Top Travel Tips! 13 things to do in the Algarve
Dramatic cliffs on beautiful beaches, meter-high waves, quaint little houses and seafood dishes – the Algarve region of Portugal is a popular holiday destination for many reasons. Travel author Anna Wingle (now Chiodo) has lived in the beautiful south of Portugal for two years and has written for us a list of things tourists must do and see when exploring Aljezur and the surrounding area.
Cliff tour between Bordera and Amado
The dramatic meter-high cliffs on the west coast of southern Portugal make this region unique, exciting and insanely seductive. At least I think so. If you really like looking at cliffs, go to Praia da Bordeira. The beach over three kilometers long alone is beautiful. Probably the most exciting track the Algarve has to offer starts right behind the last car park.
For about three miles, the unpaved dirt road winds along the sea, revealing one dramatic cliff after another. Boardwalks lead to viewing platforms.
Climbers will also find many adventures here, which is not recommended as it can be very dangerous at times. Make sure you take your time on a downhill road, not just because you want to drive slowly here – for the view and escape – and drive all the way. The wonderful Praia do Amado awaits you there. Praia de Amwaj Incidentally, one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of the Algarve.
If you get hungry on the way there or back, stop by the small village of Carrapateira and head to Microbar. There are many delicious and typical Portuguese cakes, delicious giant hamburgers, goat cheese things and other big and small dishes.
Eat, Eat a Lot
Of course, food is a matter of taste. Personally, I don’t like any cuisine as much as I like the Portuguese cuisine out there. In other words: the Algarve has many long-established restaurants, but also some that have moved here, which you cannot fail to try. My favourite: Chaparro in Odeceixe – the best seafood, at least in Portugal. Pizza Arte Bianca and Peruvian food at La Preferida in Vale da Telha and O Sargo with a dreamlike view of Monte Clérigo Beach. Or the aforementioned microbar.
Party, People, Pizza
Dance under the stars to electrons, raga and other beats, and fill your dance breaks with all-you-can-eat pizza, lasagna, cake and pies – on Friday nights in Tojero. Years ago, German immigrant Rudolf Strehlow created an alternative community in the Monchique mountains, where people decided to live alone and semi-autonomously.
Usually every week under the name “Friday Happiness” the alternative life venue is transformed into a mini hippie festival with multiple dance floors, bars and lots of retreats for chatting, diving, drinking, smoking joints or any other good or bad ideas. bad. Revelers come with it. The whole thing turns into a huge campsite in the early hours of the morning, and not everyone drives home but sleeps on the spot in their cars or directly in the dust of the street.
Sunset on the Slopes
Perhaps it has become clear that the slopes are the best in the Algarve for me. Even more beautiful and incredibly romantic – some would say comical – at night, just as the sun sets over the sea. Because Portugal knows about sunsets – and it’s in no way inferior to honeymoon destinations like Gili Air in Indonesia. This applies to the entire west coast of the Algarve. All my favorite spots are in Odeceixe, around Monte Clérigo and Arrifana – but there are also beautiful areas of the southern slopes with guaranteed sunset views.
Sunrise at the Island Castle
The sun sets over the sea and rises over the mountains. You can see them undisturbed from the ruins of Aljezur Castle, for example, as well as from other higher places in the ancient city of Aljezur. Depending on the time of year, sunrise can be shrouded in a thick mist, making the entire city look eerie from above. Make sure you wake up early enough and experience these beautiful and multifaceted morning hours.
Sagres
The lighthouse at Farol do Cabo de São Vicente, in the extreme southwest of Europe, is probably in every travel guide to Portugal. Nearby is an equally popular deli selling the latest pre-American hot dogs (in German!) and again, there are dramatic slopes. and wind. It’s like it’s always windy in Sagres.
If you visit the Algarve you should definitely stop here, the area is definitely worth seeing. Don’t be under any illusions here, you won’t be alone. People here are transported by bus, and the others are Pennsylvania flag for miles on the road. If you are already in the south of the Algarve, take the opportunity to discover the beaches here. Beautiful coves include Praia do Baileche and Praia do Tunil.
