the price.

 

Estrada da Quinta do Lago, Quintado Lago, Loulé

Tel. (+351) 289 350 700

 

www.conradalgarve.com

VILA VITA PARC HOTEL

Personalized service and attention to detail in this 5-star resort.

 

R. Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos, Lagoa

Tel. (+351) 282 310 100

 

www.vilavitaparc.com

MEMO BALEEIRA, SAGRES

Minimalist and comfortable with a view of the sea.

 

Sítio da Baleeira, Sagres

Tel. (+351) 282 624 212

 

www.memmohotels.com

MARTINHAL BEACHRESORT & HOTEL

Considered an ideal hotel for families. It combines refinement with comfort.

 

Quinta do Martinhal, Vila do Bispo, Sagres

Tel. (+351) 282 240 200

 

www.martinhal.com/sagres

WHERE TO EAT

OCEAN

Renovated in 2016, it has received two Michelin stars. Chef Hans Neuner never ceases to surprise. Excellent selection of wines.

 

Vila Vita Parc Hotel, Alporchinhos

Tel. (+351) 282 310 200

 

www.restauranteocean.com

SÃO GABRIEL

Respect for ingredients and creativity in presentation. Chef Leonel Pereira’s Michelin star is well deserved.

 

Estrada de Vale do Lobo, Quinta doLago, Loulé

Tel. (+351) 289 394 521

 

www.sao-gabriel.com

BON BON, LAGOA

Creative gastronomy offered by chef Rui Silvestre, one Michelin star. The tasting menu is highly recommended.

 

Sesmarias, Lagoa

Tel. (+351) 282 341 496

 

www.bonbon.pt

PÉZINHOS NA AREIA

Pleasant space. Fish and seafood. Try the traditional cataplanas (typical Algarve cookware. The same word is used to refer to the foods cooked in it.)

 

Praia Verde, Castro Marim

Tel. 281 513 195

CHÁ COM ÁGUA SALGADA

In a modern building, on the beach, you will appreciate a marvellous combination of regional flavours.

 

Praia da Manta Rota, Vila Real de Santo António

Tel. (+351) 281 952 856

RESTAURANTE NOÉLIA

One of the best restaurants in terms of regional cuisine. Noélia works on the ingredients with respect and creativity.

 

Av. Ria Formosa, Edifício Cabanas Mar, Cabanas de Tavira

Tel. (+351) 281 370 649

O JACINTO

On the main street, a restaurant celebrated for its fish and seafood.

 

Av. Francisco Sá Carneiro, Bl. 2, Loja2, Quarteira, Loulé

Tel. (+351) 289 301 887

TICO-TICO

A small, unpretentious restaurant serving interesting appetizers as well as traditional cuisine. There is often a line, but the wait is worth it.

 

R. Laranjeiras, 2

Tel. (+351) 289 313 126

GIGI BEACH PAVILLION

A mythical place in Algarve thanks to Gigi, the owner. Fish and seafood.

 

Praia da Quinta do Lago, Loulé

Tel. (+351) 964 045 1712

2 PASSOS

New premises for this restaurant known for its appetizers, fish and seafood.

 

Quinta do Lago, Loulé

Tel. (+351) 289 396 43

ANTÓNIO TÁ CERTO

Located on the beach, this is a simple restaurant serving fish and seafood during the day.

 

Praia do Garrão, Almancil

Tel. (+351) 289 396 456

SR. FRANGO

In Algarve, it is a specialty, and in this restaurant the chargrilled chicken is the undisputed king.

 

Estrada da Fonte Santa, Almancil

Tel. (+351) 289 393 756

A COMIDINHA

Fish and seafood are this restaurant’s specialty. Try the brown grouper canja. Excellent selection of wines.


Pr. do Poder Local, lote 5, loja B, Lagos

Tel. (+351) 282 782 857

LIEUX À VISITER

The Ria Formosa Nature Park is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It is spread over 50 kilometers of coastline and is made up of the barrier islands of Barreta (or Deserta), Culatra (or Farol), Armona (or Fuzeta), Tavira and Cabanas. Rent a boat and spend the day at the beach on one of these islands or take a trip out to sea.

 

www.natura-algarve.com

SALINAS

In Algarve, there is a long tradition of salt extraction. The Salmarim society still respects the artisanal methods of the past. First you extract the salt flower, then the common salt. Plan a visit and adventure into the salinas of the Sapal de Castro Marim Nature Reserve.

 

Salinas da Salmarim, Castro Marim

www.salmarim.com

 

At the traditional markets of Olhão and Quarteira, you will find many regional products: fish and seafood, fruits and vegetables, herbs, almonds, carob, corn flour, regional cakes. At Olhão, on Saturdays, local producers sell their products and artisanal pieces in the open air.

BEACHES

In Sotavento, near the Spanish border, the waters are calm and warm, an invitation to swim. In
the western part of Algarve, the Barlavento, bounded by cliffs created by erosion, the waters
are rougher and the waves are a challenge to surfers. From one side to the other, here are some beaches to explore: Praia Verde, Falésia, Santa Eulália, Alvor, Carvoeiro, Rocha, Meia Praia, Ponta da Piedade, Odeceixe, Amado.

EXPERIENCES

GOLF

The Algarve is blessed with several internationally renowned golf courses. To start with, there is the Jack Nicklaus Signature course, part of the Monte Rei Golf and Country Club.

OBSERVATION D’OISEAUX

www.visitalgarve.pt

www.natura-algarve.com

www.formosamar.com

www.birdland.pt

SURF

Surfing School Freeride

Hotel Memmo Baleeira, Sagres
Tel. (+351) 965780252/916089005

 

www.frsurf.com

SUGGESTED BEACHES FOR SURFING

Sagres, Ponta Ruiva, Castelejo, Vila do Bispo, Praia da Cordoama, do Amado, Carrapateira, Arrifana e Odeceixe.

 

Review overview