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Archive for the ‘Portugal Holidays’ Category
When it comes to Algarve golf holidays, the main activity is clearly going to be golf. The Algarve has some of the best golf courses in the world, and with the gorgeous weather, beautiful scenery and luxury lifestyle that accompanies a trip to the Algarve, it’s no surprise that it is such a popular golfing destination. But Algarve golf holidays don’t just have to be about golf and nothing else. In fact, if you’re the outdoors type and you like to try out a range of activities, you’ll be spoiled for choice in the Algarve. Here are a few of the most popular activities that you can partake in when you’re taking a break from golf.
Walking
The Algarve is an absolute paradise for walkers. Beautiful valleys, mountain scenery, coastal paths, quaint villages and nature reserves all provide the perfect setting for a fantastic walking experience during Algarve golf holidays. Where you go walking is completely up to you, and there are a number of great places that you could visit. The Duas Quintas area is especially good, as is Monchique. Or just find a pleasant stretch of coast and stretch your legs. With the excellent weather throughout most of the year, walking is a fantastic activity to enjoy in the Algarve at any time.
Water Sports
With so much pristine coastline and so many beautiful beaches, it’s no surprise that water sports provide a very popular alternative to golf on Algarve golf holidays. If you can think of a water sport, then you are almost certain to be able to find it in the Algarve somewhere. Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, surfing – they’re all here, so whatever takes your fancy just find a beach offering the sport and get going. Some beaches are better than others for particular sports. For example, if you’re after jet skiing and water skiing then Albufeira and Quinta do Lago are good options, and Vilamoura and Portimao are great for sailing. But really you will find that most areas have a good choice when it comes to water sports.
Cycling
If you want to see more of the Algarve without driving around, then another alternative on Algarve golf holidays is cycling. The Algarve has some great roads for cycling, making it the perfect area to cycle for both beginners and those looking for more of a challenge. You can travel further than you can on foot and take trips out to coastal resorts and tiny villages. There are challenging routes or easy tours to choose from so you’ll get to explore lots more of the Algarve whatever your level. A good option is to hire a bike if you don’t have one of your own, which can easily be arranged. If you are looking for a cycle trip of a lifetime then you should try out the Ecovia do Litoral, a 214 km cycle pathway that goes along the coast from Vila Real de San Antonio to Cabo de Sao Vicente. It’s quite challenging and the whole thing will take about four days to complete, but it is probably the ultimate way to see the Algarve on a bike.
John Dixon is Managing Director of Prestige Holidays, a specialist travel company who have provided a wide portfolio of Algarve golf holidays , as well as holidays to many other destinations around the world, for over 30 years.
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The Golden Triangle – The Height of Algarve Luxury
If you’re looking for Algarve luxury then you’re certain to find it in the Golden Triangle. This area of the Algarve is known the world over for its luxurious lifestyle. If you really want to explore what luxury means then you should make this your main destination when you visit the Algarve.
Located just 20 minutes from Faro airport, it’s easy to reach and is packed full of luxury accommodation, golf courses, beaches, luxury resorts and designer shops – perfect for anyone who is considering an Algarve luxury holiday. There are a number of towns and resorts in the Golden Triangle, but the main ones are Quinta do Lagos, Vale do Lobo and Almancil. Here’s a quick guide to these locations.
Quinta do Lago
Established in 1970, Quinta do Lago is a very exclusive development situated perfectly on the edge of the Ria Formosa nature reserve. Due to its setting, walking is a popular activity for anyone who stays here, although there is one other activity that perhaps beats even walking – golf. There are four excellent golf courses here, making it ideal for anyone yearning for a golfing break. If you are looking for Algarve luxury, this fabulous resort, with its pristine lakes and attractive pine trees, is relaxing yet exciting. The resort spans 2,000 acres of picturesque landscape. There are great nightclubs and restaurants and water sports are popular activities. The resort also has wonderful shopping at the Bouganvilia shopping plaza and in the designer shops at Quinta Shopping.
Vale do Lobo
Vale do Lobo is the original resort in the Golden Triangle, built in 1962, and for many it is the best. An Algarve luxury holiday in Vale do Lobo is certainly a popular option, and you will find lots of villas of all sizes when you stay here. Vale do Lobo basically has everything you need to enjoy a luxury holiday, including the Parque do Golfe complex complete with bank, supermarket and numerous boutiques. There are lots of restaurants to dine out in, and more than 1,300 acres to explore. There are two fantastic golf courses, but the other big sport here is tennis. Vale do Lobo boasts an impressive tennis academy that even hosts a Masters event during the year. Overall, it’s a great option for families, and ideal for anyone looking for an Algarve luxury break.
