Children in Algarve, Portugal by Carlos Baquero / License: Creative Commons

Children will also get much more out of any holiday if you involve them in some of the planning stages – sit them down with a map of the region and explain where you’re going and what you’re likely to see and do. You can be sure that will start a debate! Building up excitement prior to the trip is not only all part of the experience, but will also keep them going should you encounter any hitches such as flight delays. Take their interests into account too – if one child loves the outdoors while the other has more fun exploring castles and playing king over ramparts, make sure you’ve built in both options for the trip. Ultimately, whether your child wants to be a pirate or a princess, some fun preparation will help you get more out of your adventure.

The Region in Brief

If you haven’t yet visited the Algarve – and even if you have – you may think that this southernmost stretch of sandy shore is no more than a gaggle of golf courses, villa complexes and cheap and cheerful beach resorts. Up to a point, you’d be right, but Faro airport is the gateway to so much more than just the manicured greens and spotless sands of resorts such as Vilamoura, Albufeira, Quarteira and Portimão.

Head all the way west, and in a surprisingly short space of time (less than a 90-minute drive from Faro) you’re on the wild west coast, a region of endless sands, spectacular coastlines and Atlantic surf.

Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal by Klugschnacker

Take off in the opposite direction, and in only half an hour you’re in Tavira or Vila Real de Santo António, gorgeous historic towns that haven’t turned into booming tourism resorts because they’re not right on the coast – but both of which have splendid sandy beaches just minutes away.

Push on a little further east and you can be across the border into Spain’s ‘sherry triangle’ and the stunning historic cities of Seville, Jerez and Cádiz, and a whole different culture of gypsy violinists, flamenco dancers and prancing stallions – and of cutting edge adrenaline water sports.

Or go inland, across the rolling plains and winding river valleys of the Baixa Alentejo. Spattered with scarlet, purple and yellow wildflowers in spring and early summer, the Alentejo’s prairies bake under endless sun in summer, but the region is dotted with dozens of freshwater reservoirs, including Europe’s newest and largest artificial lake, that are super, uncrowded family picnic spots. If you go a little further to north, you can visit the capital of Portugal, the beautiful Lisbon.

Lisbon, Portugal by Miguel Vieira

This is a region that seems a world away from the busy coast, but that is very easy to get to. And all of the holiday honeypots of the Algarve, the Alentejo and Andalusia’s western corner are packed into a remarkably compact space: none of the attractions and destinations that we have highlighted in this book is more than two hours from Faro airport, at maximum. With buses and trains linking everywhere along the coast and inland, you don’t even need a car to explore.

Further south, Monchique, around an hour’s drive from Sagres and about half an hour from Lagos or Portimão, is a pleasant enough little town for a break to let the family stretch their legs and grab a cold drink if you’re tempted to take a drive through the hills inland from the coast – but from the point of view of parents with children it isn’t really a destination worth making a special trip to.

Yes, go to the Algarve for some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe, for lovely villas and excellent family resorts – but go too to explore wild Atlantic beaches, flamingo haunted wetlands, traffic-free historic town centers, cool river valleys and the big skies of the back country. There is much more to the Algarve than the world of the holiday brochures.

Bispo is a Portuguese young man that lives in Algarve and loves to travel.

The post Traveling With Children To Algarve In Portugal appeared first on Europe Explored.

Faro Cathedral, Algarve, Portugal by Greg Pye

The Climate

You can’t ask for a better climate, with a Mediterranean climate, Faro is a perfect choice for everyone who wants to spend all the summer engaging in outdoor activities. The hotter months are June, July, and August. Throughout these months, temperatures can reach the 40ºC, but they usually average the 29ºC – 35ºC. From June to August you won’t need to worry about the rain because during that period, it rarely rains. The winter occurs from December to February, but the temperatures are not very, very low. Through those months you can expect temperatures ranging from 9ºC to 16ºC, not very chilly at all. However, if you don’t like rain, the rainier months are December, January, and February, so during those months don’t forget to wear appropriately if you are going to Faro. The rest of the year, the temperatures average 22ºC. Definitely a pleasant temperature.

