Site Map

old world map - nothing to do with 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 bar at the left of the screen.

  • Algarve Beaches Home
    This web site's home page, and the launch pad for everything "Algarve Beach Life".

  • Share This Site [It's easy!]
    Let someone you know who would like information about the Algarve into your secret - Algarve Beach Life! This page has a choice of three methods for sharing.

  • Algarve Top 10  
    Here's my new list (subject to change, of course) of things you should do and see when you visit Algarve.
     

As well, you can choose from some broad headings:

Travel/Holiday : Accommodation : Activities : Getting Around : Sightseeing/Places : Food/Drink : Background : Information
Been There!
: Visitor Pages : Links/Resources : YOUR Pages : Advertising

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!

    • Quinta do Caracol
      Enjoy a romantic interlude in this lovely hideaway near peaceful Tavira in eastern Algarve.

    • 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...

  • 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.

    • Algarve Villa Rental - check some out...
      Some of my absolute favourite times in Algarve were spent in an Algarve villa rental...   so I thought I'd start an easy-reference list to help you choose one that you can enjoy.  Why not take a look?

    • Algarve Apartment Rental  
      Looking at what it costs per head, Algarve apartment rental can offer great value.  Choose from some lovely apartments here...

  • Algarve Apartments for Holidays
    Budget doesn't stretch to a villa? Relax; for great-value holidays, Algarve apartments take some beating!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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...

  • Real Estate
    You can never do too much research before you enter the Algarve real estate market.

  • 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... 

  • 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.

 

  • Buying Property
    The ins-and-outs of buying property in Algarve explained.

    • Algarve Property Purchase   
      Now that we've taken the plunge and set out to buy our own Algarve property, this is the page where I'll be logging our progress. Read about the 'joys' of Algarve property purchase (and a few of the pitfalls, no doubt) on this regularly-updated page.

    • Algarve Villa For Sale (near Loule)
      A four bedroom country house with a separate two bedroom apartment for guests or rental use. Read all about it here.

    • Algarve Villa for Sale (near coast)
      How about a kitchen, living room and two en-suite bedrooms on the ground floor, with two further upstairs bedrooms, a bathroom and entrance to the private roof terrace? Read more...

    • Tavira Apartment
      Featuring the first of what I hope will be many excellent apartments for sale in the Algarve... This one is situated in a superb area of one of Algarve's very best and most relaxing towns. Three/four bedrooms, two bathrooms, rooftop terrace views.... See for yourself.
       

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 [New]
    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...

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Algarve Cycling
      All you need to know about exploring this great region on two wheels (self-powered!).

    • Sailing
      All about sailing around the coast of the scrumptious Algarve, and where to tie up.

    • 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!

    • Algarve Blokarting
      Find out about this exciting new sport - and where to find the world's first private track - in the Algarve, of course!.

    • 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.

    • Horse Riding In The Algarve
      Great climate, fabulous surroundings, wonderful riding centres - What are you waiting for? Try horse riding in the Algarve.

    • Algarve Kayaks  
      We had great fun trying out this adventure activity. Find out how you can experience it yourself here. For all the family.

    • 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...

    • 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!

  • Getting About Without A Car
    Explore the choices available if you don't want to hire a car, but still want to travel in the Algarve.
     

  • Sightseeing - and Favourite Places

    • Explore Algarve
      Here's a wonderful 'starter' mini-circuit to get you in the mood to explore the Algarve and its many glories. After that, you could try...

      • Abufeira... the heart of the Algarve
        There's plenty going on in Albufeira, as I discovered when I stayed there for two weeks in 2004!

      • Alvor
        If you're in the vicinity of Portimao, you owe it to yourself to spend some time exploring this delightfully Algarvean fishing village, its lagoon and beach!

      • Armacao de Pera - it's time you visited!
        My last visit to Armacao de Pera reminded of me what I'd been missing...

      • Cacela Velha - Algarve History in the Flesh  
        Beautiful, unspoilt and photogenic.  Find out why when you make your own visit.

      • Caldas de Monchique
        Now promoted to its own page, Monchique's 'little sister' of is a lovely, and interesting, place to visit.

      • Carvoeiro - a Hidden Algarve Gem?
        We visited Carvoeiro during our April 2005 vacation and enjoyed every minute of it. Find out why here.

      • Faro - the Algarve's unsung capital
        I find Faro a great place to explore - and there's always something different going on, as you will discover if you visit this page.

      • Ferragudo - changes afoot!
        There's to be a new marina at Ferragudo. It'll change this charming fishing village for good. If you like marinas, there's no hurry, but if you like fishing villages, visit now!

