If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: 'leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure', then one taken in Algarve must be the epitome of that term.
The southern-most region of Portugal, Algarve is a holiday-maker's dream. Wonderful year-round weather, great beaches, fabulous scenery and - best of all - the local people!
Algarveans are a tolerant, laid-back lot, who have seen much change in the several decades since their region started to become a tourist magnet. Some of the age-old ways of life (such as small-scale fishing) continue undisturbed by the leisure-seeking visitors who are drawn to this lovely area.
Most who sample the attractions of Algarve become converted enthusiasts. If you love warm places, sand and sea and generally relaxed holidays, then Algarve is your dream destination.
It's a compact area, only some 90 miles by 30 miles at its furthest extremities - but it's home to over 100 miles of gorgeous sandy beaches.
While, for those who don't mind leaving the coast behind for a while, the region is steeped in history, and has much to delight the visitor's eye. Much of the Algarve's heritage has been preserved, especially in the profusion of Moorish-influenced architecture on show. And the contrasts, between coast and mountains, sand and greenery, modernity and history, offer visitors many choices of how to spend an Algarve vacation.
The region's ancient past is positively celebrated, and most sizeable towns boast a local museum that shows relics from Roman times - and even earlier.
Algarveans are proud of their distinct culture and some of the diversion on offer to the holiday-maker is even free (concerts and gallery admissions spring to mind from my last visit). Whatever the month of year, there's usually a Saint's day that gives rise to a colourful festival, in which the locals take a whole-hearted part.
Public transport within the region is efficient and cheap, which serves to keep the tourist dollars and Euros circulating, while allowing holiday-makers to sample more than just the tourist areas.
Even a tour of either the western or eastern halves of Algarve can be undertaken within a single day (though it helps to have your itinerary sorted before you set out). And a meal at an inland restaurant during the return journey to your holiday accommodation will likely prove cheaper than one taken in the tourist-populated coastal areas (a bonus for the more adventurous tourist!).
Am I keen to get back there soon? You bet!
Which leads me to a rather obvious question: why am I sitting here writing this, instead of making a booking with my friendly local travel agent?
About The Author
Jennifer Dodds is the owner of www.algarve-beach-life.com, her enthusiast website, where she shares everything she loves (and is still discovering) about her favourite vacation spot. She publishes a monthly newsletter, Algarve Beach Life News to update subscribers about what's new on the site.
recurring housekeeping Arlington Heights ..Cozumel has something to suit the tastes and budgets of... Read More
The rental market and Vacation Home sale market is unsustainable.... Read More
Tip #1 : Buy a beach front Caribbean villa! ... Read More
Thailand is a popular golf paradise and home to many... Read More
The Amazonat Jungle Lodge is offering in addition to her... Read More
Visiting the best Orlando timeshare resorts: a report on my... Read More
Bahamas vacation resorts are great places to look into if... Read More
Love the outdoors, looking for adventure, a romantic getaway, or... Read More
If you're dreaming of a unique vacation experience, but don't... Read More
Gloucestershire, pronounced Glostershire, is a pretty English county located south... Read More
The county of Dorset on England's south coast is a... Read More
Did you ever worry when traveling about the weather? Most... Read More
Many vacationers on Hilton Head Island have discovered a simple... Read More
I have a 17-year-old daughter who is finishing up a... Read More
Traveling for business or vacationing always has one thing in... Read More
When I was young, family vacations with my parents consisted... Read More
How to find a Town Houses that will make your... Read More
Shropshire is England's forgotten county, but it is well worth... Read More
Gatlinburg cabin rental options range from old-fashioned rustic "log cabins"... Read More
Going away on a vacation brings numerous benefits. It refreshes... Read More
The real secret to cheap family vacations is to be... Read More
Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches,... Read More
As our wedding anniversary looms near... and this one will... Read More
More often than not, a person will base his or... Read More
Orlando is calling to you and your family to come... Read More
on demand house cleaning Lake Forest ..Cozumel has something to suit the tastes and budgets of... Read More
Condo hotels, also known as condotels, are a relatively new... Read More
At the heart of Central Florida lies one of the... Read More
There are many wonderful resorts with tons of activity in... Read More
As beautiful and modern as Cozumel is, visitors must remember... Read More
Many vacation spots purport to offer true relaxation, but upon... Read More
Hospitable to all of our visitors, rental agencies on Hilton... Read More
In November, 2004, my wife Terry and I visited Paris... Read More
For most of us, the basis of a car rental... Read More
Originally founded in the early 1800s as White Oaks, Gatlinburg... Read More
Visiting the best Orlando timeshare resorts: a report on my... Read More
An Award Winning Vacation, Golf, Tennis and Beach ResortIf you... Read More
Holiday time is around the corner and its time to... Read More
A beautiful and inexpensive place without a tourist in sight.... Read More
So you may be asking yourself, why would I want... Read More
We are planning a family trip for just a few... Read More
Rooms for rent! No, not the kind where you are... Read More
The DeLaunay House, located 185 N. Pioneer in Ashland is... Read More
If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: 'leisure... Read More
Traveling for business or vacationing always has one thing in... Read More
Lake Havasu, Arizona has become a treasured destination for tourists,... Read More
If you're planning a visit to Australia, then you'll be... Read More
It is a common assumption for most Americans that they... Read More
Margarita Island is one of the lesser known Caribbean islands.... Read More
Bahamas house rental or a hotel? Vacation rentals are becoming... Read More
Vacation Rental |