Almancil
Almancil is slightly different from the other resorts because it is a town rather than a purpose-built resort. It’s only a few minutes’ drive from the other resorts, however, making it ideal for anyone who wants an Algarve luxury holiday but would rather stay outside the resorts. It is famous for its pastel coloured pottery, which you will be able to find in the shops as an ideal souvenir, and it is also well known for its shopping and its excellent restaurants. It’s a picturesque little town, and perfect for anyone who wants to experience an authentic Algarve town.
Explore the Golden Triangle
For anyone who is after an Algarve luxury holiday, the Golden Triangle is the place to go. Head to any of the above locations for relaxation, sports, shopping and restaurants, and you’ll really be able to make the most of your luxury holiday in the Algarve.
John Dixon is Managing Director of Prestige Holidays, a specialist travel company who have provided a wide portfolio of Algarve luxury holidays, as well as many other destinations around the world, for over 30 years.
Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
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When you go on an Algarve luxury holiday, at any time of the year there’s a good chance that you will get to experience one of the many festivals that make the region famous. The people who live in the Algarve love to party, so check out one of these six festivals next time you are in the area.
1. Festival of the Smoked Sausage
This festival is held in Querença in January, and consists of a curious mix of religious and pagan celebration. The main event is the auction of smoked sausages in order to raise money for charity, in homage to São Luís, the patron saint of animals. You’ll find lots more rural food to try out at the festival, which makes a great diversion on an Algarve luxury holiday.
2. Algarve International Music Festival
This prestigious music festival consists of a combination of songs, music and dance, and is held from May to July every year in the Algarve. Luxury holidaymakers, families and any other kinds of travellers are spoiled for choice with the range of music and acts on offer, from ballet to dance and opera to jazz.
3. Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras normally takes place in February, and like some other high-profile places in the world it’s big in the Algarve. Luxury loving tourists can find carnivals popping up all over the place in towns and villages across the region, convenient to their hotels and villas. Arguably the best Mardi Gras celebrations are held at Loulé, but check locally when you arrive to find out what’s going on.
4. Liberation Day
Liberation Day is held on April 25th every year to mark the end of dictatorship in Portugal, following the revolution in 1974 when Antonio Salazar was overthrown. It is a national holiday and consists of lots of musical celebrations and fireworks, and is one to check out on your Algarve luxury holiday itinerary.
5. Sardine Festival
This is a world-famous festival that’s held in Portimão in August every year, and is one you’ll definitely want to visit during your Algarve luxury holiday. Dates vary every year, so check them out when you arrive. It consists of thousands of freshly caught sardines being grilled along with lots of other tasty food, and you can eat as many as you want along with plenty of red wine and lots of music, celebrations and fireworks.
6. Seafood Festival
Similar to the sardine festival, the Seafood Festival is held in Olhão, the biggest fishing port in the Algarve, and you’ll be able to try every kind of seafood you can imagine. There’s dancing, folk music, fireworks and, of course, plenty of seafood! The festival attracts about 60,000 visitors each year.
When you visit the Algarve, luxury and relaxation are what you are looking for, and there’s plenty of that on offer. But you should definitely make it your aim to visit one of the numerous festivals that are held in the Algarve every year. The above six provide you with a snapshot of some of the best, but there are lots more held throughout the year. Make sure you take the time to visit them on your Algarve luxury holiday – you’ll be glad you did.
John Dixon is Managing Director of Prestige Holidays, a specialist travel company who have provided a wide portfolio of Algarve luxury holidays, as well as many other destinations around the world, for over 30 years.
Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!
This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.
The Algarve region of Portugal has long been associated with perfect sunshine, sandy beaches and undulating golf courses. However, many people don’t realise that the Algarve is also one of the best places in Portugal for hiking. Here are some of the best places to visit if you’re considering a walking holiday in Portugal around the area of Tavira:
One of the first things that you’ll notice about Tavira is the traditional style of all the houses. The majority of which have the traditional Portuguese platibandas, a simple border etched with floral motifs or geometrical patterns that frame the windows and doorways. This gives the buildings a distinctly art nouveau appearance, that you will notice on your walking holidays in Portugal.
