The Algarve - Portugal's most popular destination

 

The Algarve is a magical land in the south of Portugal, a place where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean worlds come together and blend to form a unique identify. History, tradition and culture can be found in almost every corner when you explore the Algarve.

 

The Algarve, Portugal's south-facing Atlantic coast, is one of the sunniest regions in Europe, with 300 days of sunshine per year. There are stunning golden beaches with crystal clear waters, some are coves with amazing rock formations and others are golden sandy beaches. During the summer the temperatures are as hot as in Mediterranean resorts. While temperatures can reach 30°C, the Atlantic breezes make the climate comfortable, especially for children and the old people. In winter it's pleasantly mild, though rainy days are possible.

 

Nature puts on a magnificent show all year around, but especially from mid January to May, when the fields, valleys, lakes and mountains are an artist's palette of colour, with sensuous, beguiling perfumes. Unique Mediterranean plants and trees also ensure that the landscape is green throughout the year.

 

Many species of birds spend winter and summer here and many other unique varieties pass through on migration routes. From May to October you'll see waterfowl and birds of prey.

 

The people are open, friendly and accustomed to receiving visitors. You are most welcome to take part in their way of living. They are, after all, used to travelling themselves – having discovered half the world!

 

It's a must to visit Lagos, with an excellent geographic situation, the town was deeply influenced by several people along all its history. During the 15^th Century with the discoveries, the town became a very important sea traffic centre, as from here left and arrived the “Caravelas”, which began the discovery of far away lands in Africa and America.

 

The Algarve has a rich ethnographic, historical and cultural heritage. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors all left their mark and influence. Celebrations and traditions have been maintained throughout the centuries. Visitors are invited to join in local folklore celebrations, such as the famous Loulé Carnival.

 

Another precious legacy is the rich and diverse gastronomy to be experienced by all. From the lobster to the shrimps, without forgetting the beaked sardines, to the perfume of a “Cataplana” of fish and shellfish, the dishes with beans “Feijoada de búzios”, the famous mackerel, the “Moreia”, octopus salad “Salada de polvo” and cuttlefish are in fact kitchen's pleasures of the Algarve always followed by a delicious wine, typical of the region. There is a huge choice of excellent Portuguese red and white table wines, as well as  green (“Vinho Verde”), pink (“Rosé”) and dessert wines. The "Vinho Verde" is a light and refreshing wine with slight sparkle. The kitchen is a value to discover, for all the ones that truly appreciate the traditions.

  

With the Faro International Airport, the Algarve is just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and other major European airports.

 

The mild climate, the beautiful beaches, the friendly people, the wide range of  entertainment and sports facilities, as well as the natural and cultural heritage of the Algarve will be some of the reasons to enjoy the Algarve and come back again.

 

 

Portugal a country with a proud history

 

Portugal with an impressive range of experiences allows the visitor a fascinating variety of things to discover. From the north with terraced vineyards, mountains and gorges to the rolling hills, sandy beaches, grottos and cliffs in the south. All of this in a country that allows the visitor to travel from one end to the other within a day.

 

Portuguese culture has many influences and this have left deep impressions on what is now Portugal. Visitors of Portugal have to look no further than the romantic nostalgia of the country's most famous music Fado.

 

Fado is known as the melancholic music of Portugal and makes a part of his identity. Steeped in Portugal's poetry, literature and politics the music wrenches your heart like deep blues, sung with the passion of Flamenco, drenched in sadness and nostalgia. It was born in 19^th century Lisbon out of the pain of women who feared they might never see their seafaring men again. The famous Fado diva Amalia Rodrigues died in 1999 and nowadays a younger generation of singers is reshaping Fado and artists like Mariza, born in Lisbon, who has an interest in this old music bringing this strong and distinctive sound to a younger crowd in her homeland, as well as discovering a completely new audience across the rest of Europe and the USA. Whether you like it or not, Fado originally accompanied by a classical guitar and a Portuguese twelve – stringed guitar, belongs to Portugal and a candlelit evening listening to the sound of Fado is a must for all visitors and guests of the country.