In the Algarve the light reflects the beauty of the surrounding landscape like nowhere else in Portugal. Golden sands, crystal blue water, whitewashed houses, streets lined with bougainvillea, large white stretches of almond blossom and green hills combine in this region of southern Portugal to create an idyllic setting for living or a holiday in the sun. Add to all this the climate of the Algarve, with glorious sunny days in summer, mild temperatures in winter and reduced rainfall and the seduction is complete. It is not surprising, therefore, that one of the local expressions is: “Summer comes to spend the winter in the Algarve”.

 

About 200 km of coastline, from Costa Vicentina on the southwest coast of Portugal to the southeast coast on the Spanish border, provide a myriad of beaches for all tastes. The rugged escarpments of the west coast are interrupted by long stretches of wild sand beaches or secluded coves and caves dug by the sea, while the golden cliffs on the south coast overlooking long sandy beaches are bathed by calmer and warmer waters. The variety is endless and there is everything: isolated beaches only accessible on foot or by boat; beaches that offer all the activity and entertainment of the best resorts; or wilder beaches ideal for more adventurous sports.

 

Other treasures await the visitor who will be surprised by the fact that the enviable beaches of the Algarve are not his only charm. Far from the excitement of the busiest seaside resorts, nature awaits in all its splendor. Three mountains provide nature lovers with breathtaking views of eucalyptus, cork and pine forests and the opportunity to visit historic villages scattered around them. Relax in the natural spring waters of the Monchique thermal springs, enjoy a boat trip up the Guadiana along what is the natural border between Portugal and Spain, and delight in the flora and fauna of the marshland of the Castro Marim Nature Reserve where you will be able to observe flamingos and storks that joke this land with their presence in their migratory routes towards the south.

 

Coastal towns and cities provide all the hospitality and fun that many years of experience receiving visitors to the region have generated. The picturesque historic centers, with the narrow alleys, usually have a historic tale to tell, the charming whitewashed houses testify to five centuries of Moorish rule and the many bars and restaurants provide a wonderful opportunity to sample local cuisine. In a land so close to the sea, it is understandable that seafood is the traditional ingredient, with the stew and the clam cataplana being the favorites. The copper containers in which they are cooked are another Moorish heritage. Local fruits, namely figs, almonds and locust beans provide the basis for a wide variety of sweets from the Algarve, all of which can be accompanied by arbutus, the potent local liquor made with arbutus berries.

 

Having all the well-preserved natural beauty for which Portugal is famous and offering a wide selection of beaches, fine weather, fabulous golf courses, delicious cuisine, pleasant entertainment and the innate hospitality of the Portuguese, the Algarve is the perfect holiday destination.

 

 

Beaches / Algarve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 - Odeceixe Beach, Aljezur

Odeceixe has a vast beach cut in half by the Ribeira de Odeceixe. This is a calm and ideal place for a family holiday due to the existence of tourist and catering infrastructure. You can see stunning views of the sea from the Ponta Branca viewpoint.

 

2 - Praia Dona Ana, Lagos

The turquoise blue color of the water and the natural corners earned him the choice of Condé Nast Traveler as one of the 50 most beautiful in the world, in 2013. It is one of the most photographed beaches in the Algarve.

 

3 - Praia do Camilo, Lagos

Surrounded by brightly colored slopes, this beach includes very interesting small promontories. With its calm and crystal clear waters. Many believe this to be one of the most desirable beaches in the Algarve, such as Batata, Pinhão and Dona Ana.

 

4 - Praia da Marinha, Lagoa

A place of preserved nature, it is a very scenic beach, framed by the cliff carved by the erosion of the wind and the sea. It is considered one of the hundred best beaches in the world.

 

5 - Benagil Beach, Lagoa

Benagil beach appears at the bottom of a deep valley and is closely linked to the fishing village located at the top of the cliff, which lends its name to it. The beach also has an area reserved for colorful artisanal fishing boats, which are also used during the day to visit caves and isolated beaches in the region.

