Algarve (Allgarve) - general information 

The summer months see high temperatures that attract the beach-goers and sun-lovers from around the world, and with it's world-renowned beaches of fine golden sand spanning the coast-line in front of the calm, clear seas, the Algarve is a European paradise for sun-seekers.

With more hours of sunshine than California and only short periods of rainfall, generally between November and March, the Algarve has the perfect weather and climate for tourism.

The maximum temperatures in the Algarve fluctuate between 15�C and 31 �C, with the temperature never falling below zero in the winter months.

The Algarve coast line stretches about 100 miles from the western-most tip to the Spanish border, and as well as being most well known for its expansive and extensive beaches of fine golden sands, you will also find some of the most dramatic cliff faces and rock-formations in the world.

The western end which juts out into the Atlantic is a rugged, undeveloped area, which has retained its natural charm, and is extremely dramatic, with cliffs of black rock from which Algarvian fishermen cling precariously hundreds of feet above the sea, for hours on end.

Nothing appears to have changed over the centuries, and the entire area is virtually untouched by tourism. The beaches here vary from tiny, intimate coves to long lengths of open soft sand, where the Atlantic waves crash and retreat.

The highlight of visiting the western coast is Cape St. Vincent - the most south-westerly point in Europe. Migrating birds fly overhead, using Cape St. Vincent as a stop off point en route from Northern Europe to Africa.

Visit these cliffs and you will see spectacular views straight out across the Atlantic Ocean, with nothing but water between you and America!
The more southern coastline is home to the fabulous beaches of golden sands and clear seas that the Algarve is famous for. You are sure to find the perfect stretch of sand for you, whether it be a quiet, intimate cove where you can relax by yourself, or a lively, more active beach with shops and restaurants aplenty, and watersports and family fun.

Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

The Algarve (Allgarve) 

Europe's favourite holiday destination

Golf in the Algarve

The Algarve is Europe's favourite golfing destination for it's many worldclass golf courses, excellent amenities and warm and dry playing conditions. Each golf course offers a unique design taking advantage of the local landscape allowing the golfer a challenging yet pleasurable game.

Places of interest

Albufeira is the tourist capital of the Algarve.
Located in the centre of the Algarve, it has a population of approximately 40,000 residents. The cliff lined coast with 23 beaches of Mediterranean climate, teamed with its pulsating nightlife, attract tourists in their thousands during the hot summer months. Their days are spent soaking up the hot Algarve sun before treating themselves to the many restaurants, bars and clubs that the town has to offer once night has fallen.

If you want to escape the 'modern' resorts, Tavira's architecture provides a pleasant surprise. It is probably the most elegant of the Algarvian towns.
Often described as the 'Algarvian Rome', and more fancifully 'the Venice of Algarve', Tavira stands on two hills on either side of the River Gilao, the two sides of the town being linked by a seven-arch bridge.

Vilamoura has seen a steady transformation and growth, and this town now includes a huge new marina with berthing for over 600 craft.

Please visit the following websites 

More than 600 properties in Portugal

Eastern Algarve and Central Algarve homes

250 properties in Eastern and Central Algarve.

Properties in the Silver Coast Portugal

More than 300 properties in the Silver Coast, Lisbon Coast, West Coast and Central Portugal.

Tavira estates

Villas, Farms, Apartments and Townhouses in Tavira. A large choice of properties.

Vale do Lobo Golf And Beach Resort

Official real estate partner for Vale do Lobo Golf and Beach Resort. All the properties in Vale do Lobo.

Faro 

Faro The Capital Of The Algarve

Faro, the easiest way to take advantage from the sun and the sea

Faro is one of the main councils of Algarve. In the capital of the district of Faro is located the only international airport of Algarve and the second largest of the country, that links Portugal to several european countries, making possible the entrance in Algarve of thousands of tourists a year.
Faro is also the capital of the sun. It is in the coast of Faro that several people pass the summer time, taking advantage from the beautiful landscapes of the city.
In the summer, the streets of Faro become full of visitors who wants to live unforgettable moments. So, the beach of Faro is one of the most visited places of the council. But the attention is also divided among the islands of the Culatra, Deserta e Farol.
Let's begin our trip in Culatra, the house of the sea' devoted. When we arrive in the Culatra we realize that there is a place of fishermen. The beach is a natural refuge of fishing embarkations, colored on the calm waters.
The island Deserta is one of the better conserved and fewer frequented beaches of Algarve, what attracts the visitors' attention that seek peace.
The famous island of Santa Maria's Cable or island Farol is the one that is located more to south of Portugal. Their limpid waters invite you to discovery a world of new experiences of the sea life.
But beside the natural point, Faro still has a great variety of historical monuments that tell the history of the council. One of the places more appellatives is the historical centre of Faro, where you can find a little of the traditional and historical scenery of the city.
Composed by the "freguesias" of Conceição de faro, Estói, Montenegro, Santa Bárbara de Nexe, São Pedro and Sé, these two in the city of Faro, the council lives intensely with the inherent landscapes of the sea, from the day by day of the fishermen to the landscape and the regional gastronomy.
In the council you can visit the Arch of the Town, Bank of Portugal, Barns of San Francisco, "Cerca Seiscentista", Convent of San Francisco, Convent of Capuchos, Small chapel of "Nossa Senhora da Boa Esperança", Small chapel of Santo António, Small chapel of São Luís and Small chapel of São Sebastião. About the religious side, you can also visit the Small chapel of the "Pé de Cruz", Church of the Cathedral, Church of Santa Barbara, Church of San Francisco, Church of São Pedro, Church of Carmo, Church of Estói, Church of Mercy and Church of "Nossa Senhora da Conceição". To demonstrate the victories of the past, there are the walls and the castle. We have also the Episcopal "Paço", "Palacete Belmarco", Episcopal Seminar and the Theatre.
The history is contemplated in the Municipal Museum of Faro, Museum Marine Admiral Ramalho Ortigão, Regional museum and the Science Centre.
The council maintains a dynamics life, with the presence of several alternatives for who intends to seize the night. During the year, Faro is the capital of several events, as parties, fairs and pilgrimages. In this place, we find the easiest way to take advantage from the sun and the sea.

Albufeira 

The sun of Albufeira

Albufeira is one of the councils of the district of Faro, in Algarve, with the largest number of beaches, distributed by a coast of great beauty. Who seeks Albufeira chooses a paradise place for practicing aquatic sports, as surf, body-board or even dive.
There are more than a dozen of beaches that promise to delight the visitors.
The beaches are Barranco das Belharucas, Coelha, Falésia, Galé, Oura, Rocha, Baixinha, Albufeira e Aveiros, besides Olhos de Água, Santa Eulália, São Rafael, Castelo, Evaristo, Forte de São João da Oura, Arrifes, Salgados, Tomates, Manuel Lourenço and Maria Luísa.
The quantity of beaches puts Albufeira in the route of the best beaches of Portugal. Albufeira is also the capital of the tourism in the country, because the council has about three thousand hours of sun a year.
The underwater dive is other activity you can enjoy in Albufeira. But if you have interest about living moments of adventure and of discovery, you can participate in some jeep walks, where you will glimpse the beauty of interior Algarve.
But in Albufeira, the visitors will be able to know a little of it's history through the historical centre and of the monuments, as the Tower of the Clock, the Tower "Sineira", Mother church, Chapel of the Mercy, Church of Sant'Ana, Church of São Sebastião, Small chapel of "Nossa senhora da Orada", besides Santana's Door, one of the doors of the castle, Statue of São Vicente, Wall of Albufeira, "Bateria" of Albufeira, Arch of the Crossbar of the Old Church and the Municipal Museum of Archaeology, where is exposed pieces related with the history of the city.
Inside the city the best viewpoints are the observatories of "Rossio" and the "Bem Parece". A lot of grottos and tunnels exist to explore, as "Cerro of Malpique", "Lajem of Cónego" and the "Cova of Xorino".
Albufeira has also the Zoomarine, a space where you can find sea mammiferous, fish and aquatic birds, an alternative of entertainment for the newest.
Albufeira has several golf fields, for the lovers of that modality.
The municipal district is also known by it's cultural and social dynamism, like the realization of several folklore events, craftmanship, classical music, concerts with groups of the actuality, theatre, several movies rooms, literature, besides exhibitions of plastic arts, fairs and pilgrimages.
The nightlife is equally attractive, with the presence of countless bars, clubs and discos, with good atmosphere and excellent music.
Composed by the "freguesias" of Albufeira, Ferreiras, Guia, Olhos de Água e Paderne, the council of Albufeira is a natural habitat of who wants to appreciate the sea and the people's of Algarve.

