INTRODUCTION
The Algarve is the southern region of Portugal, stretching from the Spanish border in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The area’s sandy beaches and year-round sunshine make the Algarve a popular destination for Europeans and Americans alike. Many Europeans own summer homes in the Algarve, and golf courses, English-language news publications, and hotels have sprung up to cater to this community. Radiant whitewashed houses beautifully contrast the crystal blue hues of the ocean and the golden sand. Dramatic sea cliffs plunge into the deep blue sea, forming coves and caves perfect for exploring, and the crystal-clear aquamarine tide laps at the sandy shore.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Climate: The Algarve enjoys a temperate climate with hot, sunny, dry summers and mild winters. Winter temperatures rarely fall below freezing, and rain is occasional. The ocean temperature is typically a warm 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Language: Portuguese
Power: 220 volts
Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Currency: Euro
If you’re traveling from outside Portugal, fly into Faro, the region’s main, small airport. Buses connect the Algarve, making it easy to hop from city to city in a short time. Fast trains run regularly from Lisbon to Lagos and Faro.
MAJOR CITIES
Faro
Lagos
Loulé