Algarve holiday travel

Algarve is a great place to visit for a nice, relaxing vacation. The city faces the Atlantic Ocean and is full of fun things to do like visiting historic sites, sun bathing on a beach, golfing, or enjoying the great seafood.

Where to stay – hotels

Though Algarve has a very relaxed atmosphere, it’s still quite the tourist destination with many hotels to choose from. During the high season, it’s best to book in advance. Look at Algarve hotels here.

Some truly beautiful hotels, resorts, and villas are available in Algarve. Some have stunning views as they are located along the stunning cliffs the city is famous for. To find a hotel in Algarve that suits you, go online.

Algarve hotels have some fine amenities. Many have great swimming pools, fitness centers, restaurants, and bars. Though Algarve is a tourist spot, many hotels are quite affordable. Go online to check out the best rates on Algarve based hotels.

What to do

The hub of the Algarve, Faro, is both modern and ancient. Faro is surrounded by remnants of Roman walls. Within, you’ll find the Renaissance inspired Nossa Senhora da Assuncão Convent and São Francisco Church, both particularly appealing. The Praade Dom Francisco Gomes (port area) is place to go for some delicious seafood.

Sagres is another spot of interest. It was here, five centuries ago, that Prince Henry set up a school of navigation which played a crucial role in the Portuguese discoveries. The key attractions in Sagres include a 14th century fortress and the 500-year-old Rosados-Ventos, a compass 43 meters in diameter. The Nossa Senhora da Graça Hermitage is also in Sagres.

If you’re still in the mood for more historic churches and buildings, head to Lagos. Alternatively, the town of Portimão has a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Golfing on the Algarve is a popular activity too and there are several great golf courses to choose from. It attracts golf vacationers and golfing fans from all over europe and you can hire the golf equipment at the courses or bring your own. If you need to stock up before you arrive a good UK based golf equipment shop online is the golf-store.co.uk

What to see – by car hire

Getting around the coastal villages in Portugal is best done with your own hire car. There is plenty to see just outside of Algarve if you can drive there, since many of the villages are close together. You can book a Algarve hire car here.

Silves is one short excursion you travel to by hire car. It was formerly the ancient capital of the region and features a castle of Arab origin. The Gothic Cathedral here and the 12th-century bridge are also worth the drive.

A beautiful place to visit by hire car is Cabo de São Vicente. It lies on the extreme southwesterly tip of the European continent. Here, and at many other small coastal towns, is a good place to look for secluded beaches. More information on car hire in Algarve here.