 

6 - Praia dos 3 Irmãos, Portimão

Praia dos 3 Irmãos is also known as Praia do Alvor Poente and Praia da Nascente. It is quite long and exceptionally wide, it has dunes that remain in place due to the surrounding vegetation. There is a car park, a health center, open during the summer. There are also public bathrooms and restaurants in the vicinity of the beach.

 

7 - Praia da Rocha, Portimão

Praia da Rocha is a beach in the municipality of Portimão, in the Algarve, (Portugal). This beach has a long stretch of sand, in a total area of ​​about 146 000 m², along 1.5 km of coastline. Next to the beach stands the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina, built in the 17th century to ensure the defense of the Rio Arade bar.

 

8 - Armação de Pera Beach

The western end of Armação de Pêra beach is marked by irregular limestone cliffs, so characteristic of the western part of the Algarve. To the east is the beginning of a large sandy bay, as well as the village of Armação de Pêra, a popular tourist destination, which offers all kinds of facilities for bathers.

 

9 - Praia dos Salgados, Albufeira

Praia dos Salgados, located east of Lagoa dos Salgados, is a continuation of Praia Grande. This beach offers a vast expanse of golden sand, with some very peaceful areas.

 

10 - Praia da Galé, Albufeira

Galé beach is located at the eastern end of Salgados beach and is one of the best family-oriented beaches in the municipality of Albufeira. At the east end of the beach, the visitor will find rock formations typical of the western coast of the Algarve, which give rise to small coves, and at the west end will find an extensive, wider and more open beach.

 

11 - Praia do Castelo, Albufeira

Praia do Castelo is a beautiful beach, nestled between high cliffs that dominate the landscape and inspire its name, because they resemble an imposing castle.

 

12 - São Rafael Beach, Albufeira

São Rafael is a stunning family beach, set among limestone cliffs in warm tones, which offers visitors an extensive golden sand. On this beach, you will find very interesting rock formations, such as Ponte Pequena or Ninho das Andorinhas.

 

13 - Praia do Túnel, Albufeira

Praia do Túnel is the first beach east of Albufeira's marina and is located in the middle of an urban area, close to the old town of Albufeira. Access to the beach is through a tunnel dug into the limestone cliff, located between the narrow streets of the vibrant old town of Albufeira, where you will find many bars, inviting restaurants and craft shops.

 

14 - Santa Eulália Beach, Albufeira

Santa Eulália beach stretches over a wide sand with a series of pleasant corners amidst the various rock formations. There is a short promenade flanked by tall palm trees along the central part of the beach.

 

15 - Falésia Beach, Vilamoura

Falésia beach stretches east for more than three kilometers, supported by a continuous line of cliffs in warm tones, which create interesting color contrasts with the green patches of pine trees that frame the beach. This beach offers an extensive sand with some very quiet spots to the west.

 

16 - Vale do Lobo Beach, Loulé

Vale do Lobo is a stunning beach surrounded by a luxury tourist complex of the same name. Set amid stunning ocher-colored cliffs, this is an excellent family beach that offers a wide range of leisure and sports facilities.
 

17 - Quinta do Lago Beach, Loulé

On the edge of the most exclusive tourist resort in the Algarve, and protected by the Ria Formosa Natural Park and its magnificent dunes, Quinta do Lago beach is one of the most stunning and best preserved beaches in Europe. This beach offers an extensive sand without rock formations, with pedestrian access through a wooden bridge that crosses the Ria Formosa.

 

18 - Faro Island

Road access is via a narrow bridge across the Ria Formosa. Despite the urban occupation and the intense tourist use during the summer, in the extreme east and west of the beach the summer buildings are replaced by the picturesque houses of fishermen and shellfish gatherers and, gradually, the dunes and the marshland dominate the landscape. To the east it is possible to do a Nature Trail on a wooden walkway that runs along the dune cord until close to Barrinha (Barra de S. Luís). The water quality remains acceptable, since in the Ria Formosa the water is fully renewed at each tidal cycle. The view is privileged: over the mountains and over the city of Faro framed by the estuary. Orderly parking, with various support equipment (restaurants, toilets) and surveillance during the bathing season.