Loulé 

Loulé, the happiness of the Carnival

The council of Loulé is known by their traditions and beaches, but also by it's famous Carnival party that looks like the brazilian. Nowadays, the Carnival of Loulé has several themes, as the society, the political system and the most important events of the year. All those ingredients are mixed with a good critic dose full of good mood and diversion.
But in the summer the council gets hotter. The visitors seek Loulé with the intention of taking advantage of their beaches, dispersed in a beautiful coast. The beaches of Vilamoura, Quarteira, Vale do Lobo, Garrão, Ancão, Quinta do Lago, and Falésia are authentic natural paradises. And in the waters of Loulé you can enjoy nautical sports.
The golf is also a sport very practiced in Loulé, with countless fields. Maybe for that reason, the council is known by being a demarcated area of the golf. The golf courses extend from the Vila Sol to the Quinta do Logo, passing through Vilamoura, Quarteira, Vale Garrão, Ancão, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and São Lourenço, all in a natural gorgeous scenery. Loulé receives during the year great names of the world golf, and also intellectuals and politicians, artists and soccer professionals, musicians and people of businesses that come from everywhere to play golf.
Loulé promotes several sport and cultural events along the year, as Vale do Lobo Grand Champions and Algarve Summer Festival, one of the most important summer festivals of Portugal.
Loulé also has a vast historical and cultural patrimony, like the Roman Bridge of Tôr, Castles of Loulé and of Salir, Mother church of São Clemente, Mother church of São Lourenço of Almancil, Small chapel of "Nossa Senhora da Conceição", Church of "São Pedro do Mar", Mother church of Alte, Igreja Matiz of "Nossa Senhora da Assunção", Small chapel of "Nossa Senhora das Portas do Céu", Mother church of São Sebastião, Church of "Nossa Senhora da Glória", besides the natural beauty of the gardens of "Amuados" and of "Comunidades". Other places of interest are the Archeological Station of "Cerro da Vila" and the historical area of Loulé. In spite of having a vast history and a great dimension, the municipal district includes only two cities: Loulé and Quarteira.
For who tries to pass a very good night, Vilamoura is the centre of the nightlife of the council of Loulé. Besides the famous dispersed bars along the sea area, as the Bar Seven, the soccer player's Luís Figo property, El Salero, Irish Pub, among others. Another attraction is the Casino of Vilamoura, a reference for the thousands of tourists that visit Algarve. Besides the room of the machines and of the roulette, the visitors can see beautiful shows. The Casino still concentrates one of the most popular discos of that area, Black Jack. In fact, it is in Vilamoura that is located another reference disco for all lovers of the nightlife, Kadoc. The city of Loulé still has several bars, as well as the Campus, Joker and Breath, used by the academicals students. The Bar Satori is part of the itinerary of alternative bars of the country. There you can enjoy several rock shows and art exhibitions.
Quinta do Lago and the Square of Vale do Lobo are also other alternatives for the national and foreign tourists that prefer hotter nights of summer.
For who seeks an outdoor atmosphere, it is possible to visit the Municipal Park of Loulé, where you can exercise yourself.
Loulé is composed by the "freguesias" of Almancil, Alte, Ameixial, Benafim, Boliqueime, Quarteira, Querença, Salir, São Clemente, São Sebastião and Tôr.

Olhão 

New Algarve Paradise

Olhao is a town with a gem of a waterfront. Its fishing port is the most important in the eastern and central Algarve and its fish market is the biggest. It also has many shops, restaurants and an entire summer festival devoted to sea food. The king of clams - is both grown and eaten in abundance and is a 'must-try' entreé. Olhao is very Portuguese, very Algarvean and very un-touristic. Most of the tourists which doesn't know the area and drive through the E.N. 125 crossing Olhao even don't stop or enter the town. Indeed the E.N. 125 is not very inviting, but Olhao by itself is definitely a town to be discovered - probably the last in the Algarve. The pedestrian shopping area winds in cobbled streets through the Moorish-looking old town to the waterfront with its markets (fruit, veg, meat, deli as well as fish), its cafe's, parks and sparkling views out over the Ria Formosa lagoons. From the pier, you can take boats to the island villages and beaches of Armona, Culatra and Farol - all great day trips. The official visitor centre for the Ria Formosa nature reserve is just outside Olhao. Its worth a visit to see: the restored tidal mill (of which there were once many in the Ria Formosa), the bird life, and the chance to spot the very rare symbol of the park, the Purple Galinule.
For the Sea Food festival in August, half of the water front gardens are closed off and turned into a massive gastronomic and entertainment delight. The sea food is plentiful and excellent; the entertainment is top class and the organisation great. Its a hugely popular event and deservedly so. Don't miss it if you are here at the time.
Olhao highlights
%u2022 Sea food, sampled in any of the restaurants or bought to cook at home.
%u2022 A coffee, a beer, a glass of wine in one of the market cafes looking over the lagoon.
%u2022 Sea food festival in August - brilliant!
%u2022 Boat trip to Farol or Culatra
History
The first documented reference to Olhao is from 1378 when it was a small settlement of fisherman's huts. However, it wasn't until the early 18th century that the first stone buildings appeared. In 1808 Olhão gained its royal town charter, as 'thanks' for the town people's loyalty and for a remarkable piece of enterprise by some Olhao fishermen. When Napoleon's armies invaded Portugal in 1807, the British Navy evacuated the Portuguese court to Brazil for safety. When the British expeditionary force and Portuguese forces had defeated the French in June 1808, it was fishermen from Olhao who sailed all the way to Brazil in the ship to give the good news to the Portuguese court (a replica of the ship can be seen at the small jetty in front of the markets at Olhao). The town of Olhao prospered in the 19th century through the fishing and fish canning industries, which remain important to this day.
Links
www.cm-olhao.pt - the council site (unfortunately only in Portuguese language)

Quarteira 

Quarteira, contemplating the beach and the history

The beach of Quarteira is one of the main attractive of this "freguesias" of Loulé. Located in the city of Quarteira, this beach is the favourite of thousands of tourists that visit Algarve during the summer.

With two kilometres and an extensive sand dune, the beach of Quarteira became in a popular destiny of vacations starting from the sixties, also because of it's climate.
Around the beach, we find a beauty landscape. To assure the swimmers' pleasure, the place suffered a deep improvement, through the construction of beach supports and of the new Marginal Avenue.

The beach is known by it's quality and for the white sand. The medium temperature of the water in the summer is about 22 centigrade degrees.
The visitors' safety is assured by the surveillance of the Marine Delegation, with the presence of life-savers.

