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

Pensão Residencial Oceano

A mere stone’s throw from Faro’s historical quarter, this pensão in the shape of a traditional town house is also handy for shops, restaurants, cafés and the local tourism office.
Pestana Alvor Praia

An ideal five-star base for golfers, with generous discounts offered at a dozen nearby courses, including Pestana’s Pinta and Gramacho layouts at Carvoeiro, home of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. The hotel overlooks Três Irmãos beach and is close to the fishing village of Alvor.
Pestana Alvor Praia

A modern hotel nestling in manicured gardens and ideally situated for golfers, with preferential green fees available for a number of golf courses including Pestana’s own.
Pinheiro Altos

This par 72 is very much of two halves. The outward nine snake lazily through lofty pine wood, while the back nine skirt some daunting water hazards. The course falls within the Ria Formosa nature reserve, making it an especially attractive course.
Pinheiros Altos

An independent 18-hole, par 72 course built on the Quinta do Lago estate, embracing part of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
Pinta Course, Pestana Carvoeiro

An ancient olive tree spreads over one of the greens of the 18-hole Pinta course. The 18-hole Gramacho layout has some heavily bunkered greens.
Pinta Course, Pestana Carvoeiro

One of the layout’s wonders is a stately olive tree, believed to be over 1,200 years old. In fact, most of the natural contours of this par 71 estate were retained to include the ancient tree life that characterizes this course. Pinta is home to the prestigious David Leadbetter Academy.
Planet Golf

The biggest chain in Portugal selling golf equipment and sport fashion. Staff are knowledgeable about the game.
Porches Pottery

One of the first commercial ceramic outlets in the region. The vast array of glazed pottery and earthenware goods are all manufactured in-house. Superb value for money.
Porco à Alentejana

This intrepid marriage of pork and clams appears to bring the ocean and the countryside together, although it’s a feast that originated in the vast plains of the Alentejo. The ingredients are cooked in a spicy marinade of white wine, fresh garlic and paprika. If prepared correctly, the shells should be open when served.

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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