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

Vilamoura

Designed around a marina of international repute, this upmarket resort has championship golf courses, a stylish casino, luxury hotels and sumptuous villas. Fabulous cruises depart from the marina. See Central Region.
Vilamoura Casino

Sophisticated gaming room with baccarat, Portuguese dice, roulette (French and American), blackjack and 500 big-jackpot slot machines. The Mira Lago Room stages world-class music and dance.
Vilamoura Golf Course

The Old Course, Pinhal, Laguna and Millennium courses are all fabulous 18-hole, par 72 layouts, in a beautiful natural setting with pinewood and lake.
Vilamoura Marina

A multitude of bars, eateries and late-night shopping. Spectacular firework displays round off many a long summer evening.
Villa Plus

An extensive catalogue of luxury villas with private swimming pools for rent located in some of the most sought-after areas in the Algarve. The website is well illustrated throughout with colour photographs of the villas.
Villas and Rentals

Primarily a website (and rather a creative one), with colour photographs accompanying detailed descriptions of various properties. Luxury Algarve villas abound along the coast, while farmhouses predominate in inland locales.
Villas International

A first-class website that is clear, precise and well-illustrated. The Algarve region is covered well, and properties are regularly inspected and updated. Local representation is usually provided and car hire can be arranged.
Walking and Hiking

Guided walking tours take in rolling hills, mountain gullies and exhilarating coastal ranges.
Where to eat in Moncarapacho

MONCARAPACHO.

Antonio’s, also known as the Internet Cafe.

This has a fairly plain bar at the front, but it is well worth trekking through to the back where there is a very nice air conditioned restaurant. The Prato do Dia (lunch time menu) is very good value with a main course priced at aroud 7 euros. Don’t be surprised if some people get served before you, they’re the workers and have to get back to their jobs! The evening menu is a little more extensive and a little more expensive, but still good value.

Colibri.

Also known locally to some as “Danny’s” Once again you need to work your way through the bar to the restaurant with it’s closely packed tables, in the summer there are more tables outside in the street. Most people have to try the steak on a stone, which is becoming world famous, and proclaim it to be “the best I’ve ever had”. Don’t be shy, wear the bib.

The Bistro,

Most of the dishes have an Italian flavour. They have a small terrace for outside eating, and will do a takeaway pizza.
Windsurfing

The Atlantic westerlies, especially at Praia de Salema and Praia do Matinhal, are a treat for windsurfers.