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

Ilha de Fuseta

You can walk onto this island at low tide, while the waters of the lagoon provide a popular venue for windsurfers.
Ilha de Tavira

A huge offshore sandbank stretching 11 km (6 miles) west from Tavira, connected to land by a ferry from Quatro Águas. Alternatively, a mini railway can get you there from the resort of Pedras d’el Rei.
Ilha Deserta Cruise

A maritime expedition through the myriad waterways of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, allowing possibly the best way to explore this diverse wetland. Lunch is at O Estaminé, which specializes in seafood.
International Rentals

An attractive website listing a number of farmhouses typical of rural Algarve. The directory also includes private guest-houses in the region.
Isaura

Under full sail, this majestic schooner hugs the coastline from Lagos to Cabo de Sâo Vicente. See Western Region. The ship drops anchor for lunch near a sandy beach, with plenty of time for swimming.
Jailhouse

Situated in the center of Carvoeiro village it is by far the best night spot in Carvoeiro and the only one to have live music every night.It is a beautiful old timber roofed building with lots of old fashioned charm that not many pubs have now . We carried on dancing until about 3am while the kids played pool outside on the terrace, brilliant!
Kadoc, Vilamoura

The biggest club in the Algarve draws thousands of revellers to its wild summer parties. Guests bump and grind on five tiered dance floors under a blaze of multicoloured light. See Clubs and Late-Night Bars.
Kadoc, Vilamoura

A sprawling venue of gargantuan proportions, the nightclub can accommodate up to 7,000 party-goers on five dance floors illuminated by a spectacular tricolour laser system. The clientele is young and energetic. A landscaped open-air terrace set in a tropical garden offers a great spot for those chill-out sessions. It’s always the last club to wind down, closing around 7am.
Karting

Experience life in the fast lane at this challenging circuit, inaugurated by Ayrton Senna, with its exact replica of the famous Jacarepágua Formula 1 track in Brazil. A smaller circuit with less powerful machines is geared towards youngsters.
Katedral, Praia da Rocha

Popular late-night dance venue and a hit with both young business professionals and tuned-in youth. The music reflects whatever’s current, but with the base level way off the dial. See Clubs and Late-Night Bars.