Algarve is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal separated from the rest of the country by the Mountain range of Monchique originating a hot and dry climate. The region has been very popular with British tourists since the 1960s’ and since then has become a chosen destination for German and Dutch tourists as well. So different from the rest of Portugal, the Algarve has been completely taken over by mass tourism with the beautiful rocky coastline surrounded by huge hotels and apartment blocks that have been built without any consideration of the natural environment. The result is overcrowded resorts covered with cement and the loss of the original character. Even the picturesque fishing villages have been emptied to make space for the big hotel chains. The Algarve coincides with the Faro district and includes famous holiday destinations such as Albufeira, Lagos, Tavira, Vilamoura, Portimao and Silves.



The Algarve has about 150 km of beautiful coastline with lovely sandy beaches, rocky bays and picturesque limestone grottoes especially in the area around Lagos, which can be accessed by boat. As a seaside destination, Algarve offers all facilities possible and imaginable from water sports, to restaurants, bars and night clubs as well as some fantastic golf courses.