      • Loulé
        From Loulé (Loule) to Olhão, this circuit takes in some of my favourite places in Central and Eastern Algarve

      • Monchique - above it all...
        In this picturesque, calming mountain area, you can enjoy a change from those sun-worshipper days spent on Algarve beaches! Visit Foia, the highest point in the Algarve, or catch your breath in the stunning surroundings of the spa town, Caldas de Monchique.

      • Paderne - Algarve as she used to be?
        We visited Paderne for the first time in September 2004 and enjoyed a hot but pleasant half-day exploring the village and its local attractions...

      • Portimao - the clue's in the name
        There's a lovely riverside development, tons of great local beaches and plenty of other activities. Forget your prejudices and just enjoy Portimao!

      • Praia da Rocha  
        It's famous, it's popular and it's now got its own page on ABL! Read about why it's one of the most-visited places in Algarve.

      • Querenca - why can't all hamlets be this beautiful?   
        We didn't just drive past the 'Querenca' signs this time. I made sure we detoured to pay a visit when we'd 'done' Alte, in August 2004.
        Was it worth it? Well, I'd like to live there, so there's a clue for you. It may be a bit of a drive to somewhere more 'lively' if you want to party, but the other 165 hours of the week would be bliss!

      • Tavira - Tranquil Place, Slower Pace
        One of my very favourite places in Algarve, Tavira is somewhere I go when I need to relax and recharge my batteries. More details about my last visit on this page.

      • Vila Real de Santo Antonio 
        Way over to the east (well, not that far in a narrow country), Vila Real de Santo António is the the last port of call in the Algarve before you reach Spain. Check it out here before you visit.

    • Sao Brás to Tavira Tour...
      Another great itinerary, this time ending the day in Tavira, always among my absolute favourite spots to visit in the entire Algarve!

    • Barlavento Circuit
      Barlavento Circuit? It means 'strong wind' and covers the western side of Algarve. Another full-day itinerary to make your hire car worthwhile.

    • Sotavento Circuit
      A full-day itinerary through some spots of interest and beauty in the eastern Algarve's Sotavento (soft wind) circuit.

    • Spanish Algarve - just like the real thing?
      We finally managed a day trip across the Guadiana, to explore the Spanish Algarve. Find out what we discovered and read my impressions.
       

    Food and Drink

    • Eating Out   
      Part of every great holiday, the dining experience in Algarve is explained here. Discover what to expect of Algarve restaurants.

    • Favourite Restaurants  
      An unashamedly biased view of my 'best Algarve restaurants', and why they made the list!

    • For restaurants recommended by Algarve Beach Life readers, go here...
       

    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!

    • Tourist Tips
      Things you need to know before you holiday in Algarve. Your check-list of Algarve tourism.

    • 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...

      • Portuguese Language
        A list of the 100 Portuguese words that form a huge percentage of any conversation in the Portuguese language. Know these and you're off to a great start!
         

    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.

    • Your Algarve Best
      A page that allows you to share information on Algarve (in the form of your vacation experiences) with other enthusiasts.

    • 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...

    • Algarve Map
      A searchable, zoomable, draggable map of the Algarve. Plan routes, check distances - it does everything except serve drinks on the beach!

    • 2003 Fires Update
      Information about how the Algarve fires affected the region - and how my favourite holiday spot has recovered.

    • About Me
      How I came to be owner of Algarve Beach Life.

    • 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 2009  
      I made it to this year'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! Yes, the latest event was themed after the Silver Screen and all its foibles. 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 Wines - and more... 
      Algarve Beach Life reader Lesley Winograd kindly sent me a list of recommendations as to Algarve drink (and food) that she had compiled for visiting friends. Try them out - and don't forget to submit your own favourites if they're different!

    Algarve Beaches

    Driving / Cars

    • Marbella to the Algarve...
      One man's impressions of a drive across Spain to Vale do Lobo, and of a vacation spent there.

    • 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.

    • 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

    • 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...

    • 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.

    • 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...

    • 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?

    • 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 Restaurant in Santa Luzia   
      Stewart from Leeds kindly recommends his favourite Algarve seafood restaurant for your delectation...

    • Algarve Restaurant in Clareanes
      Lesley Winograd shares one of her top Algarve places to enjoy a meal. This one's out in the countryside near Loulé...

    • Algarve Restaurant in Carvoeiro
      Not just any old recommendation, this one, since Graham Miller actually shoehorns in two of his favourite eating places around Carvoeiro.  

    • Algarve Restaurant Recommendations 
      More tips from Lesley Winograd - this time a great selection of reviews for restaurants around the Vale do Lobo / Quinta do Lago area, near Almancil.

    • Favourite Algarve Restaurants  
      A selection between Albufeira and a bit west of Almancil, enthusiastically recommended by Gerry Prizeman.

    Algarve Impressions

    • 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.

    • 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...

    • 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.

    • 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

    • 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...

    • 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

    • 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.

    • 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...

    • 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.


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