Golden sandy beaches, red rocky cliffs, secluded bays and bright blue water sound like paradise to you? If so, the beaches in the Algarve in southern Portugal are your next dream destination!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With around 300 days of sunshine a year, dry summers and mild winters, Portugal’s southern Atlantic coast is a true year-round destination, yet it’s never overcrowded. With around 100 official beaches to choose from, with more than 96 miles of coastline, the Algarve is a mecca for sun worshipers. The small bays with rugged cliffs in the west (from Cabo de S\u00e3o Vicente to Faro) attract adventure seekers and surfers. Those looking for relaxation are drawn to the gently sloping beaches, dunes and sheltered lagoons of the Sandalgarve east of the lush port city of Faro<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The history of the Algarve is as varied as its appearance and even today the influence of the Romans and Moors are omnipresent. Bask in the beauty of the Roman ruins dotting Faro and Est\u00f3i. Moorish history is reflected in colorful mosaics, intricately decorated azulejos, and the numerous citrus and almond trees. Even the name Algarve comes from the Arabic word al-gharb <\/em>(the west). <\/p>\n\n\n\n The cuisine of the coastal region is determined by the sea: Fish, lobster, mussels and squid. Try am\u00eaijoas na cataplana<\/em> with clams, a dish prepared in the eponymous cataplana pot. Or how about a caldeirada, a stew of fish, seafood, potatoes and vegetables? The perfect snack for small appetites is the cod pie past\u00e9is de bacalhau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With all the treats, the sheer endless choice of activities comes in handy. In addition to the classics\u2014swimming, snorkeling or hiking\u2014you can go surfing, stand-up paddling, kayaking and wine tasting. For more action, go on quad tours, jet skiing or parasailing. And last but not least, the Algarve is an increasingly popular destination for golfers\u2014with courses that outdo each other in spectacular views of the sea and hinterland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, you don’t have to decide where to go right away, as the region is well connected, so you can easily explore several charming towns and the best beaches in the Algarve by bus.<\/p>\n\n\n