Algarve

I heard a lot about Algarve. They say it’s one of the cheapest resort area (in the world?), LOTS of beaches and and friendly locals. I love beach, watching the sunset, walking on the long streches of sand… I wish I could go there sometime.

Beautiful place. Great people.

was also the first time, beaches, gorgeous sun, amazing fresh sea food…

mmmmmmmmm

On the drive here from Lisboa, my dad was saying Algarve is the cheapest resort area to stay in Portugal (or Europe in general). For a smart man, he lies unknowingly, so I don’t know whether to belive him or not…

Anyway, I was just here last month and it was GAWGEOUS! It was definitely chilly at night but nothing I’m not used to. It was sunny and warm enough that I could wear a bikini at the beach yet cold enough that I could only take a 5 second dip in the ocean.

falesia beach nov 05

Albufeira may once have been the real Algarve, a long, long while ago, but now English is the main language there;and I’m not badmouthing the english native speakers or anything, not even tourists that go there and make it the touristic spot that it is.

But really, Algarve is vulgar there; it’s about clubs and spas and hotels and pools. People go to the pool with a Great beach right there at 10 mts away from them.
The town has too many buildings and pubs and all the stupid touristy stuff that I’d want to avoid in summer vacations.

If a person wants to see the beauty of the beaches they should go to Lagos, or further, up till Sagres… or the long streches of sand, in Monte Gordo (but wah, too crowded there too).

I love Algarve, but not Armação de Pera, Albufeira or Portimão, the big ugly spots desined for the stereotyped tourist that only is looking to get sunburt in the afternoon, drunk in the evening and pass out in a neat hotel at night.
For me the real Algarve is Tavira, Vila Real de Santo António or some of the less ‘touristy’ places.
I’ve been spending my summer vacations there ever since I remember and I still love it and have never had to deal with too many tourists, bar rows and the like, I feel like I’ve seen and felt the real Algarve, or at least, something much closer to the real one, and not what is advertised and that I’d never ever think of buying.

;)

we had such a restful time in early Dec – virtually no tourists so we got the relaxing break we needed.

...mais c’est tres beau. Vraiment.

Try the Piri piri chicken – to die for – very nice place and less over developed than parts of spain.

we went here for our honeymoon. really amazing, although very touristy. not as cheap as we thought it would be.