The beach still has restaurant and coffee in the highway, restaurant in the beach, you can also rent awnings and chairs.

The religious traditions are also a tourist mark in Quarteira. The Church of São Pedro of the Sea is part of the religious patrimony of the "freguesias".

To follow the example of other places in Portugal, in summer, S. António, S. João and S. Pedro brings a lot of colour, music, dances and happiness to the streets of Quarteira, in an authentic celebration to the popular saints of the place.

The parade along the Marginal of Quarteira, in the Infante Sagres Avenue, has several marches that represent the streets of the city, involving hundreds of people dressed with typical clothes associates to the sea.

But who prefers the historical theme, the ideal is to visit the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila, a great trip through the humanity's origins.

The population of Quarteira has been increasing in the last years, since several people have realized the pleasure of living in Algarve.
The number of restaurants has also been growing, to support the tourist exhibition of that area.

New Text / Write module 

Tavira 

Tavira, history and beauty

The coast of the council of Tavira is famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches of Algarve and of Portugal, all of them included in the Natural Park of the "Formosa" river. The beaches of the council are Lacém, Cabanas de Tavira, Ilha de Tavira e Praia do Barril. Lacém and Cabanas de Tavira belong to the island of Cabanas. The beaches of Ilha de Tavira and of Barril are integrated at the island of Tavira.

But the council has also a great historical side.

One of the points with larger tourist interest in Tavira is the Castle of the Moors, besides the Walls, Medieval Bridge and the Palace of the Gallery. The municipal district invite their visitors to visit the House of Irene Rolo, as well as the old Municipal Market, Viewpoint of "Alto de Santa Maria", Monument to the Deads of the First World War and the busts of António Cabreira, Isidoro Pires and Augusto da Silva Carvalho.

Other monuments as the Tombstone of Eduardo Pavia of Magalhães, Statue to Bishop D. Marcelino Franco and Monument of the António Padinha are also a very good place to visit in Tavira.

Tavira has a vast religious patrimony. In the council you can see the Church of Santa Maria of the Castle, Church of São Tiago, Church of the Mercy, Convent of Carmo, Church of "Nossa Senhora das Ondas", Church of São José of the Hospital, Church of San Francisco, Church of São Paulo, Church of Carmo, Church of Santo António, Church of Santa Ana, Church of "Nossa Senhora do Livramento" and the old Convent of Bernardas.

The House of the Craft is one of the most original places in Tavira. The space offers live ateliers, with the intention of demonstrating the techniques used in the execution of the manual weaving, the ceramic and the artistic glaze tile, the production in leather, incomes and painting on woven, the work of the wood, the crochê by hand, the art of the palm, the traditional bread, the honey, the medicinal and aromatic plants and the full figs. The objective of that House is to publish the artisans' of the council, in an initiative of the Association of Arts and Flavours of Tavira.

The "freguesias" Cabanas de Tavira, Cachopo, Conceição, Luz de Tavira, Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo, Santa Luzia, Santa Maria, Santiago e Santo Estêvão are part of the municipal district of Tavira.

Vale do Lobo 

Vale do Lobo, a history with success

In 1962, was born the famous Vale do Lobo, the first tourist enterprise of Algarve, in south of Portugal. The project became real after the partnership of two multinationals: Trusthouse Fort plc and Costain plc.

When it was built, the area of Algarve was devoted fundamentally to the fishing and to the agriculture. With the arrival of the Vale do Lobo, the area met its first five stars hotel "Le Meridien D. Filipa" and its first golf course.

During the seventies, Sander van Gelder, the dutch entrepreneur linked to the industry of the jewellery store and diamonds with some stories in Holland, discovered the Vale do Lobo. The enormous tourist potential of the resort attracted the entrepreneur, who acquired the company in 1977, moving with his family to Portugal. In that moment, Vale do Lobo won a new future, becoming a luxury tourist resort.

Nowadays, Vale do Lobo possesses about 400 hectares, attracting residents and visitors because of its self-sufficiency, quality of the homes and for the excellent infrastructures and services that please all. Vale do Lobo is known by being one of the most important luxury enterprises of Europe, being the largest one in Portugal.

In the end of 2006, the resort was sold to a group of portuguese and international investors, as well as to the largest portuguese bank, "Caixa Geral de Depósitos". For now, Vale do Lobo is commanded by Diogo Gaspar Ferreira, the new Executive President.

Because of this new investment, the structure receives enough financial support to be able to carry forward the actual plan of service and the future expansion. There are in development some of the most important projects, like the "Oceano Clube" (Vale do Lobo II) and "Vale Real" (Vale do Lobo III).

Vale do Lobo is located in the coastal area of the centre of Algarve, in a rich area in history where the sun appears during the whole year. One of the attractive thing that justify the choice of the Vale do Lobo to live and to visit is their approximation to the Faro International Airport in about 20 minutes. The Vale do Lobo Golf and Beach Resort is only three hours of flight of most of the European capitals. The enterprise is still about two and a half hours of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, and of Seville, in Spain.

Vilamoura 

Luxury Resort

Vilamoura is the name given to an area rather than to any actual town. It is outstanding in that it is one of the largest single tourist complex in Europe and covers some 2.000 hectares of land. The land is variable in its vegetation, some parts covered in pine forests whilst others open recovered marshland. The company that owns this complex is extremely environmentally conscious and has made every effort is being made to protect nature within its continued planned development. Due to the size of the resort area it offers the visitor nearly every form of sport and entertainment. On the southern border is a long sandy beach swept by the Atlantic Ocean.

Amongst the many attractions and facilities there are six different Golf Courses, a large Marina, a Lawn Bowling Club with two grass Rinks, a Tennis Centre, a Sports Club, a Shooting Club, 5 Star and 4 Star Hotels, Tourist Apartments, self-catering Villas, Night Clubs, an International Casino with glamorous shows, a Cinema, and an excellent Riding School. Within the centre of Vilamoura there is a preserved Roman Site and Museum of Cerro da Vila providing an interesting glimpse into the past of the area. In Roman times this location was important in producing a fish paste known as "garum". The ruins also include the baths in which the mariners used to bathe.

As a location specifically designed for tourism it has proved to be a very successful holiday destination for all ages due to the variety of facilities that it provides holidaymakers.
Facilities include:
%u2022 Restaurants
%u2022 Cafés / Pubs
%u2022 Post office
%u2022 Banks
%u2022 Petrol station
%u2022 Supermarkets (with international products)
%u2022 Railway station
%u2022 Beautiful Marina
%u2022 A large variety of Golf Courses
Approximate Driving time to Airports
%u2022 Lisbon - 2,5 hours
%u2022 Faro - 15 minutes
%u2022 Porto - 6,5 hours

