The beautiful region of Algarve in southern Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations and rightly so as it a stunning area of coastline with some fine resorts. The capital of the Algarve region is Faro, and it is here that you will find the main airport for the region, once a fishing port and trading centre called Ossonoba. If you are arriving for your visit to the area by air, you will no doubt be arriving at Faro Airport and this is the best place to pick up a car hire vehicle for your stay. To the west of Faro is the resort town of Albufeira, dating from Roman times it still has some remains from these ancient times, in recent years it has grown considerably and is now one of the regions most visited resorts. Another resort experiencing rapid growth is Quarteria, formerly a small fishing village, it is now a bustling resort with a fine beach and a very long promenade. While prices in the area have risen with its popularity it is still possible to pick up some bargains and suitable products are leather goods, pottery and decorated tiles. The Algarve experiences a splendid climate with some of the best weather in Portugal, summers are hot and winters mild, rainfall is mostly experienced during the winter months. Other places that you might choose to visit whilst in the region include Portimao, Lagos, Sagres, Praia da Rocha, Carvoeiro, Tavira and Luz. You can view a map of the country here, the Algarve region is in the far south. Portugal Map.
February 14, 2010
August 31, 2009
Carvoeiro Portugal
If you are looking for a decent family resort for visiting the Algarve region of Portugal, you could do little better than the former fishing village of Carvoeiro, situated between Portimao and Albufeira. A charming little town with an emphasis on self-catering apartments, Carvoeiro has a friendly feel and boasts a fine sandy beach, attractive coastline and some decent facilities. A good base for touring some of the historic towns in this section of the Algarve, the town enjoys a super climate with Carvoeiro weather, sunny and warm throughout the summer months, and mild during the winter. One of the highlights of a trip to Carvoeiro is a boat trip to Algar Seco, a local beauty spot where cliffs have been moulded by the sea into stone arches, grottoes and fascinating shapes. Carvoeiro Map.
August 14, 2009
Resorts of the Algarve – Albufeira
Around 35 kilometres west of Faro on the Algarve, Portugal, the town of Albufeira used to be a traditional fishing village, typical of the area. In recent years it has grown into one of Portugal’s main tourist destinations, resulting in much development and growth in the town. You can still find much of the original fishing village, with narrow winding streets and alleys, lined with whitewashed houses and cottages. Many visiting today would think it a modern resort, but Albufeira can trace its origins back to Roman times and beyond when Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians stopped off here on their travels around the coast. The Romans called the town Baltum and there are still some remains of aqueducts and walls, built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. The Moors developed the area for agriculture and also a significant fishing industry flourished over the ensueing centuries. 1755 was a bad year for Portugal and for Albufeira in particular, as a huge earthquake rocked the region and virtually destroyed the town. The main attraction these days are the fine sandy beaches and luxury hotels, where visitors can relax and enjoy the wonderful Albufeira weather in preparation for a night out along the famous “Strip”, located in the Montechoro district of the town. Albufeira boasts over 170 hotels of all standards many are aparthotels such as the Ondamar Aparthotel Albufeira which offers a good standard of accommodation in relaxed surroundings, and would be an ideal choice for your Albufeira holidays. If beaches are your thing, then you will not be disappointed by Albufeira, as there are at least 20 wonderful beaches within easy reach of the resort, two of the best being Praia de Oura and Praia de Gale, others include Praia do Castelo, Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Evaristo. Albufeira can be easily reached from Faro airport which is about 40 minutes drive away. Albufeira Map.