DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Algarve (Pocket Travel Guide)

Clockwise from top: Praia da Dona Ana, Lagos; S Cathedral, Faro; a cobbled street in Alte; boats at Praia dos Pescadores, Albufeira; octopus pots, Santa Luzia; the town of Monchique; Praia dos Pescadores, Albufeira

With its golden beaches, fabulous golf courses and year-round appeal, the Algarve is an enticing holiday destination. This enchanting region is famous for its stunning ochre-splashed coastline of shallow bays, vertiginous cliffs and lively resorts, and is also home to a verdant canvas of rolling countryside, quiet villages and sleepy hamlets. With Eyewitness Top 10 Algarve, its yours to explore.

Busiest during the summer, the warm, crystalline waters of the Algarve lure beachgoers to its southern shores. You can hike or cycle nature trails through the serene Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, take in majestic views from the top of Monchique, or kayak in the grottoes off Lagos. Besides the beautiful landscape, the region has many cultural attractions, including the Palcio da Galeria in Tavira, the mighty Moorish castle of Silves and the gilded medieval interior of S Cathedral in Faro.

Travelling the Algarves hinterland is to journey through a landscape embroidered with cork-oak and citrus trees. Eucalyptus scents the air. Visitors can enjoy tastings at some excellent wineries. An unhurried way of life prevails and many of the regions traditional festivals and ceremonies take place on this strip of coast. Colourful market towns such as Loul enhance the local flavour.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything the Algarve has to offer. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus six easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. An additional chapter on the Alentejo highlights the regions neighbouring province. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy the Algarve.

Exploring the Algarve

A favourite year-round holiday destination, the Algarve has much to offer visitors. Celebrated for its fantastic beaches and lively resorts, the Algarve has an equally enticing interior just waiting to be discovered. Here are a few ideas for a two-day and a week-long stay, which will help you to make the most of coast and country.

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Two Days in the Algarve

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Day 1

Morning

Start in with some sightseeing in the Old Town. Ponder ancient artifacts at the Museu Municipal de Faro and follow with a visit to the handsome 13th-century S. Afterwards, climb the cathedrals bell tower and enjoy the views across the wetlands.

Afternoon

Have lunch at Faz Gostos (Rua do Castelo 13; 289 878 422), and then join a boat cruise (see and strolling by the riverfront.

Faro Old Towns pretty cobbled streets make for an enjoyable stroll.

Day 2

Morning

Travel east to ) for splen-did rooftop views. Next, look for the tombs of Crusader knights in Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo. Meander back to the river, the Rio Gilo, and take in views of the photogenic Ponte Romana.

Afternoon

Stop for lunch at , reached by ferry from Quatro guas quay.

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Seven Days in the Algarve

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Day 1 and 2

Follow the two-day Algarve itinerary.

Day 3

Travel early to on the neon-lit Strip.

Day 4

Continue to .

Day 5

Drive further west to for awe-inspiring ocean vistas.

Day 6

Journey north through the .

The spa hamlet of Caldas de Monchique has been famous for the restorative powers of its water since Roman times.

Day 7

Arrive in , before relaxing on Praia da Rocha.

A vast swathe of golden sand is set against dramatic multicoloured cliffs at Praia da Rocha in Portimo.

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Top 10 Algarve Highlights

The quayside at the village of Ferragudo

Top 10 Algarve Highlights

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FARO OLD TOWN

Faros venerable Cidade Velha (Old Town) is the citys most interesting quarter and can be appreciated at a leisurely pace on foot. Set within a circle of medieval walls, the whole vicinity is a veritable time capsule reflecting Faros brief golden age in the 16th century. The landmark cathedral and cloistered convent are set alongside a patchwork of narrow, cobbled streets with several inviting cafs and shops.

Old Town

NEED TO KNOW

Tourist information: by harbour; (289) 803 604; 9:30am5:30pm MonFri, 9:30am1pm & 26pm Sat & Sun

Museu Municipal de Faro: Largo Dom Afonso III; 10am7pm TueFri (6pm winter), 11:30am6pm Sat & Sun (winter: 10:30am5pm); adm

Igreja de So Francisco: 10amnoon MonFri