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

Hiking

Serra da Monchique provides the most demanding walking. Wooded foothills give way to a treeless summit speckled with rhododendron blooms. The views fully justify the long hike.
Horse Carrige Tours Tavira

See Tavira from a different perspective. Feel its history and discover the beautiful architecture which typifies Tavira.
Horse Riding

With its almond and cork oak trees, the area around Bensafrim, northwest of Lagos, is idyllic riding territory.
Horse Riding

Through the countryside or over a bracing coastal path, riding a Lusitano horse is a joyful way to explore the land.
Hotel Algarve Casino

Glowing in its beachfront location in Praia da Rocha, this was Portugal’s first hotel-casino complex. The casino, with its superb gaming rooms and international cabaret, remains the prize draw.
Hotel Algarve Casino

The complete family holiday package. As well as the famous beach, leisure facilities on hand include a swimming pool, video room, a children’s zone and a casino that stages international cabaret.
Hotel Algarve Casino, Praia da Rocha

The first hotel-casino in Portugal is situated in a prime position. There’s a fabulous slot machines room with 322 of the latest game stations.
Hotel Atlantis Vilamoura

Ideal for families, the Atlantis has sports and leisure facilities in abundance, including a “Children’s Zone”, four swimming pools and several restaurants.
Hotel Belavista da Luz

A family-run hotel, built in a horseshoe shape to enclose two inviting pools and a “children’s zone”. Golf, horse riding, walking tours and scuba diving can be organized by staff.
Hotel Califórnia

Within Albufeira’s lively bar district, this is the ideal place if heady nightlife is your bag. All bedrooms have terrace views over the town, and Praia dos Barcos is a 10-minute stroll away, though the rooftop pool is just as blissful.

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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