The Algarve - Portugal's Hotspot

Posted by Jude Buttle on Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Portugal has long been a popular destination with holidaymakers, with the Algarve being the country's main hot spot.

Location

Set in the southernmost part of Portugal, the Algarve is particularly popular with holidaymakers from the UK due to its beautiful beaches, wonderful weather and first-class leisure facilities.

Weather

Although the Algarve is a joy to visit at anytime, the region blossoms during the spring and summer when local temperatures can soar into the 30s.

Even in winter, whilst the northern areas of the country can suffer from snow and ice, the temperature never falls below zero in the Algarve.

Getting There

Travelling to the Algarve is easy and affordable. Flying is certainly the most convenient way to get to the area, with many low-cost airlines flying to the airport in Faro, which is only three hours from most European destinations and has a network of motorways leading to the region's towns and cities.

Train travel is another option and since Portugal is part of the European rail network, most European capital cities have trains that connect with the Algarve region.

 

Attractions

As well as the glorious sunshine and stunning coastline, the Algarve is also popular for its water sports and in particular, its many first class golf courses.

Many golfing enthusiasts have been heading to the region over the years, to improve their handicap on lush greens, surrounded by a beautiful countryside and under a blazing sun.

There are currently more than twenty golf courses in the space of 100 miles of coastline and all within one and a half hours' drive of Faro Airport.

However, there is more to the area than just sun, sea, sand and sports.

Places to Visit

There are some interesting attractions in the Algarve, including the university town of Faro, which has a wonderful marina and Arab and Roman ruins to visit. Particularly interesting is the old part of the city, which is still surrounded by Roman walls that date back to the 9^th Century.

The charming town of Albufeira is also worth a visit. It has grown from a tiny fishing village to become the most popular holiday resort on the Algarve. As well as its fine beaches, the town boasts a small museum, an art gallery and on the west side of the town a new marina has been completed, which offers an alternative to the beach bathing and museum monitoring.

During the evening, the city centre changes its character and a copious collection of bars, restaurants and clubs start to fill-up with people looking to relax after a stint in the sun.

The quaint town of Portimao is another place of interest, which has Greek, Roman and Moorish influences. Located at the mouth of the river Arade, the town has a natural harbour that was once frequented by pirates and smugglers.

The main municipal museum is housed in an old sardine canning factory and hosts regular exhibitions that cover local and national culture.

A marina was recently opened adjoining Praia da Rocha and this adds to the area's mix of old heritage and new development.

Also worth investigating are the Marine Zoo, Tivoli Almansor Diving Centre, a crocodile park, Coveoerio Tennis Club, and Sir Cliff Richard's Winery.

Property Scene

Accommodation in the Algarve ranges from high rise resorts in places like Albufeira to traditional guesthouses, located in the small towns and villages surrounding the Algarve coast.

The region has seen a huge increase in development over the last 50 years, particularly from international developers and many investors have chosen to buy a second home investment in the sunny Algarve.

Prices in the Algarve have, in recent years, been rising faster than in the rest of Portugal and the area has a vibrant rental market fuelled by the frequent influx of tourists.

The Algarve is known as the ‘other market,' because it continually seems to perform independently to the rest of the country, which has seen a downturn in property sales due to the current global credit concerns.

With the region's natural resources, first class leisure facilities and development of the local infrastructure and service industry, the Algarve seems set to continue as a popular destination for tourists.

 

Search for property in Portugal

If you are interested in buying property in the Algarve, why not check out TheMoveChannel.com Portugal, which has a large number of listings from Portuguese estate agents and developers selling properties in the area: http://portugal.themovechannel.com/

Photo by pereiraalexandre20

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