Highlights
Beaches
The primary attraction of the Algarve is the region’s stunning beaches. Lovely, soft white sand combines with gorgeous blue waters to create some of the finest beach locations in Europe and even the world. The large number of beaches creates superb variety and choice, with broad stretches of sand and smaller, sheltered coves. There are around 150 named beaches to choose from, with the golden Praia do Anção being popular with families, while the picture-postcard Praia do Camilo has a spectacular shoreline and plenty of grottoes and coves to discover. Many of the beaches offer a vast range of watersports, including snorkelling, surfing, kayaking, bodyboarding, windsurfing, water-skiing and sailing.
Towns and Cities
Lagos features everything a luxury traveller could want, in a town that conveys both the traditional and the modern. The Old Town is picturesque, thanks to cobbled streets and attractive plazas, while Lagos’ nightlife is lively and bustling. The capital, Faro, is an underrated gem, boasting an historic harbour, pretty marina and lovely parks. For visitors seeking charm, Tavira is perfect, featuring historic attractions, castle ruins and shaded plazas. The town also has a modern market and an active fishing port.
Dining
Lovers of fine local and traditional cuisine that is passionately prepared and exquisitely simple will savour dining in the Algarve. Two Michelin Star Vila Joya Restaurant (at Hotel Vila Joya) serves the finest gourmet cuisine and is on the World’s Fifty Best Restaurant’s list. The Ocean (at Vila Vita Parc) is also a two Michelin Star restaurant, where luxury diners can enjoy the finest cuisine, along with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Ria Formosa National Park
This beautiful natural park, recently pronounced one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal, comprises a large collection of islands and lagoons. It spans sixty kilometres along the coastline, and features creeks, salinas, marshes and dune islands. The park is a perfect bird-watching destination, featuring an impressive variety that includes ducks, gulls, shorebirds, terns and the rare Purple Gallinule