Site Map
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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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sharing.
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
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
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 boad or full board;
there's bound to be something to
suit your requirements.
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Algarve
Villa Rental
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?
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Quinta
Videira
This
cottage-style villa boasts 3 double bedrooms, 2
bathrooms and generous open plan living space with no stairs, so it's
'family-friendly'.
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Alto
do Perogil
Lovely 3-bedroom,
2-bathroom villa
with stunning
countryside and
coastal views close
to tranquil Tavira
in the midst of
unspoiled eastern
Algarve.
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Algarve Villas
My favourite form of Algarve vacation accommodation... It
might not look too
affordable at first
glance, but there are
bargains, especially in
the larger villa category, but there are bargains to be had if you're patient.
I loved my last, great-value Algarve villa holiday! Read here how I go about it.
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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
Apartment Rental
Looking at what it costs
per head, Algarve
apartment rental can
offer great value.
Choose from some
lovely apartments...
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Vila
Nova
Stunning 2-bed
apartment with sea views close to one of the finest Algarve
beaches (Armação
de Pêra), with
great on-site swimming pool, landscaped gardens and a secure,
child-friendly pool and play area.
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Quintassential
Unique choice of 4
hilltop cottages a
short drive from
Faro, with lovely
views, surrounded by
beautiful gardens.
Choose from 1- or
2-bedroom Algarve
cottage
accommodation.
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São
Rafael
Two-bedroomed,
air-conditioned
luxury near to the
beach and close to
bustling Albufeira's
entertainment
hot-spots.
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Casa
Jardim
Set in beautiful grounds, consisting of
natural terrain and partly-landscaped gardens, Casa
Jardim is a delight to the senses. Choose between
two 1-bedroom
apartments or book
both for parties of
four. Chlorine-free
swimming pool and
barbeque areas to
enjoy.
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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 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...
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
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...
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
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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...
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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!
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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!
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Armacao de Pera - it's time you visited!
My last visit to Armacao de Pera reminded of me what I'd been
missing...
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Cacela
Velha - Algarve History in the Flesh
Beautiful, unspoilt and
photogenic. Find
out why when you make
your own visit.
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Caldas
de Monchique
Now promoted to its own
page, Monchique's
'little sister' of is a
lovely, and interesting,
place to visit.
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Carvoeiro - a Hidden Algarve Gem?
We visited Carvoeiro during our April 2005 vacation and enjoyed every minute of it. Find out why here.
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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.
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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!
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Loulé
From Loulé (Loule) to Olhão, this circuit takes in some of my favourite places in Central and Eastern Algarve
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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.
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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...
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Sotavento Circuit
A full-day itinerary through some spots of interest and beauty in the eastern Algarve's Sotavento
(soft wind) circuit.
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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!
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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
2009 [New
Page]
Okay, that's a bit of a fib,
because I haven't
been to Fiesa 2009 yet...
but I soon will do. 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.
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 Beach Tips
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Algarve
Beach Favourites [Updated]
Some personal choices by Graham and June Miller, from
the UK, mainly west of Carvoeiro. Oh, and a mild rebuke
from Pedro (also in the UK, but originally from
Portugal) since he disagrees with my own list of choice
Algarve beaches. I'm happy to add anyone's favourite
beaches - just send 'em in!
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
[New
Page]
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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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.
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.
For Lovers of Algarve Beach Life
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