Site Map
Find your way around with the site map information on this page. Access all the pages that are not shown on the navigation
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Algarve Beaches Home
This web site's home page, and the launch pad for everything "Algarve Beach Life".
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Let someone you know who
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Algarve
Top 10
Here's my new
list (subject to
change, of
course) of
things you
should do and
see when you
visit Algarve.
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Algarve
Property Latest
News [New
page]
Here's where I
share some
thoughts about the
pros and cons of
investing in a
property in the
Algarve (or
Portugal) at the
moment...
As well, you can choose from
some broad headings:
Activities
:
Accommodation : Advertising : Background :
Been There!
:
Food/Drink :
Getting Around :
Information : Links/Resources
:
Sightseeing/Places :
Travel/Holiday : Visitor Pages : YOUR
Pages
Interactive
Pages
YOUR
Pages (comments encouraged)
These are new-type pages that I'm using that
allow visitors to submit their own 'Algarve Best'
pages. Other visitors can then add comments or
refine the subject with their own experiences. Why
not give it a try - or check out what's already
been written? Choose from:
Algarve
Hotels Info
Great hotel service? Worth recommending? Or, of course, something not so good to look out for? Share it here...
Algarve
Beaches Tips
Share your
stories and tips about
favourite Algarve beaches
Algarve Best
What's your absolute favourite thing about
Algarve?
Algarve
Villas
Stayed at a fabulous villa and like to go back? Do
share!
Algarve
Photos
Why not show and describe your
favourites? It's easy!
Algarve
Travel Stories
If you have a great one (or
two) let everyone else know...
Travel
Choices
Algarve
Flights
All the information about Algarve flights and how to arrive for a sunny Algarve holiday
Algarve
Holidays Choice
A review of Algarve holidays to help you choose.
Romantic Algarve
Just the sort of thing to put you in mind of a holiday with a theme you'll both enjoy!
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Quinta
do Caracol
Enjoy a romantic
interlude in this lovely
hideaway near peaceful
Tavira in eastern
Algarve.
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Quinta
da Corte
Stunning views over the
Monchique hills and a
choice of four
luxuriously-appointed
private rooms make this
a great choice for a
romantic Algarve break.
Algarve Naturism
If you're going to go au naturel, you want things warm - and that's why Algarve is a magnet for naturists! Find out the hot spots if you fancy going naked in Algarve.
Algarve Accommodation
Whether you're renting or buying...
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Where To Stay
There's lots of choice when it comes to Algarve accommodation. I've explained the varieties, and the terminology you might encounter, on this page.
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Algarve Apartments for Holidays
Budget doesn't stretch to a villa? Relax; for great-value holidays, Algarve apartments take some beating!
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Algarve Pousadas
Definitely the luxury end of Algarve accommodation. Even if that's not what you want from an Algarve vacation, a short stay at one of the Algarve pousadas is a wonderful treat. Go on; you probably deserve it! Read here to find out more.
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Algarve
Hotels
Whether you
need a break from
everyday chores, or just
want some pampering,
there's an Algarve hotel
to suit your budget.
Choose from breakfast-only,
half board or full board;
there's bound to be something to
suit your requirements.
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Algarve Camping
The cheapest way to enjoy the Algarve experience? Learn why Algarve camping is growing in popularity - and choose the best place to stay when you visit...
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Real Estate
You can never do too much
research before you enter the Algarve real estate market.
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Algarve Villa in Boliqueime
We had a glorious sunny week in a lovely villa and our only regret was that we hadn't been able to make it last another week! Read all about our bargain Algarve villa and the charming area around
Boliqueime...
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Algarve Villas
Rental
My favourite form of Algarve vacation accommodation... It
might not look too
affordable at first
glance, but there are
bargains to be had if you're
patient, especially in
the larger villa
category. I loved my last, great-value Algarve villa holiday! Read here how I go about it.
Activities
Favourite Beaches
The subject closest to my heart - and the whole reason why Algarve is such a hit with sun-seeker vacationers. Here are my favourite Algarve beaches- and why!
Algarve
Art Gallery
Fancy capturing some Algarve light and landscape, but want something more 'personal' than just another photograph?
Draw it, or paint it! (And if you don't know how, but would like to learn, visit this page). You can also view original
work by a local artist, and even select some bespoke jewellery.
Algarve
Markets
There are fixed markets,
'gypsy' markets and
farmers' markets, all of
them adding to the sights,
sounds and colour of an
Algarve vacation. Find out
more here...
Night Life
Things to do when the sun goes down. (That happens even in Algarve...). Your night-life choices outlined.
Things To Do
Once you take a break from the beaches, you'll need to know what's on offer during an Algarve vacation...
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Golf Info
If you love to play a round in a perfect climate, you owe it to yourself to try some Algarve golf on one of the many sublime courses. Here's the info to help
you choose.
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Algarve Watersports
With such a fabulous coastline, it's hardly any wonder that people love Algarve watersports. Find out what you can try and where.
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Algarve
Cycling
All you need to know
about exploring this
great region on two
wheels
(self-powered!).
