Overview:
The southern Portuguese province of the Algarve, divided from the rest of the country by a series of low-lying mountains, is one of Europe’s most popular coastal holiday destinations, catering for millions of tourists every year. The region’s capital, Faro, is built around a charming harbour beside a wide lagoon. An international airport was opened near Faro in 1965 to cater for the incoming tourists, making the city the hub of the resort trade.
Most of the Algarve’s trendy, modern holiday resorts were formerly little fishing villages. They still feature central areas with narrow streets, whitewashed houses and ancient churches, but it is the region’s long sandy beaches, which have ensured its place as a holiday Mecca. The coastline stretches 100 miles (161km) from Cape St. Vincent to Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the border with Spain, and much of it today is built up with high-rise hotels and holiday apartment blocks, particularly the area to the west of Faro.
A special feature of the Algarve is the myriad almond trees that are found throughout the region; in late January and early February the countryside is blanketed with white almond blossom. There are also groves of lemons, oranges, carobs, pomegranates and figs growing inland in what is known as the ‘garden of Portugal’. Also characteristic of the province are swathes of green golf courses, associated with real estate developments and major resorts, which have proliferated since the tourist boom began in the early 1960s.
Getting Around:
The most common method by which travelers get around Algarve is via rental car. Rental cars are generally obtained at the airport upon arrival in the area. Driving regulations in Algarve are standard in terms of international road rules. For example, seat belts are mandatory and drunk driving is illegal. In general, the speed limit is 90 kilometers per hour, with faster speeds on highways and slower speeds in congested areas. Speeding is punishable by fines.
Travelers interested in getting around Algarve by other methods do have choices. The bus system in Algarve is said to be efficient. It is not a city-wide bus system operated by the local government, but rather is a system of private busses which offer tours and various routes throughout Algarve.
Algarve is filled and surrounded by beautiful nature. This fact, combined with the excellent weather of Algarve makes it a perfect place for walking or biking. Both are options in major portions of Algarve and should be considered by visitors who are interested in being active and seeing all that there is to see at the same time.
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