TravelDock It’s no secret that come summer, the alluring coastline of southern Portugal — better known as the Algarve — practically sags underneath the crush of holidaymakers who throng its holiday villages, resort hotels, marinas, 18-hole links, beachwear boutiques, souvenir emporiums, seaside cafes and seasonal discos.
Road trips are scarcely taken by me after I travel abroad. When driving in areas I don’t know well made me stay away from renting automobiles while on the road, the fact that I can not drive a guide and get quite panicked. Actually, until recently I had driven at all in over 3 years. I have always relied on public transportation, sticking to the areas I could easily see by train or bus. It was fine. It was the manner it was. I had rather wait 45 minutes to get a bus than be pulled to the right or left side of the road weeping because I’m lost and can not follow GPS directions.
Subsequently I may drive stick and my entire perspective of transportation while traveling transformed and went with two people that are assured drivers to Portugal.
Food
To value the Algarve’s love affair with food let’s tiptoe via a bit of history. The Algarve’s vast Atlantic coastline, influential in establishing its powerful fish culture and industry was once, 1000BC (yes that much back), instrumental to trading. In which makes it prime territory for occupation, its growing commerce importance to Europe resulted. Afterwards, and Romans Moors invaded and their long held professions naturally affected the regions cuisine. External experiences followed with the primary great explores, then a period when Portugal and Spain dictated much of what would become Europe, Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Christopher Columbus amongst others, demanded circumnavigation acceptance and also to set sail on expeditions from Sagres (Cape St. Vincent).
Lively, small & historic town Lagos is popular for the backpacker crowd, and is a picturesque town a little farther away from Faro Airport than the previous two. Encompassed by city walls that were built in the 16th century, this one of a kind Algarvian paradise is filled with history and culture available for all to explore. If you are the type of holidaymaker who prefers to dive deeply to the area culture and community spirit as opposed to the atmosphere of typical ‘British’ holiday resorts, Lagos is the perfect spot for you personally.
Hiking
There are many great hiking walks in the Algarve, with the coastal routes in particular being a highlight. With year-round sunny weather, the coast is a sensational place to walk or hike, bordered by cliffs, enclosed beaches, dunes, lagoons, and wide beaches in the east and sandy coves in the west. The fauna and flora are stunning, particularly the bird life. The Vicentine Coast Natural Park has many stunning walks which includes high cliffs and panoramic views of the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Golf
Portuguese golf holidays are popular due to the high standard of the courses available, giving a great amount of choice depending on location. The Algarve is arguably Europe’s top golfing destination with it’s coastline courses offering sunshine and stunning views, with at least 28 top quality resorts in the area, you are bound to find one that suits your abilities as they cater for the amateur to the advanced golfer. Check out the globally acclaimed Monte Rei Golf consistently ranked as the best in Portugal. Follow in the footsteps of Jack Nicholas against the backdrop of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains and the Atlantic Ocean to play out the 72 Par 7182 yard course.
Verdict
I adored Algarve. I’d rather get up and explore but a stop off at the greatest golf course in Portugal was a must do. Algarve allowed us all to do it all with exciting hiking trails, old towns, excursions galore, its postcard beaches and sleepy harbours.
