Discover the Algarve
Please join us for a journey of discovery through the Algarve, this beautiful region in the South of Europe – for unforgettable holidays, for successful private or corporate events, to have a second home or as a place to retire
The Algarve is situated in the most south-western corner of the Iberian Peninsula, surrounded on two sides by the Atlantic Ocean. The river Guadiana marks the eastern border with neighbouring Spain, and in the north it borders the agricultural region of the Alentejo. The southernmost region of the Portuguese mainland is separated into three different strips of land of special characteristics and beauty:
- Litoral, the small coastal area, where the majority of tourist activities are concentrated,
- Barrocal, the fertile agricultural area between the coast and the hilly uplands, and
- Serra, the mountainous area, covering half of the total Algarvian territory of almost 5 thousand sq km.
The geographic position of the Algarve leads to a unique bio climate. Although located on the Atlantic, the climate is more Mediterranean: more than 3 thousand hours of sun shine per year and a low rain fall, mainly during the winter season.
A long time ago, the Algarve - like the rest of Portugal - became part of the Roman Empire as the Province of Lusitania. Carthaginians, Phoenicians and Greeks had settled along the coast. During the Moorish period the Algarve with its cultural centre Silves flourished for centuries. The name is derived from the Arabian word al-gharb, meaning “The West”. The Age of the Portuguese Discoveries, originating in Lagos and Sagres, created significant prosperity due to the goods imported from the colonies. Before mass tourism also found the Algarve in the second half of the 20th Century, the regional economy was dominated by agriculture and fishing.
Nowadays more than 6 million people from all over the world are visiting the Algarve year after year. Faro International Airport is the third largest airport in the Country (after Lisbon and Porto), less than 3 hours by plane away from many European destinations. Thus tourism has become the most important economic factor of the region. The mild climate, the beauty and diversity of its landscapes and the numerous sports and leisure facilities have contributed to make the Algarve a special destination: be it for a holiday, as a second home or as a place to retire. The Atlantic coast with a shoreline of 200 km offers the best conditions for a fantastic beach holiday and all kinds of water sports. More than 30 golf courses, all-year in excellent shape, have contributed to the Algarve’s reputation as one of the best golf destinations in Europe. The largely untouched hinterland is inviting for trekking, mountain biking and many other outdoor activities.