We can roughly divide the Algarve into 3 parts, West, Central and East Algarve. Today we’d like to inform you about the Central Algarve. Algarve Housing rent villas all over the Algarve, but most villas we rent are located in the Central Algarve. Why visit central Algarve?
Visit Central Algarve
In the heart of the Algarve, the choice of things to do is endless and suits any type of tourist. Whether you’re a sporty type, a history nut, a party animal, a silent and nature seeker or a regular run-of-the-mill holidaymaker, you will be able to find what suits you in the Central Algarve.
Beaches.
Some of the beaches found on the southern coast of Portugal have made it to the top lists of most beautiful beaches of the world. Praia da Marinha is one of those, its stunning rock formations and transparent clear water makes it a perfect place for snorkeling. Benagil is another popular beach, especially as you can take boat trips to one of the most famous caves of Central Algarve, Algar de Benagil, which has an opening through which you can see the blue sky called “The Eye”. So visit the Algarve, do not forget the best beaches of the world in the Central Algarve.
Watersports.
Along the entire Algarvian coast, there are of course plenty possibilities to get yourself active and wet. Surfing schools abound, but the range goes from wind-surfing to kite-surfing (Alvôr is the place to take some good starting lessons) to Stand Up Paddle and anything in between. In the central Algarve, between Albufeira and Portimão you will find a school that suits you best.
Hiking along the cliffs.
A very popular hike central Algarve, of 11,5 km (round trip), the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos, takes you along some of the most scenic coast between Praia da Marinha in the east to Vale de Centianes in the west. It can take up to a day, depending on how long you wish to hike, and is classified as moderately challenging.
Cities of Central Algarve
Albufeira and Portimão are some of the most buzzing cities of Central Algarve. Both offer a wide range of bars and restaurants, and many lively beaches, like Praia da Rocha, making it especially popular with the youth. Both also have big shopping malls (Guia near Albufeira and Aqua in Portimão) for some good value purchases. Visit the Algarve and you like so lively towns, visit Albufeira and Portimao.
Carvoeiro and Ferragudo
For a real feel of some fishermen’s life, both Carvoeiro and Ferragudo are the places to go. Both very pretty, popular villages surrounded by nice beaches and lively bars and restaurants.
Silves.
If you want a little history during your visit Algarve? Visit the Red Castle of Silves with its outstanding views over the hills. After that, stroll down into the historical downtown, taking in a sniff of the Gothic Sé Cathedral, and close your thirst for history with a visit to the Archeological Museum, which displays some of the finds from Roman and Visigothic times, and one of the most important collection of Islamic ceramics in Portugal.
4WD off-road and safari trips.
There is a wide range of off road adventure trips, in quads, 4WD, safari jeeps, that will take you into the hilly countryside of Central Algarve. You will find companies in Albufeira, Portimão, São Bartolomeu de Messines and Silves that will show you unknown places in the rough outback of Central Algarve. Fun guaranteed!
Alte and Salir.
Just driving through the inland hills of the Central Algarve, between what they call the Serra and the Barrocal, is a delight by itself. And while you do that, enjoying the scene, why not pass through Alte, one of the most picturesque, unspoilt villages of Central Algarve. Just wandering through the narrow streets you can take in that feeling of the leisurely pace of village life. Alte is also well-known for its natural springs, where you can have a beautiful walk in nature or take a refreshing dive. Driving a little further will take you to yet another laid-back village, Salir.
FIESA.
The International Festival of Sand sculptures FIESA, near Pêra, is well worth a visit. Celebrating 16 years of sand sculptures, this year’s theme is places and faces from arts and entertainment. Sculptors have created more than 80 scenes inspired from scenes in theater, dance, music, literature, painting, cinema, comics and television.
This article about Central Algarve has been brought to you by Algarve Housing, for your holiday in the Algarve. Visit Algarve? the Central is hard to miss!
Please check the link for properties for rent in Central Algarve. Do not hesitate to contact me for any further details about the Central Algarve and your holiday in the Algarve.
Warm regards,
Michele