Algarve Map 

ALgarve Map

Click here to see a map of the Algarve

General property purchase procedures in Portugal 

What you should know...before you buy

Step by step explanation:

a) You find your property
b) You negotiate the price and conditions
Conditions are:
- Down payment at the promissory contract (usually between 10 - 20% of the property value)
- Finalization date - On the date of signature of the promissory contract a date must be set for the deed.
- Eventual negotiations (repairs/painting etc.) agreed between seller and buyer
c) You choose your solicitor / lawyer
d) The solicitor / lawyer will register all the agreed details
e) The solicitor / lawyer will obtain, from the real estate agent, all documents concerning the seller,the buyer and the property
f) The solicitor / lawyer will obtain from the conservatory, previous deeds for the property (check if there is any mortgage or any kind of problem with the property)
g) After all this is verified, the solicitor / lawyer will write the promissory contract based on the information given to him
h) The solicitor / lawyer will present the promissory contract to the seller and buyer for acceptance
i) If everything is correct, a date for the signature of the contract,and down payment will be set
j) Signature and down payment of the contract
k) From now on, the solicitor will forward the whole documentation to the notary
l) The notary will check the documents again and set a date for the final process (within the time schedule that has been agreed to on the promissory contact)
m) The notary will contact the solicitor to inform him about the date
n) The solicitor informs vendor and buyer about the date
o) Payment of the purchase tax (this has to be paid by the buyer and can be done through the solicitor)
p) The solicitor brings the paper for the tax payment to the notary (3-4 days BEFORE the deed)
q) Final signatures and balance payment
r) After the final notary appointment, the solicitor will go to the tax ministry and to the conservatory to change the registration of the property to it's actual owner, the buyer
s) Depending on the negotiations w/ the solicitor he will also apply for the changes of water, electricity and phone line

General information:

The buyer looses the down payment if he does not want to pursue the deal(after the signature of the promissory contract) - except if major justified reasons are presented.
The vendor has to give back the deposit and DOUBLE it in case he is the one not pursuing the deal(after the signature of the promissory contract) - except if major justified reasons are presented.

What to do... 

Here are some hints on how to spend your time...

The Algarve is a wonderful unique location to visit and enjoy an unforgettable holiday - whatever your interests you can always find an answer in the Algarve!

Family are well provided for with a large variety of things to do and see. The Portuguese love children and know how to make them smile! On this Page are listed a few of the many ideas for your family visit.

BEACHES - There are so many beaches to choose from. They vary in size from small rocky coves to long open stretches of sea washed sand. Most of them are located on the south coastline but there are several on the west coast that attract fewer visitors. All the popular beaches are attended by at least one trained Life Saver and they display flags to indicate the local sea conditions for swimming. When one of their flags is flying they are in attendance.

Most beaches have competent Sea Sport Centres that provide equipment and facilities to enjoy a variety of sports including:

Body boarding, Jet skiing, Para-skiing, Sailing, Scuba-Diving, Surfing, Water-skiing, Windsurfing

Even the less popular beaches have normally a Café/Restaurant in which to enjoy a memorable meal of freshly caught fish or shellfish prepared and served in its local manner.

CHILDREN - Children of all ages are well catered for with many interesting places and things to do. Firstly, there are a number of Water Parks with full facilities to spend the whole day sliding down water chutes or daredevil slides! There are four other Parks also deserving a visit, Zoomarine, Crazy World, Roma Mini-Golf Park and the Algarve Zoo. Or for something different - join the grownups and others in a Safari Jeep trip up into the hills! Just in case the weather is not sunny enough there are Cinemas along the coast showing the latest film releases, or perhaps a game of Ten-Pin Bowling.

Many of the Hotels have organised daily events for children and some have specially built play areas for the younger ones that are staffed by experienced personnel.

HEALTH & BEAUTY - Besides the beneficial soaking up the wonderful sunshine, the ladies in the family can take the opportunity to visit one of the Health Spas and the many Beauty Salons. They are scattered along the Algarve and they offer a variety of treatments and services. The Beauty Salons are nearly all run and staffed by persons whose mother tongue is English - so communication is easy. For the men in the family, many salons offer a variety of treatments from massage, reflexology t

Algarve Events 2008 

Art

Algarve Events 2008 

Festivals & Heritage

Algarve Events 2008 

Kids & Family

Algarve Events 2008 

Lifestyle

Algarve Events 2008 

Sports & Outdoors

Western Algarve Golf Courses - Part I 

See where to play...

Algarve Golf Courses - Budens - Parque de Floresta
Sagres Area

The setting of this course is in the most western part of the Algarve. The architect of this course has created a fascinating course that presents visually attractive views of the surrounding countryside lined on the horizon by the sea. The fairways roll up and down through hills demanding accurate shots and good placing. The Par-3 fifteenth hole of 159 metres is a golfer's dream.

Algarve Golf Courses - Lagos:

Boavista

Boavista offers two distinct sections of play providing a variety of attractive and interesting holes. From the first to the last putt on the 18th green it promises a sensible game for the average player. Umbrella pines, blossoming almond, fig, palm and olive trees line the rolling fairways, weaving their way between water hazards and carefully placed bunkers. Breathtaking views, spectacular scenery and the clear Atlantic Ocean, which is visible from most holes, all combine to make this course a delight for the golfer.

Palmares

Boavista offers two distinct sections of play providing a variety of attractive and interesting holes. From the first to the last putt on the 18th green it promises a sensible game for the average player. Umbrella pines, blossoming almond, fig, palm and olive trees line the rolling fairways, weaving their way between water hazards and carefully placed bunkers. Breathtaking views, spectacular scenery and the clear Atlantic Ocean, which is visible from most holes, all combine to make this course a delight for the golfer.

Alamos

This course is one of the newer courses to open in the Algarve. Lying to the north of Portimão it is laid out as a neighbour to its sister course Morgado. The setting is a large 980 hectare estate through undulating small valleys. The immediate main characteristic factor is its large greens which place demand on good putting skills as they are often raised above the fairway approach and involve several levels. Also, the accuracy of the player's shot will be questioned by deep aggressive bunkers.

Western Algarve Golf Courses - Part II 

...more...

Alto Golf

This course is located between the town of Portimão and the sea and close enough to the latter to give the player an occasional sea view. A simple par-3 opens your round but it is deceiving to what is in store. The course is considered a good test of a player's ability with strategic bunkers, dog-legs, elevated greens and well placed trees. A further noteworthy challenge is the par-5 on the sixteenth that is considered to be one of the longest holes in Europe.

Gramacho

This was originally a nine hole course which has been extended and cleverly redesigned to become a fully fledged 18-hole course. A formidable challenge to its designer! The course covers undulating terrain with olive, almond and carob trees scattered as planted years before by the local farmers. The course is designed for the player to be technically accurate and to know which club to choose before hitting the ball. Anything less will quickly increase his score.

Morgado

This course is the newest course to open in the Algarve. Lying to the north of Portimão it is laid out in a large 980 hectare estate through undulating small valleys. The immediate main characteristic factor is its large greens which place demand on good putting skills. Also, the accuracy of the player's shot will be questioned by deep aggressive bunkers. A further 18 hole course is already in the planning stage.

Penina Championship

The grandfather of courses in the Algarve and a permanent living memory to its architect and active promoter, Sir Henry Cotton. Originally paddy fields for rice growing rice has been converted into a flat challenging course and especially for the stronger player. Something short of half a million shrubs and trees were planted in the conversion. As the fairways are flat Henry Cotton introduced strategically placed water hazards to catch the unwary long hitter

Penina Academy

Course Description
The Academy Course originally nicknamed the North Course remains a pleasant 9 Holes with an inviting large lake on the par-3 third and a generously long par-5 on the fourth.

Penina Resort

Within the ample space of the Championship Course a further 9 holes was constructed. This is known as the Resort Course and it has taken advantage of the principles laid down by Sir Henry Cotton with water hazards playing their tricky best.

Western Algarve Golf Course - Part III 

..and more...

Pinta

This is a well laid out and interesting course. Set in a truly Algarve landscape with almond, olive and carob trees decorating the course that rolls through small valleys and hills. Some of the olive trees are reputed to be in the region of 1,500 years old. Two holes that deserve special mention are the par-3 tenth and the par-5 thirteenth. The former has a large bunker defending the green against your shot, the latter, winds through a valley for 541 metres.

