Useful Information
The Algarve
Information courtesy of Algarve Uncovered Lda
The Algarve is one of the world’s most beautiful provinces. Located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve coastline spans over 200 kilometres and boasts some of Europe’s cleanest sandy beaches, many of which are Blue Flag award winners.
The Algarve is roughly 50 kilometres wide from the Atlantic coastline to the mountains of Monchique and Caldeirao, which border with Alentejo. The diverse landscapes and breadth of development makes the Algarve a truly captivating region to explore and popularity is not just confined to beach lovers. The Atlantic coastline is perfect for water sports, 30 or so golf courses means a golfers paradise, and the cultural and historical heritage invite those keen on walking and sightseeing excursions.
With over 3000 hours sunshine a year and Mediterranean-like climate, the Algarve is a perfect place to visit all year round.
The Portuguese themselves are, by nature, quite conservative and can appear rather reserved, however a friendly 'Bom dia' (good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (good afternoon) will bring a warm smile and a greeting in return. They have very traditional family values and celebrations for birthdays and Christmas wouldn't be complete without as many relatives as possible! It is largely because of their family values that children are always welcome in restaurants and cafés, regardless of the time of day (or night).
It is an interesting thought that in the early 1970's there were only 6 or 7 cars registered in the whole of Lagos! It shows how much change some of the older Algarvios have seen in a relatively short space of time, from the days when the Algarve was a beautiful, quiet, backwater reliant mainly on fishing and cork, to the present day with it's bustling resorts and cars everywhere!
An oddity that we came across recently, which, to be honest, bears no understanding....it is supposedly illegal to put a 'For Sale' (Vende-se) sign in your car, but it is alright to say something like 'This car would like to change owners'!! Now that is why we love the Algarve!