General Information

An Overview of the Algarve

The Algarve is one of the sunniest places in Europe, with over 3,000 sunshine hours per year.

The Atlantic coastline offers a spectacular variation of scenery from dramatic limestone cliff formations surrounding tiny coves, to long, flat, sandy beaches ideal and safe for family holidays.

Go inland, and the mountains of Monchique provide a totally different viewpoint (and on some days a totally different climate) to the coastal areas. The terrain here makes it ideal for all types of activities, from off–road biking, hiking and quad biking to walking and simply enjoying the spectacular scenery.

The western facing side of the Algarve is certainly worth a visit. The beaches are beautiful and clean and the scenery fantastic – but be prepared for more wind and colder water! A favourite spot for windsurfers.

Go east of Faro and you will find the Ria Formosa, a protected part of the coast cut off from the sea by sand–spits, forming large areas of marshlands and lagoons teeming with wildlife.

Further east beyond Tavira the coast runs off towards Spain with mile after mile of Golden flat sand.