The Algarve: My Insider Tips
I’ve been lucky enough to visit the stunning Algarve region of Portugal on many occasions. It’s close proximity to my home in Scotland, and it’s infinitely better weather, makes it an ideal destination for me to escape to for a few days. It’s definitely one of my favourite short-haul places to visit and I like to think I know a few great places in the area, so these are my tips for tourists visiting The Algarve…
· The beaches of the Vale do Lobo area are gloriously unspoilt. While you’ll find the beach in Albufeira beautiful, but crammed full of tourists, only a few miles down the road you’ll find quiet, peaceful, picture perfect beaches where you can truly relax.
Vale de Lobo Beach
· One of my top tips is to visit in ‘shoulder season’. Shoulder season is the new term for the time just before, and just after the height of summer. The Algarve is blessed with such beautiful weather that you can visit in shoulder season and still enjoy beautiful sunshine, but without it being too busy. Perfect if you’re a fan of peace and quiet when you’re on holiday.
Albufeira Beach
· Shhhh don’t tell anyone, but one of my absolute favourite restaurants in the world is in the Algarve. You’ll find the Dom Carlos Restaurante in the popular town of Albufeira and, in my opinion, it is without a doubt the best restaurant in town. Fresh produce, exciting gastronomic blends and comfortable surroundings await you in this intimate restaurant. It’s owned and run by husband and wife team Peter and Ana, the chef and hostess respectively. As the restaurant is small, it means you are given excellent personal service, and it couldn’t come from nicer people!
Dom Carlos Restaurant, Albufeira
· If you’re a golfer then book yourself a plane fare and secure some oversized luggage allowance for your clubs- the golf courses in the Algarve are incredible! Laranjal, Quinta do Lago and San Lorenzo are always favourites and will appeal to any golf lover.
Quinta do Lago Clubhouse
· One of my favourite views in Albufeira is from bar, cafe and restaurant O Penedo. Walk away from the beach in Albufeira, along a road that looks as if it doesn’t really lead anywhere and you’ll come across this little place. Walk inside and out the other side and you’ll be surprised by their huge decking area with what I think are some of the best views in the whole town. (They also do some pretty delicious ice-creams and crepes!)
Have you been to the Algarve region of Portugal before? Do you have any insider tips to share? I’d love to hear them!
Emma shares all of her travel adventures, tips and advice on her two websites Emma’s Travel Tales and Emma On Board, as well as writing for a number of other online publications. She has also partnered with many large companies and tourism boards around the world.
She’s busy making memories around the world…
I’m Emma, a twenty-something Scottish girl who’s obsessed with travel.
I’ve been to 38 countries so far and had some incredible adventures around the world.
My passion for travel and writing led me to create my person blog Emma’s Travel Tales.