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One of the most popular holiday destinies in Europe because of the beautiful beaches with warm waters and enjoyable weather. The Arabs in the past, occupied this region, and even today we can see some traces of that ancient occupation, like the names of several places that start with the ancient arable pronoun “AL” which means “The”; the name Algarve came from the moorish “AL-Gharb” meaning “the land beyond”.
The Algarve can be divided into three different zones:
- The Vicentine Coast – it is the region with less tourism, however its natural beauty, a landscape rich in vegetation, makes it the ideal place for those who want a quite holiday in direct contact with Nature;
- The Windward and the Leeward are much more exciting zones, endowed with lots of day and night life and with the most beautiful beaches. The Algarve offers good infrastructures and equipment for sports practice; especially Golf, Water Sports and Radical Sports are equally a source of attraction.
Albufeira
This city offers its visitors a wide variety of nightlife, with typical English bars, stores and a weekly outdoor market. São Rafael is located about 5 minutes from the town center.
Alvor
Along the algarvian coast we find this beautiful fisherman village, each day turned more to tourism and in constant natural and architectonic evolution; only the Manueline church from the 16th century seems to remain intact and indifferent to all those changes.
Armação de Pêra
This zone has one of the most spectacular coasts of Europe, and on its wonderful beaches we can find the serenity and beauty that travel agencies promise. Armação de Pêra is a starting point for those who visit Carvoeiro, Ferragudo or Portimão.
Boliqueime & Fonte de Boliqueime
Remount to the 12th century, and it is here that we have our managers offices; in the Boliqueime zone you can find old and typical farms and have a tasteful and cheap meal.
Faro
Is the capital of the Algarve and also the biggest urban center. Although a large majority of tourists only know Faro Airport. It is a city with some history and with beautiful monuments to visit. A few kilometers from Faro center you find Faro Beach (or Island) and the Ria Formosa nature park.
Lagos
This modest city is located in a river estuary and it was the starting-point to many geographic discoveries in the 15th century. For those who like natural beauty, the Dona Ana beach or the caves and rocks of Ponta da Piedade are the places to visit.
Loulé
Is one of the few inland towns; very well known for its weekly market (every Saturday). It is also the capital of the algarvian Carnival – considered one of the best in the country. Some of the most beautiful and tranquil villages of the Algarve are located behind the Loulé hills.
Monchique & Caldas de Monchique
The Monchique Mountain has this name because of the little town of Monchique. For most of the habitants of this area live from selling of the products they cultivate on their own lands. A popular stopping point, on the main road to Monchique is the Spa surrounded by trees and fresh air in Caldas de Monchique.
Olhão
The biggest fishing harbor in the Algarve, located 20Kms East of Tavira. Has as attraction the Ria Formosa filled with small desert islands where you will spend a wonderful time.
Portimão
This harbor town is located in a natural shelter inside the “river mouth”. It is, like Faro, the biggest administrative and commercial region. During the summer months you can delight yourself with barbecued sardine beside the river.
Quarteira
A town that developed from a small fishing village to one of the reference points most quoted by tourists. With a beautiful beach that crosses the town from one side to de other, it is always a passing point for those who go walking in Vilamoura.
Quinta do Lago
Consists of a separate group of complexes and villas with lots of luxury and “glamour”. Famous for its mansions, with well-cared gardens and pools, and for its golf courses.
Reserva Natural da Ria Formosa
This magnificent nature reserve is located between Ancão and Manta-Rota. With 30kms of lagoons, salt springs and islands where you can appreciate a spectacular variety wild life.
Sagres & Cabo São Vicente
These two places mark the extreme southwest point of Portugal and Europe; maybe because of that it is full of legends and mysticism. Here, you must see and visit the São Vicente lighthouse and Sagres fortress.
Silves
Located towards the East, is considered to be the medieval moorish capital of the Algarve. The town is “dominated” by a splendid castle of red brick. In Silves you can also visit the English Factory - an old cork factory from the 19th century, transformed into an exceptional live park of culture and with restaurants.
Tavira
Some kms East of Faro is Tavira, one of the most attractive towns of the Algarve, due to its beaches, excellent fresh fish restaurants along the river, for her beautiful roman bridge, 21 churches and a medieval castle. You can also explore the 11kms of the Tavira Island – you can get to the island in a very original way: by tourist train.
Vale do Lobo
Located in the middle of the golf course that has the same name, is also known for his beautiful beach. Like Quinta do Lago the Vale do Lobo is one of the most luxurious places in the Algarve.
Vilamoura
Very well known for its Marina, surrounded by coffee shops and bars. Is a great water sports center and is located near to four golf courses. In Vilamoura you can find the Casino where you can spend a different moment of diversion.
