Vacation Rentals in the Algarve
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Travel destination Algarve.
You can choose from 274 vacation rentals and holiday rentals.
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Destination
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(154)
Albufeira (53), Altura (7), Armacao de Pera (13), Balaia (1), BarÃo De SÃo JoÃo (1), Cacela (1), Espiche (1), Ferragudo (1), Lagoa (5), Lagos (29), Malhadais (1), Manta Rota (1), Moncarapacho (2), Monte da Quinta (4), Monte Gordo (1), Odiáxere (7), Olhos de Agua (1), Paderne (1), Pechao (1), Porches (8), Praia do Carvoeiro (6), Quelfes (3), Salema (2), Santo Estêvão (1), Sao Bartolomeu De Messines (3)
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Overview of the Algarve
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| Size |
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5,412 sq km (2,087 sq mi) |
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| Population |
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410,000 |
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| Language |
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Portuguese |
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| Time Zone |
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Greenwich Mean Time |
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| Electricity |
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220 V with Continental two-pin plugs is usual. |
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| Clothing |
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Take light clothes in summer, plus a jersey or two for cool evenings.
In winter it is wise to take a warm jacket or coat, though during daytime you are likely to
need no more than a jersey, if that. Casinos and some luxury restaurants prefer men to wear jacket
and tie. Elsewhere casual wear is the norm. Whatever time of year you go, remember to take sunglasses. |
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| Religion |
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90% Roman Catholic, 10% Protestant, Muslim and Jewish. |
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| Currency |
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Euro (EUR)
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Location of the Algarve
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The Algarve is the most southern region of Portugal and it's one of Europe's favourite holiday
destinations well known for glorious year round sunshine and excellent sandy beaches. These vary
from secluded coves with amazing cliffs to vast stretches of golden sand all sea washed by the
fresh and clear Atlantic ocean. Inland you will find quaint villages barely touched by tourism.
The Algarve is bordered by the Bay of Cadiz to the south, the Atlantic to the West, the region of
the Alentejo to the north and the Spanish province of Huelva to the east. It is a hilly area, with
fertile valleys, being in particular split by the Ria Formosa which empties into the sea at Faro.
The coastlines either side of this estuary are quite different in character and appearance and it is
often helpful to talk about the Eastern and Western Algarve as two different places (and the Atlantic
coast could also be considered a third kettle of sardines).
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Climate of the Algarve
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The Algarve has a warm climate with over than 3,000 hours sunshine a year, more than the Costa
Brava, Mallorca or the French Riviera. Summer temperatures are however below the extremes of those
in the Mediterranean countries and see breezes keep temperatures down in the evenings. Winters are
moderately cold and are the rainiest time of year. Overall the weather is pleasantly mild.
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Best Time to Travel to the Algarve
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The ideal time to visit the Algarve is spring, in April and May the countryside is lush and
green with a profusion of wild flowers. But to see the almond trees in blossom you need to visit
Algarve in January or early February.
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Attractions in the Algarve
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The Algarve is a popular destination for tourism, primarily because of its clean, warm water beaches,
Mediterranean climate, safety and relatively low costs. The length of the south-facing coastline
is approximately 155 km. Clarity of light and brilliance of colour are startling features of
the Algarve. The coastline is made up of various shades of gold set in a translucent turquoise sea.
The vast vault of sky is usually vivid blue. Town and village houses as well as country cottages are
dazzlingly whitewashed. The cork oaks, olive and carob trees in the foothills and serras are evergreens.
Bougainvillea and begonias in gardens, jacaranda and judas trees in town squares, roadside mimosa,
oleander in the ravines and great swaths of almond blossom and cistus rock roses all over the
countryside provide riotous colour at different times of the year. No wonder that writers have long
likened the Algarve to the "Garden of Eden" and "the land of promise." Beyond the westernmost point
of Cape St Vincent it stretches a further 50 km to the north. The coastline is notable for
picturesque limestone caves and grottoes, particularly around Lagos, which are accessible
by powerboat. Praia da Marinha, Lagoa was classified as one of the 100 most beautiful and
well preserved beaches of the world. There are many other beautiful and famous summer places such
as Albufeira, Vilamoura, Portimao, Lagos, Armacao de Pera, Quarteira, Monte Gordo and Tavira.
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Events in the Algarve
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Festivals reflect the Portuguese passion for celebration; seldom a week goes by without some
local festival. Many of the festivals are religious, which are normally exuberant affairs, with
parades and fireworks, song and dance. Such events in the smaller villages are not so 'tourist'
orientated, but more fun. From May to October, various fairs, carnivals and festivals offer a
light-heated insight into the Algarvian nature.
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Food in the Algarve
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This is fishermen's country and fish and seafood are the star dishes. Fish is served simply
grilled or fried, fresh tuna and sardines being highly recommendable. Cataplana,
a dish of mixed seafood steamed with chicken, pork, bacon and herbs, is delicious and something
of a show stopper, being brought to the table in the utensil of the same name in which it is
cooked. Caldereida, a fish and seafood stew, is ubiquitous, as is frango piri-piri,
grilled chicken in a very spicy sauce. Lombo de porco com almeijas, a dish of pork
and clams from the neighbouring Alentejo region, is another possibility for the fish-weary.
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Society in the Algarve
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The Algarvians are as warm and hospitable as the weather. You will find them a generous,
gentle people who hold their traditions very dear to them. As a result of the influx of tourists
from the UK, they have embraced the English language, so communication does not usually present
a problem.
Tipping: Although restaurant bills normally include service it is quite common to leave a bit extra,
particularly if you think the service warrants it. A taxi driver will be delighted with a tip but won't
necessary expect one.
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