Dreamlike Algarve

It is true that the Algarve is famous primarily for holiday tourist resorts. However, I managed to discover the most beautiful corners, the most charming towns and delicious cuisine, that is the crème de la crème of this Portuguese region.

A place known mainly for the developed coastline and nearly two hundred kilometers of perfect beaches.

Inland, the Algarve is more raw and, as it turns out, still relatively little developed.

Delicious grilled fish and seafood and good table wine are the reasons why you should look for pubs besieged by locals.

For the entire region, the most characteristic views are the cliffs towering on the coast with caves and grottoes sculpted by water.

In the small town of Albufeira we will find Praia da Falésia, one of the longest beaches in Portugal.

Toalhinhas is one of the oldest restaurants on the island of Armona. Its external terrace is the best place to savor the divine flavors of the local cuisine.

And all this unearthly sunsets…

The place where I rest at any time of the year is Manta Rota. Right on the blue flag beach there are great restaurants with sea views. Beaches here are the prettiest and widest in the whole Algarve. And the ocean, in every shade of blue, mostly calm and warm.

Vila Real de Santo Antonio is a small climatic town with a characteristic slow pace of life southerns’ Portugal. You can relax here in the open-air cafés that surround the Marquês de Pombal Square or take a stroll around the marina and the shore of the Rio Guadiana.

It is also worth taking a look at the nearby, but still climatic and cozy Tavira. A full of restaurant and beautiful monuments, a city with a Portuguese soul. Cobbled streets, old tenement houses, colorful windows, whitewashed houses and very diverse architecture.

And ubiquitous azulejos decorating the Portuguese buildings…

From the plane’s window, the south coast of Portugal looks even more beautiful.

The Natural Park of the Formosa River seen from above is a natural wonder. Extensive green areas cut by canals and passages. They resemble a sponge impressed on a blue canvas soaked in green paint.

In the reserve, during the winter period, more than 20,000 diverse birds live, many of which belong to rare species. This is an important point where birds migrating between Europe and Africa stop.

Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree), the fruit of which is made aguardente de medronho strong, mixed with honey, liqueur.

– Celestyna Król