Hotels in Algarve, Portugal

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Algarve

Our selection of romantic hotels in Algarve and boutique hotels in Algarve reflect the nature of Portugal's sunniest and most southerly region.

Its diverse coastline provides hundreds of sandy islets, salt lagoons, steep cliffs, sandy bays, and coves separated by mysterious grottoes and strange rock formations.

Moving away from the beaches there are the Roman ruins of Estoi, the Moorish town of Silves, and the market town of Loulé. The S Monchique Hills - the highest peak in the south - is full of charming and remote villages surrounded by cork and chestnut woods.

Despite its fame as a beach haven and natural waters, travellers willing to branch out a little will find much pleasure in what the Algarve has to offer.

Gastronomy Fish and seafood take pride of place in the gastronomy of the Algarve. Start with the delicious fish soup, and then move on to the "arroz de marisco" (shellfish and rice stew) or the cataplana (cockles cooked in a sealed wok with smoked pork sausage, cured ham, tomatoes, and onions). Fried pork loin and bread soaked buck are delicious meat specialties. For dessert try the egg sweets and fruits mixed with almonds.

As for beverages, Lagoa produces the best wines in the region. Try the white aperitif wine, and the flavoured Medronho from the Monchique hills. Most wines carry a high content of alcohol and sugar.

History The Portuguese like to say that “the Algarve is not representative of Portugal” and by that they mean its Moorish past is more ingrained than in other parts of the country. The very name Algarve, like most names prefixed by Al, is of Arabic origin and means "The West".

Occupied for five centuries by the Moors, the Algarve was reclaimed in 1249 BC by the Catholic kings. The region later gained recognition when Henry the Navigator led the Portuguese into the world of discoveries. Fishing and agriculture used to be the main industries in the region, but tourism has rapidly taken over. Although some parts have been spoilt by urban development, the western coast and lagoons east of Faro remain an undisturbed paradise.

Culture The Carnival in Loulé is worth a visit, as are some of the following Religious celebrations: the procession of Nossa Senhora da Piedade or Mãe Soberana-Loulé, May; the Senhora do Carmo Festivities and Fair-Faro, July; and the Santa Iria Fair-Faro, October. For those who appreciate good folk music, the Folk Music and Dance Festival in September is a great opportunity to listen to some of the best.

Handicrafts The craftsmen and women of Portimão continue to offer the best selection of handicrafts. Some of these hand made beauties include wicker and cane baskets, baskets made of palm leaves and twisted "esparto" grasses, lace and embroidery, copper utensils, and ceramics from Porches. You will also find stained-glass windows and porcelain ornaments- evidence of recent craft trends.

Monuments In Faro, visit the Nossa Senhora da Assuncão Convent (Renaissance style) and São Francisco Church (16-18th centuries). Lagos has the magnificent churches of São Sebastião (17th-18th century tiles), Santa Maria of Misericórdia (16th-19th centuries), Santo Antonio (Baroque style) and the very old São João Hermitage (8th-9th centuries). Estói has a Roman site and Sagres a cape that opens onto the vast horizon Activities Some of Algarve's coast is highly developed and caters for mass tourism.

The interior, however, retains much of its original charm and it is worthwhile for the visitor to explore this untouched region. The west coast also remains largely untouched, though it is quite windy.