Algarve
The Algarve, that sun-kissed and climate-spoiled slice of paradise, offers everything to everyone - and in abundance.
Photo Slider: (c) Werner Raschke / pixelio.de
Kilometres of picture-book beaches, spectacular rock formations sculpted by wind and waves, bays as hidden as they are picturesque: The Algarve is hard to beat in terms of diversity and beauty. The Moors, who arrived in the 8th century and ruled here for over 500 years, called the sunniest coastal strip of the Iberian Peninsula "Al Gharb", the west - as seen from Córdoba, the seat of the Caliphate. With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, the Algarve is Europe's undisputed Sunshine State. Spring begins as early as January, when the almond blossom covers the landscape with a white-pink veil, and the summer lasts well into the fall. Portugal's southernmost region, with its 155-kilometre stretch of Atlantic coastline - from Sagres in the west to the Spanish border in the east - is without question one of the most beautiful beach destinations in Europe. If you are looking for wide, flat dune beaches, such as Praia da Manta Rota, at 18 kilometers the longest beach in the Algarve, then the "Sandalgarve" (Sotavento) between the provincial capital of Faro and the border with Spain is the place for you. To the west of Faro stretches the "Rocky Algarve" (Barlavento), which has been photographed thousands of times, with its orange-red sandstone cliffs, fine sandy beaches, bizarre caves, grottos and popular seaside resorts such as Albufeira and Portimão - both of which are unfortunately completely overcrowded in summer.
But fortunately there are also more than 100 postcard-perfect beaches all around. Most of them fly the most popular EU flag, the Blue Flag for clean water. Almost all of them have earned the title of dream beach. If you wanted to, you could spend every day of your vacation in a different bay. In addition to fantastic beaches and the wild Atlantic Ocean, the Algarve coast also boasts some of the best golf courses in Europe: Quinta do Lago, San Lorenzo, Vale do Lobo, Monte Rei ... A total of 42 excellent courses, perfectly integrated into the magnificent natural surroundings by famous golf architects, make the Algarve one of the most attractive golf regions in Europe. Only a three-hour flight from Germany, the mild climate offers ideal playing conditions all year round. Quinta do Lago, a 550-hectare, award-winning golf resort with three top courses of its own as well as a private lake and long beach - designed by Brazilian architect André Jordan in the early 1970s - is the most exclusive address in the Algarve. Nowhere else will you find more luxurious houses and more elegant villas. Many celebrities have their vacation homes here.
A new bay for every day of your vacation
Quinta do Lago together with Almancil and Vilamoura (also known for its large marina) forms the so-called "Golden Triangle" of the Algarve with the highest density of golf courses. However, it is not just golfers who are increasingly drawn here, but also gourmets and connoisseurs, and not just because of José Avillez, Portugal's most famous chef. Ten Michelin stars alone shine over the Algarve from Almancil to Portimão. But unpretentious eateries and beach restaurants are also excellent places to dine. The main ingredients of Algarve cuisine - fresh fish, shellfish and crustaceans - come straight from the sea. Grilled, steamed and baked with fresh herbs, they are an incomparable taste experience. Afterwards, order a "bica", a Portuguese espresso, and a pastéis de nata, one of those famous tarts with sweet cream on crispy puff pastry. But one is not enough - you realize that after the first bite. Still lukewarm and sprinkled with cinnamon, they taste simply divine and make you happy.
Whether gourmet, golfer, adventurer, mountain biker, surfer, beach or wellness fan - everyone gets their money's worth in the Algarve. Hiking along the cliffs or off the beaten track in the picturesque hinterland of the Algarve, where there is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Portugal, the Via Algarviana (via-algarviana.com), is wonderful. It stretches over 330 kilometers from Alcoutin on the border river Guadiana in the east to Cabo de São Vicente in the west. The eastern Algarve is almost an insider tip, with the Ria Formosa Nature Park and its saltwater lagoons, offshore islands such as Deserta and Farol, long, flat beaches and fishing villages. The region is a paradise for birdwatching, cycling and horse riding. Equipped with rubber boots, a wicker basket and a shovel, you can search for shells in the mudflats, just like the locals do. Dolphins dive off the coast. Flamingos stalk through the shallow water.
