Summer holiday in the Algarve
As the southernmost part of Portugal, the Algarve also has the most sun. The sun has made the Algarve to Portugal’s tourist center. All wishes are fulfilled on the southern coast between Africa and Europe. ou can wonder at the turquoise blue water from a boat or surfboard. Seen from the water, the coast presents itself as craggy, rocky mountains. Only at a closer look will you see the cozy beaches in small coves which escape the usually rough Atlantic.
Not only its more than 3000 hours of sun and its geographical proximity to Africa gave the Algarve its nickname, „European Africa”. More than 500 years long, it used to be the western part of the Islamic Realm.
The name Algarve comes from Arabian “al gharb” (the West). This era, of course, molded the architecture as well as nature. Thus almond, fig and carob trees remind one of the influences of the Muslim reign on Portuguese culture and cuisine.
But these days, tourist are naturally served fresh vegetables and fruits from the less populated hinterland in their hotels, pensions, apartments, vacation apartments or private accommodations.