Silves Golf

This latest course belonging to the Pestana Group is surrounded by typical Algarve fruit orchards and small farms. The course has been designed to test the golfer's quality in hitting a well directed ball using the correct choice of club. This point is immediately emphasised as you stand on the first tee faced by two water hazards flanking the fairway. The course has been described as designed for attacking play whilst the bunkers are well placed to cause possible trouble to the "big hitters".

Vale do Milho

This is a very friendly par-3 course with nine holes close to the coastal village of Carvoeiro. Being only 926 metres in length it is a excellent course for beginners to practice and regular players to improve on their short game. There are an adequate number of bunkers and water hazards to keep most players keenly interested. The second hole is a good example of the essence of this course.

Central Algarve Golf Courses - Part I 

Balaia

Opened in April 2001 this small and attractive 9-hole course offers the opportunity to improve your iron shots and your short game. It carries the title of "Executive Course" which in its name implies the quality of its layout and subtle challenges. Located at the back of a Holiday Complex it presents from the first tee a charming view of most of the course with the ribbon of blue sea as its background. A course to test the ability to control shot length and direction.

Pine Cliffs

This well maintained course of nine-holes is located on the cliff top near Albufeira and managed by the adjoining Hotel Sheraton. The prize of the course is its ninth over a ravine with beautiful views down on the sandy beach, locally nicknamed the "Devil's Parlour". This small and beautiful course is set among the pine trees and presents a pleasant and charming course with good greens.

Salgados

The course is set on the flat lands behind the sandy beach of Praia de Galé. The environmental nature of the course is to associate it with a typical Links Course but with the added asset of the sun. It is very open to the elements with little vegetation and lots of water hazards. It requires a technically skilled player to achieve a good result from a round due to the prevailing onshore breeze.

Laguna Course

The 18 Holes have been laid out over level ground and provide and with the exception of the eleventh and twelve that take the player around and over a lake, it is open fairways for the player with very few trees to present difficulties. It is a course that can be likened to some degree to the challenges that are provided by a Links course. However, there are many water hazards with strategically placed bunkers in open terrain. These factors combined with the occasional strong wind make for an interesting round.

Millennium Course

Martin Hawtree has extended his original concept of the original 27 Holes by adding another 9 and created and creating two distinctive courses. These new holes are part of the Millennium Course and wander amongst the parkland of pine tress that are often found on the coast in the Algarve. The course is a pleasure to play with subtle with few very tricky situations except for possibly the the par-3 sixth with its lake on the left of the fairway waiting for erring balls.

Central Algarve Golf Courses - Part II 

Old Course

This is the second oldest golf course in the Algarve. Set in an umbrella pinewood and laid out in an interesting way to take advantage of the natural contours. It is from the English school of Course design. The first Holes are easy and inviting with reachable par-4s. The par-3 on the attractive fourth is a Hole in One potential. Club selection from here will play an important part of your game, and straight shots will be needed. The ninth is an excellent example of this situation. The back nine has three interesting par-5s. The sixteenth providing a 522 metre challenge for good length and straight hitting.

Pinhal Course

This course is laid through the pine tree forest of the area and is set back from the tourist beach area. The outward nine holes wander through the holiday villas that line the fairways. The well-positioned bunkers make the course very enjoyable to the players, testing their choice of clubs and their accuracy. The Par-4 on the fourth hole is difficult to achieve with water waiting for the erring shot. The Par-3 on the eighth of 149 metres is tricky than it first appears. The back nine-holes have a more open feel but the slightly altered fifteenth will cause a problem to meet the Par-4 it requires.

Victoria Course

The Victoria Clube de Golfe Course is laid out over virtually flat terrain covering some 90 hectares it includes a series of constructed mounds specially landscaped to emulate the outline of inland hills on the horizon. The series of beautiful lakes and waterfalls also helps to provide an attractive background whilst playing the course.

This is at present the longest 18 holes golf course in Portugal. Each hole has a minimum of five tees from which to play thus making the course suitable for golfers of all handicap levels.

Vila Sol Course

The English architect of this course has carefully maintained the original topographical nature of this undulating terrain. Changes when necessary have been kept to a minimum to preserve the natural state of being. The outward nine-holes are testing for a golfer starting with a par-4 of 381 metres. Next an even longer par-4 hole, then another par-4 of 385 metres. To follow the sixth and eighth holes, both par-5s, are awaiting the player with each a little under 500 metres. The back nine has two par-3 holes that are attractively designed. The par-5 on the fourteenth is particularly difficult to achieve with a tricky green awaiting the player.

Central Algarve Golf Course - Part III 

Course Description
The name of this course is appropriately suggesting is enviable location. As an older golf course it had a strong influence in placing the Algarve as a destination in the golfing world. The fairways have a tendency to be narrow and accuracy is imperative when playing. The holes wander through pine trees with wonderful views of the sea between the homes lining the sides of the fairways. Some of the holes take you along the cliff top with the blue Atlantic sea as the backdrop.

Pinheiros Altos

Located within the well-known Quinta do Lago estate this course enjoys a solid reputation. Within the golfing world it is known as providing a mental challenge due to well placed hazards. There are now 27 holes. The layout has changed to create the three groups of none holes named Oliveiras (Olives), Pinheiros (Pines) and Sobreiros (Corks), respectively.

Quinta do Lago North

The course has four great par-5 Holes requiring power and accuracy to play them well, also providing superb views. The par-3 Holes are well influenced by the wind. Hole 14 is outstanding. The par-4s are all doglegs except for for Holes 10 and 13. Precision driving is vital to set up the chance of a low score. The lakes on Holes 13 and 18 claim many victims. The course favours the player who can draw the ball.

Quinta do Lago South

This is the course that has been used several times for the Portuguese Open. The course favours the long hitter, but requires the player to pick a particular route to score well. Although both anti-clockwise loops, the first nine suggests a draw, whilst the second favours a fade from the tee. Holes 3, 15 and 17, feature lakes that must be negotiated. Holes 8, 10,15 and 18, are the most testing for the scratch player while Holes 2,3,5,12, 13 and 17, offer the best ´possibilities of birdies. An enjoyable experience for players of all standards.

Royal

The course that has combined existing holes from the original Vale do Lobo course and some special interesting new holes. The layout of the course is skilful with a mixture of challenges slowly building up to a finally on the eighteenth. The famous par-3 "seventh hole" from the old days is now the spectacular sixteenth on this new course. The closing eighteenth is a tricky hole on which to finish, with its narrow fairway and a deceptive green.

Central Algarve Golf Course - Part IV 

San Lorenzo

Located in the Quinta do Lago estate enjoys a reputation for the condition of its course and its attractive views around the lake formed by Ria Formosa. It has been ranked in the past as the second best course in Europe. The outward first five holes are through the pine tree forest. Water and good hole layouts provides the hazards that play a big part in players having to select clubs and hit with care. The eighteenth is a tricky par-4 mainly involving a lake that is waiting for the inaccurate shot.

Eastern Algarve Golf Courses - Part I 

Benamor

This course is endorsing its growing reputation for its player enjoyment and with the recent improvement of the access from the "Via de Infante" to Tavira this makes the whole area much quicker to reach. The course is laid out on mainly undulating land the course offers pleasant views both to the Atlantic Ocean and the hills of the Serra do Caldeirão. Players accuracy is particularly called upon by the architects retention of as many of the old trees as feasible. These natural obstacles coupled with strategic placed bunkers and occasional water hazards make the course a worthwhile challenge.

Colina Verde

This executive 9-hole course is hidden away in the country between Olhão and Tavira and with some very comfortable holiday apartments. The course offers the opportunity to improve the short game or develop more confidence for a recent starter. There is only one Par 4 which is 243 metres. Both the 5th and the 9th are designed to demand accuracy in the stroke.

