| The Algarve is a great place to go on holiday for | | | | through the labyrinthine of narrow streets and |
| all manner of reasons. | | | | alleys in the towns and villages away from the |
| 1. The people | | | | coast is the best way of getting to know this |
| Algarveans are a broad minded, easygoing lot, | | | | part of the region. It's is a lovely part of Portugal |
| who have seen a great deal of change in the | | | | and just going for a drive can be a simple but |
| couple of decades since their area started to | | | | pleasing way to enjoy the Algarve. |
| become a major tourist attraction. Some of the | | | | Great traditional cuisine |
| age-old ways of life (such as small-scale fishing) | | | | After the beauty of the landscape, you can |
| carry on undisturbed by the visitors who are | | | | discover the aromas and flavours of the |
| drawn to this fantastic area. But some things (like | | | | traditional Algarve cuisine. Its gastronomy is |
| the road system) have changed and improved | | | | especially rich with mouth-watering silvery |
| massively. | | | | sardines, all types of shellfish and fantastic |
| 2. The beaches and countryside are wonderful. | | | | traditional almond sweets and dried fruits. A |
| Every summer tourists come down to the | | | | typical menu could include caldeirada de peixe |
| charming coves and long golden sandy beaches | | | | (fish-stew), cataplana de amijoas (steamed clams) |
| (some of Europe's most beautiful) of the southern | | | | or you could enjoy the traditional mountain food |
| Portuguese coast. The cooler waters of the | | | | of stewed chickpeas and cabbage. Alternatives |
| Atlantic are cleaner than those of the | | | | might also include renowned regional treats, such |
| overcrowded Mediterranean. The region is an | | | | as figs, almonds and the brandy prepared from |
| extensive and pleasant one, with a Mediterranean | | | | the arbutus-berry which is distilled in copper stills. |
| climate. | | | | Lovely handicrafts |
| 3. There are all types of accommodation - | | | | As you go through the Algarve, its mountains, |
| whatever size, level of luxury or distance from | | | | valleys and plains rich in flora and fauna, you will |
| any particular attractions. | | | | feel as if you're going through a region full of |
| Discovering a well placed villa with private grounds | | | | different customs, unaltered for several centuries. |
| can be one of the keys to enjoying the region. | | | | Handicrafts include excellent pottery, basketwork, |
| Self-catering villas supply seclusion for families and | | | | copper and brass articles, or superb pieces of |
| small groups. With fully-equipped kitchens, this | | | | linen. |
| provides you the chance to prepare and cook | | | | Great nightlife too |
| local delicacies for yourself in your own | | | | Only a step away from the tranquil peace of the |
| comfortable surroundings. | | | | inland region is the excitement of the Algarve |
| 4. Pretty much guaranteed weather but with | | | | nightlife. Bars, clubs, marinas and casinos assure |
| cooling breezes. | | | | visitors the very finest kind of fun. |
| Most people who visit the Algarve become | | | | Charming architecture |
| converted enthusiasts. If you love warm places, | | | | The region's buildings are also something you can't |
| sand and sea and generally relaxed holidays, then | | | | afford to miss. The architecture of the |
| the Algarve could well be your dream destination. | | | | whitewashed homes, with their brightly-coloured |
| There is also loads to do in the Algarve? | | | | window frames and outstandingly beautiful |
| Great sports facilities | | | | chimneys, the churches and the museums, all help |
| Apart from watersports, golf is the Algarve's | | | | to make this such an exceptional destination. |
| main draw, with about 30 good courses to | | | | With all this what's not to like? |
| choose from (ready to welcome amateur | | | | With an average 3,000 hours of sunshine each |
| sportsmen as well as professional players) you will | | | | year, miles of golden sands, clean ocean, |
| never be more than a hook and a slice away | | | | outstanding sporting activities, and stunning |
| from one. Horse riding and tennis are also popular. | | | | scenery - all within a few hours' flying time from |
| But don't forget to book activities to get the best | | | | most European cities - the Algarve will always be |
| out of this great holiday destination. | | | | a magnet for overseas visitors. Which means it's |
| Lovely towns, villages and landscape | | | | also an excellent place for investors to buy holiday |
| But sports aren't the only thing, just sauntering | | | | villas to rent out to holidaymakers. |