Algarve
The mild climate throughout the year, the shore filled with magnificent beaches bathed by the Atlantic and the diversity of accommodation, nightlife and sports make this a perfect destination for families and groups. Still, you can avoid the crowds and visit picturesque fishing villages or the hills of the interior, with its rural way of life and wild vegetation.
For those who seek animated seaside resorts, Faro (the provincial capital), Portimão, Albufeira or sophisticated Vilamoura, with its luxurious golf courses, are perfect choices. If you prefer more tranquil destinations, head for the West Coast, facing the Atlantic Ocean, where towns like Aljezur offer deserted beaches; or visit the bustling fishing town of Olhão and the pretty fishing village of Alcoutim, near Alentejo and Spain.
Most towns and villages still preserves the legacy of five centuries of Arab occupation, visible in the narrow streets and the architecture of the houses, many of which with chimneys of different shapes and geometric design.
The South Coast is a popular tourist area, chosen as a holiday destination for foreigners and the Portuguese themselves.
With a magnificent night life, the Algarve offers more than 70 discos, bars and parties that attract people from all corners of the country.
Although most people visit the Algarve during the summer, is also requested during the winter season thanks to its mild climate (almost 320 days per year) and more affordable accommodations during the off-season.
There are many activities that you can try and the Algarve offers a wide selection throughout the year. In winter, make a pleasant walk, spend a day in the Sun on the beach or enjoy one of the many multi-cultural organizations in the city of Faro. These are just some of the things you can do in this region of southern Portugal during the colder months.
Some of the most beautiful and welcoming beaches in the world are in the Algarve. And so, every year, thousands of tourists seek. It is a natural heritage that has been harnessed in a sustained manner, creating quality spaces able to respond to different needs. Beaches for all tastes, mostly recognized with the seal of the European "blue flag".
Over about 200 km, the Algarve coast is divided into bays, cliffs, caves, rocky beaches and extensive beaches. Beaches of different shapes and sizes, lapped by crystal-clear waters, warm and tranquil.
Irresistible, too, is that all the coastline enjoys a Mediterranean microclimate in which the temperatures vary between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius in winter/in summer.
The Park of Ria Formosa is one of the most beautiful natural resources, both for the variety of its ecosystems and the unique location. This incredible natural paradise extends over 60 km, from the Ancão zone (which belongs to the municipality of Loulé) to Manta Rota (in the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António) and works as a shelter for migratory birds and rare species.
There are only two rivers feeding the Lake throughout the year. The other rivers and streams are seasonal and dry during the summer. The areas that are exposed in the lagoons can be completely submerged due to the influence of the tides. The Islands that are located in this area are unstable and their areas vary between 500 meters and 2 kilometers.
The daily boat trips across the Algarve allow a different look on the cities and the sinuous clipping the coast, while the deep blue you're surrounded.
Vilamoura Marina is one of the starting points for the boat trips during the day travel the coast, stopping at little frequented beaches, for a BBQ and some dips. You can find many boat rides, 6 hrs with visit to the caves and lunch on a private beach; 3 1/2hrs cruise with visit to the caves on auxiliary glass bottom boats etc. Private speed boats are also available to hire.
One of the favorite pastimes of the people living in the Algarve, or around here, it's sugarcane in fishing rocks and cliffs of the coast line. Habit that often ensures a delicious dinner.
But is the thick, fishing in this area, the Algarve is known, and the surrounding waters to the Sagres promontory between the best in Europe for fishing for species such as blue shark, hake, sword fish, tuna, sea bream and sea bass.
A dolphin safari on a boat trip of Albufeira is an attraction unmatched in the Algarve, offering a truly unforgettable experience for all family members to see these beautiful marine mammals in their natural habitat.
The dolphins are perhaps one of the most mystical mammals and visitors to the Algarve have the opportunity to move out to sea, watching dolphins in all its natural glory.
Many people aren't aware that the Algarve coast is home to many species of dolphins and, although it is impossible to guarantee that you will see a dolphin to participate in Dolphin safari and ride to caves, experts say there are about 90 % chance that you will see them on any given day.
Lovers of wildlife on a safari of dolphins are probably delighted to see these highly intelligent mammals, curious as they swim alongside the boat, but there are also many other types of wildlife to be seen while traveling along the coast of the Algarve, including seabirds, turtles and even sharks and whales.
Nothing can beat the feeling to see these wild animals playing and jumping in the waves while the speed boat travels along the coast offering constant emotions.
Away from the wildlife the opportunity while in Dolphin safari to explore the caves and rock formations along the stunning coastline of the Algarve, passing some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and offering new photographic opportunities to record the whole experience.