The Algarve has something to offer holidaymakers of all interests and ages, with its wide variety of sporting and cultural attractions as well as, of course, its stunning and varied landscapes. The Algarve’s traditional towns, with their streets that wind about themselves as in a skein and its littoral and estuarine nature reserves are ideal for those who would like to see places a little off the beaten track. Although most choose to book Algarve hotels for the summer months, it is perhaps at its most beautiful in the spring when the fig trees, orange groves and almond trees are in full bloom. 

Monchique

Serra de Monchique, the verdant mountain range clad with eucalyptus and cork trees, is perfect walking territory. Caldas de Monchique, an historic spa town, has benefited from significant recent years that has helped inject fresh vigour into the local tourism industry. The modern thermal spa offers a wide variety of treatments and boasts pristine gardens where the scent of bougainvillea hangs in the air.

Algarve Beaches

The Algarve’s main attraction is its beaches. And the Ilha de Tavira is arguably the pick of the bunch. Running for 14km from Tavira to Fuzeta, this vast stretch of sand is backed by wonderful dunes. Surfers from across Europe also make a beeline for the Algarve’s beaches. On the bottom corner  of Portugal, Sagres benefits from excellent surfing conditions throughout the year. In 1995 of the stretch of coast from Burgau to Cabo de São Vicente to the Alentejo was designated as a nature reserve, protecting this rugged scenery from potentially harmful development and brash hotels.

Silve

If in need of a day trip inland after a few days on the beach, it might be worth taking a day trip inland to Silves, an eleventh-century Moorish capital. Dominating the skyline and overlooking Silve’s ancient network of narrow alleys and squares, the Moorish Fortaleza is chief among the town’s attractions. Although somewhat sleepy, Silves is a picturesque town. After a day spent exploring the narrow alleys, enjoy an aperitif or two at one of the numerous cafes and bars in the Fabrica de Ingles, a charming courtyard flanked by scented orange trees and with an elegant fountain at its centre. More information on popular day trips and hotels in Algarve can, of course, be found online.  

 

Technorati Tags: , ,