Quinta Magnólia
Discover the charms of the Algarve
The Algarve is one of the most visited regions in Portugal and has a lot to offer its visitors. The main attraction of the Algarve region are the beautiful beaches. With a coastline of 200km, there are beach options for all tastes, from coves, large sandy beaches, rocky beaches, caves and cliffs.
However, the Algarve is not just about sun and sea. There are several trails to go on foot or by bicycle and also the mountains to enjoy nature tourism, or rural tourism. Another way to explore the region’s fauna and flora are traditional boat or kayak trips.
For those looking for relaxation and well-being, the region offers numerous spas and other relaxing treatments.
In addition, there are several golf courses that are among the best in the country, where you can try or practice this sport.
Gastronomy is another great treasure of Algarve, full of fresh fish and seafood. We cannot leave out the delicious bitter almond liqueur or the medronho brandy, symbols of the region, as well as the fig and almond sweets to finish.
Among the main cities to visit are Portimão, Lagos, Silves, Albufeira, Faro and Tavira, each one with different characteristics and all of them with unmissable attractions and unforgettable features!
In Portimão you can stroll through the charming historic center, or trough the marina that attracts visitors and sailors from all over the world. You can also explore several beaches to enjoy a beautiful sunny day. Get lost in the old town of Lagos with its ancient walls and don´t miss the famous Ponta de Piedade.
While visiting Albufeira, be enchanted in the charming fishing village, which has beautiful beaches and bustling nightlife. If you are looking for saltwater lagoons to enjoy the day in calm waters, Faro is a great option, with its ancient city inside the walls.
Still in the atmosphere of the old cities, Tavira stands out for its traditional white houses, charming narrow streets and its medieval castle. For those who enjoy contact with the mountains, Silves is the perfect place to go back hundreds of years stroll through the picturesque houses surrounded by almond and carob trees, and olive trees some of them as old as the re-conquest of the city to the Moorish.
TO TRAVEL SIMPLY BE ALIVE
- Fernando Pessoa
The weather in the Algarve
The warm and sunny climate prevails in the Algarve, with few days of rain throughout the year, usually concentrated in the months of November to March.
During the summer, the average temperature varies between 24°C and 29°C, and may exceed 30°C on the hottest days. Another great attraction is the calm sea, with temperatures reaching 24ºC, which makes it very inviting.
Even in winter, the region is still very popular with tourists. The temperate Mediterranean climate allows for mild and short winters, with average air and sea temperatures around 15ºC to 18ºC.
HOLIDAYS MADE OF SUN, NATURE, SEA AND A LOT OF FUN!
The Beaches
The Algarve offers the ideal type of beach for all tastes, from the wide sandy beaches to rocky beaches full of cliffs, which make the landscape even more impressive.
In November 2020, the region was elected by the World Travel Awards as the Best Beach Destination in the World for the first time and also won the title of Best Beach Destination in Europe, a trophy already won in another six years.
Most of the beaches in the region have the European seal of the “Blue Flag”, a symbol of environmental quality.
Discover some of the main beaches in the Algarve!
Surf
Surf, a new word in the portuguese vocabulary. Portugal is being put to a test by thousands of followers of this amazing and challenging sport. The most famous beaches for this modality are Arrifana, Amado, Castelejo, Beliche, Tonel, Zavial and last but not the least the beach of Faro.
Main attractions
The region offers countless attractions, both at sea and for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground.
You can start the day with a beautiful boat trip, to discover the Algarve caves in larger boats, or a kayak tour for adventurers.
There are also trips equipped for fishing or to enjoy the sunset and if you are lucky you can watch the whales and dolphins in their habitats.
You can also go diving with professional guides, go surfing, kite surfing or jet skiing. There are schools open throughout the year.
For sailing lovers, the marinas of Lagos, Portimão, Vilamoura and Albufeira are the ideal places, providing the best conditions for sailing.
If you are looking for more tranquillity, there are several river beaches, with less people and more Algarve nature, such as the Pego Fundo River Beach.
Another way to contemplate the region’s nature is through bird watching, horse riding or exploring the various trails by bicycle or on foot.
We cannot forget one of the main attractions, the Algar de Benagil. One of the most famous ocean caves in the world, which can be visited by boat.
If you are a golfer or would like to try this sport, in the Algarve region you will find some of the best golf courses in Europe.
With about 450 km of walking routes, Rota Vicentina extends through the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina.
Travel back in time on a visit to Silves Castle, which is a work of military architecture that the Arabs left in our territory over 1000 years ago.
Be enchanted by the beauty of the Serra de Monchique’s nature overlooking the incredible view from Monte Foia, its highest point.
Find out a little more about our story
on a visit to the
Castle of the Governors in Lagos.
Algarve Gastronomy and Wines
Algarve Wine
The proximity of the sea and the climate of southern Portugal offer peculiar elements for wine production and its constant growth has increased the offer of wine tourism in the region.
The region has been producing more and more renowned and award-winning wines, producing full-bodied, velvety, low-acid reds and delicate, smooth whites. This factor has helped the region to consolidate itself in the already traditional route of Portuguese wine tourism.
A good wine is the ideal companion for the specialties of the Algarve cuisine.
Strawberry tree
Medronho brandy, or medronho, is one of the flavor icons of the region, with a Protected Geographical Indication.
You can explore the Route of the Distilleries and the Casa do Medronho de Marmelete and discover even more about the origin and production of this typical drink.
Algarve Regional Sweets
The tiny cheeses: We are not talking about the already traditional Portuguese cheeses, but the small cakes made with almond dough, inside of soft eggs and sprinkled with a thin film of sugar.
Figs: these can be simple, just the fruit, or serve as fillings for the most varied types of sweets and cakes.
Carob: A good substitute for chocolate, it is widely used in Algarve sweets, especially in the delicious carob pie.
Orange from the Algarve: The region is also well known for its orange production. The fruit of this region is characterized by its intense color and strong sweetness.
Algarve main delicacies
The main delicacies of the region are related to the sea, but there are also many good courses from inland.
Among the main ones are the traditional clams à bulhão pato, seafood rice, delicious grilled fish, or the Algarve cataplana.
When we talk about meat, we have delicious game dishes, such as wild boar.
