It's easy to see why Portugal's glorious south, the Algarve, has become a popular travel destination over the past two decades. The Algarve has some of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe. With towering cliffs, sea caves, golden beaches, shell coves and sandy beaches, the Algarve attracts more than four million visitors each year. The charm of the Portuguese themselves has contributed greatly to the tourism boom in the Algarve. They are the friendliest and kindest people. Much of this part of the country is of Arabic origin.
Surrounded on both sides by the Atlantic Ocean, the Algarve is a paradise for many types of outdoor and water sports, including parasailing, kayaking and even dolphin watching. Natural treasures include the bird-rich lagoons and islands of the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park. This vast system of lagoons and islands covers 18,000 hectares and stretches 60 km along the coast. Here you can experience incredible moments of pure nature and great excitement. Take a guided tour and you might spot wildlife such as flamingos, herons and storks. As your kayak glides gently through the mirror-smooth waters, your guide shares a wealth of knowledge about these biologically rich wetlands.
There are many ways to explore the coast, including walking along the coast, jumping off cliffs, rock climbing and swimming in some of the caves. One of the most impressive sights in the Algarve is the Bengal Caves. This huge natural sea cave has a hole in the ceiling that allows sunlight to shine through, illuminating the sandstone and beach below. Accessible only by the sea on calm days, stepping into this space feels like stepping into another world. On this trip, you will not only see these stunning caves but also learn about their formation, the surrounding nature and natural life. An experience you will never forget. You can take a powerboat tour, but kayaking is more fun.
But would you like to charter a boat at sunrise and visit the famous caves before anyone else? This is also possible.
Portugal's southernmost region is home to many famous resorts, such as Albufeira and Lagos. Albufeira offers a vibrant nightlife, many outdoor activities and many hidden beaches.
One of the things to do is Parasailing in Albufeira with panoramic views of Portugal's stunning white cliffs and multiple ochers and sandy beaches. But you don't need to be a water sports enthusiast to wander around here. Another “must” is to discover the Algarve hinterland and coast on a quad or buggy tour. Discover inland locations not easily accessible on foot or by public transport. One of the true highlights of Albufeira is dolphin watching. Discover the Algarve coast by small boat and watch dolphins leap in their wake. The two most frequently observed species are common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Both species are residents. That means they live in these waters all year round to find the right conditions.
A place of raw beauty and wild adventure, the Algarve really has something for everyone when it comes to an unforgettable holiday.