The Transportation System

In Faro the transportation network is quite efficient, there are various means of transportation, and the prices are perfectly affordable. Nonetheless, during the summer, there will be way more tourists than in the rest of the year and that is not good for you if you don’t necessarily like packed buses that stop everywhere. In this city you can take a bus, take an airport bus to get from the airport to the hotel, take a cab, use the train, you can always hire a car to pick you up at the airport or you can rent one and drive to wherever you please whenever you want, without the need to wait for the bus, the train, or the cab.

The Activities

As you can imagine, in a sunny city like Faro, which is also the capital of the region of Algarve, most of the activities will be related in some way with the water and the sun. Anyway, let’s have a look at some interesting things you can do here:

1) Enjoy the Sun:

In the summer the sun in Faro is absolutely amazing. The temperatures are high and you’ll surely want to pay a visit to the beach. Make sure you arrive early because most beaches will get crowded and you don’t want to lose the best spot. During those sunny days, just go outside and enjoy the sun and the beaches in Faro.

2) Relax:

When it is time for vacations our mood is immediately boosted, isn’t it? Because during our vacations we will have the opportunity to have fun, to escape stress, and above all, relax. In Faro you will have a lot of places where you can relax. The hotels are fantastic, so you can relax there. You can go to the spa and achieve the level of relaxation you want. Alternatively, you can go to one the amazing beaches in Faro, choose a good spot, lie there and relax.

3) Get to Know:

Get to know the culture, get to know the gastronomy, get to know the people, get to know the city. In Faro you will have a completely magnificent place to discover.

This article has been written by George, a writer and traveler. If you’d like to visit Faro and want to rent a car to pick you up at the Faro Airport you may want some information about it, all you need to do is to access www.FaroAirport.eu and with a simple click all your questions will be answered.

The post Faro – The Portuguese Capital Of Tourism appeared first on Europe Explored.

Tavira – Ponte romana, Portugal by Rui Ornelas

The Best Time to Visit Tavira

Summer season, when temperatures are highest, is the best time to visit the Island. The best months are therefore July and August. During this season, the daytime sky is always clear blue due to high temperatures and more hours of sunshine. The Tavira weather is generally good throughout the year.

Weather in Tavira

Temperatures are lowest in January and highest in July. Summer temperatures may go as high as 30˚C with sunshine throughout the 12 hours of the day. In winter, spring and autumn seasons, temperatures are always above 15˚C and sunshine hours are reduced to six. Generally, Tavira weather is a typical one from January to December.

Ria de Tavira, Tavira, Portugal by F Mira

Taxi Fares

Traveling may involve hiring a car or taxi for people staying away from the city centre. If you are interested in seeing Tavira’s tourist spots and multiple beaches, hiring a car is your best option. The taxi may cost as high as $45 from the outskirts of the city to the Island. It costs around $20 for adults and $5 for children. There is also an ample packing in the Praia Verde and Manta Rota, a few kilometers away from the Island.

Best Places to Stay

Most of the best hotels are far from the city and people have to know in advance the best locations to stay and those which suit their needs. Some hotels are situated in places with easy beach access perfect for beach holidays and are also near the city centre. These include the Pousada Convento da Graca, Vila Gale Tavira and Hotel Porta Nova in the Tavira city.  Other top hotel choices but may take a while reaching the city are Vila Gale Albacora, Pedras D’EI Rei in Santa Luzia and Pedras da Rainha in Cabanas de Tavira. For economy travelers, there are also lots of guest houses, private apartments and camping facilities in the Island.

Hotel Rates

Hotel prices range between $160 and $260 for hotels such as Pedras Raihha Holiday village, Vila Gale Tavira, Vila Gale Albacora and Golden Clude Cabanas. These prices do not include $12 for fees and taxes, and are available for one room and double occupancy partners.

Tavira Beaches

Tavira has some of the most pristine, secluded yet very inviting beaches in the world. Listed below are four of the top tourist choices for beach holidays.

