DK Travel : The Algarve

The Moors called their al-Gharb the Sunset Land, and visitors have been waxing lyrical ever since. Blessed with a mild winter climate and a sunny disposition, Portugal’s playground province remains one of the most popular year-round holiday destinations in southern Europe. Lively coastal resorts spill over ribbons of golden sand in sharp contrast to the quiet villages of the hinterland, where history and tradition go hand in hand.

Folk dancers

Caldas de Monchique

The warm spa water here has brought visitors since at least the age of the Roman Empire. It is just as alluring today, but there are other reasons to visit this hillside hamlet, not least the wood of pine and eucalyptus which provides a lush, cooling canopy in the heat of summer. Woodsmoke and birdsong drift lazily through a valley peppered with whitewashed cottages and smallholdings.
Camané, Ilha de Faro

Famous for itscaldeirada de lagosta (lobster stew) it is open for dinner only in August – bookings required!
Camping Dourada

This pleasant and rather tranquil site fills up quickly in summer due to its proximity to the buzzing resort of Alvor. Modern, well-equipped facilities.
Camping Olhão

This excellent site near the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa has first-class amenities and lively recreation facilities that include a swimming pool and tennis court. There’s also a mini-market, a restaurant and a bar.
Camping-Caravaning Vale da Telha

This is located near some incredible beaches, such as Praia de Monte Clérigo – a surfer’s gem. Simple amenities include hot showers and a swimming pool.
Capture of Aljezur Castle, 1249

A maid might have prevented the capture, but mistook the attacking knights for Moorish defenders and failed to raise the alarm.
Caravela Santa Bernarda

This replica of a 500-year-old Portuguese caravela charts the caves and grottoes between Lagos and Armação de Pêra.
Carnival, Loulé

Carnival in Loulé is one of the biggest, brightest and boldest street parties in Portugal, a three-day extravaganza of mirth, mischief and merrymaking. The procession of floats heaves with a colourful theatre of costumes, masks and hats. Festivities continue into the night with dancing till dawn.
Carrapateira

This is where surfers come to relax after a day taming the waves at Praia da Bordeira and Praia do Armado. See Beaches. A loose configuration of terraced cottages and sandblown cafés, Carrapateira is well used to the camper vans that disgorge the salt-encrusted youths.
Carvoeiro

Friendliness suffuses this alluring little town, making it ideal for families. It is one of the Algarve’s main self-catering areas, and the hilltops that flank the pocket-sized beach are awash with apartments. On the other side of the promontory is the snorkelling territory of Algar Seco rock formation.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €50
- €50–€100
- €100–€200
- €200–€300
- over €300
Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €20
- €20–€30
- €30–€40
- €40–€50
- over €50