Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Algarve, Portugal - A Premier Holiday Destination




 



Wonderful beaches, brash resorts and picturesque whitewashed towns that flood with tourists hen summer arrives are the main reason why, the Algarve is Portugal’s premier holiday destination.


The Algarve meaning “The West” is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal. It has an area of 5,412 square kilometers with approximately 451,005 permanent inhabitants, and incorporates 16 municipalities.


The region coincides with the Faro District, and has as its administrative center the city of Faro, where both the region’s international airport and public university are located.


Tourism and related activities are extensive and make up the bulk of the Algarve’s summer economy. Production of food, which includes fish and other seafood, fruit, oranges, carob beans, figs and almonds, is also economically important in the region. The Algarve is the most popular tourist destination in Portugal, and one of the most popular in Europe. Its population triples in the peak holiday season thanks to a high influx of visitors, and receives an average of 7 million foreign tourists each year. In total, including national visitors, almost 10 million people visit the Algarve annually.


The climate is mild and sunny all year round, so you can enjoy its beaty when ever you want while climbuing the breathtaking cliffs, walk on wide golden sands, or just relax on the natural bays, scalloped beaches and long sandy islands with waves lapping at the shore. Outside the touristy enclaves, there are quiet castle towns, flower-covered hillsides and enchanting stretches of shoreline still untouched by development.


To relax, you can have various treatments in the spas and thalassotherapy centres and in the Monchique Thermal Baths. There are also many internationally acclaimed golf courses where you can enjoy a spot of exercise. And hotels, tourist villages, resorts, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. In short, a varied array sharing a genuine love for hospitality.


You can use footpaths and cycle trails to get to know the region, such as the Algarve Way inland or the Vicentine Route along one of the best preserved coastal stretches. And boat rides are another ecological way to observe the flora and fauna.


At the table, you will be delighted with the fresh fish and seafood, either grilled or in a casserole. These are divine flavours which you can enjoy on a simple beach terrace or in the most refined Michelin-starred restaurants, where chefs turn out new versions of traditional cuisine. They are further experiences not to be missed on a visit to the region.


To be honest, we don’t have words to describe all the magic of The Algarve and that is why you need to visit, so you can feel it, love it and enjoy it…


 


The Algarve is Portugal’s most popular holiday destination due to the clean beaches, the cool, unpolluted water, and the facts that it is relatively cheap, very safe and overall welcoming. English is spoken at most resorts.


algarve-portugal-a-premier-holiday-destination_01


Source


You must visit Lagos – The old inner city inside the remnants of a protective wall. You’ll find winding streets barely wide enough for small cars, quaint shops and wonderful restaurants.


algarve-portugal-a-premier-holiday-destination_02


Source ound all over. Since it has a big and rich coast, it has a very interesting array of wonderful fish and seafood, from sardines to cataplanas, and many dry fruit sweets that will make your mouth water for more.


algarve-portugal-a-premier-holiday-destination_03


Source


The first people in the Algarve were traders and Estate stewards that established their colonies on the coasts. Good examples were the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians that existed for a long time solely from the resources of the coast.


algarve-portugal-a-premier-holiday-destination_04


Source


One of the most important facts in the Algarve’s history: the five centuries of Arab occupation, visible in the regions architecture (lattice chimneys and tiles, for example) and in many places’ names beginning with ‘Al’.


algarve-portugal-a-premier-holiday-destination_05


 Source


The capital of the Algarve and home to Faro Airport, the Algarve’s only international airport, Faro is a city surrounded by island beaches and Ria Formosa nature reserve, it really is an extra special city!


???????????????????????????????


  Source




Algarve, Portugal - A Premier Holiday Destination

No comments:

Post a Comment