In contrast to the Central Algarve, which is heavily developed for tourism and densely built up with villas and apartment blocks, the region has largely managed to retain its charm and naturalness. One of the most beautiful places is Tavira, a small lagoon town with a touch of Venice. Every cobblestone breathes history. The seven-arched Roman bridge stylishly spans the lazily flowing Rio Gilão and invites you to take a stroll. The small town of Silves, with its imposing castle complex built by the Arab Almoravids in the 11th century, is the ideal place to immerse yourself in Portugal's history. It's hard to believe, but at that time Silves was even bigger and more important than Lisbon! Albufeira, Lagos & Co are nightlife hotspots with beach parties and stylish clubs. Sagres, in the far south-west, is Europe's most beautiful end with one of the best fishing ports, which attracts traders and chefs from all over the Algarve. Here you should plan a lunch stop at the restaurant above the fish auction hall. You won't find fresher fish anywhere. Cabo de São Vicente is just a few kilometers away. "Where the earth ends and the sea begins" is how the Portuguese national poet Luis Vaz de Camões described this magical place with its dramatic landscape. The steep cliffs here plunge a spectacular 70 meters into the roaring sea. The view is lost in the seemingly endless expanse of the glittering Atlantic that stretches to the horizon. You can understand why people used to believe that the world really did end here. Today, Europe's brightest lighthouse and a snack stand advertising "Last sausage before America" stand above the sea.
Further north, the wild west coast, the Costa Vicentina, is rougher and lonelier with wind, massive waves and dream beaches (Praia do Amado, Arrifana) for surfers in search of the ultimate wave ride. The Serra, the hilly hinterland of the Algarve, is also worth a visit. Only a few kilometers away from the lively beaches, which are often quite crowded in summer, the south of Portugal is still wonderfully unspoilt here. It smells of eucalyptus, wild thyme and fresh rosemary. Wooded hills alternate with almost lovely valleys where oranges, wild orchids and mimosas grow. The mountain roads coming from Lagos, Portimão or Albufeira become ever narrower and steeper, lined with pines, chestnut trees and cork oaks. It is also interesting to visit a cork factory and see how tree bark is turned into Dom Perignon corks, as Portugal supplies around 50 percent of the world's cork production.
Text: Heike Neuenburg--
Bizarre rock formations, impressive plays of color and picture-book sandy beaches have made Portugal's flagship coast famous. But the new luxury oases are no less spectacular: When it comes to hotels and golf courses, crisis simply does not seem to be an issue.
Highlights
Detour to Ponte da Piedade
By boat to the blue caves - Ponte da Piedade. The rocky cliffs south of Lagos with their grottos, caves and rock sculptures are a must-see. Either on a walk above the coast, in an excursion boat or in a small fishing boat. Depending on the light, the sea inside the caves shimmers blue to emerald green - a fairytale world.
DIPLOMATISCHE VERTRETUNGEN
in Germany:
Portuguese Embassy
Zimmerstraße 56, 10117 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 590063500
E-mail: berlim@mne.pt
www.berlim.embaixadaportugal.mne.pt
in Austria:
Portuguese Embassy
Opernring 3, 1010 Vienna
Phone: +43 1 5867536
E-mail: viena@mne.pt
in Switzerland:
Portuguese Embassy
Weltpoststrasse 20, 3015 Bern
Phone: +41 31 3511773
E-mail: sconsular.berna@mne.pt
Lage
Portugal
Fläche
4.997 km²
Bevölkerung
441.000
Sprache
Portugiesisch
Anreise
Direktverbindungen nach Faro werden während der Sommermonate von vielen deutschen Städten, aber auch aus Österreich und der Schweiz angeboten. Außerhalb der Saison empfiehlt sich ein Linienflug nach Lissabon – von dort aus sind es mit dem Mietwagen (der für die Algarve ohnehin Sinn macht) etwa 2,5 bis 3 Stunden Fahrt über die Autobahn.
Größte Stadt
Faro
Hauptstadt
Faro
Religion
Roman Catholic
Weather
Mit mehr als 300 Sonnentagen im Jahr hat die Algarve eigentlich ganzjährig Saison. Golfer wissen vor allem die Monate März und April sowie Oktober und November zu schätzen. Wer zum Baden kommen möchte, sollte dies am besten im Juli oder August tun – dann ist der kalte Atlantik am wärmsten. Als echter Geheimtipp gilt der Frühling – wenn die Winterstürme vorbei sind und in vielen Dörfern am Meer und im Hinterland stimmungsvolle Feste stattfinden.
Beste Reisezeit
Juli oder August
Klima
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Max. Temperaturen | 16 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 22 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 26 | 12 | 19 | 17 |
| Min. Temperaturen | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 13 | 10 |
| Sonnenstunden | 2 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| Luftfeuchtigkeit | 75 | 68 | 68 | 60 | 60 | 57 | 53 | 55 | 65 | 73 | 75 | 64 |
| Regentage | 10 | 9 | 11 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Wassertemperatur | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 18 | 17 |
Zeitverschiebung
Westeuropäische Zeit (Sommerzeit), MEZ - 1 Stunde
Währung
Euro
Feasting in Western Europe
Cataplana from the copper pan and fish as fresh as you can hardly find anywhere else: the Algarve is a true paradise for gourmets - and is currently returning to its local delicacies, which are sometimes served in a very classic and sometimes very creative way.