Quinta da Ria

A course designed by Rocky Roquemore to take advantage of the beautiful natural setting in a Nature Reserve with the blue sea as its southern boundary. A 475 meter par-5 hole sets the tone of the course taking the player down a gentle slope to the first of the several undulating green. The par-3 fifth hole is a challenging dogleg to the left with a lake to catch the short ball. The back nine takes the player close to the beach and the panoramic sea views. The interesting par-4 fourteenth of 333 meters which is another dogleg to the left presents water to the right on the drive and then again inviting water to your left to carry on the approach shot to the green. The eighteenth par-5 of 475 meters has a generous width to the fairway but the green is almost surrounded by guarding bunkers.

Quinta de Cima

This new sister course to Quinta da Ria is of a Championship character which will provide an enjoyable challenge for most players. Set in rolling land dotted with almond trees it provides open fairways, well placed bunkers and enough water to attract the odd misdirected golf ball. The first two holes indicate the true nature of the course emphasizing the need for good club selection combined with accuracy. Players are making their comments about the tricky Par-5 sixteenth hole and the the memorable eighteenth.

Eastern Algarve Golf Course - Part II 

Castro Marim

Located close to the historic town of Castro Marim the course runs through undulating hills dotted with pines and occasional views across the River Guadiana to neighbouring Spain. This course calls for careful play with strategically placed water hazards and fairway terrain that can place you in trouble. This is not mention the well placed bunkers waiting for an erring ball. The par-3 on the seventeenth is a hole that calls for special club selection with bunkers in front of the green and a lake behind, whilst at the same time subject to the prevailing winds off the sea.

Monte Rei

This new outstanding "signature" course by Jack Nicklaus offers everything a player would expect of this international golfer and designer. The course is laid out in the rolling hills to the north of the "Via Infante (A22)" motorway. Each hole presents an attractive visual challenge combining a variety of factors to ensure golfers of most standards can play the course with enjoyment and challenge at every hole. Detail combined with natural aspects, already existing or specially created, provides a course where a "round of golf" can be played in very satisfying tranquillity. Upon arrival you will be given attentive "5 Star" service, valet parking, and your Buggy which is included in the cost of the green fee.

Algarve Golf Academies - Adresses and contact numbers 

...always good to know...

Albufeira Area
Golf Academy - Balaia Village
917 218 185

Almancil Area
Barringtons - Vale do Lobo
289 396 622

Carvoeiro Area
Vale de Milho Golf Academy - Carvoeiro
282 358 502

Lagos Area ( Praia da Luz & Burgau)
The Vigia Golf Academy - Parque da Floresta
282 690 054

Olhão Area
Vila Monte - Moncarapacho
289 790 790

Portimão Area
Hotel Delfim Golf Academy - Alvor
282 400 800

Portimão Area
Vale de Milho Golf Swing Academy - Carvoeiro
282 358 497

Portimão Area
Raul Gritter - Praia da Vau
282 401 620

Vilamoura Area
Super Golf - Vilamoura
289 321 460

PORTUGAL GOLFING EVENTS - 2007 

...what you can't miss...

PORTUGAL GOLFING EVENTS - 2007

January

13th/14th - 1st Round of "Tranquilidade" - Salgados Course
15th/21st - Vale do Lobo Amateur Week - Royal & Ocean Courses

February

03rd/04th - 2nd Round of "Tranquilidade" - Montado Course
07th/11th - International Amateur Championship - Quinta de Cima Course

March

10th/11th - 3rd Round of "Tranquilidade" - Santo Estevão Course
22rd/25th - Madeira Open - Santo da Serra Course
27th/29th - Nacional Club Championship of "Sub-14 & Sub-18" - Montado
29th/01st - Portuguese Open - Oitavos Course

April

03rd/11th - Sub-14 & Sub-18 National Club Championships - Montado Course
10th/11th - 4th Round of "Tranquilidade" - Oporto Course
20th/21sr - BMW Amateur Golf Cup - 1st Round - Estela Course
25th/29th - FPG National Championship - Montado

May

05th/06th - Seniors Nacional Championship - Quinta da Beloura Course
12th/13th - National Club Championship of "Mid-Amateur" - Montebelo Course
26th/27th - 5th Round of "Tranquilidade" - Campo Real Course

June

02nd/03rd - Kendal Cup - Oporto Course
02nd - Sir Bobby Robson Golf Classic - Vila Sol
09th/10th - National Campionship "Mid-Amateur" - Golden Eagle
13th/15th - Seniors European Tour - Old Course
22nd/24th - National Pairs Cahmpionship - Salgados Course
29th/01st - National Championship of "2nd Category" - Amarante Course
29th/01st - Portuguese Ladies Open - Gramacho Course

July

07th/08th - Nacional Mixed Pairs Championship
17th/20th - National Championship of "Juniors" - Golden Eagle

August

25th/26th - 6th Round of "Tranquilidade" - Estela Course

September

01st/02nd - 7th Round of "Tranquilidade"
13th/16th - National Club Championship - Aroeira Course
27th/30th - PFG Cup - Ribagolfe I Course

October

06th/07th - 8th Round of "Tranquilidade" - Quinta do Perú Course
18th/21st - Portugal Masters - Victoria Course
18th/22nd - 6º John Aldridge Charity Golf Classic - Millennium & Laguna Courses
26th/27th - Expresso Company Championship - Furnas Course, Azores
27th/30th - Nacional Championships - Ribagolfe I

November

03rd/04th - 9th Round of "Tranquilidade" - Ribagolfe II Course
15th/16th - PGA Seniors Tour Q-School - Pinheiros Altos & Quinta da Cima Courses
19th/22th - Final PGA Seniors Tour Q-School - Pinta Course

World Golf Rankings 

The Official World Golf Rankings



1 Tiger Woods (USA)
2 Jim Furyk (USA)
3 Phil Mickelson (USA)
4 Adam Scott (Aus)
5 Ernie Els (SA)
6 Vijay Singh (Fiji)
7 Henrik Stenson (Swe)
8 Geoff Ogilvy (Aus)
9 Luke Donald (Eng)
10 Padraig Harrington (Ire)
11 Retief Goosen (S.Af)
12 Sergio Garcia (Sp)
13 Choi Kyung-Ju (Kor)
14 Rory Sabbatini (S.Af)
15 Zach Johnson (USA)
16 Steve Stricker (USA)
17 Paul Casey (Eng)
18 Angel Cabrera (Arg)
19 Trevor Immelman (S.Af)
20 Niclas Fasth (Swe)
21 Justin Rose (Eng)
22 David Toms (USA)
23 Stewart Cink (USA)
24 Nick O'Hern (Aus)
25 Charles Howell-III (USA)

Last updated:09/07/2007

Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

Algarve - Relevant Information - Consuls 

Consuls

Austria
Clube Borda d'Água - 8200 Albufeira
289 510 900

Belgium
Rua do Santo António, 68, 2º Dtº - 8000 Faro
289 899 590

Brazil
Edifício Banco Português - 8125 Vilamoura
289 322 117

Cape Verde Islands
Rua Portas da Serra, 37 - 8500 Portimão
282 417 720

Canada
Rua Frei Lourenço Santa Maria, 1-1º Esqº - Apartado 79 - 8000 Faro
289 803 757

Denmark
Rua Conselheiro Bivar, 10 - 1º Dtº - 8000 Faro
289 805 561

Finland
En 125 - Cor-de-Rosa - 4 Estradas - Apartado 92 - 8125 Quarteira
289 399 873

