| If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: 'leisure time | | | | offer visitors many choices of how to spend an |
| away from work devoted to rest or pleasure', then | | | | Algarve vacation. |
| one taken in Algarve must be the epitome of that | | | | The region's ancient past is positively celebrated, and |
| term. | | | | most sizeable towns boast a local museum that |
| The southern-most region of Portugal, Algarve is a | | | | shows relics from Roman times - and even earlier. |
| holiday-maker's dream. Wonderful year-round weather, | | | | Algarveans are proud of their distinct culture and some |
| great beaches, fabulous scenery and - best of all - the | | | | of the diversion on offer to the holiday-maker is even |
| local people! | | | | free (concerts and gallery admissions spring to mind |
| Algarveans are a tolerant, laid-back lot, who have | | | | from my last visit). Whatever the month of year, |
| seen much change in the several decades since their | | | | there's usually a Saint's day that gives rise to a |
| region started to become a tourist magnet. Some of | | | | colourful festival, in which the locals take a |
| the age-old ways of life (such as small-scale fishing) | | | | whole-hearted part. |
| continue undisturbed by the leisure-seeking visitors who | | | | Public transport within the region is efficient and cheap, |
| are drawn to this lovely area. | | | | which serves to keep the tourist dollars and Euros |
| Most who sample the attractions of Algarve become | | | | circulating, while allowing holiday-makers to sample |
| converted enthusiasts. If you love warm places, sand | | | | more than just the tourist areas. |
| and sea and generally relaxed holidays, then Algarve is | | | | Even a tour of either the western or eastern halves of |
| your dream destination. | | | | Algarve can be undertaken within a single day (though |
| It's a compact area, only some 90 miles by 30 miles at | | | | it helps to have your itinerary sorted before you set |
| its furthest extremities - but it's home to over 100 miles | | | | out). And a meal at an inland restaurant during the |
| of gorgeous sandy beaches. | | | | return journey to your holiday accommodation will likely |
| While, for those who don't mind leaving the coast | | | | prove cheaper than one taken in the tourist-populated |
| behind for a while, the region is steeped in history, and | | | | coastal areas (a bonus for the more adventurous |
| has much to delight the visitor's eye. Much of the | | | | tourist!). |
| Algarve's heritage has been preserved, especially in | | | | Am I keen to get back there soon? You bet! |
| the profusion of Moorish-influenced architecture on | | | | Which leads me to a rather obvious question: why am |
| show. And the contrasts, between coast and | | | | I sitting here writing this, instead of making a booking |
| mountains, sand and greenery, modernity and history, | | | | with my friendly local travel agent? |