Texts: Heike Neuenburg, Jörg Bertram
Ten Michelin stars shine above the Algarve alone, making it a gourmet hotspot. Portugal's golf coast is scoring more and more points when it comes to top gastronomy. But the more down-to-earth and simple cuisine is also delicious. It is worth trying Portuguese specialties such as cataplana, an aromatic stew made from fish, seafood, meat, potatoes and vegetables. Or chicken piri piri, a grilled chicken seasoned with chili peppers. And, of course, the tasty sardines - best grilled. Percebes, on the other hand, are unusual and take a little getting used to. These barnacles are harvested from the steep cliffs of the Atlantic on the west coast between Sagres and Aljezur and are considered a delicacy that is as expensive as it is delicious. Whether it's Michelin-starred cuisine or a simple beach restaurant - whatever you choose in the Algarve, the choice and quality are fantastic almost everywhere!
Vila Joya, Galé Beach, Albufeira
Top chef Dieter Koschina is a real legend in the Algarve. For 27 years, the Vorarlberg-born chef has been delighting guests at the Vila Joya with his flavorful, product-focused cuisine. Koschina presents a different 6-course menu every day, which is not based on a predetermined weekly plan, but on what the farmers and fishermen have on offer for the celebrity chef. He himself calls his kitchen philosophy "John Wayne style" with a wink - because he often conjures up the courses from the hip ... and with consistent success, as his two Michelin stars for 20 years now impressively prove.
www.vilajoya.com
T. +351 289 59 17 95
Ocean, Vila Vita Parc, Alporchinhos, Porches
In the stylish Ocean, the fine dining restaurant of the Vila Vita Parc Hotel, Austrian 2-star chef Hans Neuner treats guests to freshly caught fish and seafood from the region. White tablecloths are deliberately omitted - the focus should only be on the dishes. The menu selection is characterized above all by the catch of the day from the nearby fishing village of Sagres. Delicious: the yellowfin mackerel with garden cucumber, miso and eggplant! The freshness and lightness of the creations is just as impressive as the view out over the Atlantic. You can choose between à la carte or set menu.
www.restaurantocean.com
T. +351 282 31 01 00
Gusto by Heinz Beck, Conrad Algarve, Quinta do Lago
Gusto, the elegant gourmet restaurant at the Conrad Algarve run by 3-star chef Heinz Beck, has a new, young head chef: Delfo Schiaffino. His credo: the best possible ingredients always come first. Sounds good - and tastes even better, for example when he serves duck mussels with pistachio pesto and mandarin or Algarvian carabi-neiros marinated in their own broth with smoked avocado and curry. A look into the open kitchen is also exciting.
www.conradalgarve.com
T. +351 289 350 700
Vista, Bela Vista, Portimão
Another starred hotel restaurant: the Vista restaurant by young star João Oliveira, located in the Relais & Châteaux Bela Vista, presents itself as a total work of art high above the beach. In a maritime-avant-garde ambience, a radically regional cuisine is celebrated here, which does not shy away from such unusual combinations as oysters with green tomatoes. Wild and wonderful!
www.vistarestaurante.com
T. +351 282 46 02 80
Gigi's Beach Bar, Quinta do Lago
Lunch only - an iconic beach restaurant with a high celebrity factor, located between the lagoon and the beach in the exclusive Quinta do Lago. Under lemon-yellow parasols and to the sound of opera, you can enjoy the best seafood in the area. Patron Bernardo (Gigi) Reino personally fetches it from the fish market in the morning. There is a sign above the bar saying "In God we trust, all others pay cash" and you should have enough of that with you ... Important: book in advance, otherwise you won't get a chance, especially in high season! www.quintadolago.com
T. +351 964 04 51 78
O Camilo Restaurante, Lagos
This small beach restaurant is located on the edge of Lagos, high above the magical Praia do Camilo bay with its sunset backdrop. Excellent food, friendly service and good value for money also make it very popular with the locals. www.restaurantecamilo.pt
T. +351 282 76 38 45
A Sereia, Sagres
It doesn't get any fresher than this: this inconspicuous restaurant is located directly above the fish auction hall in Sagres. We have rarely eaten such delicious fish! You can watch as the fishermen deliver their catch or enjoy a beer at the next table.