France
Macaná - Vale das Rolas - 8125 Vilamoura
289 310 956

Germany
Avenida da República, 166, 4º Dtº. - Apartado 406 - 8000 Faro
289 803 158

Holland
Largo Francisco Sá Carneiro, 52 - 8500 Faro
289 820 903

Iceland
Rua Júdice Biker, 11, 3º C - 8500 Portimão
282 413 311

Italy
Rua 25 de Abril, 65 - 8900 Vila Real de Santo António
281 544 274

Norway
Rua Júdice Biker, 11, 3ºC - 8500 Portimão
282 414 878

Morocco
Avenida 5 de Outubro, 28 - 8700 Olhão
281 702 449

Mexico
Rua Cândido dos Reis, 40 - 8600 Lagos
282 762 814

Peru
Hotel Atlantis - Suite 927 - 8125 Vilamoura
289 389 977

Spain
Avenida Min. Duarte Pacheco - 8900 Vila Real de Santo António
281 544 888

Sweden
Rua Júdice Biker, 11 - 3º C - 8500 Portimão
282 413 311

United Kingdom
Largo Francisco A. Maurício, 7, 1º - Apartado 609 - 8500 Portimão
282 417 800

Algarve - Relevant Information - Mail 

Mail

The word "Correio" denotes a Post Office or mail services. First class mail is denoted by the words "Correio Azul" and associated with the colour blue. The Post Office also offers an express service named EMS that records the delivery. A registered letter is "Correio Registrado", and postage stamps are called "Selos".

Post Offices are normally open from 08.30 hrs. until 18.30 hrs. from Monday to Friday but this is only a general rule as they vary from district to district. In some towns main Post Offices will also be open on Saturdays mornings or the whole day. Outside and inside many Post Offices, there are stamp vending machines that indicate the cost for each type and the weight of the item being posted.

Visitors wishing to receive mail when in Portugal may use the "Poste Restante". Items should be addressed as follows:

(Last Name), (First name)
Poste Restante
(Postal Code Number) Town
Country

Collection of items will be made against proof of identity of the receiver and there is a charge per item.

Major Post Offices also have the facility of sending and receiving Fax. There is also a system for receiving and sending e-mail by renting a Computer Unit.

Telephone
Public telephones are to be found in the street in major towns and in the Post Offices. This national service is run by a State owned company named Telecom (TLP). Telephones can be used according to the two ways of paying other than with cash. One is by a card named "Credifone" and the other is by "TLP Card". The former is accepted throughout the country and the latter only in Lisbon and Porto. Cards can be purchased at shops displaying signs advertising their sale.

International calls can be made direct and the dial code for Portugal is "351". A caller must first dial "00", then his country dial number, then the area code without the prefix "0", and lastly the subscribers' number. Call charges are cheaper between 22.00 hrs. and 08.00 hrs., and at weekends. Hotels normally charge a surcharge for an outgoing call. Within Portugal you can call direct to any subscriber first dialling the area code if the destination of the call is outside the area in which the call is being made. An area code is indicated by the prefix of "2" - example "289" - where "89" indicates the telephone area of Faro.

Mobile phones in Portugal use the GSM telephone service. Visitors using this system will have the benefit of Roaming. Portugal's international dial code number for mobile phon

Algarve Relevant Information - Health 

...always keep in mind...

Health

Please Note
The locations below are listed for information purposes and are without any responsibility or act as a form of recommendation by the Site.
It is our understanding that all the locations listed below have Staff that are English or are bi-lingual and have a good working knowledge of English.

Albufeira Area
The Medical Centres
289 586 969

Almancil Area
Clinica Verde
289 399 844

Carvoeiro & Lagoa Area
German Clinic
282 356 339
Saltys
282 341 004
Vila Vita Parc
282 315 333
Vilalara Thalassa
282 320 000

Lagos, Praia da Luz, Burgau & Sagres Area
Clinica Medilagos
282 760 181
Luzdoc
282 780 700
Parque da Floresta
282 690 000

Portimão, Praia da Rocha & Alvor Area
Clinica da Rocha
282 495 713
Hospital Particular do Algarve
282 420 400

Vilamoura & Quarteira Area
Browns Sports & Leisure Club
289 322 740
The Medical Centres
289 396 157

Algarve Relevant Information - Transport Tips 

Airports

The international airport is at Faro. Throughout the country there are a number of small airports with limited facilities. It is possible to travel from the international airports to many of these smaller ones but it is important to first check, as these services are variable.
At Faro Airport a bus can be boarded outside the Terminal that will take you to the centre of the city. The local buses, numbers 17 and 18 will also take you to and from the airport, a distance of 11 kms. Taxis are also usually recommended.

Coaches
There is the national network of "Rodoviária Nacional (RN)", and competing private operators who run quick non-stop services on the more popular routes and often to destinations not covered by trains. In almost all cases tickets are purchased in advance.

Disabled Facilities
The needs of the disabled are visibly evident with reserved parking spaces in public areas, special toilets at airports, stations, and centres of entertainment.

Driving
Portugal drives on the right side of the road
Except when otherwise indicated all vehicles approaching from the right have priority. The driver already on a roundabout normally has the right of way
Safety-belts are compulsory in all circumstances
Drinking and driving is severely controlled and limited to a restriction of 0.3 g/l
Unless otherwise indicated urban limit is 50 km/h
Rural roads other than those zones indicated are limited to 90 km/h
Motorways are limited to 120 km/h

Rent a Car
In all major towns there are a number of companies providing rent a car service. Proof of identity and a valid current Driving Licence is required. The minimum age to hire a car is 21 years old but some companies' place the age higher.

Trains
The Portuguese railway system is State owned and has the name of "Caminhos de Ferro Portuguese (CP)". The system provides a very reasonably priced transport within the country. Major lines are fast, efficient and comfortable.

Urban
In the towns of the Algarve there is limited means of transport. Taxis are mainly used and they are painted in a cream colour. In urban areas they charge according to the taximeter. Outside these areas the charge is per kilometre and this includes the cost of the drivers return trip. Luggage over 30 kilos is charged at a fixed rate. All taxis drivers have in their possession their printed rates in two languages.

Algarve Relevant Information - Travel tips - Part I 

To make a holiday trip to or through Portugal can be a delight. It is a smaller country to its neighbour Spain and therefore has a more personal and endearing character. The major resort areas, such as the Algarve, offer the holidaymaker as many attractions as anywhere in Europe. Throughout Portugal there is a chain of Tourist Offices manned by bilingual staff to assist the tourist. As the Portuguese are by nature hospitable they are keen and proud to share their country with foreign visitors.

Commercial Hours

The normal shopping hours are from 09.00 hrs. until 19.00 hrs on Mondays to Fridays. Saturdays is from 09.00 hrs. until 13.00 hrs. There are some shops that extend their hours and their days of opening. Shopping Centres are open from 09.00 hrs. to 23.00 hrs all week except for certain Public Holidays.

Disabled Facilities

There is a great a lack in past design and facilities to provide their needs. Happily, awareness is now showing and this is evident with the appearance of special parking spaces in public areas, special toilets at airports, stations, and centres of entertainment. In Lisbon (217 585 676) and Porto (226 006 353), there is a dial-a-ride disabled bus service. Also in Lisbon (218 155 061), Braga (253 684 081), and Coimbra (239 484 522), there are taxi services for disabled persons.

Electrical Current

The current all over Portugal is 220 volts AC and connection is made by a two-pin plug. The plug today acts also as an earth except in older buildings that use older models of this two-pin plug.