One of the best examples of Portuguese art nouveau architecture is the 16th century church, which has barely changed in appearance since the date it was built. The imposing renaissance porch takes up a large part of the main façade and the church has many distinctive features inside, including a statue of the Nossa Senhora de Luz, or Our Lady of the Light which stands in the centrepiece of the church.
Tavira is very much a fishing village and, on a stroll through the Conceicao de Tavira, you will see many quaint fishermen’s houses tucked down narrow cobbled streets. This winding street is where many visitors to the Algarve get their first view of the sea and yellow sand shoreline. Whilst on hiking in Portugal, you should also take the opportunity to visit some traditional almond or orange groves. This will give you an insight into the more traditional methods of agriculture that are still employed to-date in this old-fashioned town.
However, don’t be mistaken as the town of Tavira is equally popular for its modern pursuits, it is one of the best places in the country to practice the sport of kite-surfing and the Isla De Tavira Beach, which benefits from a northern south-easterly wind, is the best place in the country to practice this sport. In fact, Tavira seems to have been designed with adventure-junkies in mind as surfing, windsurfing and rock climbing are all popular pursuits with tourists in the area.
Those passionate about all aspects of walking will be interested to know that hiking in Portugal has its own word “caminhadas”. A great place for caminhadas in Portugal is the Rio Formosa National Park, which is not only full of rolling sand dunes but a great place to spot some of the wildlife of the region. A hike through the famous National Park gives you the chance to explore a beautiful and varied landscape, which ranges from golden sand dunes to verdant pine forests. The National Park is also popular with many ornithologists as many migrating seabirds make their homes in this reserve.
After a week of hiking in Portugal you may want to relax and play a few rounds on one of Tavira’s perfect golf courses. The most popular is Benamor, which was designed by Sir Henry Cotton and which offers perfect views of the surrounding mountains and azure blue seas, for which the Algarve is famous.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries. On a Portugal hiking holiday with Ramblers you can walk the Portugal’s most scenic landscapes at the best value prices.
Portugal has some of the most striking landscapes in Western Europe, but it has yet to acquire the fame and popularity of France and Spain as a walking destination. A Portugal hiking holiday can encompass many different experiences – walking along the legendary coast of the Algarve, trekking through little known parks in the north of the country, exploring dramatic river valleys, or just strolling around beautiful cosmopolitan cities. If you are looking for a truly beautiful place to go hiking, Portugal should be near the top of your list of places to go.
Here are a few of the regions you should consider when considering from a range of walking holidays in Portugal…
The Algarve
The Algarve is famous as a destination for golfers and beach lovers, but this spectacular coastal region also offers great walking for keen hikers. The rocky coastline has some great routes to walk along and some glorious golden beaches to see, but venture inland and you’ll be treated to a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, orange groves, lush forests and traditional villages. The walking here, in general, is not especially arduous, making it the ideal choice for a relaxing walking holiday in Portugal.
The Emerald Coast
The Algarve may be Portugal’s most famous and popular holiday region, but in the north-west, there is a little known coast that at the very least matches the Algarve for natural beauty. The Costa Verde (Emerald Coast) offers some of the best hiking in Portugal, with the old paths through the Serra d’Arga mountains and the valley walk through the Ancora Valley being two of the best routes in the area. As the name suggests, it is a lush and verdant landscape that is a delight to explore on foot.
The Douro Valley
The Douro River is one of the most spectacular natural features in Portugal. Stretching from the heart of Spain all the way to the coast of Portugal, this 900 kilometre river offers some excellent opportunities for walkers, especially in and around the Douro Valley in Portugal. In addition to some beautiful riverside walks, the area also offers charming villages, handsome cities…and the famous local port! This area receives far fewer visitors than Portugal’s coast, and so is a great way to get away from the crowds.
The Northern National Parks
The north of the country is seldom visited by tourists, yet it contains numerous national parks and some of the most dramatic countryside in Portugal. It is a landscape of sprawling forests, parkland, deep gorges and an abundance of natural wildlife. Mountain lovers in particular will not want to miss out on this area, with several major mountain ranges (including the Alväo and Moräu) all providing some great places for Portugal hiking.
These are just some of the great places for a walking holiday in Portugal, offering everything from high mountains to golden beaches, easy half day hikes and tough multi day walks. You could even venture across into Spain or out to the Portuguese island of Madeira if you wanted to go further afield – the entire Iberian Peninsula is truly a walker’s paradise!
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays now offer over 250 holidays in more than 90 different countries. On a holiday with RamblersWH you can enjoy the best hiking Portugal can offer at the best value prices.