Vacation Rentals in Algarve
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Apartments in the Algarve
If you are looking for a dreamlike situated vacation rental or a modern furnished holiday apartment in the Algarve, you will find it especially in the numerous places along the wildly romantic old antique coast. The offer is particularly large in larger cities such as Tavira, Faro, Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos. There you will benefit not only from the immediate proximity to the picturesque beaches and rocky coves, but also from the shopping opportunities and restaurants that you will find within walking distance. Smaller coastal towns such as Carvoeiro, Quarteira or Praia de Cacela Velha, on the other hand, are somewhat more tranquil. An insider tip at the southwestern tip of the Algarve is the picturesque town of Sagres, which lies somewhat away from the tourist strongholds in the east.
A vacation rental in the picturesque hinterlandFor those who want to experience the special flair of the Algarve around sun, siesta and saudade as originally as possible, a vacation rental or apartment in the hinterland is exactly the right thing. Already on the rock plateaus behind the coast, cosy places like Moncarapacho, Benagil, Bodeira or Aljezur lure with well-equipped accommodations, which were built in the typical rustic architectural style of the region. Many of the vacation rentals have their own pool and a spacious plot where you can relax in the shade of pine trees, cork oaks and eucalyptus trees. The Sierra de Monchique is even more tranquil, where you can relax in places such as the historic Silves or in a secluded villa near the great lakes.
Holiday in the Algarve
Travelers and Activities
The coasts of Portugal's south, characterised by their monumental cliffs, are a true paradise for water sports enthusiasts of all kinds. While sailors enjoy the constant coastal winds, surfers will find ideal conditions in the floods of the Atlantic to ride on the waves. If, on the other hand, you want to take it easier, you can rent a paddle board on the beach and try your hand at the trendy sport of stand-up paddling. Would you rather actively explore the Algarve with dry feet? Then take the miles of coastal footpaths that take you through picturesque valleys and past rugged cliffs to breathtaking vantage points. Mountain hikes and mountain bike tours in the Monchique Mountains are a little more challenging, but at least as impressive.
Paradise for history loversThe Algarve has seen many peoples come and go over the millennia. And so holidaymakers interested in history can enjoy the numerous historical sights of the Keltiberians, the Romans, the medieval kings and the time of Arab rule. Particularly worth seeing are the ruins of the Moorish castles in Paderne, Salir and Aljezur as well as the archaeological excavations near Vilamoura. In addition to the necropolis of Alcalar, there are the historic old town of Faro, the archaeological museum in Silves and the Rococo castle Palacio de Estoi.
Things to know
It is not for nothing that the Algarve is considered a paradise for winter refugees from cold Central Europe, as temperatures in the sunniest region of the continent often reach the 20 degree mark in January. Accordingly, booking a vacation rental in the Algarve is just as worthwhile in the winter season from November to February as it is in spring and autumn. The main travel season, however, extends from the summer months of June to September, when mercury rises well above the 30 degree mark and the Atlantic Ocean reaches a refreshing bathing temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Due to the high demand you should book your apartment or vacation rental as early as possible at this time.
Regular eventsThe programme of events will begin at the end of January, when numerous local almond blossom festivals will be held. We continue with the traditional Eastern Algarve Wine Festival in March, the Discovery Trips Festival in April and the Islámico Festival in Mértola in May, which turns the city into a dream of 1001 nights. In the summer season, the World Music Festival in Sines (July), the Festival da Sardinha and the medieval festival Feira Medieval in Silves (August), famous throughout Portugal, follow.
The Algarve is the only region in Europe that still bears its Arabic name today. The "Al Gharb" pronounced by Europeans as "Algarve" simply means "west".
Top 5 travel tips
Until the discovery of the New World, the cliffs of Cabo de São Vicente that fell steeply into the Atlantic were considered the end of the world. Visit the southwestern tip of the European mainland from your vacation rental and enjoy the view from the rocky plateau 70 metres above sea level.
Local specialitiesThe rustic cuisine of the Algarve has produced numerous specialities that you can try in one of the traditional taverns where the locals also eat. First and foremost are the grilled sardines, which land on the plate almost freshly caught. Also highly recommended is the Cataplana seafood stew and the spicy chicken (Frango Piri-Piri).
Breathtaking cliffs at the Ponta de PiedadeThis rocky cliff landscape eaten into the shell limestone rocks by the tides of the Atlantic Ocean is a true work of art of nature. Take part in a boat tour and treat yourself to the fascinating sight of the rugged rock needles and the countless caves that run through the rock. As an experienced swimmer you can alternatively explore the caves flooded by seawater on your own.
Excursion to the roof of the AlgarveFor mountain hikers as well as for mountain bikers and racing cyclists, a detour to the highest mountain of the region is part of every holiday in the region. The 902 metre high Fóia and its neighbouring peaks not only protect the hinterland from the cool Atlantic winds, but also reward the climb with an unforgettable panoramic view of the Serra de Monchique surrounded by cork oaks, olive trees and orange groves.
Dolphin watching on the Atlantic OceanDolphins only exist in exotic regions? Far from it, because even in the Atlantic off the Portuguese Algarve the friendly sea mammals romp around. Climb on one of the numerous excursion boats and with a little luck get up close and personal with Flipper and his friends. But don't forget your camera.