Introducing the Algarve

You often get exhilarating crystal clear days around Christmas in the Algarve, when the distant mountains are etched in purple and the sky is not just blue, it is brilliant vivid blue try looking for a whisper of cloud, you will not find one.

    

If you are lucky to live here, it is then more than at any other time of the year that you realise this is a very special place to be. There is always an abundance of sunshine in winter in summer naturally the sunshiny days seem to go on forever. The fact is the Algarve has more sunshine every year than anywhere in Europe, you would have to go to the desert parts of Africa or more than half way round the world to California to match the sunshine here in the Algarve.

The Algarve beaches come in all shapes and sizes, from the intimate coves to the vast open sandy beaches of the western Algarve. Sun and the beaches are like magnets for holiday makers from all over Europe, with most of them no more than three hours flying time away. Whether you want to stroll along the sandy beaches or laze in one of the many beach restaurants feasting on the fresh fish dishes and local Portuguese green wine (Vinho Verde) this is the place to be on holiday.

Spring comes to the Algarve even before the old year is out, in December the almond blossom bursts into life and seems to run riot all over the Algarve countryside. While most of northern Europe is swathed in snow and cold gusty winds, you can soak up the sun and build the suntan up or play golf on one of the 30 Algarve’s golf courses, stretched out along golf’s golden coast. Too many people of the word, from as far as Australia and New Zealand this is a mellow place to relax and soak up the local hospitality. Portugal’s hospitality and the local people are well used to holiday makers, they know how to look after their guests and you will never feel out of place or uneasy, you’ll almost certainly want to come back…