The presence of the sun during almost all of the year and the 200 kilometers of sandy beaches make Algarve a very traveled destination for those looking for a beach holiday, with many leisure and sports activities.

Inhabited since the time of the Phoenicians, this region gained importance with the Islamic occupation, which left a very rich legacy there. The examples range from architecture to toponymical, with the simple name (Al Gharb) showing how much the southernmost part of Portugal suffers, even today, this influence.
Bordered to the south and west by the Atlantic, with the river Guadiana on the border with Spain to the east, the Algarve is separated from the rest of Portugal by a series of small elevations.

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Gastronomy
Fish and shellfish are mandatory in Algarve cuisine, with special emphasis on tuna, abundant in these waters, whose steaks are a habitual presence in the beach barbecues.

Stuffed squid is another typical Algarve dish, using the contrast between these cephalopods, meats, sausages and rice, all cooked in an onion and tomato sauce. Roasted sardines are another Portuguese tradition that extends to the Algarve, especially in summer, when this small fish is more succulent. Of Spanish influence, gazpacho, cold soup very popular in summer, has an algarvian version, with tomato, garlic, cucumber, peppers, and olive oil.

An example of the typical Mediterranean cuisine is the cataplana, a fish dish stewed in its juices, using a wok with a lid typical of the region that gives its name to the dish.
 The sweets from Algarve are worthy of careful analysis. Eggs and sugar are crucial to creating authentic artworks that can also benefit from local fruits such as figs and almonds.

Must visit
The capital of Algarve, Faro, was built on a charming harbor, sheltered in a wide lagoon. The city's main attractions include a maritime museum and a 13th-century cathedral in the historic center.
Traveling to the West, we cross Albufeira, the largest holiday area in Algarve, with tourist activity all year round. Away from the beach, in the middle of the mountains, we discover Monchique, with its natural thermal baths of therapeutic qualities. On the way to Sagres, the westernmost point of the Algarve and from where the ships headed for the Discoveries Era, we crossed Lagos, with a modern marina and a long sandy beach (Meia Praia).

Main attractions
Silves Archaeological Museum 

15th Century Silves Cathedral 

Santo António de Lagos Church

Old Town of Faro
Castro Marim Castel Ruins

Romanesque Chapel of São Lourenço, Almancil
Roman ruins of Estói
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve
Cape of São Vicente, Sagres
Caldas de Monchique

Main events and festivities
 
Medieval Days in Castro Marim - August
• Portugal Ladies Open  - June

• Loulé International Jazz Festival - July
• Med Festival - Loulé - June
• Nation's Cup Golf - September
• Kitesurf World Championships - Portimão - July
• Portimão Formula Windsurfing Grand Prix - September
• Silves Medieval Fair - August
• International Sand Sculpture Festival - Pêra - May to October
• Nights of the Enchanted Moorish Maiden - Cacela-Velha - July

• Portugal Masters - Vilamoura – October