 

19 - Fuseta Beach, Olhão

Here the Ria Formosa narrows, the boat trip winds through the same channels flanked by trickle and salt marsh banks, it is possible to reach the untouched and deserted sand of Barra da Fuseta, as well as its numerous sandy natural pools, inviting downtown -sea.

 

20 - Praia do Barril, Tavira

Praia do Barril belongs to the system of islands called barrier island. To get to Praia do Barril you can do it using the train or going on foot, thus opting for a healthier and more ecological journey. The second hypothesis also makes it possible to better observe a wide variety of animal and plant species.

 

 

 

 

Algarve Golf Courses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monte Rei Golf
 
18 hole golf course in Monte Rei Golf & Country Club near Vila Nova de Cacela
The Monte Rei golf courses are located in the picturesque foothills of the Eastern Algarve, with a wide view of the mountains of Serra do Caldeirão in the north and the Atlantic Ocean in the south. It is less than six kilometers driving on the EM509 of Vila Nova de Cacela via the EN125, and 12 kms from exit 13 of the A22 motorway.
 

Alto Golf
 
18 hole golf course at Pestana Golf Resort in Alvor near Portimão
The resort is located close to the windward Algarve coast between Portimão and Alvor, north of the palm trees aligned with the railway from Praia da Rocha to Alvor. Staying just a few kilometers driving from the Estrada Nacional 125 and the A22 motorway (exit 5).
 
 
Penina Championship Course

 
18 hole Championship golf course at Penina Hotel & Golf Resort on the EN125 near Portimao
Without a doubt, Penina is the place where the Algarve's reputation as the main golf destination was born. The Penina Holtel e Golf Resort is located on the EN125 towards Lagos west of Portimão on the northern border of the bay of Alvor.
 

Gramacho Course
 
27 hole golf course at Pestana Golf Resort, Carvoeiro
The Pestana Golf Resort with the courses of Gramacho and Vale da Pinta is located far from the coast between Carvoeiro and Lagoa.
The undulating terrain is dotted with carob, fig, palm, almond and olive trees.
It is less than 5 km by car from the EN125 in the center of Lagoa and about 7 km from the A22 (exit 6).
 

Boavista Golf
 
18 hole golf course at Boavista Golf Resort near Lagos
The Golf Resort Boavista is located on the magnificent Atlantic coast of the Western Algarve between Lagos and the popular holiday destination of Praia da Luz. Boavista is located right on the national road between Lagos and Sagres and is 7 km from the end of the A22 (exit 1 ).
 
Monte Rei Golf
 
18 hole golf course in Monte Rei Golf & Country Club near Vila Nova de Cacela
The Monte Rei golf courses are located in the picturesque foothills of the Eastern Algarve, with a wide view of the mountains of Serra do Caldeirão in the north and the Atlantic Ocean in the south. It is less than six kilometers driving on the EM509 of Vila Nova de Cacela via the EN125, and 12 kms from exit 13 of the A22 motorway.
 

Castro Marim Golf
 
27 hole golf course at Castro Marim Golf & Country Club near Castro Marim
In the eastern Algarve near the River Guadiana and the Spanish border.
Opened in June 2001, the Atlantic Course is the first of two golf courses planned for Castro Marim - Algarve municipality located on the border with Spain.
Castro Marim offers stunning views of the mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean and the Guadiana River. Golf course architect Terry Murrey designed the Atlantic Course on rolling terrain with pines and other species of trees, thus integrating it very well into the natural environment around it. The lakes and bunkers, as well as the trees in the center of the fairways are also challenging for players with low handicaps.
Fields: "Grouse", "Atlantic" and "Guadiana"
 

Oceanic Victoria Course
 
18 hole golf course in Vilamoura
The Oceânico Laguna, Millennium and Victoria golf courses are located in the lowlands of the Ribeira de Quarteira between Vilamoura and Albufeira, in the Algarve's Golden Triangle. It is just six kilometers by car from the resort's entrance using the EN1255 between Almancil and Boliqueime and less than 12 km from the A22 motorway (exit 12).
 

