Vacation at the end of the world

Well today probably many Europeans would regard New Zealand as the end of the world. But that was quite different many hundreds of years ago and going all the way back to the 15th century many thought the cliffs of the Portuguese Algarve were the brink of our civilisation. The Algarve with its steep cliffs, beautiful bays and picturesque pine forests stretch out over a length of 230 kilometres. What was once the starting point for many bold adventurers and sailors who went on discovery voyages for the major seafarer nation Portugal around the globe is today a popular travel destination for many tourists. Here beach lovers, surfers and other sport enthusiasts will be able to find their paradise even beyond the summer time.

atraveo is able to offer you more than 550 holiday houses and apartments that are spread out over a more than 5,000 km² large area and combine the sights of this region.

Along the coast

Let’s start of our voyage in the heart of the Algarve Faro which is the capital of this region. With its international airport the town with 40,000 inhabitants is a good base for trips to the coast or hinterland of Portugal. One should though not underestimate what Faro has to offer. Tourists are usually charmed by the old harbour town which has numerous artfully designed buildings with their facade being protected against the salty sea air by tiles. Further highlights are the weekly markets that take place every second Sunday in the month. Craftwork made out of wood, ceramics and textiles are lovely souvenirs which one can take back home. Should you be more interested in maritime history you may find the exhibition in the local maritime museum to your liking and you can behold the historic galleons with their mighty canons.

Now we shall leave Faro behind us and head off along the Barlavento in westerly direction. One will pass by lovely beach bays that have mostly been awarded the Blue Flag for their excellent beach and water quality and after an half an hour’s drive by car one will have reached the yacht harbour of Vilamoura. Travellers will be able to select between 28 holiday houses which vary in size. Revellers will soon be enticed by Albufeira that is about 20 kilometres west of Vilamoura and get used to the hustle and bustle of the alleys. Till late in the night restaurants serve up some tasty dishes. Gourmets should not miss out on delicious garlic mussels – one of many delights which we will touch upon later on. Numerous bars and clubs in the centre of Albufeira guarantee entertainment way through the night. Should one prefer a more quieter and romantic setting then you may consider taking in the splendid sunset on the terrace of your holiday house. 

From the pool terrace of this holiday complex one is for example able to enjoy the breathtaking cliff landscape in Lagos. The Atlantic is right at one’s front door. A totally different picture is provided by the Serra de Monchique which is a mountain range that rises above the coastal strip and is also referred to as Litoral. From the highest mountain Pico da Foia one has on a nice day a lovely distant view to Sagres. The town of Caldas de Monchique that is shaped by the volcanic massif is only a few kilometres away from the nature park Costa Vicentina where one can admire up to 100 plant and 30 bird species. From here one may consider discovering the impressive landscape on a mountain bike.

One region – two delights

The Algarve especially reflects the influences of the former colonies. The menus of the restaurants at the Atlantic are dominated by fresh fish and seafood. This can be contrasted with the quite different cuisine to be enjoyed in the hilly hinterland. Here one is able to indulge various lamb and game dishes which can be perfectly complemented with a port. The grapes grow within a legally specified region in the North of Portugal and are frequently offered as an aperitif along the Algarve. A further treat that must be mentioned is Medronho a local brew made from the fruits of strawberry trees (also referred to as arbutus) and is processed into a fruit brandy. Those who prefer the tastes from back home will also find something to match their palate for example in Sagres. Here at Kap de São Vicente the most south western point of Europe one is able to enjoy the „last bratwurst before America“, originally matching the Nürnberger recipe.

The Algarve - Synonym for sun and sea

Even outside the main season (from June to September) the Algarve coast is extremely popular. With around 300 days of sun each year the region provides perfect conditions for a beach vacation in the autumn. With water temperatures around 20 degrees one is able to bathe with enjoyment in the turquoise blue water in October. This is also very appreciated by surfers that make use of the favourable currents in the wave rich bays. All the way into the last days of October one is able to watch spectacular wave rides.

The „Aqua-Showpark“ in Quateira provides a great day out for the entire family and includes a seawater aquarium and adventure area. Here the kids can get up close to creatures of the seas in real life or under supervision try out the newest slides whilst the parents relax in the wellness oasis.

Try and catch the „Paciência“ – which is Portuguese for calmness and patience and enjoy your vacation at the „end of the world“.