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

Évoramonte

Dramatic views reward those who make it to Évoramonte’s castle walls which are embellished with curious stone “ropes”. Dom Miguel ceded the throne in Évoramonte on 26 May 1834.
Fábrica do Inglês

In summer this lively show ground is animated by clowns, dancers, jesters and musicians. Dazzling cybernetic water fountains play all day. As evening falls the fountains are the stage for the stunning multimedia “Aquavision” water show.
Faro

The biggest city in southern Portugal, Faro is the capital of the Algarve and an important centre of tourism, trade and commerce. Its historic quarter overlooks a pretty marina and the Ria Formosa. See Faro.
Faro

Faro is often overlooked by visitors to the Algarve who tend to head straight for the beach resorts. This is unfortunate, because its Old Town quarter is a particularly enchanting ensemble of centuries-old architecture and fine museums worthy of thorough investigation. Of special merit is the former convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, which houses the city’s excellent archaeological museum. See: Faro Old Town; also see Museums.
Fatacil, Lagoa

The premier showcase for all things Algarve, this nine-day jamboree attracts visitors from all over Portugal. It is part agricultural show, part handicrafts fair – with a music concert, trade exhibition and gastronomy festival thrown in for good measure.
Feira da Serra, Tavira

Tavira’s sparkling riverfront is the choice setting for this animated three-day celebration of all things rural. Enjoy a delicious range of countryside cuisine, an array of outstanding handicrafts and an agenda of music and dance that lasts well into the evening.
Ferragudo

Ferragudo has admirably managed to avoid the more garish trappings of tourism and looks the better for it. Sitting at the mouth of the Rio Arade, this attractive fishing village tumbles down to a busy little quayside bristling with fishermen’s huts, artisan’s workshops and one or two truly memorable seafood restaurants. The maze of steep cobbled alleys lead up to a rather handsome church. Praia Grande is a generous swathe of sand, which is popular sunbathing territory and also the location of a big windsurfing school. The beach is dominated by the monolithic Fortaleza de São João, a private residence.
Ferragudo

A maze of cottages, converted lofts and cube-like town houses tumble down towards the river and Praia Grande, a vast swathe of sand popular with sunbathers and windsurfers. The seafood restaurants lining the tidy quayside are some of the best in the Algarve.
Festival of the Smoked Sausage, Querença

A curious mix of pagan ritual and religious celebration. An auction of smoked sausage donated by residents takes place in homage to São Luís, the patron saint of animals, with the proceeds donated to charity. A modest cultural fair takes place at the same time, and visitors can sample hearty rural gastronomy.
Fialho

Specialities includecacão de coentrada (dog fish with coriander sauce). Advance booking is essential.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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