T. +351 282 10 96 82
Restaurante Teodósio, Guia, Albufeira
One of the best addresses for the Portuguese specialty "Frango Piri Piri" - grilled chicken with hot chili peppers. The huge restaurant is simple, full, loud and warm, the service is quick and friendly. Mostly locals sit at long tables and everyone orders the same thing: the chopped chicken is crispy, spicy and tastes simply delicious with a fresh tomato salad and crispy chips! www.teodosioreidosfrangos.pt
T. +351 289 56 13 18
Estaminé, Ilha Deserta
The journey to Estaminé is an experience in itself, as it can only be reached by private boat or public ferry from Faro. On the small island of Deserta, situated in the lagoons of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, it is not only the extraordinary architecture, which blends in perfectly with the landscape, that is impressive. It also serves the best fish in the region. After dinner, those who wish can take a short walk to Santa Maria Cape, the southernmost point in Portugal.
www.ilhadeserta.com
T. +351 917 81 18 56
Gourmet Natural, Almacil
South America and Portugal are not only linked by a long history, but also by delicious crossover cuisine. If you want to experience this for yourself, the secluded garden or the elegant salon of the Gourmet Natural are the perfect places to do so. The finest free-range beef from Uruguay is served with green beans and sweet potato and almond puree. The oxtail croquettes and the watermelon salad with sesame and sheep's cheese are also sensational. www.gourmetnaturalrestaurant.com
T. +351 289 35 52 71
For a nice game!
Portugal's south coast has already been named the world's best golf destination several times. And with 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, there is no handicap that prevents you from playing all year round. The courses are excellently integrated into the natural surroundings. Many bear the signature of famous golfers and architects such as Sir Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore, Nick Faldo and Arnold Palmer. Between Faro and Lagos, it's golf unlimited! More than 40 courses stretch like pearls on a string along the coast and in the hilly hinterland. If you're not careful, you could end up in the wrong clubhouse at the end of your round. The Algarve's golfing success story began in 1966 at Penina, the first course designed by Sir Henry Cotton near Portimão. The highest density of golf courses can be found in the "Golden Triangle" between Quinta do Lago, Almancil and Vilamoura. Old Course, Victoria, Laguna, Millenium & Pinhal : The five Oceânico golf course classics from Vilamoura have been teed off as the Dom Pedro Golf Collection since mid-2017. Victoria is the venue for the annual Portugal Masters. Vale do Lobo inspires with its
Ocean and Royal Course.
The award-winning golf resort Quinta do Lago is one of the most exclusive golf addresses in Europe with its three top courses. The Quinta do Lago South Course , set against the spectacular backdrop of the Ria Formosa National Park with its saltwater lagoons, is considered the secret favorite among the courses. The Portugal Open has been held here a total of eight times.
Tee-off with a view of the sea
The most recent course Laranjal (2009), in an orange grove with narrow fairways, demands a high level of golfing expertise. Tiger Woods recently rented the course for a whole month. It seems to have paid off, as he was able to celebrate his brilliant comeback shortly afterwards.
San Lorenzo , listed in the world ranking of the 100 best courses, is one of the most famous and most beautiful courses in the Algarve. Here you don't run the risk of having to place your balls between other people's villas and swimming pools. Guests of the Dona Filipa Hotel can book a tee time at any time, otherwise it is only possible via selected Tee Times golf agencies such as www.teetimes.pt.
The Onyria Palmares Golf Resort near Lagos offers good value for money at around 100 euros in high season with its 27 holes that perfectly combine two different landscapes, a mixture of links and parkland courses with magnificent sea views.
The most exclusive golf club and number one in Portugal is Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, with the first of two Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses. It is nestled between the picturesque hills of the eastern Algarve near Tavira and the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the top 10 in Europe - a "must" for every golf aficionado. The green fee of 220 euros already includes the golf cart and various services. The second Jack Nicklaus 18-hole course is due to be completed by 2020/21.
Extra tip: Given the airlines' prices for taking golf baggage with you, it is advisable to hire clubs and bags for 75 euros on site via www.clubstohire.com.You can then collect your bag directly from the arrivals hall at Faro airport.
Sightseeing
Ria Formosa
The 18,000-hectare nature park is considered a real bird paradise and is one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal. The lagoon with its labyrinth of waterways is ideal for hiking as well as kayaking. With a bit of luck, you might even spot wild flamingos and seahorses.
Cabo de São Vicente
The most south-westerly point of the European continent is a magical place that people once thought was the end of the world. Today, it is home to "The last bratwurst before America", a cult snack bar with original Nuremberg sausages.
