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The Algarve, located in the extreme south of Portugal, is a region blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine a year and a coastline of breathtaking beauty. It is traditionally divided into the Barlavento (west), characterized by its iconic rock formations and hidden coves, and the Sotavento (east), with its extensive sand islands and the labyrinth of channels of the Ria Formosa. Beyond its world-famous beaches, the Algarve offers towns steeped in Moorish history, an inland mountain range perfect for hiking and a hospitality that invites you to enjoy life at a leisurely pace.
Descubre las ciudades más fascinantes de Algarve
Faro estará disponible próximamente con información completa y detallada.
Lagos estará disponible próximamente con información completa y detallada.
Albufeira estará disponible próximamente con información completa y detallada.
Portimão estará disponible próximamente con información completa y detallada.
Tavira estará disponible próximamente con información completa y detallada.
The Algarve celebrates its identity with festivals ranging from historical re-enactments to large beachfront gastronomic events.
February (Carnival Week).
The oldest carnival in Portugal. A parade full of color, political satire and floats inspired by Brazilian traditions but with a purely Algarvian touch.
End of June.
A 'world music' festival that transforms the old town of Loulé into a Mediterranean souk with concerts, crafts and international gastronomy.
August (10 days).
The city returns to its golden Arab era. The streets are filled with knights, dancers, jugglers and food stalls where you eat with your hands and pay with ancient currency (Xelb).
August.
The most important gastronomic event in the south. Great concerts accompany tons of fresh seafood cooked in a thousand different ways in front of the Ria Formosa.
From spring to autumn.
The largest sand sculpture festival in the world. International artists create gigantic, detailed figures using tons of sand on a theme that changes every year.
The cuisine of the Algarve is an ode to the Atlantic, complemented by the flavors of the fig tree, almond tree and carob tree inside.
The star dish. A stew of fish, seafood, potatoes and vegetables steamed in an airtight copper pot (cataplana) that preserves all the aromas of the sea.
Small grilled chicken, very crispy and seasoned with a spicy chilli sauce (piri-piri). Originally from the town of Guia, it is an essential classic.
A soupy rice cooked with fresh razor clams, typical of the Tavira and Sotavento area. Intense sea flavor in every spoonful.
Especially popular in Portimão. They are grilled whole with coarse salt and served on a slice of village bread that absorbs all the fat from the fish.
Small clams sautéed with olive oil, lots of garlic, cilantro and a touch of lemon. The perfect appetizer in front of the beach.
A traditional dish of humble origins made from corn flour porridge mixed with seafood or torreznos.
A powerful distillate made from the fruits of the strawberry tree collected in the Sierra de Monchique. It is usually taken as a digestive after coffee.
Bitter almond liqueur that is served very cold, usually with ice and a few drops of lemon juice. Sweet and refreshing.
The region has four Designations of Origin (Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa and Tavira). Their soft reds and fresh whites stand out, pairing perfectly with fish.
A convent sweet made of egg, almond and cinnamon threads, wrapped in brightly colored aluminum foil.
An almond cake filled with angel hair and decorated with floral or sugar fruit motifs.
The 'chocolate' of the Algarve. A dense, dark cake made with carob flour, figs and almonds, typical of the interior of the region.
Tavira is the representative community of Portugal for this UNESCO recognition, highlighting its healthy lifestyle and gastronomy.
Part of the Western Algarve is included in the indicative list for Natural Heritage status for its biodiversity and unique geology.
The best time is May, June and September, when the weather is warm but not sweltering and the beaches are not crowded. July and August are ideal for nightlife and festivals, although prices rise and it is crowded. Winter (November-February) is very mild, perfect for golfers and hikers looking for tranquility.
Be careful with the currents on the beaches on the west coast (Sagres/Aljezur), which are much stronger than in the south. Don't get too close to the edge of the cliffs, as the limestone rock can be unstable. If you rent a car, make sure you understand the electronic toll system on the A22 motorway (Via do Infante). It is recommended to reserve a table at popular coastal restaurants at least 24 hours in advance during summer.
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The oldest carnival in Portugal. A parade full of color, political satire and floats inspired by Brazilian traditions bu
A 'world music' festival that transforms the old town of Loulé into a Mediterranean souk with concerts, crafts and inter
The city returns to its golden Arab era. The streets are filled with knights, dancers, jugglers and food stalls where yo
The most important gastronomic event in the south. Great concerts accompany tons of fresh seafood cooked in a thousand d
The largest sand sculpture festival in the world. International artists create gigantic, detailed figures using tons of
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