Praia da Terra Estreita (the Narrow Land Beach)

This beach is 50 m in width and found to the East of Praia do Barril, on narrow part of the Tavira Island. It’s also called Praia de Santa Luzia, a village where boats are set off towards the island. Tourists enjoy a warm seawater swim and admire sea daffodils flowers.

Praia da Terra Estreita, Tavira, Portugal by Rafael Tovar

Praia de Cabanas

Found on a strip of land that is narrow and long to the East of the island and river estuary, Praia de Cabanas  is located in the Cabanas village, a fishing village. The beach is identified by numerous fishing boats anchored around the Rio Formosa area.

Praia do Lacem

A small lagoon forms this beach and it’s surrounded by vineyards, farmland and orchards. It’s accessed by a footpath with thick vegetation growing on its sides.

Praia do Barril

It’s found in the South coast of Algarve and one of calm beaches as high floods of season don’t affect it. During spring and winter seasons, the water is warm and calm making it a great place for swimming. Tourists visit the beach to jog and watch birds.

Travel Necessities

Some important documents like a valid passport and hotel tickets and confirmations are necessary when traveling to Portugal. Some extra cash and debit and credit cards are important in case of emergencies. Someone needs to have a travel medical insurance plan in case of health problems requiring medication.

Praia do Barril, Tavira, Portugal by Alexmol

Footwear such as flip-flop, pairs of padded socks and sneakers are important for walking on beaches. Jacket is also necessary in case of rain and cold weather. Other clothing basics should be at least four tops and three bottoms, dressy shirts and T-shirts. Personal hygiene items such as soap, sunscreens and hair products are also travel necessities. A map or any guide material for people who may not be able to speak Portuguese is necessary.

About the Author:

Lori Harp is travel blogger and writer for Tavira House Hotel – one of the best hotels in Algarve set within the castle walls of the stunning Algarvian town. For more information visit their website or check out their Google+ Page.

The post 7 Things You Need to Know When Visiting Tavira Island | Portugal appeared first on Europe Explored.

• Flights
• Transfers
• Transport of Golf Equipment
• Hotels
• Transport
• Reduced Green Fees at a wide range of courses

In fact, when you look at it more closely, there really isn’t a good enough reason not to take your father away for Father’s Day! Just because Father’s Day is still in June, it does not mean you have to travel then either. You can book something for the off season when it is quieter and cheaper. Booking a year before the day itself really helps, trust me on that. The day that you go away is not important, what is important though is the person that you are with and where you go.

Algarve west coast, Portugal by michael clarke stuff

The Algarve

The Algarve is a great location for a golfing holiday and has a wide variety of gold courses on offer, which caters for a wide selection of skill levels. With also having a great climate all year round, you do not only have to limit yourself to coming for Father’s day. You can quite often get some great short break deals to the Algarve, which is perfect for a golfing holiday. As well as some great courses on offer, you also have a wide selection of accommodations available. You can find something for all standards, and bank accounts, in this exquisite part of Portugal. As well as golf, there are lots of other activities on offer:

• Amusement Parks
• Water Sports
• Water Parks
• Sight Seeing
• Relaxing on the Beach or by the Pool

Those are definitely reasons enough for me and my brother to bring father to Algarve. Azazel can go with dad golfing while me and Aaron will surely hit the waterparks as soon as we get those two comfortable.

Accommodation

You will find a wide variety of choice with the accommodation on offer, and it is best to do some research before you commit to staying somewhere. I drew up a short list of hotels that appealed to me due to the location and amenities on offer, and then I got some user reviews of these hotels and resorts from the internet. You will find lots of reviews online which could help influence your final choice.  After looking for  cheap holidays to algarve online, you can find out everything from how close to the nightlife you are *wink* up to the local golf course and other amenities by checking some blogs or even vlogs of first hand experiences. Especially if you are only going for a long weekend, you want to make sure that you are in the most convenient location so that you do not spend a lot of time travelling and figuring things out when you’re around there.

