Algarve Tourist Information, Portugal

Located at the southern tip of Portugal, Algarve is the southernmost region in the nation and is bounded by Spain to the east and the sea to the south and west. Beginning in the 1960s, Algarve became a popular destination to British tourists, as well as European tourists. In fact, there are so many English speaking visitors that all-English written publications exist in the region. Algarve benefits greatly from this popularity, and tourism is one of the largest industries in the area. Because of this mutual relationship, you will be able to find a huge variety of holiday rentals in Algarve, ranging from simple inns to extravagant spas. Also quite popular in Algarve are guest houses or rental villas that allow tourists to enjoy the land at their own pace and in their own style.

The capital city of the region of Algarve is Faro. Faro is quite a diverse area that has played host at various times to large groups of Jewish settlers as well as Muslims. Historically, the area has been overrun at times by the Visigoths and the Moors and also was strongly influenced by the Holy Roman Empire. Faro is an easy destination for tourists to reach, as it is home to an international airport, as well as well-connected by roadways to other parts of the region and country. With a pleasant, almost Mediterranean climate, you’ll enjoy visiting Faro at any time during the year.

Albufeira, from the Arabic word for lagoon, is located only a short drive from Faro, and boasts a popular restaurant and nightlife scene. On what’s known as The Strip, there are many well-visited bars and clubs to keep you busy at night, after you’ve spent the day roaming around peaceful beaches. A city of substantial size, vacation apartments are not hard to find and book for your holiday in Portugal.

Aljezur, Arabic for islands, and Lagoa, Portuguese for lake, are two additional towns near Faro that you will want to spend time in while in the Algarve region of Portugal. In addition, Monchique and Portimao are simply waiting to be discovered during your holiday. For sports enthusiasts, both football and auto events visit Portimao each summer, and tourists can enjoy surfing throughout many months of the year. You can rest and rejuvenate while in Monchique, home to health spas, sulphur springs and fine resorts. Between Aljezur, Lagoa, Monchique and Portimao, dozens upon dozens of vacation rentals options exist for you to be able to choose the best accommodation for yourself and your family or travel companions.

Another town in Algarve to visit is Lagos, which was first settled more than two thousand years ago by the Cathaginians, before becoming a part of the Roman Empire and later ruled by the Visigoths, Byzantines and Moors. A costal town, Lagos relies upon fishing for its economy, and is also considered a centre for tourism.

There are many other small towns and larger cities that you can visit during your holiday in the Portuguese region of Algarve. Whether your travels take you through Loule in the southeast, nearby Vilamoura, or even farther east to Tavira, you are sure to find picturesque spots and impeccably accommodations. Vilamoura is home to a huge marina surrounded by many luxury villas waiting to making your Portugal holiday enjoyable. Tavira, which has historical sites dating all the way back to the Bronze Age Phoenicians, can add more historical flavour to your holiday than almost any other area in the region. Most importantly, while on your trip, is to take time to enjoy all of the sights available and find the right holiday rentals to make your stay more enjoyable than you could imagine.