Portimao —
The Algarve is truly a year-round destination, brimming with gorgeous scenery, sun-soaked beaches, and lively coastal resorts. As the region spans virtually the entire southern coast of Portugal, there is much to see and do here: the popular resort of Albufeira beckons with its charming churches and lively bars, while in Sagres, visitors can experience a slower side to Portuguese life, surrounded by beautiful waters where surfers gather to tackle the bracing Atlantic waves.
Historically, this region has been home to everyone from the Phoenicians to Muslims, who gave it the name Al-Gharb, meaning, quite simply, ‘the West’. Now, the region is dominated by popular beachside resorts from Monte Gordo near the Spanish border to Lagos, the historic centre of the Portuguese Age of Discovery.
Travellers looking for a lively holiday in the sun should head to the nightlife centres of Albufeira or glamorous Vilamoura, while sports fans will enjoy touring the region’s world-class golf courses and trying out watersports on the stunning beaches. Among the busy resorts, there are also smaller beachside towns, such as Alvor, where you can enjoy a more relaxed break. So whether you’re travelling with friends or family, the Algarve has something to offer everyone!