Algarve resort, Portugal by Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts

Food and Drink

When you have finished your round of golf and had your fill at the 19th green, there is plenty on offer in the Algarve by way of food and drink. Of course, you will be able to find lots of international cuisine if that is your preference. But there is also a lot of delicious local food on offer. There is of course an abundance of sea food on offer with the mixture or herbs and spices used in Portuguese food. There is plenty to get the taste buds watering. There are plenty of Tapas bars around as well so you can enjoy some of the local food whilst you also drink a cool beer or a nice glass of wine. Why not a sherry? You are in Portugal after all! Whatever your tastes are, you will be able to find plenty of delicious food and drink while you enjoy your visit to Portugal for Father’s day. You can sip away in the warm evening whilst the sun sets out at sea and soak up some of the atmosphere that is generated by all of the friendly locals.

The Algarve is a perfect destination to take your father on his special day, and it is also a great place to visit all year round! You won’t regret making your plans earlier than usual.

Author Bio – Ariana Louis is an Englishwoman born of a Spanish father and a French mother. (it doesn’t get more mixed up than that). She finished her studies in anthropology and has been travelling around Europe looking for interesting adventures to write about for a local travel magazine which is also helping her pay for her future travels. She now spends a lot of time travelling with her brothers or her family.

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Countless people travel to Tavira for a holiday simply to experience the breathtaking beaches that the place has to offer. Aside from the great beaches in the city of Tavira, Tavira Island also has many pristine beaches that you can get to simply by taking a short boat ride from the mainland.

With all of the great beaches that you can find in Tavira, knowing which ones are the best is really important. If you want to find out which beaches in Tavira you should not miss during your visit, check out the helpful list below.

Praia do Barril near Tavira, Portugal by Nemracc

Barril Beach or Praia do Barril

Barril beach is located in Tavira Island and is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches there. The waters in Barril beach are always calm especially during the summertime and the shore is composed of fine white sand that really makes the place an amazing place to just sit back, relax, and have a nice swim. Barril beach has constantly been awarded the blue flag by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) for meeting the latter’s stringent water quality, safety, and environmental standards.

Narrow Land Beach or Praia da Terra Estreita

Located to the East of Barril beach is the Narrow Land Beach or the Praia da Terra Estreita. This beautiful beach came about as a result of the narrowing of Tavira Island ending in this small yet beautiful 50 meter strip of sand. Sometimes called the Praia de Santa Luzia, Narrow Land Beach is a great place to go swimming as well as relax and enjoy the amazing view where you can see beautiful flowers near the beach.

A way to Praia da Terra Estreita, Tavira, Portugal

Cabanas Beach or Praia de Cabanas

Found to the East side of Tavira Island, Cabanas Beach in Cabanas Island offers you one of the most stunning stretch of beaches in Tavira. You can travel to the island by taking a boat from Cabanas de Tavira and after a short boat ride you will already get to experience the beautiful beaches in the island. Though the beach is narrow, it is very long and has pure white sand and warm waters that will surely satisfy the beach lover in you.

Praia do Lacém

Praia do Lacém is a little lagoon beach that you can find amongst the farmlands and orchards. It can be accessed by way of a small cross-country footpath that leads to this beautiful and quiet place. The place is not your typical beach but it offers a unique element for nature loving tourists as you can do some bird watching on your way to this beach.

Tavira certainly has a lot of great beaches and picking just one to visit can be a really tough decision to make. Check out all of the can’t miss beaches above and enjoy the sun, sand, and crystal clear water in Tavira.

This article is brought to you by Tavira House Hotel – the only luxury hotel in Algarve set within the castle walls of the stunning Algarvian town. For more information visit their website or check out their Google Plus page.

The post Tavira Beaches That You Don’t Want To Miss | Portugal appeared first on Europe Explored.

1. Lisbon

The capital of Portugal is the city of Lisbon which is home to more than half a million permanent residents. You will find the city on the Iberian Peninsula, situated along the banks of the Tagus River. It is here where the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean. There are countless historical sites which can be seen and visited throughout the city of Lisbon, one of the most famous is that of World Heritage Belém Tower, which you will probably see on every postcard from Lisbon.

