Why choose a holiday home in Algarve?
Down home southern hospitality in Portugal? Smile after smile and mile after mile you will find out why so many people return to the southern coast of Portugal and the region of Algarve.
Kick off your exploration in Vila Do Bispo where Prince Henry inaugurated his school of navigation five hundred years ago. Hang out with surfers at the lively beach bars dining on quail and wild boar. Get a "to go" box for goose barnacles to snack on as you drive past a 16th century church on your way to Lagos.
Check out the regional market, museum, and Governor's Palace while in Lagos. Talk to the local fisherman on the promenade away from the marina to secure a boat and tour of the grottos. Low tide is the best time to see some of the water caves hidden by the sea and a grotto tour should definitely be on your bucket list.
The blue ocean you've always imagined washes ashore at Portimao, where the blond sand beach enjoys a backdrop of rocky cliffs. The craftsmen use only traditional materials, methods, and designs to make incredible treasures. Wicker, palm, and cane baskets, embroidered cloth, intricate lace, earthenware and utensils from copper are cherished collectibles.
After shopping, plan on a long lunch at one of the outdoor restaurants along the quay. Grilled sardines cradled in potatoes and salad and served on hot bread with a glass of chilled white vino will give you the energy to head towards Carvoeiro.
Think about a jeep safari in Carvoeiro that lets you get up close and personal with the area. The 4-wheel tour takes you to carob farms and small villages where you can buy raffia baskets and fill them with fresh fruit and local craft items.
Lagao offers a break from the ancient to for something purely fun! Picture a 16,000 acre water park where attractions have interesting names. Kamikaze and Black Hole pique your curiosity. "The Snail" is a spiral slide while Bonzai and Jacuzzi are body slides. You can easily fill a full day with fun at this park.
When you reach Albufeira you will relish the slender streets of old town, whitewashed houses suspended above the inviting beach, and inspecting the brightly painted fishing boats. Ask one of the locals why so many watercraft are decorated with animals, stars and eyes. For the adventurous soul you will really enjoy the quad riding and pubs that somehow blend with the Moorish arches and the old castle.
Examine the remains of a 12th century Arab castle in Loule that was one of many landmarks destroyed by earthquakes. Stock up on supplies at the fabulous indoor market favored by people on self catering holiday in Loule. Grilled fish, home baked cakes, just picked fruit, and fresh veggies are great for the home or a road trip.
Tavira will knock your socks off! The camera loves Tavira for its ivory colored homes, ornate chimneys and Roman style, pyramid shaped tile roofs. This city with the dramatic Moorish Castle was born around 2,000 BC.
The best architectural details are found in this distinctive town balanced on both sides of the River Gilao and River Segua. The use of wrought iron on the pedestrian bridge that links the city over the rivers, are reflections of the balconies hovering over the homes that line the water.
The beaches are packed in the summer and the city responds with festivals, weddings, and parades that fill the streets. The Roman bridge has seven arches, the homes are noble and some medieval with their Gothic windows and entryways guarding the view of the water. You can understand why Tavira is often called the "Venice of the Algarve".
Spain is about a homerun ball away from Tavira. This is a good time to relax at one of the characteristic markets with coffee and catch the local flavor of the people. This is Algarve region of Portugal and everything about it encourages you to renew your spirit as you take a holiday from stress.
Contribution post: 14 August 2010