Vila Real Santo António
Is the algarvian fishing harbor located right in the entrance of Guadiana river, hundreds of kms from where the river ascend near the border of La Mancha Plateau, Southeast of Madrid.
An area less explored, and where are the beaches such as Amoreira, Monte Clérigo, Arrifana or Carrapateira. Most of these beaches are well known by surfers and bodyboarders.
The Cape of San Vicente near Sagres, it is denominated by windward. Here you will find dreamlike beaches framed by golden cliffs to which the sea has given extravagant shapes like Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo, Alvor, Vau or Carvoeiro.
Ponta da Piedade, near Lagos, one of the most spectacular views of the rock formations that can be appreciated in detail on a boat trip through the caves. Praia da Marinha, is surrounded by cliffs carved by erosion, is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Between Lagos and Faro you will find more cosmopolitan beaches, such as Praia da Rocha in Portimão, Praia da Galé, Praia da Oura, Praia dos Salgados, Praia de São Rafael, Santa Eulália, Maria Luisa and Falésia in Albufeira and Vilamoura.
Vale do Lobo, Ancão and Quinta do Lago have a glamorous environment. It's also located in the immediate vicinity of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected area with calm waters, wide sandy beaches and almost deserted islets.
At the Ria Formosa, there are several islands such as Barreta, an authentic desert beach, as well as the islands of Culatra, Armona, Fuseta and the island of Tavira.
At the Guadiana River you can find beaches such as Cabanas, Manta Rota, Altura, Praia Verde and Monte Gordo, with huge sands stretching out to sea. The leeward is located to the east of the Algarve, with warmer and calmer waters.
Golf Courses – The Algarve is also knowned as the all year round haven for golfers. For a more efficient reservation service, we suggest that you visit Portugal Fairways site www.go-golf-less.com or send an e-mail to info@go-golf-pay-less.com Below find a list of some of the golf courses in the region:
Balaia
Location: Balaia
Telephone: 00351 289 570 442 Fax: 00351 289 501 265 www.balaiagolfvillage.com
Nº of Holes: 9. Par:27 983mts
Visitor Requirements: Handicap Certificate. Appropriate Dress
Amenities: Pro-shop, club hire, trolleys, driving range, Putting & Chipping Greens
Clubhouse: Restaurant and bar, locker rooms.
Laguna
Location: Vilamoura
Telephone: 00351 289 310 180 Fax: 0351 289 310 349/183
Nº of Holes: 36.Par (SSS): 72 (73) 6,133mts
Visitor Requirements: knowledge of golf etiquette
Amenities: Pro-shop, club hire, lessons, buggies, trolleys, driving range, Putting & Chipping Greens
Clubhouse: Attractive building, restaurant, lounge and bar, locker rooms.
Millennium
Location: Vilamoura
Telephone: 00351 289 310 180 Fax: 00351 289 310 349/183
Nº of Holes: 36.Par (SSS): 72 (73) 6,143mts
Visitor Requirements: knowledge of golf etiquette
Amenities: Pro-shop, club hire, lessons, buggies, trolleys, driving range, Putting & Chipping Greens
Clubhouse: Attractive building, restaurant, lounge and bars, locker rooms.
Ocean Course
Location: Vale do Lobo -15km East towards the coast after Almancil
Telephone: 00351 289 353 535 Fax: 00351 289 353 003
Nº of Holes: 36. Par: 72 6,050mts
Visitor Requirements: Handicap Certificate, strict dress code
Amenities: Pro-shop, club hire, trolleys, buggies, Putting & Chipping Greens
Clubhouse: Restaurant, lounge and bars, locker rooms, roving drinks buggy.
Pinhal
Location: Vilamoura
Telephone: 00351 289 310 390 Fax: 00351 289 310 393
Nº of Holes: 18. Par (SSS): 72 (71) 6,300mts
Visitor Requirements: Handicap Certificate, dress code
Amenities: Pro-shop, club hire, trolleys, buggies, driving range, Putting Green
Clubhouse: Restaurant, lounge and bars, locker rooms, catering bar at the 7th and 13th.
Pinheiros Altos
Location: 15km East towards the coast after Almancil
Telephone: 00351 289 359 910 Fax: 00351 289 394 392
Nº of Holes: 18. Par (SSS): 72(72). 6,23mts
Visitor Requirements: Handicap Certificate – Men: 28 Ladies: 36. Strict dress code, no jeans or colored shirts
Amenities: Pro-shop, club hire, lessons, trolleys
Clubhouse: One of the most pleasant on the Algarve, variety of bars, restaurants, showers, locker rooms and lounges, roving buggy with drinks and snacks on the course.