Belém Tower, Lisbon by Chrismatos

2. Porto

As the second largest city in the country, Porto is home to more than two hundred thousand people. You can find the city situated within the estuary of the Douro River in the northern part of the country. Being one of the oldest cities in Europe, there are many world heritages sites that can be found in its historical town center.

Porto by Sunny Ripert

3. Albufeira

The city of Albufeira is a popular tourist destination in Portugal. There are countless golf courses, hotels and restaurants that can be found in and around the city. Nearby you will also find the popular Paderne Castle which has attracted many visitors over the years. Parts of the original Roman aqueduct can also be found in the city itself.

Albufeira beach, Portugal by Sberla_

4. Lagos

You will find the town of Lagos situated at the Bensafrim River mouth where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The town and surrounding area is a very well-known tourist destination on the account of the many fine beaches that can be found along the coastlines. There is even a historical shipyard which dates back to the days of Henry the Navigator that can be found in Lagos. However it is mainly rock formations at Ponta da Piedade that make this place very popular. It is located just 2km south of the city centre.

Ponta Da Piedade, Lagos, Portugal by Romain MOREL

5. Funchal, Madeira

You will find the city of Funchal situated along the coast of charming Portuguese island of Madeira, rising up over the sea and offering some of the most breath taking views of the surrounding countryside and waters. It is a capital of Madeira, known among the locals as Little Lisbon. However Funchal is not the only place you should visit once you are in Madeira. It is green island, covered by mountains and is often called the Island of never-ending spring. So once you are here, make sure to spend some time hiking around the island.

Funchal, Madeira by Ben Salter

6. Portimão

The town of Portimão can be found along the southern coastlines of Portugal. Thanks to the pristine waters and the beautiful sandy beaches in the area, the city has grown to become a popular seaside destination. It is also the home of the popular Mundialito de Futebol de Praia tournament which is held annually.

Praia do Alemão, Portimão by Aires Almeida

7. Sintra

The beautiful architecture as well as landscapes that can be found in and around the town of Sintra is one of the biggest reasons the area has grown to become a major centre for tourism in the country. There are countless palaces and castles which date back to the 8th and 9th centuries which can be found throughout the town. One of the most beautiful is Pena National Palace often referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.

Pena National Palace, Sintra by David Sim

8. Vilamoura

When it comes to spending a luxurious vacation along the Portuguese coastlines, there is no better destination than that of Vilamoura. It is considered to be one of the most popular destinations in all of Europe and also one of the most luxurious one. Here, you will find a magnificent resort which is complete with a marina which has seen many of the world’s most prestigious yachts over the years.

Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal by Sue Elias

9. Cascais

The town of Cascais can be found along the nation’s coastlines. There are many fine beaches around the town as well as a castle, sea museum and a beautiful historical town centre that is just waiting to be explored. There are many reasons why this sleepy little town has grown to become one of the most popular destinations in the country.

Centre of Cascais by Francesco Sgroi

10. Faro

You will find the city of Faro in the southernmost portion of Portugal. The city is situated near the edges of the Ria Formosa Lagoon which is a magnificent nature reserve that has attracted countless migratory bird species. There are countless stretches of quiet and secluded beaches that can be found throughout the city and lagoon areas.

Faro, Algarve by Greg Pye

11. Fátima

The parish of Fátima is home to many small villages that are associated with the 1917 Cova da Iria apparitions. At 300 meters above sea level, the parish can be found encompassing much of the Estremenho Limestone Massif. The area is a popular pilgrimage site in the country and has attracted many visitors in the last century.

The Basilica of Fátima, Portugal by hugo esteves

12. Tavira

The city of Tavira can be found along the southern coastlines of Portugal, nestled snuggly along the mouth of where the Gilão River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The area has been known to have been settled back in the 8th century B.C. by the Phoenicians who built a large center in the area. There are countless archaeological sites that can now be found within and around the city today.

Tavira, Portugal by Cayetano

13. Braga

In the northwestern part of the country is where you will find the city of Braga. The city is considered to be one of the oldest Christian archdioceses in the world. Originally settled by the Romans, the city flourished over the millennia and today is the third largest in the country. There are many historical sites that one can visit throughout the city.

