Secrets Itinerary: Discover All About Algarve And Its Beaches ♦ The Algarve, a region in the extreme south of Portugal, is known for its Mediterranean beaches and golf resorts. Whitewashed fishing villages overlooking low coves overlooking sandy coves were transformed in the 1960s, and now the central coastline between Lagos and Faro is filled with mansions, hotels, bars and restaurants. The region’s western Atlantic coast and hilly relief interior are less developed. Secrets From Portugal will tell you about this amazing place, Algarve is hot, windy and amazing, see what to do here.
♦ Discover All About this Amazing Bar & Subscribe to Our Newsletter ♦
WHERE TO GO
Rota Vicentina
This large pedestrian route, which in total has about 400 kilometres along one of the most beautiful and well-preserved coastal areas of Europe, consists of two main routes and eight roundabouts and surprises us by the diversity of landscapes. The “historical path”, with 230 km, is the most extensive route and part of Santiago do Cacém to Cabo de São Vicente. It is a rural itinerary with 12 stages by forest paths, villages and villages with centuries of history, and can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. The “fishermen’s trail” is always close to the sea along access roads to beaches and fishing, along 125 km, between Porto Covo and Cabo de São Vicente. It is a pedestrian-only route, more physically demanding, and is organized in five stages and four complementary routes.
Sagres
The Cape of São Vicente is a cable located in the extreme southwest of mainland Portugal, in the parish of Sagres, Vila do Bispo municipality. It is 4 km to the west and 3 km to the north of the Ponta de Sagres, the ancient “Promontorium Sacrum” Roman, dedicated to the god Saturn, and where is located an old fortress visitable (Fortress of Sagres). In Lagos, 25 km from the cape to the east, Prince Henry would have established his navigation school (School of Sagres) in the fifteenth century, which boosted the Portuguese Discoveries. The researcher Luís de Albuquerque proved to be a myth. From the cable, it is possible to appreciate the passage of the ships that transit between the Mediterranean Sea and North Africa. The Cabo de São Vicente is part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.
Alvor
Long since linked to the fishing activity, Alvor has been following the times and evolved since at the moment great part of its economy is due to the tourism. Alvor is a village and a Portuguese parish of the county of Portimão, with 15.25 km ² of the area and 6 154 inhabitants (2011). Its population density is of 403,5 hab/km ². It borders with the following parishes: Mexilhoeira Grande (N), Portimão (E) and Odiáxere (O). One of the places that stand out in this Algarve village is the beach of Alvor, where you can relax and take a walk along what is the longest walkway in the Algarve.
Portimão
The beauty of Portimão combined with a long list of activities to do and with several monuments and historical and cultural buildings to visit makes this a perfect city to spend holidays. In this article, we gather 40 activities that we believe are indispensable to make when visiting Portimão. Enjoy the best of Algarvian nature. The quiet town of Portimão presents some of the best beaches in the region with extensive sandy beaches, ideal for a football or beach volleyball game, calm, warm and translucent water. Among the best-known beaches in Portimao is the famous Praia da Rocha, at the foot of which there are two beautiful belvederes that provide unique sunsets, Praia do Vau or Praia dos Três Castelos. If you are not warm enough for a swim, you can always take a stroll along the seafront.
Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro is a small village in the western Algarve. According to historical sources, the name of the village derives from “Caboiere”, an old name for a fishing village of the Arab-medieval period. There is evidence pointing to the Roman presence in the village, as well as an extensive maritime activity. The area where the village of Carvoeiro is located has a long history of military and pirate attacks, having witnessed a series of naval combats, among which stands out the battle of 1544 between a fleet of ships commanded by Dom Pedro da Cunha and the Turkish corsair named Xarramet. For most of its history, fishing was the mainstay of the local economy, however, nowadays the main economic sector of this picturesque village is tourism. A dry and warm climate and breathtaking beaches make this an ideal destination for golf and water sports or just for a break.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Pousada Palacio de Estoi – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Pousada Palácio de Estoi is located in the town of Estoi, just 10 km from Faro, in a beautiful 19th-century palace. Its air-conditioned rooms have a contemporary design and have a private bathroom with a bathtub and a shower. Some rooms include flat-screen TVs attached to the wall. Pousada Palácio de Estoi features gardens and tea-pavilions. Its architecture boasts several original elements, such as paintings on the walls and antique furniture. Other relaxation options include swimming in the indoor and outdoor pools or visiting the sauna. Nearby leisure activities include cycling and hiking.
