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Where to stay

In the Algarve you have the usual hotels you expect to find on the seafront of each resort varying from 2* to 5 and all offer different facilities from tennis courts, spas, swimming pools, gyms and more. Just be sure to read the information about your hotel before booking. You can also check yourself into a more traditional hotel or apartments which are usually white and very specious - great for families with kids and can be found all over the Algarve.

Some of the best and well known hotels can be found in Albufeira, the most popular of resorts in the Algarve. This resort boasts hundreds of top quality hotels at very affordable prices.

Things to do in Algarve

If you are a beach fanatic then you will discover many clean and interesting sandy beaches in the Algarve. Everyone has their favourites and different tastes and all the un-touched ones are hidden away from the tourist areas so when you see the sign "Praia" this means in Portuguese "beach", follow those for directions.

There is a huge variety of beaches to suit visitors from families to young teens. You can choose from the small sheltered coves to broad and endless stretches of sea washed sand and clean water. Equally the sea bed near to the beach can also vary from a comfortable shallow shelve to a more sudden drop! The rule in the Algarve is that as you travel from east to west along the coast, the beaches differ due to seasonal currents. You will find that some of the most excellent beaches are not immediately accessible from the holiday towns and resorts we strongly recommend that these listed below are very worthwhile to seek out.

PRAIA VERDE
This beach is situated west of Monte Gordo and it stretches westwards towards Tavira. This beach was named after the line of trees and bushes that line the land side of the broad endless beach. It is best suited for most families with their children as it is peaceful but full of activities.

PRAIA ILHA DE TAVIRA
To some visitors and locals this beach is seen as the jewel in the crown of the eastern side of Faro. It is also often locally referred to as Praia das Cascas. A few minutes boat trip will take visitors from the jetty of Tavira located just outside the town across to this attractive sandy bar.

PRAIA DA ILHA DE FARO
This beach is an extremely long one that is accessed by road traversing just south of the Faro airport. Being near to the principal town of the Algarve it is usually very busy and there are many water sports faculties and plenty of restaurants to suit the lively visitor.

PRAIA DA FALÉSIA
This beach takes its unique name from the fascinating red cliffs that form a backdrop to the endless stretch of sand. You can reach it easily as it is situated west of Vilamoura before reaching Olhos de Água.

PRAIA DE ALVOR
This great beach area is located and accessed from the old popular fishing village of Alvor. It stretches just over two kilometres from the village to the west in the direction of Lagos. This beach acts as a sand bar creating an interior lagoon which acts as a form of port for Alvor.

PRAIA DA ARRIFANA
This is a great beach full of activities and which also is considered to be reasonably safe for swimming and a very special place with amazing views. To get there simply take the road north to Lisbon from Lagos. Just before reaching the small town of Aljezur take the turning left when you see the name "Arrifana".

PRAIA DO CASTELEJO
Here you will find one of the safer areas to swim due to the underlying dangerous currents. This beach is located just to the north-west of the small town of Vila do Bispo. It is one of the smaller beaches but has so much character and has a completely different atmosphere to those found on the southern coastline. It may not suit everyone but those that do visit are known to return.

For the sporty visitor there are many activities both on the coastline and within the resorts to satisfy all needs. We have highlighted some of the most popular options below.

Golf
Golf seems to be the most popular in Algarve vacation activities. There are many and varied Algarve golf courses within most well known resorts and note that Algarve is famous for the Golf facilities. Apart from the great scenery that Algarve has to offer, there are golf courses to test your game to the limit, whatever your standard of play.

Exploring
You will find that there are oodles of interesting day trips available from each resort that can restore a sun-addled brain to normal functioning.

Just for starters, your could try a full or a half-day trip around Faro and learn about the culture.

Then, once you have developed an appetite, try the Sotavento circuit, or the Barlavento circuit. Or just get a good hold of a map and let your imagination lead you.

Sailing
And if the stunning views and attractions are still unsatisfying for you then why not try sailing? There is no surprise that boat trips are so popular here due to the great coastline and hot climate.

Whether you're interested in hiring an yacht, or just finding somewhere to moor your own vessel, there's plenty of choice for sailing in the Algarve including Albufeira and Faro.

Horse Riding
Algarve is also famous for its outstanding horse riding centres. These riding lessons allow you to explore the countryside and appreciated the wilderness while you're on a horseback.

There are riding schools that cater to all levels of ability so anyone of any age or level of training can take up horse riding.

Kids' Stuff
Great news! The Algarve is set up to offer loads of great activities to occupy the children and keep them busy day after day.

There are:

• Kids Beach days
• Blokarting
• Birdwatching
• Water Parks

• Leisure parks or zoos
• Pedal kayaking

Safaris
There has been a recent addition to the list of fun things to do while you are on your Algarve holiday. Safaris are a great way to take in the less accessible parts of inland Algarve and explore the best hidden areas of the Algarve.

You'll be driven around in off-roaders like Jeeps or Land Rovers, so the type of terrain you encounter won't be a problem.

Food in Algarve

The Portuguese food is absolutely delicious. If you are a fan of Spanish food then they have their similarities as well as differences. The food in the Algarve varies widely from all types of meat dishes, fish dishes as well as vegan dishes. The best food can be found in the quite restaurants away from the busy centres and beach front. Just head for the smaller places where the locals eat and you will truly taste the Portuguese food.

Nightlife in Algarve

Whether you are looking for a quiet evenings or party nights the Algarve has something for everyone. The locals are simply excellent hosts and the huge range of bars and clubs around can satisfy all tastes and needs.

If you're looking for where to go and what places are hot then you'll find great suggestions here so keep reading.

You can either choose from elegant small cafés and jet set beach clubs, from family friendly bars/restaurants to clubs with well known D.Js and which stay open till 6am in the morning. In the Algarve it is almost impossible not to have a good time!