Oceanico Millennium Course
 
18 hole golf course in Vilamoura
The Laranjal field located between Almancil and Faro International Airport on the border of the Ria Formosa reserve and the resort of Quinta do Lago. As the name implies, the land was originally an orange grove. It is 2 km from the EN125 at the eastern entrance to Almancil towards Ludo and around 8 km from the A22 (exit 13).
 

Oceânico Old Course
 
18 hole golf course in Vilamoura
The Oceânico Old Course is located in the heart of Vilamoura's golf and holiday resort on a rolling course covered with stone pines. The Golf Course is just two kilometers from the entrance to the resort via the national road EN125 between Almancil and Boliqueime.
 

Pine Cliffs Golf
 
9 hole golf course at Pine Cliffs Resort between Albufeira and Vilamoura
The luxurious Pine Cliffs Resort is said to be one of the best and most complete golf and holiday resorts in Portugal. It is located east of Olhos de Água on a cliff above the beach, "Praia da Falésia" between Vilamoura and Albufeira. On the EN125 road towards Boliqueime it is only six kilometers, being only three kilometers on the A22 motorway exit 11.

 

Salgados Golf
 
18 hole golf course at Herdade dos Salgados between Albufeira and Armação de Pêra
The Salgados golf course is located between Galé and Armação de Pêra behind the dunes of Praia dos Salgados. The Salgados (salt marsh) are a natural reserve of the Ria de Armação cove, it is a unique biotope and habitat for many species of birds and other animals. Fica Pêra is about 4.5 km by car via the EN125 and, almost 8 kms via the A22 motorway, exit 7 near Alcantarilha.
 

Pinheiros Altos Golf
 
27 hole golf course at Pinheiros Altos Golf, Spa & Hotels at Quinta do Lago
Pinheiros Altos is located on the eastern border of the world famous Quinta do Lago holiday and golf resort, between Almancil and Faro International Airport. It is partly located on the outskirts of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, a rich aquatic ecosystem. From the EN125, in Almancil, it is only 6 km away, and 10 km from exit 13 of the A22 motorway.
 

Quinta do Lago Laranjal Course
 
18 hole golf course at Quinta do Lago Resort between Almancil and Faro
The Laranjal field located between Almancil and Faro International Airport on the border of the Ria Formosa reserve and the resort of Quinta do Lago. As the name implies, the land was originally an orange grove. It is 2km from the EN125 at the eastern entrance to Almancil towards Ludo and around 8kms from the A22 (exit 13).
 

Quinta do Lago Sul Golf Course
 
18 hole golf course at Quinta do Lago Resort near Almancil
The famous golf and holiday resort Quinta do Lago is one of the most exclusive destinations of its kind not only in Portugal but also in Europe. It is located on the western border of the Ria Formosa nature reserve between Almancil and Faro International Airport. It is a 7kms drive from the EN125 in Almancil to the club house that is in the heart of the resort and about 1okms from exit 13 of the A22.
 

Vale do Lobo Ocean Course
 
18 hole golf course in Vale do Lobo Golf & Beach Resort
Vale do Lobo is located on the Atlantic coast of the Golden Triangle of the Algarve between Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura. It is just 5kms from the EN125 in Almancil and about 8kms from exit 6 of the A22.
 

Vale do Lobo Royal Course

 

18 hole golf course in Vale do Lobo Golf & Beach Resort
Vale do Lobo is located on the Atlantic coast of the Golden Triangle of the Algarve between Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura. It is just 5kms from the EN125 in Almancil and about 8kms from exit 6 of the A22.
 

Vila Sol Golf
 
27-hole golf course at Vila Sol Golf Resort in Vilamoura
Vila Sol is located in the Golden Triangle of the Algarve within a wide valley of natural beauty between Quarteira and Vilamoura. Coming from Almancil it is just 6 km by car on the EN125 and less than 10 km on the A22 motorway, exit 12.