Why an Algarve, Portugal Vacation?
If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: 'leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure', then one taken in
Algarve, Portugal must be the epitome of that term.
The southern-most region of Portugal, Algarve is
a holiday-maker's dream. Wonderful year-round weather, great beaches,
fabulous scenery and - best of all - the local people!
Algarveans are a tolerant, laid-back lot, who have seen much change in
the several decades since their region started to become a tourist
magnet. Some of the age-old ways of life (such as small-scale fishing)
continue undisturbed by the leisure-seeking visitors who are drawn to
this lovely area.
Most who sample the attractions of Algarve become converted
enthusiasts. If you love warm places, sand and sea and generally
relaxed holidays, then Algarve is your dream destination.
It's a compact area, only some 90 miles by 30 miles at its furthest
extremities - but it's home to over 100 miles of gorgeous sandy
beaches.
For those who don't mind leaving the coast behind for a while, the
region is steeped in history, and has much to delight the visitor's
eye. Much of the Algarve's heritage has been preserved, especially in
the profusion of Moorish-influenced architecture on show. And the
contrasts, between coast and mountains, sand and greenery, modernity
and history, offer visitors many choices of how to spend an Algarve
vacation.
The region's ancient past is positively celebrated, and most sizeable
towns boast a local museum that shows relics from Roman times - and
even earlier.
Algarveans are proud of their distinct culture and some of the
diversion on offer to the holiday-maker is even free (concerts and
gallery admissions spring to mind from my last visit). Whatever the
month of year, there's usually a Saint's day that gives rise to a
colourful festival, in which the locals take a whole-hearted part.
Public transport within the region is efficient and cheap, which serves
to keep the tourist dollars and Euros circulating, while allowing
holiday-makers to sample more than just the tourist areas.
Even a tour of either the western or eastern halves of Algarve can be
undertaken within a single day (though it helps to have your itinerary
sorted before you set out). And a meal at an inland restaurant during
the return journey to your holiday accommodation will likely prove
cheaper than one taken in the tourist-populated coastal areas (a bonus
for the more adventurous tourist!).
Am I keen to get back there soon? You bet!
Which leads me to a rather obvious question: why am I sitting here
writing this, instead of making a booking with my friendly local travel
agent?
About the Author: Jennifer Dodds is the owner of
www.algarve-beach-life.com,
her enthusiast website, where she shares everything she loves (and is
still discovering) about her favourite vacation spot. She publishes a
monthly newsletter, Algarve Beach Life News to update subscribers about
what's new on the site.
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