The Algave is located right in the south of Portugal. It runs across the bottom of the country and is known for its beautiful beaches and temperate climate. With plenty of Algarve hotels, resorts, restaurants, natural attractions, beach life, theme parks and historic architecture to discover during a holiday there, The Algarve has something for all ages and interests to enjoy. The weather is nice year round with temperatures of 15-32 degrees centigrade (although it has been known to be even higher in the summer).
Where to stay is a big decision as there are so many Algarve hotels to pick from. Hotels in The Algarve range from cheap and cheerful places to spend as little time as possible, or lavishly expensive suites in Algarve hotels that offer the very best that money can buy. If all you want to do is change close and grab a couple of hours sleep between the bar closing and the sun rising, then youll find many hotels in the Algarve where basic necessity comes at an affordable price. Alternatively if you want to be pampered at an exclusive spa based resort, then there are a number of hotels in the Algarve that will offer you exactly what youre looking for also. If staying in a hotel where you have to keep the kids under stricter control, or hope the baby doesnt cry all night, or where you can come and go as you like ” wearing what you like ” without feeling that youre under a microscope, the apartments in Algarve to rent might offer a better alternative. Apartments in the Algarve are a good alternative to hotels if you dont mind having to make your breakfast each morning. You may find that renting an apartment saves you money, but make sure you enquire about hidden costs for things such as cleaning and insurance.
Another experience not to be missed is the Algarve beaches. Around the capital of the Algarve, Faro theres a lot to do. A mix of Arab and Roman architecture, theres something for everyone in the area, with the beautiful Nossa Senhora do Carmo, a church in the Arabian section of the city boasting some of the finest gold leaf, and religious iconography in the region. For families with younger children, there are several theme parks and zoos to explore. Two of the best, ZooMarine and Lagos Zoo provide some of the best value for money for families in the Algarve and are worth visiting between days spent on the beach. ZooMarine is a pretty water park and sea life centre. Entertainers keep the people in the queue happy while they wait for to take part or watch, and there are many displays and events with the resident animals ” ranging from dolphins to sea lions. An eight hectare park, it offers incredible value and a lot of education and fun. Lagos Zoo is another worthwhile place to visit, with lots of interesting habitats and creatures. If your kids love exploring rocks and caves, then the west coast has many eroded sandstone features that have formed into grottos and mini gorges and stacks. The beaches may not be so great for spending a lot of time on, but the natural rock formations are stunning, especially as the sun goes down and changes the colours of the sandstone.
If youre travelling with children who love to explore, the sandstoned west coast offers a great way to spend some time. There are many natural grottos and caves for them to climb around. The colours are stunning and if you can arrange to be there are the sun sets youll see the colours change. The beaches in that area may not be the best to be found in The Algarve, but the natural rock views are second to none! Two other attractions for families to consider are the ZooMarine, and Lagos Zoo. Of these, Zoo Marine will probably give the best entertainment as its not only a marine zoo but also a water park. Among the animals to meet in the zoo are sea lions and dolphins.
Lisbon, Portugals capital is a 3-4 hour train journey from The Algarve, but if youre on a 2 week holiday you could consider a mini-vacation to visit this beautiful capital city. Even the journey itself will allow you the opportunity to see more of the Portuguese scenery of valleys and hills. Whatever kind of holiday you like, if its fresh air and a sun tan you want, plus some great things to do whilst getting it, the Algarve is one of the best destinations to choose.
