Portugal: Getting There
How to get there
There are many airlines flying into Faro airport, both scheduled and charter. The majority of flights are on Thursdays, and this is our changeover day for the Algarve properties. Clients are given maps and directions to their property, as well as contact phone numbers should they require assistance.
Portugal – The Algarve
Miles of glorious sandy beaches, whitewashed Moorish villages, wild spring flowers, stunning landscapes.
The Algarve in Southern Portugal is a region renowned for its mild and sunny climate and its miles of glorious sandy beaches with stunning rock formations, sculpted by erosion. Redstone cliffs shelter these fabulous beaches and the Atlantic seas are warm and inviting. The countryside is dotted with white Moorish villages, orange groves and wild flowers. February sees the start of spring and it is still warm into October, making it a good all year round destination.
The central part of the Algarve coast is very built up, but head east of Faro and you will find deserted lagoons. To the west lies the Cabo de Sao Vicenta and the Vicentina coast, which is almost untouched by the hand of tourism. This beautiful, rugged and wild area, has been declared a national park. According to Greek legend, this is where the Gods used to come at night to relax from their work and travels!
Portugal: The Beaches
The Beaches
The Vicentina coast offers some stunning beaches which are wide and sandy with crashing Atlantic waves and backed by dramatic cliffs and open countryside. Many are deserted and it is possible, even in the height of summer, to find a beach to yourself. This coast was declared a nature park two years ago, so there is no danger of it ever being developed.
Along the Atlantic coast there are also many lovely beaches, some of which are quiet and uncrowded. Some areas are more developed and offer many fun facilities such as watersports, bars and restaurants and children’s funfairs. The beaches are very accessible as the motorway runs all along the coast from the Spanish border to Lagos in the west. Just west of Tavira is the beach of Praia do Baril, considered to be the best beach in the Algarve.
Portugal: What to do in the Region
What to do in the Region
A drive to the Vicentina Coast, offers a stunning array of beautiful beaches, and even in high season, it is possible to find some deserted ones. They are set against rugged cliffs. This being a national park, it is home to some endangered species such as lynx, heron and ospreys. The most westerly point in Europe, the Cabo de Sao Vicenta, and the promontory of Sagres, is an interesting place to visit as it was the site of Prince Henry’s school of Navigation. From here the Portugese sailed on their epic voyages of discovery.
There are many picturesque towns and villages to discover in the Algarve. The villages of Sao Bras and Alportel are close to our property, Quinta de Santo Antonio. The area is a good base for exploring the best of the picturesque villages. The town of Tavira, just east of Faro, and has an atmosphere of faded elegance and palm trees and is set on both sides of the River Gilao. It has charming old fashioned coffee houses and a wonderful mixture of grand and crumbling mansions located along its maze of old streets. A visit to the castle on the hillside to enjoy the view is recommended.
Faro is the capital of the Algarve and is an attractive town with many interesting ruins from the Moorish and Roman period as well as some beautiful 18th Century buildings. An enjoyable trip is by ferry to the islands in the lagoons. The city has a wealth of restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs, as well as excellent shopping.
Albuferia is further west and the drive here from Faro passes many wonderful beaches and plenty of family orientated activities such as waterparks. Watersports are available at many of the popular beaches such as windsurfing, sailing and diving to name a few.
One of the great draws of the Algarve is its fabulous golf courses and there are over 20 of them along the south coast. A visit to the Algarve provides the best of both worlds, quiet and peaceful remote areas, as well as the more developed regions with excellent tourist facilities.