Braga Cathedral, Portugal by Jose Goncalves

14. Coimbra

During the middle ages, the city of Coimbra was the capital of Portugal. Today it is home to one of the oldest universities in the European Union. There are many fine sites throughout the city to visit as well as the 16th century University. Many tourists make their way to the city every single year.

Coimbra, Portugal by Dennis Jarvis

15. Évora

The city of Évora is most well known for its beautiful and fully intact town center. Many of the original fortified walls which had once guarded the old town are still standing today. Situated along the banks of the Tagus River, the ancient city of Évora has attracted many visitors over the years. The most important sights of the city include Roman Temple, Igreja da Graça Church, Cathedral, or University.

Roman Temple at Evora, Portugal by ho visto nina volare

16. Ponta Delgada, Azores

In the Azores archipelago, you will find the city of Ponta Delgada situated along the shores of the São Miguel Island. The city is a historical one and while most people make their way to the area for the pristine beaches, it would be impossible to spend one’s entire holiday in Ponta Delgada without also visiting the many historical buildings that can be found throughout the city.

Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal by Christophe.Finot

17. Sagres Point

Situated in the southern part of Portugal, not too far from Cape St. Vincent, you will find the area known as Sagres Point. Over the centuries, Sagres Point has been a popular resting point for countless expeditions before travelling through the rocky cape. It is also one of the oldest settled areas in Portugal which dates back to the Neolithic Era.

Sagres Point, Portugal by Curtis Foreman

18. Setúbal

You will find the city of Setúbal nestled snuggle along the banks of the Sado River just south of the nation’s capital. The city is a historical one and over the years has attracted many visitors who come to visit the fine historical buildings that can be found throughout Setúbal. There are also a number of archaeological sites that can be visited just outside of the city.

Monastery of Jesus of Setúbal, Portugal by Georges Jansoone

19. Aveiro

A small port city of Aveiro located in central Portugal, in the region that is full of bays, rivers, canals and bridges, is among the most pleasant Portuguese towns. Local tourist attraction is a sailing through channels on colourful boats, it is quite similar to Italian city of Venice and therefore it is often called Venice of Portugal.

Aveiro, Portugal by unhappy by design

20. Guimarães

City of Guimarães is considered a cradle of the Portuguese nation and lies in the north-western part of the country, 15 km south-east of Braga and 42 km northeast of Porto. Its main jewels include Castelo de Guimarães, Igreja da Oliveira a Padrão do Salado or Paço dos Duques de Bragança.

Guimarães, Portugal by paul Barker Hemings

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A view of Porto, Portugal by Sunny Ripert

The entire province that Porto is located in is an important commercial center for the country. Today you will find many fine buildings that span the centuries and include cathedrals, churches, mansions and so much more. Nearby, along the river Tâmega, you will find some of the finest mansions in the country, many of which can be dated back to the 17th century and beyond.

Along the banks of the Douro River, you can find the Caves do Vinho do Porto. There are several wine cellars which house more than 50 different types of wine. You can take guided tours throughout the cellars and even have the opportunity to taste some of the finest wines.

Many people chose to stop by and check out the 13th century Sé Catedral which houses many finer artifacts from across the centuries. Then there is the nearby Torre dos Clérigos which is a bell tower that was completed in 1763 and features 225 steps to the viewing level. The 19th century Palácio da Bolsa was the former home of the nation’s Stock Exchange but today stands as a beautiful example of some of the finest workmanship of the era.

There are many great locations throughout the region to experience the culture and history of Portugal. There is the Museu de Serralves which is a contemporary art museum that showcases an amazing collection of art from some of the best Portuguese artists of recent times. The Museu Municipal Abade Pedrosa is a museum dedicated to the medieval times and has a number of important artifacts from the era.

Porto Cathedral, Portugal by Gabriele Margapoti

You may also want to check out the Antiga Cadeia da Relação prison which is now home to the Portuguese Centre for Photography. The Edifício do Instituto do Vinho do Porto is the institute responsible for ensuring the quality of Douro wines.

