As Europe's sunniest region, with a seemingly perpetual cloudless blue sky, the Algarve offers lovers of the outdoors not only numerous golf courses, but also superb surfing, a rich diversity of bird life and mile upon mile of golden sands, framed by the characteristic limestone rocks which stand guard out in the Atlantic. Whilst the area around Faro airport is well developed a beautiful wilderness still exists in the Western Algarve, Portugal's 'Land's End'. August heat encourages laziness and an addiction to cool waters, but at other times of the year visit the old Moorish castles and forts, walk up in the hills, fragrant with the smell of delicate almond blossom or sample the freshest of fish from the day's catch at one of the rustic beach restaurants right at the sea's edge.
Written by Mary Lussiana
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“Two-star Michelin restaurant with five-star rooms”
- Luxury
- PRAIA DA GALE; central Algarve, on the coast with direct beach access
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“18th-century country house converted into a charming boutique hotel”
- Luxury
- ESTOI; near this ancient village, north of Faro airport
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“Bright white beacon of slick sophistication amidst rural farmland”
- Inexpensive
- TAVIRA; 8 kms from this town, in orange growing countryside
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“Exclusive cliff-top family resort with Moorish-style accommodation in lush gardens”
- Luxury
- PORCHES: on the coast with its own beach
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“Lavish accommodation surrounded by orange groves and olive trees”
- Moderate
- LUZ; on outskirts, not far from beaches
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“Idyllic lakeside hideaway to get away from it all”
- Inexpensive - 64 euros to 165 euros
- Hidden away on a lake midway between Ourique, Odemira and Monchique. Always best to printo out map and directions from http://www.paradise-in-portugal.com/eng_how.aspx before trying to find the place
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“Unpretentious accommodation in a 17th-century villa”
- Moderate
- PORTO DE MOS; on the cliffs, 2 miles from Lagos
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“Chic and airy minimalist hotel with superb sea views”
- Inexpensive
- SAGRES; perched right on the coast of the unspoilt Western Algarve
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“Small Relais & Chateaux resort with first-class facilities”
- Moderate
- MONCARAPACHO; near the town in unspoilt countryside and 15 minutes from sea
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“The Algarve’s most prestigious five-star property”
- Luxury
- Overlooking the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve and beyond, not far from Faro airport
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“16th-century convent beautifully restored”
- Moderate
- TAVIRA; in the centre of town
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