Emergency

By calling anywhere in Portugal on 112 you will be connected to Fire, Police and Ambulance services. Every Fire Brigade also maintains one or more ambulances for emergencies. Chemists can give advice on simple health problems and suggest appropriate treatment. They are also permitted to sell many medicines without a doctor's subscription. A green cross on white background denotes a chemist. A red cross on a white background denotes a Red Cross station. In most towns there are Emergency Treatment Centres (SAP) that will provide medical assistance 24 hours a day.
Security in cities and towns is handled by the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP), rural areas by the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR), and the traffic by Brigada de Trânsito. On motorways and several major roads there are SOS phone boxes for help in accidents or breakdowns.

Algarve Relevant Information - Travel Tips - Part II 

National Holidays
1st January
25th April
Good Friday
1st May
Corpus Christi (Early June)
10th June
15th August
5th October
1st November
1st December
8th December
25th December

It is traditional for each municipality (concelho), to reserve one annual day as a holiday for its commerce. This day is principly used as an excuse for celebration. You will find restaurants open but most shops closed.

Language

When written the Portuguese language has a visual relationship to both Spanish and Italian. When spoken it takes on another character. Although today the language has been influenced by modern means of communication, the educated form can be likened to "Dickensian English" in its style. It is courteous in content and suitable flowery in description. Spoken Spanish can be understood by the Portuguese but is best avoided. Anybody with knowledge of some Portuguese history will be able to understand the reason. The inhabitants have a wonderful ability to learn foreign languages and you will find that the English language is normally readily understood. This has been helped by the fact that all foreign films on TV and Cinemas are shown in their original language with subtitles.

Mail Services

The word Correio denotes a Post Office or services. First class mail is denoted by the words "correio azul" and normally associated with the colour of blue. From Post Offices there is an express service named EMS that also records delivery. These offices are normally open from 08.30 hrs. until 18.30 hrs. from Monday to Friday. In bigger towns they may also will also be open on Saturday.

Money

Local currency is Euros which has completely replaced the Escudo. Money can be changed at Banks, Bureau De Change (cambio) or at one of the currency exchange machines in the streets. These facilities will offer a better rate than in Hotels and Receptions. Banks are open from Monday through to Friday, from 08.30 hrs. to 15.00 hrs. Eurocheques are a cheaper method than Travelers Cheques in obtaining cash. All well-known Credit Cards are usually accepted.

Algarve Relevant Information - Travel Tips - Part III 

Museums

Although the majority of the museums and art galleries are State owned there are a number of private Foundations and individually owned exhibition places. This fact is particularly evident when wishing to see contemporary art where they tend to reflect the taste of the owner. State Museums charge a small entrance fee that is usually waived on Sundays and Public Holidays. They are open from Tuesday through to Sunday and pensioners receive a 40% discount on the entrance fee. Sometimes there is no charge at all for pensioners on showing your ID. Opening times are normally from 10.00 hours to 17.00 hours, but sometimes closed during lunchtime.
In Lisbon there is an excellent ticket system for tourists provided by Carris kiosks. The holder of this ticket can visit 26 of the main museums in the city and enjoy free public transport during the time period. They are available for one, two, or three days.

Private Art Galleries

Throughout the country there are many galleries exhibiting contemporary art for sale for all tastes and pockets. There is normally no charge to enter these galleries or their exhibitions.

Tax (IVA)

This tax that is the same as VAT is known as IVA in Portugal, and is at present 21%. Persons from outside the European Union (EU) and visiting for less than 180 days, can reclaim this tax by requesting a form named Isenção de IVA. This form is presented to customs when leaving the country.

Time to Travel

It is safe to suggest that the whole year is a good period to visit. Mainland Portugal has an attractive climate with long hot summers, and mild pleasant winters. In the north winters are obviously cool and wet, whilst in the Algarve temperatures seldom ever fall below freezing. Inland areas have hotter summers and cooler winters except for mountainous regions that even enjoy snow. Madeira Island and the Islands of the Azores enjoy a temperate climate the year around.

Visas

Traveling nationals of the EU (European Union), Australia and New Zealand, require only their passport or Identity Document. They may remain for a period of up to 90 days. American and Canadian nationals may stay for a period of 60 days with a valid passport. Other countries are subject to Visa controls and it is recommended that a potential visitor should check with the Portuguese Consul in their respective country prior to traveling.

Algarve Link List 

Visit these links to get more on the Algarve

Algarve & Portugal Property portal

...hundreds of properties throughout Portugal, including the Algarve...

Algarve - Properties Villas Luz, Lda.

Properties in the East & Central Algarve

Algarve - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Algarve is one of the Regions of Portugal according to NUTS II subdivisions. The region's administrative centre is the city of Faro, which has its own ...

Algarve, Portugal - Tourism Information

In the northern part of the Algarve, the hills of Espinhação de Cão, Monchique and Caldeirão shelter the coast from strong winds. ...

Algarve Hotels, Algarve Vacations & Tourism, Algarve Attractions ...

Algarve, Portugal vacations: Find the best Algarve hotels, attractions, maps, pictures, weather, airport information, travel advice and more on Yahoo!

Algarve Info - Travel Guide

Algarve Info, your travel guide with detailed information on the Algarve - Portugal - Europe.

Algarve Guru - Your Algarve Guide.

Algarve guru, your guide with detailed information on the Algarve, dolphins, food, diving, ocean, ponte da piedade, beaches, bom dia, trips in Portugal.

Algarve: Definition and Much More from Answers.com

Algarve A medieval Moorish kingdom in present-day southern Portugal. It was conquered in 1253 by Alfonso III (1210-1279)

Algarve Golf Desk

The largest private agency for booking discount golf and golf packages, on all Algarve and Lisbon golf courses,

Algarve Golf

All you need to know about Golf in the Algarve...

Properties in Eastern Algarve and Central Algarve

More than 250 properties in Eastern Algarve and Central Algarve.

Algarve Info 

Jones delight as Bluebirds lift Algarve Cup

Bluebirds win Algarve Cup

Six-year-old boy drowns in the Algarve on family holiday

Southgate relieved after Algarve battle

Reader Feedback 

LeahWhitehorse Excellent and very detailed. I hope to move to Portugal in the future although I will be looking to be near Lisbon :-) Posted March 17, 2008

heipet Very good lens! Outstanding, 5 stars. I lensrolled it on my Algarve lens. Thank you, heipet Posted February 15, 2008

gearon_garlic So interesting and informative lens, thanks! FIVE STAR By me. If you have some time, Please take a review to my American Express credit card lens. Posted October 26, 2007

ShortSaleRealtor great lens thanks for the info./.. Posted October 19, 2007

Karendelac I gave you 5 stars. This is a very through and resourceful lens for a beautiful location. All the Best, Karen at Karen's Kinkade Art Store Posted July 29, 2007

Debra

...thank you, I'm travelling to Portugal soon and I really apreciated the tips, I might even stop by to check your properties...

Posted July 23, 2007

Mary

very helpfull hints...keep it up

Posted July 19, 2007

Anna

Great lens...very usefull info...keep it up

Posted July 16, 2007

Lili

Very useful info...thank's

Lil

Posted July 13, 2007

Algarve Photos 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUÍS...

Title Me!

Albufeira Beach

Beach at dusk

Hotel Garbe Albufeir...

Hotel Garbe Albufeir...

Albufeira Beach

Albufeira Beach

Albufeira Beach Boat

Dusty Beach At Dusk

Algarve 

..where you will find your dream home...

Buying a property in Algarve (Allgarve) 

The right Algarve (Allgarve) home at the right price