For some rest and relaxation, you can stop by and visit the Jardim de São Lázaro gardens which were developed back in 1834 or the Jardim do Passeio Alegre gardens which date back to 1870. For the ultimate treat though, spend a day at the Termas de São Vicente hot springs where you can get that much needed rest and relaxation you have been searching for.

Just do not forget that you cannot leave Porto without visiting the Citânia de Sanfins ruins. This 15 hectare archaeological site is the location of some of the most important findings on the entire Iberian Peninsula. You will see ruins from both the Neolithic as well as the Palaeolithic Eras. There are roads and buildings as well as baths that can be dated back several thousand years.

The post Porto – enchanting UNESCO heritage site in Portugal appeared first on Europe Explored.

There are quite a few restaurants, cafés and shops along the promenade overlooking the beach. You will also find several mini supermarkets and a larger one (called Baptista) in Luz.

There are many good water sports facilities on the beach of Luz. You will be able to try out scuba diving, waterskiing, boat trips and much more. If you prefer to stay on the mainland you will be happy to know that there are a two great and well known golf resorts within a ten minute drive from Luz. The Boavista and Palmares courses make Praia da Luz an ideal base for golfers in Portugal.

Praia da Luz beach, Algarve, Portugal by MamaPyjama

It is really easy to see why Luz is so popular among tourists. The town has practically everything you need. Everything is very close at hand when staying in Luz. Therefore it is also a great family resort as you don’t really need to travel very far.

If you choose to explore other areas of the Algarve coast you will have an excellent starting point in Luz. Luz is only a very short drive (10 minutes) from the larger city Lagos. In Lagos you will find numerous dining opportunities (including a Michelin starred restaurant!) and also a weekly market as well as a large selection of shops.

Other points of interest near Luz are the two large shopping centers in the area (one of them is one of the largest shopping centers in Europe). You will also find that the ZOO near Lagos is a great idea if you have children. The ZOO is only a short drive away from Luz.

The holiday resorts on the Algarve coast normally close up at the end of the season but on Praia da Luz they will remain open all the year round because of the large amount of English people staying there year round. Note that you probably will find the opening hours are much reduced if you visit Luz during the off season.

If you want to experience Portugal it would be a great idea to rent a holiday villa. There are many holiday villas in Portugal in Portugal and you can find many online.

The post Praia da Luz – a small town on the Algarve coast | Portugal appeared first on Europe Explored.

Although the weather will not be as hot in the wintertime, it will still be between 17-20 degrees during the day time in this region of southern Portugal. If you find temperatures of 30 degrees uncomfortable then this time of year might actually be a more enjoyable time for you to visit. It will not be hot enough to work on your tan every day but it will still likely be one of the warmest places in Europe. There might be a few rains during your holiday and the temperatures will drop in the evenings, but there are many advantages to visiting the Algarve in the winter.

First of all, you will be able to get the cheaper off season rates at many of the hotels and resorts which will save you a lot of money. There will also be fewer crowds so that you will not have to search for hours to find a vacant sun lounger or wait for a table at a restaurant. Although some of the local businesses will have shorter hours or might close during the winter months, there will still be plenty of selection. This is also a great time to visit the Algarve with kids, because the lack of crowds will make it less hectic and much easier to travel.

Another advantage is that while everyone else is enduring the freezing cold back home, you will be enjoying the pleasant temperatures and sunny days of the Algarve.

If you are planning a getaway to the Algarve this winter, here are some ideas of what you can do while you are there:

Go Golfing

The weather in the Algarve is warm enough to golf all year round and you might find it more pleasant to tee off in these cooler temperatures rather than the peak season heat. There are many excellent golf resorts in the area such as Monte da Quinta Club, Four Seasons Fairways and more which offer beautifully manicured professional courses.

Go Hiking

The weather will be just fine for hiking around the beautiful Portuguese countryside. Explore the winding country lanes and discover waterfalls in the forest, olive groves and picturesque seaside fishing villages. There are many coastal cliff walks all along the stunning Algarve coast, but these can sometimes be dangerous so always follow the marked path.

