The Algarve is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, incorporating 16 municipalities. The chief towns are Faro and Portimão. Other towns are Albufeira, Lagoa, Lagos, Loulé, Olhão, Silves, Tavira, and Vila Real de Santo António. Quarteira, which is a town and a parish in the Loulé municipality, is another town with 'city' (Portuguese cidade) status, but its population varies greatly from season to season.
The Algarve region coincides with the district of Faro. The administrative centre of the region is the town of Faro, where are located both the region's international airport (FAO) and public university, The University of the Algarve.
Tourism and related activities are extensive and make up the bulk of the Algarve's summer economy. Fish, seafood and fruit production, which includes oranges, carob beans, figs and almonds, are important activities in the region.
The summer months see high temperatures that attract beach-goers and sun-lovers from around the world. The Algarve has the perfect weather and climate for tourism. The maximum temperatures in the Algarve fluctuate between 15 and 31 °C, with the temperature never falling below zero in the winter months.
The Algarve is hilly, but traversed with rich valleys. Its highest point is the mountain range of Monchique, with a maximum altitude of 906m (Peak of the Fóia).
It is composed of 5,412 square kilometres with approximately 410,000 permanent inhabitants (density of 76 inhabitants per square kilometre). This figure increases to over a million people at the height of summer.
The region is also the home of the ria Formosa lagoon, a nature reserve of over 170 square kilometres and a stopping place for hundreds of different birds.
The Algarve is a popular destination for tourism, primarily because of its beaches, Mediterranean climate, safety and numerous golf courses. The length of the south-facing coastline is approximately 155 kilometres. Beyond the westernmost point of Cape St Vincent it stretches a further 50 kilometres to the north. The coastline is notable for picturesque limestone caves and grottoes, particularly around Lagos, which are accessible by powerboat. Praia da Marinha, Lagoa was classified as one of the 100 most beautiful and well preserved beaches of the world. There are many other beautiful and famous summer places such as Albufeira, Vilamoura, Praia da Rocha, Lagos, Armação de Pêra, Alvor, Monte Gordo, Tavira, Salema and Sagres. It is also host to the annual Algarve Cup invitational tournament for national teams in women's football.
To discover a different side of the Algarve, lose yourself in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Walk through pathways of colourful flowers and visit ancient castles, once home to the Moors.
In Cabo de S. Vicente, discover a land that was once thought of as the “end of the world”. Climb up to Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve, in the verdant Serra de Monchique hills. Take a rest by one of the region's many waterways in a truly beautiful landscape.
Head inland to the Serra do Caldeirão and enjoy the various regional crafts on show, ranging from palm leaf basketwork and worked copper through to hand-painted earthenware.
Experience the warmth of the local people and share a glass of wine or medronho grape spirit, or a filhó fritter with some smoked meat.
And by the border, take a cruise up the River Guadiana as it flows through a Natural Park that extends to its mouth at Vila Real de Santo António.
