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

Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo

The village is mainly famous for its traditional red clay bricks and roof tiles. Some of the local olive trees are believed to be more than 1,000 years old.
Santa Luzia

Stunted palmeiras stud Santa Luzia’s long esplanade, swaying lazily in the sea breezes. The village is synonymous with octopus, and dozens of emptycovos (pots) can be seen stacked near the quay, the hapless contents of which are probably on the dinner table. Summer sea safaris depart from the quayside and cruise the waters off Ilha de Tavira.
Santa Luzia

An old seafaring myth claims Santa Luzia came by its foreign-sounding name after an effigy of the Virgin Mary was salvaged from an Italian vessel. Today the image most associated with Santa Luzia iscovos – octopus pots. This is the octopus capital of the Algarve, and hundreds of the earthenware pots, all numbered and roped together, can be found piled neatly on the beach in readiness for their next outing.
São Bartolomeu de Messines

Poet João de Deus (1830–96) is synonymous with this quiet rural town. The church has some amazing twisted sandstone pillars – unique in the Algarve.
São Rosas

Superb location right in front of the Torre das Três Coroas, matched by first-class service. Top puddings.
São Vicente Giftshop

The place to shop for quality linen and colourful ceramics. Also a bookshop of sorts and snack bar.
Sardines Assadas

The humble and ubiquitous sardine is arguably the most popular menu choice in the region. Bursting with goodness, sardines are at their plumpest during summer, and are simply mouth-watering when charcoal grilled and served with boiled potatoes and salad.
Scuba Diving

Sea caves, historic wrecks and a wealth of marine life await those who don wetsuit and aqualung and plunge into the Algarve depths.
Seafood Festival, Olhão

Olhão is the Algarve’s biggest fishing port, and at festival time numerous stalls groan under the weight of every imaginable seafood delicacy, including octopus, squid, clam, prawn, mussel and the ubiquitous grilled sardine. Folk music and dancing add further flavour.
Serpa

This tranquil town makes for leisurely exploration. Start with the city walls and the stout towers of the Porta de Beja. Up above are the remains of an 11th-century aqueduct. Within the walls the castle provides the strongest focal point, and its ramparts offer sweeping views of the Alentejan plains. Finally, leave time to sample somequeijo de Serpa , a creamy ewe’s milk cheese often served as a starter.

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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