Caldas de Monchique
The idyllically situated spa town in the hilly hinterland of the Serra Monchique impresses with its many springs, which are said to banish just about every ailment. Once regenerated, we recommend a walk through the surrounding forests full of oak, pine, chestnut and eucalyptus trees;
The market in Loulé
An absolute must for every gourmet. Freshly caught fish, fruit, vegetables and spices have been sold in the neo-Moorish hall of the Mercado Municipal since the beginning of the 20th century. A visit is particularly worthwhile on Saturdays, when the hustle and bustle of the market extends into the town and the so-called "gypsy market" offers lots of kitsch and bric-a-brac.
Évora
The medieval picture-book town is worth the trip north to the Algarve
bordering the Algarve. In addition to the spectacular cathedral, you should also visit the old Templo Romano - or simply take in the colorful hustle and bustle in the picturesque alleyways of the popular student town.
Beaches & Beach clubs
From fine sand to rocky - the Algarve has more than 100 official beaches, some of which can be quite windy. If you don't find your own personal favorite spot in the sun, it's your own fault
Praia da Falésia
To the east of Albufeira is this seemingly endless beach with deep red cliffs.
Praia da Marinha
A long staircase leads down to this beach with imposing cliffs. Many insiders consider it to be the most beautiful in the entire rocky Algarve.
Praia da Rocha
The "beach of the rocks" is located near Portimão and attracts visitors with legendary sunset parties in summer.
Praia Dona Ana
Located in the west of the Algarve, near Lagos, this beach enchants with spectacular rock formations and small offshore islands. According to Condé Nast Traveler, it is one of the 50 best beaches in the world!
Praia da Beliche
World-class waves for world-class surfers and anyone who wants to become one or just likes to watch.
Praia de BenagiL
The attraction here is a rocky cave at the eastern end of the beach, which can be reached either by swimming or by boat at low tide. It is called the "cathedral" because of its large "windows". The sheltered location also makes the beach a hotspot for stand-up paddlers and kayakers;
Praia Odeceixe
A huge beach that offers everything. In the far north, the River Seixe flows into the sea here and invites you to swim in the fresh water. To the south - well protected by rock formations - is one of the few nudist beaches in the entire Algarve.
Purobeach Club
White loungers and daybeds directly on the beach of Vilamoura with a view of the Atlantic, plus the legendary Purosound from the live DJ, a fancy cocktail and light Mediterranean cuisine - this is the perfect way to enjoy your vacation. Brunch every Sunday from 12-15 h! www.purobeach.com/de
Grand Beach Club
This exclusive and elegant beach club with a small infinity pool is located in Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the eastern Algarve. It is part of the recently opened 5* boutique hotel Grand House Algarve (see also p. 118). Its location, ambience, service and culinary offerings make it a new hotspot! Don't miss: grilled sea bass with rosemary potatoes and the absolutely heavenly chocolate mousse with lavender ice cream.
www.grandhousealgarve.com Activities
Golfing
The Algarve boasts 42 golf courses - some of which are among the best in Europe;
Birdwatching
The lagoons and wetlands along the Algarve are among the richest in birdlife in Europe and are home to flamigos, storks, oystercatchers ... October is considered the best month for birdwatching, with the Lagoa dos Salgagdos not far from the dunes being the best hotspot. No less spectacular: the area around Alvor. If you want, you can also book guided tours in small groups. www.lands.pt
Hiking
The "7 hanging waves" is a 5.7 km long hiking trail that leads from Praia de Vale Centeanes to Praia da Marinha. It is not always easy to walk (sure-footedness is essential) and is unsuitable for those who are not afraid of heights, as it leads directly along the cliffs and sometimes turns off in the direction of juniper forests. The best place to start is at the Nossa Senhora da Rocha chapel in Porches. You can take the bus back or order a cab from a hotel.
Surfing
Ideal for beginners: Praia do Amado, bordered by cliffs, where there are also several surf schools. If you want to try it out: the Future Surfing School also offers one-day taster courses.
www.future-surf.com Shopping
Art & Interior
The Côrte Real Gallery is a successful mix of contemporary art gallery and high-quality home store. The atmospheric presentation of the pictures and accessories from mostly small manufacturers alone is worth a visit to the small town of Paderne.
www.corterealart.com
Ceramics
The artistically painted tiles, vases and plates are among the most popular souvenirs from the Algarve. If you are looking for true art instead of kitsch, Porches Pottery is the place to go. Founded in 1962 by an Irish-Portuguese artist couple in Porches, you can still find hand-painted treasures here today.
www.porchespottery.com General information www.visitportugal.com
www.vistitalgarve.pt
Hotels
