You have probably heard about the Algarve. A friend may have told you about one of its magnificent beaches, maybe you’ve seen a report about its cuisine or perhaps you’ve picked up a brochure. But there is an Algarve that you haven’t seen, tasted or explored before: it’s the Algarve that the local people know and love.
Sun and Sea, Golf, Culture, Nature, Nautical Tourism and Sport
Let us reveal a secret: the word Algarve comes from the Arabic “Al Gharb”, meaning “West”, but if you’ve been here before you know that it could also mean sun and sea. The sun shines brightly in the Algarve for around 300 days a year, during spring and summer naturally, but in autumn and winter as well.
ANOTHER ALGARVE: Culture, History, Food and Wine
We must confess that many others have been here before you – Arabs, Lusitanians, Romans, Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Celts and Tartessians, as far back as the Neolithic period. Thankfully the passing of time has not diminished our cultural heritage, which continues to harbour secrets to be discovered in-between your trips to the beach. Monuments, century-old customs, religious rites and craft markets are a living heritage handed down from father to son and from local people to visitors. As for the food, it’s all about gathering the best that the sea and the land have to offer: fish and shellfish stews, clam cataplanas, sweets based on figs and almonds and wines from the DOC sub-regions of Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa and Tavira, although not everything is traditional: the Algarve is the Portuguese region with the highest number of Michelin stars.
THE IDEAL GOLF HOLIDAY
Between the blueness of the sea and the sky, there’s another colour that’ll catch your eye in the Algarve: green. It’s the best kind of green, the green of around forty golf courses covering the whole region, which has been twice named the best golf destination in the world by the most prestigious golfing organisations and publications. When you play golf in the Algarve you’ll discover the pleasure of playing to the sound of the waves, the birds and the wind rustling through the leaves of the trees shading you from the strong rays of the sun that shines all year-round.
Whatever your level – beginner, amateur or professional – the Algarve has the right course for you, with the official seal of approval of the greatest names in the sport.