Cities in the Algarve - Promenade of Lagos, PortugalThe Algarve is located at the southern tip of Portugal, with the vast Atlantic Ocean as its western and southern border-boasting 100 miles of dramatic coastline with magnificent golden sand beaches and tidy rugged coves.

The beaches are clean and unpolluted and have already received a record number of EEC 'Blue Flag' awards for beach and sea cleanliness. Most beaches feature at least one bar or restaurant, usually an ideal setting to sample the excellent seafood.

For the more energetic, the sporting facilities are excellent, in particular golf and tennis. Indeed whatever resort you have chosen you are never far from a golf course or tennis court, while the waters of the Atlantic are ideal for the many watersports available.

Closely associated with the sea throughout history, the Algarve was the seat of "Henry the Navigator", whose statue faces the ocean at Sagres, the starting point of his famous 15th century world exploration.

On summer, the coast between Faro and Lagos attracts thousands of visitors, but it is possible to escape from the crowds even in popular places like Albufeira and Portimão. Faro itself is worth a visit. The colorful Tavira is a good base for an excursion to the lagoons of Eastern Algarve, while in Lagos you easily arrive to the southwestern beaches of the Algarve. In the more interior locations, the towns are more relaxed, with luxuriant vegetation, cultivated and wild. Monchique is an area of great beauty, excellent for strolls. The Algarve has a lot to offer.

Lagos Westalgarve PortugalLagos Marina Algarve Portugal

Much of the Moorish influence can still be seen today in the region's architecture, music and language.

The Algarve has been most successful in retaining its particular character, you will find Portuguese fishermen working unconcerned on the beach alongside holidaymakers, or venture inland and you will be surprised to find this is still an undiscovered, unspoilt part of the world where old traditions still survive. In addition to excellent entertainment the Algarvian cuisine is delightful with plentiful supplies of fresh meat and sea food and year round availability of superb fruit and vegetables all washed down with local wine.