Algarve Explored

Being originally from Australia and growing up around the Great Ocean Road and its wonderful beaches, I was pleasantly surprised to find a little bit of home so nearby and now understand why the Algarve is one of the most popular destinations for a Europe summer holiday.

I based myself for a week in Praia da Oura and explored the Algarve region by car. Praia da Oura is a great base lovely beach and close to the strip if you are looking for a big night out. It is also a short taxi ride to the old town of Albufeira if you fancy a lovely meal out in the evening.

The Algarve really does have something for everyone I was fortunate to visit a wide variety of accommodation options around the region, from excellent self-catering up to five star deluxe options.

There are regular flights to Faro airport from Ireland and only approx. three hours flying time means this is the perfect destination for even a weekend break or two week break. My personal favourite for a short break would be Vilamoura. It is only approx. 30 minutes transfer time from the airport and has a superb marina with high quality restaurants, bars and boutiques.

Vilamoura promotes a healthy lifestyle and a free city bike scheme (like in Dublin), running areas and top quality golf courses. It also has the beach either side of the marina so it is perfect for a quick getaway and re charge the batteries.

Further down the coast but with the new freeway system only just over an hour’s drive is Lagos. I love Lagos the beautiful little cove beaches are stunning, marina area and pretty historical town with plenty of cobbled streets, filled with restaurants, bars and boutiques. This part of the Algarve would be a personal favourite and an area I visited many years ago as a backpacker. Great fun for the young backpacker but also as I have found this trip such a lovely area for a family holiday or couples getaway. By the way for the surfers I would recommend Sagres just a bit further down the coast from Lagos – it has great surf beaches and a more laid back feel.

My favourite beach area on the Algarve ( should say this is difficult to judge there were so many ) but for me it would have to be Praia dos Três Irmãos (Three Brothers Beach) in Alvor. Walking along the beach and around the cliffs through little cove beaches I found my favourite place to enjoy a meal or just a drink – Canico Restaurant. The locals introduced me to Vinho Verde (Green wine) – a white wine slightly sparkling and lovely with some of the excellent seafood that can be experienced all along the Algarve. If you are looking for an Irish bar while away from home – Irelands Eye in Praia da Rocha is a great place to watch the sunset.

The Algarve really is a great destination and with so many gorgeous areas to explore if you have two weeks or longer why not stay in at least two different areas during your time and get a real taste for what the Algarve has to offer.