Exploring Algarve's Gems

About the destination: The Algarve’s capital and largest city, Faro is the starting point for many northern Europeans’ holidays in the sun. Yet tourists have not overrun Faro, it’s a large city, and its marvellous beach, floating on an islet outside the town, help the jaded forget their lot. Despite being just the arrival point for many holidaymakers, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it's an enticing city-break destination in its own right. Faro's Old Town is a little gem. It's small, quiet and wonderfully atmospheric. The Cidade Vella is crammed with tourists and locals visiting the handicraft markets or just wandering around looking at the old buildings, many of which show signs of the city’s Moorish ancestry. Leading into Faro’s Old Town stands the Arco da Vila, a gate originally constructed as an arched gateway with a bell tower atop and a statue of the city’s patron saint, St Thomas Aquina. In the centre there is a beautiful square, Largo da Sé that used to be the Roman Forum. It's lined with orange trees and it is flanked by Faro’s Cathedral, the Bishops Palace and a 16th Century convent that is now the Faro Museum of Archaeology. Se Catedral, Faro’s Cathedral, dominates the Old Town. The original Gothic church was built in the 13th century, but was severely damaged during an earthquake. Only the tower and a doorway remains from that era and the temple presents today elements of different styles like Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. From the tower you can enjoy panoramic views of Faro and the coastline. Faro has a beautiful marina which lies just to the north of the Old Town and is probably the busiest part of the city. The city of Faro is a busy cosmopolitan centre, offering plenty of things to do, whether it's a wander around the shops, relaxing at one of the many pavement cafés, or visiting some of the historic places of interest, this city has much to tempt you off the beach.

About the destination: Quarteira is a city in the Algarve region of Portugal. Quarteira is pretty easy to get around. A few hotels are close to all amenities and there is a Bus Stop and taxi stop in the centre of town if you want to visit other places. A taxi to neighbouring Vilamoura, a very popular upmarket resort.There are also car hire companies in Quarteira if you want to hire a car and drive around the Algarve. There is a lovely wide ,clean beach in quarteira with lovely clean water.There is also a lovely promenade. There is also the aquashow for families which is nearby. Vilamoura is also a must see if you are in Quarteira for its lovely shops and marina. You can also book a cruise for a few hours a day for as little money

About the destination: Albufeira is a city in Algarve, in the south of Portugal. It is called the Gateway of the Algarve. Once a small fishing village it has now developed to be a very touristic area. Many holiday makers return year after year because of the lovely beaches, very good climate and the many restaurants, bars and pubs. The town is divided into two parts, 'The Old Town' and the 'STRIP', or newer town, including Montechoro, Arias de Sao João. The city of Albufeira maintains a historical and cultural heritage that demonstrates the spirit and strength of a population that believes in the essential power of Faith. There are various physical proofs of this way of life to confirm this like the Clock Tower and the Paris Church. Albufeira resort has gained a wide variety of recreation possibilities to offer to its visitors in terms of sport and leisure activities as well as entertainment.

About the destination: Portimão is the largest town in the western Algarve. It has been an important port since ancient times because of its location at the mouth of the river Arade. Today it is a busy provincial town and a commercial fishing port. During the summer months the quay on the town side of the river is lined with boats offering game-fishing trips and coastal and river cruises. Praca da Republica is an impressive square in the centre of Portimao. There are a number of water fountains located in and around the square and plenty of benches to sit on and watch the world go by. Along one side of the square is the imposing Church of the Colegio. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição dominates the city center skyline. This historic building was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake retaining an excellent Manueline style door from the original 14th century building. The interior is impressive with walls covered in glazed tiles from the 17th century. Praia da Rocha, the main beach in Portimão, is very beautiful and exotic and has an excellent beach bar. A modern and new marina is also one of the attractions on the Praia da Rocha path, full of new bars and restaurants from where to watch the rest of the world go by Summertime is clearly the busiest time of the year, reaching a climax with a popular annual event in Portimão: the sardine festival in august. The mild climate of the Algarve, and many sunny winter days attract a multinational crowd in all seasons, exploring the regional markets, visiting historical sites, strolling along the river boulevard or just sipping a drink in a terrace bar.

About the destination: Lagos is a city at the mouth of Bensafrim River and along the Atlantic Ocean, in the Barlavento region of the Algarve, and is one of the most visited cities in Algarve and Portugal. Lagos has always had a seafaring connection, originally visited by Phoenicians and Carthaginians. The famous Avenida dos Descobrimentos finish in the very modern Lagos Marina. There is a footbridge over the Bensafrim where you get a lovely view of the town. In other hand, Lagos is full of beaches, as Meia Praia is one of the largest open bays in Europe, and nice bars and restaurants.