| A holiday in the Algarve shouldn't be about spending all | | | | sardine lunch has been digested, why not join a high |
| day every day on the beach. It is a diverse area with | | | | speed Rigid Inflatable Boat from the marina to watch |
| an eclectic mix of things to do, so get out there and do | | | | dolphins. |
| something different. To help you, here are 5 things you | | | | If conditions are right and you come across a large |
| might like to try: | | | | pod it's an experience hard to beat. Sometimes these |
| Visit one of its many interesting towns. If you think the | | | | pods can be in excess of a hundred dolphins, so don't |
| Algarve is just a collection seaside resorts, you'd be | | | | forget your camera! Of course there is no guarantee |
| wrong. It's full of history and interesting architecture. | | | | that you'll see any dolphins, but these guys know |
| Silves is a quiet town in the central Algarve with plenty | | | | where to look, so the chances are quite high. Trips are |
| of history, including battles against the Carthaginians, | | | | also available from the marina in Lagos, Alvor harbour |
| Romans and the Moors. The town is dominated by a | | | | and also from Albufeira. |
| large sandstone Castle, which looks down on the red | | | | No visit to the Algarve is complete without enjoying an |
| roofed town. Enjoy the fantastic views from the | | | | evening of Fado, or Portuguese folk music. It is music |
| ramparts over the surrounding countryside carpeted | | | | symbolic of the spirit of Portugal, and although it |
| with orange groves. | | | | originated in northern Portugal, you'll find it performed of |
| From Silves, take a boat along the River Arade | | | | an evening in bars and hotels throughout the Algarve. |
| towards the Atlantic Ocean and into the western | | | | Accompanied by guitars, the vocalist sings mournful |
| Algarve. You'll end up in Portimao, a town perhaps | | | | songs of fate, loves lost and the general complications |
| most famous for its sardines. These are best in the | | | | of life. An enjoyable experience even if you don't rush |
| summer, when they're at their plumpest and juiciest, | | | | out and buy the CD afterwards! |
| and the air is awash with the aroma of these fish | | | | After all these activities you'll be ready to wind down, |
| barbequing. | | | | and you'll find nothing more romantic and relaxing than |
| Wander down to the riverfront, to the famous Sardine | | | | the sunset at Sagres. A village at the most |
| Dock and take a seat at one of the restaurants there. | | | | south-westerly point of the Algarve, it is a stark |
| Delight in a lazy lunch of grilled sardines and fresh | | | | settlement, remote, rugged and windswept and is |
| crusty bread, washed down with a cooling glass of | | | | surrounded by scrubby countryside, dramatic cliffs and |
| Vinho Verde. | | | | wild beaches. Take an evening to enjoy a seafood |
| Portimao is the main area in the Algarve for boat trips, | | | | dinner at the Pousada (Government run hotel), then |
| cruises and Big Game fishing. All of these can be | | | | take a nightcap onto the patio and enjoy the beautiful |
| booked and boarded from the harbour or from the | | | | views as the sun disappears over the cliffs of Cabo |
| Marina in nearby Praia da Rocha. So, when your | | | | St. Vincente. |