Vila Vita Parc
Spreading across 54 acres of sub-tropical gardens, the astonishing Vila Vita Parc is situated in the region of Porches in the Algarve. The Five-star hotel offers a series of accommodations that will take you on the ultimate luxurious adventure. Vila Vita Parc features sea-inspired rooms and suites with fabulous ocean-view terraces, as well as villas with private pool. This Resort is also equipped with a stunning Spa and a total of six elegant bars and ten exquisite restaurants.
Crowne Plaza
The Crowne Plaza Vilamoura has a privileged and unique location. Situated right on the beach in Vilamoura, next to the Casino and just a few meters from the marina known as Marina de Vilamoura, this hotel is perfect for your holidays. Nothing is available, ready to receive it, where nothing has been left to chance. Hospitality, Comfort and Quality The gifts are always present so that you can enjoy moments of great relaxation and, certainly, an unforgettable vacation. With a modern and comfortable decoration, this hotel with direct access to the beach offers a total of 323 rooms and suites, all with private balcony and panoramic view. A unique space, with a professional and dedicated organization.
Tivoli Carvoeiro
The Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, with its stunning location on the cliff of Vale Covo, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, has reopened completely refurbished as a spectacular hotel and five-star luxury resort. With 248 new rooms and suites, including the new Family Rooms; a wide variety of restaurants with excellent choices; a Tivoli Spa; a fully equipped fitness area; more than 1300 square meters with unique facilities for all kinds of events. And, in addition, a genuine and passionate team, whose enthusiasm and love for the hotel make the Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort a landmark hotel for more than 25 years.
Vale de Milho Village
Vale de Milho Village is the latest investment project of Grupo Carvoeiro Clube, with 32 two-bedroom and three-bedroom townhouses situated in one of the most attractive locations in the Algarve. This exceptional resort is designed to meet the highest standard of quality, offering the best of luxury housing. All villas have their own private pool, and gardens overlooking a natural lake, with the backdrop of the ocean in the background. This exclusive resort offers great accessibility to the vibrant town of Carvoeiro, where locals can enjoy a wide variety of leisure and entertainment venues.
WHERE TO EAT
Faz Gostos
Opened to the public in Faro since July 2009, Faz Gostos Restaurant is already a gastronomic reference in the Algarve capital. The success gained over the years has led current owners to invest in its expansion. With a cuisine rich in flavours of the land and the sea, Faz Gostos is obligatory for the public faithful to Portuguese dishes … and not only! Among the international dishes, such as Goat Cheese, Walnuts and Honey, or more traditional ones such as Cod Loin with Vieira, to the delicious desserts like the Morgado (traditional sweet of the Algarve), the suggestions are many and to make water grow in the mouth!
Gusto by Heinz Beck
Awarded in 2018 with a Michelin-Star by the prestigious Michelin Gastronomic Guide, Gusto restaurant established itself as a leading gourmet destination in the Algarve, with the 3 Michelin Starred Chef Heinz Beck at the helm. This sleek and contemporary Mediterranean restaurant fused with Scandinavian design offers innovative cuisine in a bustling atmosphere, with an open display kitchen, adding to the lively feel of the restaurant. The adjoining and sophisticated Gusto bar is the perfect setup to start your culinary journey with a signature cocktail or enjoy a Cuban cigar from the extensive cigar menu at the alfresco terrace.
Henrique Leis
Henrique Leis is a restaurant of excellence, awarded with a star of the Michelin Guide, and it’s located in Loulé, on the Algarve coastal region. The rustically beautiful restaurant features a unique wine list, which has the best references for Portugal and the World. The restaurant has two rooms: the winter room, which has warm colours and a fireplace, and the summer room, which has a bright and fresh colouring that extends outside, where the terrace is. Space is open day and night, serving lunches and dinners, being highly advisable prior reservation.
Bon Bon
In charge of chef Louis Anjos, Bon Bon’s stars are local seafood and fish – although the restaurant has also received a Michelin star in 2015. With a concept of fine dining, several Trip Advisor users praise the wine harmonization of Nuno Diogo, escanção, room chief and owner of Bon Bon.
