European delights
From influential cultures to the beginning of ancient civilisations, Europe has a rich history begging to be explored
According to the Irish Travel Agents Association survey of 2018, Portugal is the second most popular tourist destination for Irish travellers. From the relative proximity of the country, to the draw of the sun and sea, to the culture and history of the region, Portugal and the Algarve in particular, continues to be popular with Irish tourists.
“The Irish market is one of the most important to the Algarve,” says João Pedro Ferreira Caldas Fernandes, President of the Algarve Tourism Bureau. “I think that the Irish and Portuguese are very similar. We like the same things in life: good food, good weather and laid-back back life.”
João says that Portugal and specifically the Algarve is diverse in terms of landscape, culture, gastronomy and nature activities, while the golf courses and beaches are world-class.
“It is one of the safest holiday destinations in the world to visit and holidays here are great value for money. This is why the Algarve is so appealing when booking holidays.”
Here are three of João’s top picks to visit in the Algarve: THE NATURAL WORLD “I would definitely recommend going out and exploring, ”says João. “To the western side, you can explore the coast which has totally natural parks such as the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. You will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal there, as well as hiking trails.”
For those interested in an active holiday, try the biking and hiking trails on the two famous routes of the Algarve – the Via Algarviana which is 340km from Alcoutim in the east until Cape St Vincent in the west. Or try the Vicentina Route along the Western coast of Algarve for about 250km.
“I would recommend visiting the Lagoon of Ria Formosa Natural Park, which stretches for 60km east of Quinta do Lago almost to the border with Spain. This is a bird sanctuary great for bird watching lovers. It is also a nursery for small fish and has plenty of seafood like oysters, clams and other delicacies that garnish the Algarvian gastronomy.” BEACH-READY The Algarve has won the World Travel Awards’ ‘Europe’s Leading Beach Destination’ award five separate times. Its beaches are an important part of its appeal and are worth travelling to. There are also a group of barrier islands, in which some have traditional fishing communities, which João says are amazing to visit.
“The Desert Island stretches for 11km and only has one restaurant with nothing else on the entire island. Access to these islands is only by boat and it is such a unique area to visit. There are also boat tours on the Algarve coast to visit the famous caves and cliffs there, as well as watch dolphins and other marine mammals in the wild.
“You can also enjoy the natural spa salt pans in Castro Marim which can make you feel like you are in the famed Dead Sea. The Algarve has the biggest artificial reef in the world, a project called Ocean Revival with several Portuguese Navy battleships intentionally sunken to form this amazing underwater scuba diving park. It is an amazing experience.” CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE “You need to try the only zip-line in the world where you cross the border of two countries and a time zone,” says João. “It starts in Spain and finishes in Alcoutim, Algarve. Definitely worth the visit!”
When in the Algarve, it’s worth trying all the local experiences. Get wild and try the driving experiences in a Porsche or BMW at the Algarve International Racing Track, or skydive over the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve and over the coastline.
“Go on an oyster or clam picking activity at Ria de Alvor or at Ria Formosa Lagoon and then watch the sunset in one of the lighthouses of the Algarve. Discover the real country and take an off-road adventure safari to the interior of the Algarve and discover the small villages and places like the fountains of Alte Village, one of the most traditional villages in all of Portugal.”
The Algarve and Portugal as a whole will always remain a top choice for Irish travellers, so who does João believe would enjoy this diverse and beautiful landscape?
“From budget hotels to high-end luxury hotels, as well as family dedicated resorts, the Algarve has an offer for every type of traveller. In terms of accommodation, to the bustling Oura strip in Albufeira, from the laid-back beaches, to the active tourism in hiking or cycling, we are still Europe’s most famous secret.”