With its golden beaches, fabulous golf courses and year-round appeal, the Algarve is an enticing holiday destination. This enchanting region is famous for its stunning ochre-splashed coastline of shallow bays, vertiginous cliffs and lively resorts, and is also home to a verdant canvas of dramatic hillscapes, quiet villages and sleepy hamlets. With DK Eyewitness Top 10 Algarve, it’s yours to explore.
Busiest during the summer, the warm, crystalline waters of the Algarve lure beachgoers to its southern shores. You can hike or cycle nature trails through the serene Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, take in spectacular views from the top of Monchique, or kayak in the grottoes off Lagos. Besides the beautiful landscape, the region has many cultural attractions, including the Palácio da Galeria in Tavira, the mighty Moorish castle of Silves and the gilded medieval interior of Sé Cathedral in Faro.
Travelling the Algarve’s hinterland is to journey through a landscape embroidered with cork-oak and citrus trees, eucalyptus scenting the air. Vineyards are strung across the area and visitors can sample flavours of the region at excellent wineries. On the coast, traditional festivals, fascinating Algarve architecture and markets overflowing with local produce make for a captivating travel experience.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything the Algarve has to offer. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out what’s free to places off the beaten track, plus six easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. An additional chapter on the Alentejo highlights the region’s neighbouring province. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and you’ve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy the Algarve.