Getting the most out of your Algarve Holiday
Getting the most out of your Algarve Holiday
For some people a holiday on the Algarve conjures up images of crowded beaches, high rise apartment blocks and noisy nightlife. While this may be true of some parts of the coast in summer time, nothing could be further from the reality of rural Algarve. Pretty white washed villages, orange groves, vineyards, ancient olive trees, relaxation, tranquility, interesting towns, local handicrafts – a window to a way of life that has changed little in centuries. Visitors to rural Algarve discover rolling hills, rivers and lakes,forest and farm land. And for those who also enjoy some time on the beach, from most parts of rural Algarve,the coast is actually only an easy drive away. And what about accommodation? Algarve Bed and breakfast or guest house accommodation is the ideal solution for travellers who wish to discover the ‘real Portugal’. Usually located in quiet, pretty settings, bed and breakfast guests have the added benefit of the owners local knowledge. In this way, many satisfied bed and breakfast or guesthouse travellers have discovered treasures and gems missed out by the average tourist.
One of the biggest attractions of the Algarve is of course the weather. With over 3,ooo hours of sunshine per year and up to 6 hours on the average winter day, the Algarve is the ideal location for a winter break. The Algarve’s summer climate is well known -long, hot sunny days, warm tender nights.
Location too makes the Algarve an attractive holiday destination -two and a half hours from most airports and an easy arrival into Faro’s welcoming and uncomplicated arrival lounge. Once here, most holiday destinations are less than an hour’s journey from the airport.
But this is only the tip of the iceberg that makes rural Algarve the perfect all year round holiday destination.
The Algarve’s calendar is dotted with fairs, festivals and ‘festas’. The year starts with the elaborate New Year celebrations on the beaches of Portimâo and Albufeira. February or March brings Carnival, a three day celebration before the beginning of lent. There are parades all over the Algarve, but Loulé is the biggest of all. Each area has its own spring or summer fair. The Silves medieval fair in August is an outstanding event. Sponsored by the local council, the whole town goes back to its medieval roots, with snake charmers, belly dancers, pig roasts and jousting to name but a few of the spectacular events that run all week long. Portimão also celebrates in August, as the humble sardine is enjoyed by thousands of fish lovers, travelling many miles to this traditional event. Autumn events are often harvest related, with dried fruit and nut displays in many areas. Autumn and winter also bring some spectacular music events, often with free admission. If you have chosen to stay at a hotel or bed and breakfast on the Algarve, yours hosts will be able to advise you on all local events .
One of the Algarve’s best kept secrets is its gastronomic delights. Portugal had a rich culinary heritage and the Portuguese people know their food and demand quality. Small cafes serve wonderful stews and grilled meals and fish. Seafood restaurants introduce you to a variety of shellfish unknown to most British and Irish people. And the delight is that the Portuguese just love to share all this with you. They will advise on food choice, show you the meat or fish in its raw state, suggest when a salad is needed or not and even liberate your cooked crab if you are not sure how to go about this operation. Again, your guesthouse propritors are the best people to advise on loval restaurants.
Portuguese wines are finally being recognized for their excellence. Wines from the Alentaejo (the region above the Algarve) are the most popular on the Algarve, although Algarve wine is growing in popularity and rightly so. If you want to choose from further afield, there is the sensual Dâo or the unmistakable Bairrada. Let your waiter assist your selection, their knowledge comes from being part of a tradition where good wine is appreciated. A totally different experience is the light, slightly sparkling Vinho Verde that comes from the north of Portugal. This is excellent, chilled on a warm summer evening. If you are more adventurous, choose a Medronho, a local liquor made with a type of wild strawberry that grows on trees in the hills of Monchique.
Take as long as you like over your meal, then slowly make your way back to your beautiful Algarve accommodation, knowing that in the peace and comfort of your rural setting you are guaranteed a good nights sleep.
Getting the most out of your Algarve Holiday / Author: Carolyn Macleod