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Sailing
All about sailing around the coast of the scrumptious Algarve, and where to tie up.
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Algarve For Kids
Now you can bone up on this subject and look knowledgeable when the little ones ask: "What can we do today?" There's plenty of choice and I'll be adding to this page when I get the time. Keep your eyes peeled!
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Algarve Blokarting
Find out about this exciting new sport - and where to find the world's first private track - in the Algarve, of course!.
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Tennis Holidays in Algarve
Read about Algarve tennis holidays, and why they get the thumbs-up from my friend CJ...
Also includes a list of
Algarve tennis centres.
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Horse Riding In The Algarve
Great climate,
fabulous surroundings, wonderful riding centres - What are you waiting for? Try horse riding in the Algarve.
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Algarve
Kayaks
We had great fun
trying out this
adventure activity.
Find out how you can experience
it yourself here.
For all the family.
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Algarve
Birdwatching
Many visitors come to
the Algarve just to
see the variety of
wild birds on view. Learn
more about what
attracts them (and the
birds!)
Getting Around
Car Hire
There's lots to see and
do wherever you are, but
many choose Algarve car hire to get
around and enjoy what's
further afield...
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Airport Transfers
If you want to reach your accommodation in comfort and without worrying about maps, directions or Portuguese traffic systems, why not try a Faro Airport Transfer? For families or parties that don't hire a car, this service can ensure a vehicle is on hand to pick you up and drop you off wherever you are, wherever you want to go - whatever the time of day! Forget about being the 'designated driver' - these people provide one...
Road Safety
Unless you're an experienced rally driver, you might want to read some tips about driving in Portugal!
Algarve Background
What's On
The upcoming Algarve events that might spice up your time here when you're not lazing on those Algarve beaches...
Why Algarve...?
All about why I think Algarve offers Europe's best beach vacations.
Algarve Culture
What makes this wonderful holiday region tick, and why Algarve culture is more interesting than most.
Algarve History
It's easier to appreciate a favourite area if you know what made it what it is today. And the Algarve has certainly seen some 'interesting times'. Here's my
whistle-stop version (no loitering!) of Algarve history.
Algarve
Azulejos
The small tiles known as
azulejos originated in
Portugal, but also became
popular in Brazil
(exported by emigrants
from the motherland).
They've been around for
centuries and are very
decorative. I even met a
Briton who lives in
Algarve and makes them to
commission. Read
more...
Algarve
Chimneys
Find out more about these eye-catching features
of the Algarve skyline.
Algarve Carnivals
I hugely enjoyed this
year's Algarve carnivals,
and I can't wait for next year to sample some more!
Algarve
Festivals
You can have a lot of
laid-back, good-natured fun
at Algarve festivals. I
certainly did at the last
one I caught!
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Tourist Tips
Things you need to know before you holiday in Algarve. Your check-list of Algarve tourism.
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Language Tips
You'd be surprised how easy it is to learn
Portuguese... Or as much as you need to get by during a holiday. And how the Portuguese appreciate your honest effort.
Find out more here...
Information
From me to you - or vice versa...
Subscribe to ABLN
My free monthly e-zine can be obtained via the 'easy-peasy' form on this page. Join the ranks of Algarve beach lovers... stay in touch with Algarve Beach Life!
RSS feed for Algarve Beach Life
If you'd rather, instead of receiving the newsletter, you can just have the latest updates delivered to your RSS reader, the instant they happen.
If you're new to RSS, check out how to do this
by clicking on the 'What's RSS?' link below the navigation buttons on this page.
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Your Algarve Best
A page that allows you to share information on Algarve (in the form of your vacation experiences) with other enthusiasts.
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Algarve Blog
The "current-est" page on this site... Read my very latest take on Algarve Beach Life and what's in store there!
And trawl the
Blog Archives to see what
excited (or annoyed) me in
the past...
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Algarve
Map
A searchable, zoomable,
draggable map of the
Algarve. Plan routes,
check distances - it does
everything except serve
drinks on the beach!
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2003 Fires Update
Information about how the Algarve fires affected the region - and how my favourite holiday spot has recovered.
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About
Me
How I came to be owner of
Algarve Beach Life.
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Advertise
on ABL
Let this website's many visitors know
about:
º your rental villa or
apartment
º what your business or
service can offer Algarve residents or
vacationers
º your 'for sale' property
Been There... Done That
Fiesa 2013
This wonderful event runs from May 25 to October 25 - and this year's
theme is 'Music'. Expect enormous sand sculptures
depicting famous performers
and composers from back when music began to be
written down - right up to the X-Factor, I
shouldn't wonder.
Fiesa
2012
The theme was 'Idols', and the exhibits as
impressive as ever.
Fiesa
2011
Animal Kingdom sand sculptures in the Algarve.
Fiesa
2010
Fantastic sand sculptures once again!
Fiesa
2009
I made it to 2009's FiESA a bit later than
usual, but it was worth the wait. Read
more about what to expect
from May 22 to October 22 -
and send me your own
impressions of the sand
sculptures this year, just
like Mark
did here
and like Kay did
here.
