Christmas sun on the Algarve
The Algrave isn't the first place you might think of for a festive break, but you'd be surprised....
By James Stone
The beautiful Algarve region of Portugal is an excellent destination for those seeking sun, beaches and relaxation at any time of the year. UK Net Guide's Flight Search can bring the best deals from the net to you for flights and holidays to the Algarve!
We chose to stay in the attractive resort of Tavira, popular with Portuguese and Spanish tourists, and home to pretty accommodation overlooking the lovely beach and close the lively town, with its attractive shops and restaurants.
Located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, with pretty fishing villages, lively resorts, busy cities, ancient sites and exotic Moorish architecture.
Many of the famous expeditions in Portugal's Golden Age of Exploration departed from the Algarve and the region flourished during the fifteenth an sixteenth centuries. The region has always been important for trade and has been under the control of the Romans, the Phoenicians and the Moors, providing it with its unique architecture and culture.
The regional capital Faro is a wonderland at Christmas and easy to reach from Tavira, with brightly coloured Christmas lights and lavish displays in most of the stores. We went ice skating in the central Forum Algarve shopping centre, paid a visit to Father Christmas and shopped for gifts in the shops, returning to our hotel laden with traditional leather goods, pottery, crystal, delicate jewellery and embroidery.
Hiring a car for several days of our Christmas break to explore and shop, we also took in the major tourist centres of Portimao, Lagos and Albufeira. We spent an evening at one of the many concert halls, visited striking Alcoutim Castle and Archaeological Museum, wandered along the sea front, explored pretty churches and old walled towns, admired the charming harbours and generally soaked up the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere of this haven at the edge of Europe.
The Algarve Way (Via Algarviana) is a beautiful walking trail that stretches across the Algarve and covers many areas of natural interest, passing through pretty towns and villages. We put on our hiking boots and covered a short section of it one afternoon, enjoying the stroll in the warm winter sun and admiring the landscape dotted with pines.
For those looking for winter activities in the Algarve, the Portuguese mountains get enough snow each year to support a ski season. The weather is mild enough around the coast to provide the ideal conditions for playing a round of golf on one of the many world class courses, take horse riding lessons or play tennis.
Portuguese food is a delightful blend of Mediterranean and Moorish dishes, with plenty of fresh seafood on offer and many restaurants providing al fresco dining with stunning views. Local cakes are particularly indulgent and Portuguese wines delicious.
With miles of sandy beaches, the Algarve is also a perfect location for watersports, with diving, surfing, windsurfing, waterskiing and other activities available.
All in all, the Algarve offers a relaxed festive destination, with the season celebrated across the region, great shopping opportunities, lovely weather and friendly local residents.
