Today we’re going to talk about a perfect beach holiday destination Algarve, Portugal.
It's no surprise that Portugal's Algarve is one of Europe's most
popular holiday destinations, with its mild climate tempered by the Atlantic,
soft sandy beaches, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking coastal scenery. People also
reside in mountains here where they share their traditions and live in harmony with each other.
The endless number of beautiful beaches are the main reason for visiting the Algarve.
From protected coves with limestone caves to long sweeping white-sand bays,
there's something for every beach lover. But there’s a lot more to do here aside
from all that sun-worshiping and we’re here to tell you what that is. So let’s
look at the top five things you can do in Algarve besides resting on a beach.
5. Cape St Vincent You'll be standing on the southwesternmost point
in Europe at this cape in Sagres. The Cape of St. Vincent is a unique blend of natural beauty,
culture, and folklore. Walking around here is itself a very serene experience because you'll be
struck by the enormity of nature. From the ancient navigators to the cape's legends and myths,
the cape has always been linked to the sea. From St. Vincent to Henry the Navigator,
there's a lot to learn. The Cape of St. Vincent and its environments are one of the
few places in the world where geography, wild but majestic nature, and historical factors combine
to create a mythical dimension. As a result, you'll find yourself in a magical setting.
Beyond its historical significance, the location is breathtaking,
with cliffs rising 75 meters above the sea and cinematic views of the rocky seascapes to the
north and east, as well as Sagres Point. The ocean off the cape has seen many naval
battles, and there is a lighthouse here, built in 1846. A protective wall runs along the edge of the
rocky plateau, providing spectacular views of the coast and the ocean. This is an excellent spot for
some photography. On Wednesday afternoons, the lighthouse and museum are open to the public.
So, if you have the opportunity to come see the lighthouse, take advantage of it. It will be a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 4. Dolphin watching
Ocean boat trips are advertised at all of the main marinas along the Algarve. There's deep sea
fishing but dolphin spotting is an unforgettable experience. The ocean off the coast of the Algarve
is home to a large number of common and bottlenose dolphins, ensuring a successful expedition.
The creatures' inquisitive nature makes this easier, and before you know it, pods of up to
50 will be keeping you company. A lot of people bring along a marine biologist to learn more
about the dolphins' habits and physiology. You can also rent out boats or take guided
tours and cruise along the Algarvian coastline to witness these friendly dolphins. And it’s also
a very convenient way because that way you’d be sharing the same space with a very few people so
you can have this moment all to yourself. 3. Roaming around Lagos Old Town
The historic center of Lagos is a delight to explore. You should take your time to explore
it and not rush through it on your way to the beach. It is surrounded by large sections of
its old walls, which were built on top of much older Moorish defenses in the 1500s.
Lagos was the capital of the Algarve between the 16th and 18th centuries,
as evidenced by the town's museum, which houses hundreds of years of artifacts,
including coins dating back to the 4th century. Different types of fortifications surround Old
Town Lagos, which highlight the significant aspects of its identity of which the symbolic
elements reflect historical events and battles it has faced over the years. Because Catholicism was
one of the main religions at the time, it has a lot of churches from different eras, especially
after King Dinis made it mandatory for everyone to be Christian and built several cathedrals
across his kingdom. Other notable structures, such as Isaac Aboab's Synagogue, can be found
on St Catherine Street (Rua de Santa Catarina), which also houses the majority of the churches.
The rest of your time can be spent simply strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets,
passing by historic buildings such as the 15th-century slave market
since Lagos was once the centre of Europe's slave trade. And the presence of these
romantic buildings make strolling the only convenient option for exploring the town.
2. Tavira Island A few hundred meters off the coast
of Tavira is this long, narrow barrier island. You can get there by boat from the city's marina
and nearby Quatro guas, or by crossing the bridge at Santa Luzia and catching
a summer tourist train. They stretch for 11 kilometers and are characterized by a wide
swath of soft white sand bordered by dunes. The island, which is covered in a protected
wasteland, is home to an incredible ecosystem and a stopover point for migrating birds
traveling between Europe and Africa. Apart from that, Tavira Island has beautiful
beaches. The Algarve has plenty, but the ones on the barrier islands are among the most beautiful.
The Blue Flag beaches on Tavira Island are out of this world, even by Algarve standards. All of
the facilities of a tourist beach can be found on both Tavira and Barril beaches. There is,
however, space for those seeking tranquility along the many kilometers between the beaches and past
Barril beach. Bring a blanket, a picnic lunch, and a shade parasol if this sounds like you,
and walk along the beautiful beach until you find the perfect spot.
This is also the Algarve's calmer coast, where the waves are too calm to attract surfers,
making it ideal for families looking for a relaxing day at the beach.
Another one of the coolest things to do on Tavira island is to see the unique Anchor Cemetery on
Barril beach. There are a few places in Portugal that are truly unique, and this is one of them.
These anchors, placed anonymously next to each other on the sand dunes behind the beach, now
represent the long-gone tuna fishing culture that was once so prevalent in this part of the Algarve.
This is without a doubt one of the most unusual attractions in the Algarve.
1.Naturally eroded Benagil Caves On the Algarve coast, the Benagil
Sea Cave is a stunning natural wonder that was created by natural erosion. The cave is
located on Posrtugal's southern coast and can be accessed by boat, kayak, or stand up paddleboard.
The Algar de Benagil is a large dome cave with an impressive size. The cave's wide expanse
is visible from the cave's entrance channel. Above the head, the cave ceiling is very high.
The sun shines through the dome's natural apertures and openings, casting a magical
glow on the fine golden sand that is constantly cleaned and the translucent water. The vastness
of nature's beauty will make you feel both like a ruler of the universe and a helpless human.
While the cave appears to be not far from the village's main Benagil beach,
swimming around to the cave to look at it is not recommended. Because the currents in this
area can be very strong, and tides change quickly, it is best to board one of the many boats if you
want to enjoy the cave safely. If you want to do something a little different to get to the cave,
you can always hire a Stand Up Paddle Board to take you there and to other caves
along this stretch of the Algarve coastline. The cave has always been beautiful, but it has
recently become a worldwide internet sensation. A Google search yields half a million results,
and photos of the incredible cave can be found all over the internet.
You can also do plenty of other activities here from trying out Portuguese cuisine
to going shopping in local markets. If you haven't seen Portuguese ceramics before,
you should. The designs are a mix of traditional and modern crafts that come in a variety of
colors and patterns. You can also purchase some gifts for your friends back home or get a set of
tablecloths for your own home. However you like! Let us know in the comments below what you
liked the most about Algarve. And as always, where to next?