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

Fortaleza Cacelha Velha

This pocket-sized fortress sits in the quaint hamlet of Cacelha Velha, 8 km (5 miles) west of Monte Gordo, in the eastern Algarve. Polygonal in shape, the building dates from the 18th century and overlooks a gentle lagoon teeming with waterfowl. Its squat turrets are topped with whitewashed cones.
Fortaleza de Sagres

The fortress is steeped in history and myth. Huge walls and bastions date from 1793: little, if anything, remains of Henry the Navigator’s original fortress. Whether or not there was an academy of navigation founded here remains a matter of debate and legend. An 18th-century sundial fashioned into the wall is aligned with the famous wind compass. See Sagres.
Fortaleza do Beliche, Sagres

Arguably one of the most romantic settings in the Algarve, offering traditional Portuguese fare.
Fortaleza, Praia da Luz

A 16th-century fortress with fabulous views andespetada de frango (chicken kebabs) among other delights.
Forum Algarve Shopping Centre

With an architectural design inspired by Faro’s historical centre, this is the region’s biggest shopping mall.
Forum Algarve, Faro

Created with much more than shopping in mind, Forum Algarve is the biggest mall of its kind in the region, attracting visitors and residents alike. Over 200 shops, boutiques and department stores, as well as an enormous hypermarket and family entertainment centre are imaginatively incorporated into an architectural design inspired by Faro’s historic city centre.
Frango Assado com Piri-piri

The great Portuguese stand-by: some restaurants in the Algarve serve nothing else. Generous platters of juicy chicken portions are served with crisp french fries and green-pepper salad. The meat comes dabbed with red chilli sauce, which is home-made and usually hot.
Freshwater Kayaking

Barragem de Bravura is a huge, tree-fringed reservoir, and a kayak safari is the best way to observe its diverse wildlife.
Game Fishing

Fishing expeditions depart from resorts and marinas throughout the summer in search of marlin and shark.
Gaspacho do Algarve

This version of gaspacho soup differs from its well-known Spanish counterpart in that the ingredients are not pulverized and so it retains a delightfully crunchy texture. Served cold, this heavenly blend of tomato, garlic, cucumber, oregano and sweet pepper sprinkled with diced crouton is bliss on a hot day.

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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.
- under €20
- €20–€30
- €30–€40
- €40–€50
- over €50