The territory covering the south coast of Portugal is known as Algarve. It is one of the best holiday destinations in Europe and is famous for its white-sanded beaches and crystal, blue waters, for its privileged climate and its renowned golf courses. As well as its beaches, there are other musts in the Algarve: modern cities, small fishing towns, water parks and zoos and Ria Formosa Natural Park, famous for its great beauty.
The pleasant climate all year round, a coast filled with magnificent beaches, splashed by the Atlantic, the wide variety of accommodation options, the nightlife and the sports make Algarve a great destination for families. You can avoid the hustle and bustle of the busier areas and visit the picturesque fishing towns or the interior mountain range with its rural life and wild plant life.
If you are looking for cheerful resorts near the sea, Faro, the region's capital, Portimão, Albufeira or the sophisticated Vilamoura, with its luxurious golf courses, are perfect options. If you prefer quieter destinations we recommend you visit the west coast, facing the Atlantic, where towns like Aljezur offer deserted beaches. The majority of the cities and towns still preserve the legacy of the Arab occupation that lasted five centuries, visible in the narrow streets and the houses' architecture, many of them with multi-shaped chimneys and geometrical designs.
This popular touristic region, holiday destination for the Portuguese and for foreigners, also has a great nightlife, with bars, discotheques and great party.