The southernmost Portuguese province of Algarve has a population of 451,006 people.
It is about 2 hours and a half by car from Lisbon and is just over 200 kilometers from Africa.
The major cities are Faro, Albufeira and Portimao, but there are a lot of other towns and villages that are worth visiting.
Tourism is the main source of incomes for locals, and the area is one of the most sought-after for real estate investment on the continent.
If you are thinking of spending your next summer vacation in the area, here are 10 reasons not to give away your intentions.
1. Weather
If you are looking for good weather, Algarve is the perfect place for you.
It offers over 300 sunny days per year, excellent beach conditions from April till the end of October, summer temperatures of over 30 degrees, dry weather and blue skies.
At the height of the Mediterranean summer the temperatures could easily reach even 40 degrees!
This is not surprising, given that Africa is just over 200 kilometers away.
2. Beaches
The beaches of the Algarve are considered to be the most beautiful in Europe.
They offer superb golden sand, which in some areas offers light orange shades.
They are really wide and never look too crowded with visitors.
In some places you will find small and secluded bays that are hardly accessible and no one suspects of their existence.
3. Beautiful views
The Algarve coast is different from any other coast in Europe.
For the most part, it consists of steep, vertical rocks in golden, orange or reddish colors.
These rocks divide the golden beaches from the green Mediterranean landscape of the Iberian province.
4. Sports
Algarve offers excellent conditions to practice your favourite outdoor sports because the weather is quite pleasant even in winter.
Here you can practice water sports, cycling, golf, hiking, tennis and much more.
The beautiful landscapes and sunshine allow you to stay active during your holidays all over the year.
5. Safe
Bearing in mind that even the huge city of Lisbon is considered one of the safest big cities in the world, it is not surprising that Algarve is a real paradise.
Here one can walk at any time of the day and night, which guarantees a high-quality spending of your holidays.
6. Charming towns
Algarve is well known for its magical villages and towns.
Albufeira is one of them.
It is a small coastal town that combines the charming Mediterranean feeling with a slight oriental flavor.
Narrow streets and white buildings are typical of this part of Europe.
The streets are quiet and empty during the hot midday hours and are full of locals and visitors during the cooler hours in the evening.
7. Kind people
People in Algarve are very relaxed and friendly.
This is the result of the calm and slow pace of life.
The stress and tension that are so typical of all big cities are definitely not part of the life in this area.
8. Delicious food
Mediterranean cuisine is often described as the healthiest.
Olives, seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables are a major part of the daily diet here.
Let’s not forget also the well-known port wine, which enjoys worldwide glory.
9. Melodic language
The Portuguese language is considered one of the most melodic and beautiful in the world.
Not only the music but also the way it sounds when people speak will bring a pleasant and romantic feeling, increasing the quality of your vacation.
10. It may affect your future plans
Many people who have ever been here for holiday decide to move to Algarve for permanently at some point in the future.
Others decide to buy an apartment or a villa, and for many this is where they want to live after they retire.
So who knows – a short vacation could be a major step that could change your future and your life for years.