One of the best places to hike in the Algarve is the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This protected wetland is one of the most significant natural habitats for birds in Europe and many different species stop here on their migratory routes. There are several guided walking trails throughout the park that you can explore.

Listen to Some Live Music in Algarve, Quarteira, Portugal by run4unity

Take a look at the event listings in the area that you are staying and try to catch some live music while you are in the Algarve. Many pubs and restaurants might have performances of Fado, which is a traditional Portuguese style of hauntingly beautiful folk music about life near the sea.

Enjoy the Food

Of course, no trip to the Algarve would be complete without sampling the delicious food that this part of the world has to offer. Seafood is especially delicious in the Algarve as it is so fresh in this coastal region. Another tasty dish is Piri-Piri chicken which is tender barbecued chicken with a fiery North-African influenced spicy coating. No matter what the weather is like outside, you can always spend hours lingering over good food and wine with friends in a welcoming local restaurant.

A holiday in the Algarve in the off season can still be packed with fun, so why not check out some of these fun activities during your winter getaway?

If you are visiting Four Seasons Fairways or another Algarve resort this winter, here are some off-season activities you might enjoy.

The post Things to Do in the Algarve in the Winter | Portugal appeared first on Europe Explored.

The Algarve is generally a safe travel destination and it is very unlikely that you will be in danger during your visit. However, before visiting any foreign country it is always a good idea to educate yourself about the specific safety advice for that region. Knowing what to watch out for will help you to protect yourself and ensure that your holiday goes safely and smoothly.

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal by Lacobrigo

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while enjoying your holiday in the Algarve.

Watch Out for Crazy Drivers

If you will be renting a car to explore this region of Portugal, watch out for locals who tend to not stick to the speed limit and attempt to overtake at impossible places. Perhaps this is why Portugal has the highest accident rate in Europe! Driving along the rugged rural roads can be quite challenging as there will be plenty of potholes and perhaps even a goat wandering into your path.

Even though the locals can be crazy drivers, it doesn’t mean that you won’t get in big trouble if you are caught breaking the local driving laws. The fines for traffic offences such as using your mobile while driving or driving under the influence are very heavy. When driving in the Algarve, always follow the road rules and be vigilant of other drivers.

Beware of Pickpockets

Petty theft is a problem which affects tourists to the Algarve, especially when congregated in large crowds at the main tourist attractions. The skilled thieves blend into the crowd and can sneak your valuables right out of your pockets.

However, avoiding pickpocket theft is very easy. First of all, try not to dress in a manner which shows off your wealth, such as wearing expensive jewellery or designer brands. It advertises that you are likely to have a healthy wad of cash in your wallet, so go for an understated look instead. Keep your cash and valuables in your front trouser pocket and never in your back pocket. If you have a zippered or a buttoned pocket this is also ideal. Get out of the habit of “patting” your pocket to check if your wallet is still there, as it gives a watching criminal a clue to where you keep your valuables.

Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal by Had01

Sun-Related Hazards

One of the dangers that might not have crossed your mind is the effects of the sun. Of course, the warm sunshine is what makes a holiday to the Algarve so enjoyable, but too much of it can be a very bad thing. Because of the cooling breezes from the ocean, many people will not realize how hot the sun is until they have a severe sunburn or start showing symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. These conditions can be dangerous and can require hospitalization, so make sure that you keep an eye on each other while out in the sunshine.

Wear an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen and some sunglasses to protect your eyes from the UVA rays. You might also want to wear a wide brimmed hat which will keep your head cool and shield your face from the sun. Avoid sitting out for extended periods of time in the hottest part of the day, which is during the early afternoon.

The Algarve is generally a safe place, but these are just a few of the tips you should keep in mind to make sure that you don’t run into trouble on your trip. Enjoy your holiday!

Here are some helpful safety tips to remember while on a holiday to Vale do Lobo resort in the Algarve, Portugal.

The post Are There Any Safety Tips You Need to Know Before Visiting the Algarve? appeared first on Europe Explored.