Quinta do Lago
Location:15km East towards the coast after Almancil
Telephone: 00351 289 390 700
Nº of Holes: 36. Par (SSS): Quinta Lago course 72 (74) 6,488mts. Ria Formosa course 72 (72) 6,205mts
Visitor Requirements: Handicap Certificate (those without may have a competence test with a professional at the course)
Amenities: Pro-shop, club hire, lessons, buggies, caddie, trolleys, driving range, Putting & Chipping Greens
Clubhouse: Spacious split-level building, lounge and restaurant, locker rooms, roving buggies and large snack facility on the Ria Formosa course at the 9th.
Royal Course
Location: Vale do Lobo -15km East towards the coast after Almancil
Telephone: 00351 289 353 535 Fax: 00351 289 353 003
Nº of Holes: 36. Par: 71 6,050mts
Visitor Requirements: Handicap Certificate, strict dress code
Amenities: Pro-shop, club hire, trolleys, buggies, Putting & Chipping Greens
Clubhouse: Restaurant, lounge e bars, locker rooms, roving drinks buggy.
Salgados
Location: Salgados
Telephone: 00351 289 583 030 Fax: 00351 289 591 112
Nº of Holes: 18. Par(SSS): 72 (72). 6,080mts
Visitor Requirements: Handicap Certificate
Amenities: Pro-shop, club hire, trolleys, buggies, driving range, Putting & Chipping Greens
Clubhouse: Modern building, lounge and bars, locker rooms, beach bar.
São Lourenço
Location:15km East towards the coast after Almancil
Telephone: 00351 289 396 522/534 Fax: 00351 289 396 908
Nº of Holes: 18. Par (SSS): 72 (73) 6,238mts
Visitors Requirements: Handicap Certificate – Men: 28, Ladies: 36; strict dress code
Amenities: Pro-shop, club hire, trolleys, buggies, caddie, driving range, Putting & Chipping Greens
Clubhouse: Traditional wooden building, restaurant and bar, locker rooms.
Sheraton Pine Cliffs
Location: Açoteias
Telephone: 00351 289 500 100 Fax: 00351 289 500 117
Nº of Holes: 9. Par (SSS): 2x9 66 (67) 2.324mts
Visitor Requirements: Handicap Certificate – Men: 36, Ladies: 36; strict dress code
Amenities: Pro-shop, club hire, trolleys, buggies, driving range, Putting & Chipping Greens
Clubhouse: Adjacent to Sheraton Hotel, restaurant, lounge and bars, locker rooms.
The Old Course
Location: Vilamoura
Telephone: 00351 289 310 341 Fax: 00351 289 310 321
Nº of Holes: 18. Par (SSS): 73 (72) 6,254mts
Visitor Requirements: Handicap Certificate – Men: 24, Ladies: 28; strict dress code, soft spikes
Amenities: Pro-shop, club hire, trolleys, buggies, driving range, Putting Green
Clubhouse: Restaurant, lounge and bars, locker rooms, riving drinks buggy.
Vila Sol
Location: Semino - Quarteira
Telephone: 00351 289 300 502 Fax: 00351 289 316 499
Nº of Holes: 27(3x9 holes 3,241mts; 3,094mts; 3,079mts): Par 72 (each 18 combination)
Visitor Requirements: Handicap Certificate – Men: 24, Ladies: 27; strict dress code
Amenities: Pro-shop, club hire, trolleys, buggies, driving range, Putting & Chipping Greens
Clubhouse: Restaurant, lounge and bars, locker rooms.
Entertainment & Activities
Entertainment & Activities – Holidays in the Algarve is not a synonym of beach and golf!! Here is a list with some suggestions of places you can visit and things you can do:
Bowling
Bowling Alvor Tel: 00351 282 458 663; Hot Shot Bowling - Albufeira Marina Tel: 00351 289 543 163; Vilamoura Lawn Bowls Club Tel: 00351 289 321 260
Cinemas
Several sessions every day with a variety of films to choose from, with a great sound and image quality – at the Algarve Shopping Center in Guia - Albufeira; at Continente Shopping Center in Portimão; at Forum Algarve Shopping Center in Faro.
Discos & Bars
The offers are many! The night life in Albufeira is known by the variety of Bars and Discos and for the liveliness till dawn; places like Kiss (in Albufeira), Kadoc (in Boliqueime) or Liberto’s (also in Albufeira) are always open to give you a night filled with lots of fun and music. If you prefer, Vilamoura is another destiny with lots of bars in the Marina and the casino disco – Black Jack. But if you desire a more selective place, very attractive and always in motion, you can go to the T-Clube (in Quinta do Lago).