Fiesa
2008
Hooray for Hollywood! See how
35mm acetate can be
represented by 35,000 tonnes
of sand!
Fiesa
2007
It was hot, it was sandy, and we made a day out by combining the trip with visiting a
couple of long-time Algarve
visitors and Algarve Beach Life readers. It's amazing what you
can do with over 30,000 tonnes of sand (if you're talented,
that is)! I'll be back later in the season to show Fiesa
2007 to some of my visitors.
Fiesa 2006
In '06, we didn't go in September, but in July - which was
way hotter! Didn't stop me going back again and taking along my visitors, though. Read why that is...
Fiesa 2005
We made it on the last day of the 2005 Fiesa - and even went back that evening for a lazy, mood-inducing evening under the stars...
Sand Sculptures at Fiesa 2004
Details and pictures of a wonderful afternoon at 2004's exhibition of sand art. I'd never seen sand sculptures before, but now I'm a convert!
Silves Cruise
A fun afternoon in a banana boat!
Visitor Pages
These pages have been compiled from impressions, stories
and photographs kindly sent to me by fellow-enthusiasts who
have discovered the pleasures of Algarve beach life...
... and don't miss the chance to send your own
contribution. Just click here to go to the Algarve Best submission
form.
Algarve
Food and Drink
Algarve Beaches
Driving /
Cars
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Marbella to the Algarve...
One man's impressions of a drive across Spain to Vale do Lobo, and of a vacation spent there.
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Algarve
Vacation Tip from Ian
Hailing from Workington in
the UK, Ian offers his
car-hire tip to save money,
and recommends one of his
favourite Algarve spots.
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Algarve
in a Camper Van
Chris and friend 'did' the
Algarve in a VW camper van -
and then meandered back
through Europe to Germany in
their own version of a camp-othon!
Check out his impressions
and photographs here...
Bygone
Algarve
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Algarve Memories
Phil and Caroline Goodwill, from Denbighshire, North Wales, have loved visiting Algarve for ages now. Phil shares some of his 'Algarve yesteryear' memories on this page...
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Harry's Algarve
Harry Bancroft and his wife, Shirley, have also seen many changes to Algarve since they began to visit. They're still ardent Algarve enthusiasts, as Harry is happy to confirm.
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An
Algarve Childhood
Beverley, from Cambridge UK,
was fortunate enough to
spend 12 of her formative
years in sunny Algarve, as
she shares in this
reminiscence...
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Beverley's
Childhood Algarve (Part 2)
Yes, true to her promise,
Beverley came through with
the goods on her second
instalment. Algarve sun,
and a job with a
clipboard... Who could ask
for more?
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Celia's
Bygone Algarve
Writing from Steyning, UK,
Celia sent me this lovely
chronicle of an Albufeira
past that we can contrast
with how it is now.
Algarve
Favourite Restaurants
Algarve
Impressions
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Fiesa
2009 - Mark's Day Out
Mark Racht shared a great
day at Fiesa 2009 with his
nearest and dearest. Find
out what he liked about this
great Algarve experience.
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Kay's
FiESA 2009
Kay Walker from
Stoke, UK
discovered the
annual FiESA a
while ago - and
was pleased to be
able to revisit
this year! Find
out why...
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Algarve
Villa in Albufeira
John Clarke from the
Cambridge area of
the UK shared a villa near
Albufeira with his party
recently. Read about his
impressions of the luxurious
surroundings, and what else
they did while in Algarve.
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A
Week in Algarve
Husband and wife John and
Linda, from Essex, UK,
enjoyed a recent vacation.
Here, John shares holiday impressions
from a week in Algarve.
Advertising
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Advertise
Your Algarve
Rental Property
Why pay to have your property advertised alongside rentals from all over the world? Rather show it to those already eager to spend time in beautiful Algarve.
Find out about free
advertising
on Algarve Beach
Life...
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Advertise
Your Algarve
Services
If you have a service with something to offer vacationers
or full-time residents in the Algarve, why not let our avid and enthusiastic readers know about it?
Alternatives
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Other Vacation Choices
Okay, I admit that I'm Algarve-obsessed. But... here are some great sites that tell you about other vacation choices when you simply can't manage to take a holiday
in the Algarve.
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Travel Resources
While, for fellow travel-nuts, I've included a mixed bag of travel ideas that might pique your curiosity! There'll be more added as I find them...
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Other Links
Some interesting resource-sites that have absolutely nothing to do with Algarve beaches or vacations!
I hope this site map page fulfils its intention of helping you find what you want on this site. And don't forget to try the Search Tool that I've put at the foot of the
Home page...
You can stay up-to-date with 'everything Algarve' by subscribing to my free monthly newsletter, Algarve Beach Life News, by clicking on the link below
("For Lovers of Algarve Beach Life") or on the button at top left ("Subscribe to ABLN") -- I'll keep you updated, every month, about what's new on the site, as it's
added.
For Lovers of Algarve Beach Life
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