Xarém

Xerém or xarém (you can safely say it both ways) is a typical Algarve dish, but also very popular in Brazil and Cape Verde. This cornmeal…

Xerém or xarém (you can safely say it both ways) is a typical Algarve dish, but also very popular in Brazil and Cape Verde. This cornmeal porridge is a favorite partner to many delicacies, but is most often seen accompanying fish dishes, whether these are fried or grilled. It is a very different alternative to the more common side dishes, such as potatoes, rice or salad.

Piri-Piri Chicken

A presence felt in any grill-house in the country, Portuguese Piri-Piri Chicken is a cheap and delicious dish that most…

A presence felt in any grill-house in the country, Portuguese Piri-Piri Chicken is a cheap and delicious dish that most anyone can enjoy. Deceptively complex in flavour profile, the chicken is marinated in a rich and ingredient-heavy sauce that includes (you guessed it!) piri-piri chillies.

An import from the old Portuguese African colonies, it has grown into a true culinary institution in the Guia municipality, which is a mere 6 km from the hotel! Popular side dishes are chips, salad and white rice. It’s very common for locals to take it on the go for a nice lunch on the beach.

Cataplana

A true staple of Algarve cuisine, cataplana is used to describe both the dish and the utensil where the ingredients are cooked. Of Arabic…

A true staple of Algarve cuisine, cataplana is used to describe both the dish and the utensil where the ingredients are cooked.

Of Arabic origin, this concave copper-plated pan allows the food to be fully sealed during the cooking process. The more traditional cataplanas are made with seafood, but you can also find many variations of this dish that include other base ingredients, like pork.

Estupeta de Atum

The delicious base of a traditional cold salad, which you will only find at the most typical of restaurants in Algarve. The tuna…

The delicious base of a traditional cold salad, which you will only find at the most typical of restaurants in Algarve. The tuna is first subjected to a wet-salting process until it reaches the desired consistency and color. It is then soaked and mixed with tomatoes and peppers. If you have never tasted it, then what are you waiting for?

Faro’s Santo António Street

Already mentioned somewhere else in our suggestions is this top choice coming from Faro. This traditionally-cobbled…

Already mentioned somewhere else in our suggestions is this top choice coming from Faro. This traditionally-cobbled (with Calçada Portuguesa, no less) is home to most of the city, shops and boutiques. If there’s fashion or assorted goods to be bought, then your best bet to find them in Faro is here! Also pleasant for a stroll, it includes many cafés, outdoor terraces and restaurants.

MAR Shopping (Loulé)

Relatively new on the scene, this massive shopping complex has multiple shops, a designer…

Relatively new on the scene, this massive shopping complex has multiple shops, a designer outlet, cinemas, a supermarket and even an IKEA!

Algarve Shopping (Guia)

Opened in 2001, this open-area shopping centre has a bunch of shops and boutiques for you to choose from, as well…

Opened in 2001, this open-area shopping centre has a bunch of shops and boutiques for you to choose from, as well as a food court and cinemas! In case you’re missing some essentials, there’s also a supermarket and a pharmacy.

Albufeira Old Town

Albufeira’s centre is a great place to start! Its Old Town centre is positively bursting with traditional…

Albufeira’s centre is a great place to start! Its Old Town centre is positively bursting with traditional commerce and gift shops! Here is the place to buy that traditional souvenir your relatives back home asked for!

Zoomarine

Open since 1991, this multifaceted space is partly devoted to the rehabilitation of marine animals. It has won…

Open since 1991, this multifaceted space is partly devoted to the rehabilitation of marine animals. It has won several awards and been nominated a number of times as one of the top amusement parks in Europe. One of Algarve’s calling cards for true family fun!

Ria Formosa’s Islands

They’re a tad off from Albufeira, but trust us, they’re worth the trip. All accessible via ferry from either…

They’re a tad off from Albufeira, but trust us, they’re worth the trip. All accessible via ferry from either Faro or Olhão (themselves quite worth a visit of their own). Farol and Culatra islands are technically the same one, but are known separately. The former is a fisherman’s village while the latter is a popular surf spot. Ilha Deserta differs from the rest as it’s an incredible spot for a peaceful beach and hiking day, with few people accessing it everyday and limited ferries coming and going.

Nossa Senhora da Orada Chapel

A historic church whose construction dates back to the 18th century. It is the destination of the local tribute…

A historic church whose construction dates back to the 18th century. It is the destination of the local tribute celebration devoted by the fishermen of Albufeira to their patron saint.

The Mountains

The Algarve abounds with amazing natural beauty. Cases in point are the mountain ranges of Monchique (at 58 km), Espinhaço…

The Algarve abounds with amazing natural beauty. Cases in point are the mountain ranges of Monchique (at 58 km), Espinhaço de Cão (within 72 km) and Caldeirão (67 km away). Dare to go for a trek or a sightseeing adventure, you’ll be hard-pressed to just follow your route without regularly stopping to marvel at the sights!