Farms
The Happy Ostrich Farm in Tavira, open from 10h00 to 20h00; a funny place where you can also enjoy a few kangaroos; you just have to call 00351 289 369 155 and ask for more information.
Gymnasiums
Brown’s in Vilamoura is a big and very well equipped complex where you can practice all kind of sports and keep in shape during your holiday; call 00351 289 369 155 for more information.
Internet Cafes
In Albufeira, at Edf. Santa Eulália Mar you will find the Virtual Net Cyber Café and in Vilamoura the Cyber Café Bar where you can “surf the net”, search or just chat, having a nice cold drink or a good Portuguese coffee.
Karting
Almancil Karting Circuit, open from 10h00 to 18h00. If you wish more information call 00351 289 399 899 or visit the Internet site www.mundokarting.pt
Mini Golf
In Albufeira, you can find a wonderful park where you can enjoy the 18 mini golf course, take the youngest to visit the Fun Factory with a soft play area where they can enjoy the bouncy castles, ride in quads and use the internet computers – all of this in the Bela Vista Mini-Golf Family Park; open every day from 10h00am to 24h00pm. If you prefer you have in Vilamoura the Roma Golf Park – a place where you can play mini-golf with ancient Rome as background; two 18-hole courses in Vilamoura; open from 10h00 to 24h00. For more information call us to 00351 289 369 155.
Oceanographic Parks
ZooMarine in Guia - Albufeira, the life of the oceans; daily shows with dolphins and special shows with seals, marine-lions, sharks, turtles and crocodiles; open every day from 10h00 to 19h00; for more information call us to the telephone nº 00351 289 369 155.
SPA’s
At the Caldas de Monchique health SPA you can find hot springs and have thermal treatment all year round. For more details call 00351 282 910 910 or visit the SPA site in www.monchiquetermas.com
Video Conference
In Quinta Shopping Center, Quinta do Lago, Almancil, one of the most sophisticate international business centers of videoconference in the Algarve. Visit the site for more details and information (www.business-wing.com)
Water Parks
There are many Water Parks along the algarvian coast (AquaShow, Aqualand, Slide & Splash, among others) where you can have a fun filled and refreshing day, giving the younger ones an unforgettable day. Call 0351 289 369 155 and we will give you all the information you need.
Water Sports
If you are a fan of this kind of sports you just need to go to the Vilamoura Marina or Albufeira Marina. There you can practice scuba diving, sea-fishing, para-sailing, water-skiing and windsurfing. You can also go to the Aveiros beach in Albufeira and spend a day diving in the Portuguese waters.
Tourism - one of the main economic activities of the Algarve region
Tourism, one of the main economic activities of the Algarve region, where the supply has a high economic growth. Thanks to the appealing weather and the improvement of the living conditions of the population in recent times, the Algarve is one of the only areas of the country to register a population growth.
In particular, Vilamoura is one of the most well-known tourist complexes in Europe, such as Albufeira, considered the tourism capital, and Portimão, which covers Praia da Rocha and Lagoa, which covers Praia da Marinha.
Lagos is also one of the cities with the highest tourist presence in the Algarve, its beaches are considered the best in Portugal and it has several bars, restaurants and hotels.
In the eastern Algarve, we find Monte Gordo, one of the oldest beaches on the Algarve coast.
Despite the great tourist demand, due to the paradisiacal beaches of the region, the sporting events in the last years, have contributed to a serious increase of this demand.
The European football championship Euro 2004 which has had three of its matches in Faro, the world volleyball championships that have taken place in Portimão, world championships golf.
The musical events have been increasing, namely the Algarve Summer Festival and the Portimão Air Show.
Tourist Offices
If you need any information about tourism in the Algarve you can visit Região de Turismo do Algarve web page, the internet address is www.turismodoalgarve.pt or also www.visitalgarve.pt but if you want to get some great clues about what to see when you travel abroad, don’t hesitate to contact the Foreign Information Office on phone number 02070080232 or www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
Next, we provide you with some telephone numbers of some of the Tourist Offices that you can visit or consult at anytime during your holiday:
Albufeira – 00351 289 585 279
Alvor – 00351 282 457 540
Armação de Pêra – 00351 282 312 145
Faro – 00351 289 803 604 or 00351 289 818 582 (in Faro airport)
Lagos – 00351 282 763 031
Loulé – 00351 289 463 900
Monchique – 00351 282 911 189
Olhão – 00351 289 713 936
Portimão - 00351 282 416 556
Quarteira – 00351 289 389 209
Sagres – 00351 282 639 105 (in Vila do Bispo)
Silves – 00351 282 442 255
Tavira – 00351 281 322 511
Vila Real Sto. António – 00351 281 531 800