Pau da Bandeira Belvedere

Site of the old lighthouse and the mast that gives the site its name. It is…

Pau da Bandeira Belvedere: site of the old lighthouse and the mast that gives the site its name. It is the best known belvedere in Albufeira and offers a terrific view over the city!

Paderne Castle

A 12th-century historical fortress that is notable for being one of the castles present on the Portuguese …

A 12th-century historical fortress that is notable for being one of the castles present on the Portuguese flag. The beautiful ruins and its status make it an almost mandatory photo on your holiday!

Faro Old Town and Centre

Marvellously preserved medieval walls are just the start of it! It’s a bustling…

Marvellously preserved medieval walls are just the start of it! It’s a bustling area with a famed cobbled shopping pedestrian street (Santo António Street) leading to a marina. At a very short walk there is an incredible amount of tremendous restaurant options, pastry shops, bars, and pleasant cafés. Exiting the street on the Marina side, you will also find the entrance to Faro’s Medieval Walls just off to the right!

The Clock Tower

Torre do Relógio is an 18th-century clock tower set in Albufeira’s Old Town. It’s a great and iconic local…

Torre do Relógio is an 18th-century clock tower set in Albufeira’s Old Town. It’s a great and iconic local addition from the city centre to your photo collection.

Boat Trips from the Albufeira Marina

Regularly tranquil, the Algarve waters are the stage for trips of enormous beauty and excitement. The Albufeira Marina is the right place to begin exploring all of the existing options on offer!

Regularly tranquil, the Algarve waters are the stage for trips of enormous beauty and excitement. The Albufeira Marina is the right place to begin exploring all of the existing options on offer!

Algarve International Circuit

Built in 2008, this elite racing venue was the site of the F1 Portugal Grand Prix in 2020, as well as the year’s…

Built in 2008, this elite racing venue was the site of the F1 Portugal Grand Prix in 2020, as well as the year’s season closer event of the MotoGP World Championship. It is just over a 35-minute drive from your resort and also has a lot more to offer than just top-line events. It includes a karting track, a sports complex and even a racing school.

Ponta da Piedade

This magnificent beach features a multitude of amazing rock formations and dazzling caves. There’s not really…

This magnificent beach features a multitude of amazing rock formations and dazzling caves. There’s not really a whole lot more to add, other than the fact that this one of the most photographed beaches of the entire Algarve!

Peneco Beach (and the Peneco Lift)

A great beach with a very unique feature in the area: a lift that allows you to have a view from 28-metres above! A tremendous…

A great beach with a very unique feature in the area: a lift that allows you to have a view from 28-metres above! A tremendous spot for eye-catching (and sure to cause envy among your Instagram followers) pictures, with the added bonus of a very pleasant belvedere just off to the left from the top “floor”.

Praia Grande de Pêra

Silves is around a 25-minute drive from Albufeira and is the site of Praia Grande de Pêra. This popular 2-km-long…

Silves is around a 25-minute drive from Albufeira and is the site of Praia Grande de Pêra. This popular 2-km-long beach is notable for the lush green areas that surround it. More than just a trip to the beach, it’s also a great spot to be combined with plans for hiking and sightseeing.

Salgados Beach

An absolutely massive sand stretch, that provides safe and fun oceanside times for all the family! We can’t help but start off with a highlight on…

An absolutely massive sand stretch, that provides safe and fun oceanside times for all the family! We can’t help but start off with a highlight on the huge Salgados Beach. Ideal for a safe and fun visit to the oceanfront, featuring golden sands and extending over 7 km, it is a mere 3-minute walk from the villa’s complex. It’s truly is one of the area’s top choices. It even has the bonus or being very close to the splendid nature reserve of the Salgados Lagoon!

São Rafael Beach

A must for anyone coming to any point in the entire Algarve, much less for someone staying at a scant 10-minute drive …

A must for anyone coming to any point in the entire Algarve, much less for someone staying at a scant 10-minute drive from it! This small and cozy sand stretch is a hidden gem and is bordered by colorful cliffs, mixing clear waters with incomparable views! We highly recommend a stop at the beach’s excellent restaurant, for a great seafood meal on a terrace set upon the sand!

Arrifes Beach

While you’re in the neighborhood, know that just off to the side of São Rafael, you will find …

While you’re in the neighborhood, know that just off to the side of São Rafael, you will find Arrifes Beach. A blend of unique rock formations with distinctive caves, this small cove is a wonderful option for lovers of smaller beaches.

Falésia Beach

One must always give a mention to the ever-popular Falésia Beach! This ample beach — it’s over 5.5 km…

One must always give a mention to the ever-popular Falésia Beach! This ample beach — it’s over 5.5 km of uninterrupted sand — is ideal for long and peaceful seaside walks. You’ll always be surrounded by a colorful cliffside, that ranges from red-ish to white-ish that gives it its name!