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Algarve guide - general information
This region is an extensive and pleasant one, with a Mediterranean climate, marked by the smell of the sea at low tide and the scent of wild flowers. The architecture of the whitewashed houses, the excitement of the Algarve nightlife with bars, discos, marinas and casinos, the backdrop composed of some of Europe's most beautiful beaches guarantee visitors the very best kind of merrymaking.
Also to be recommended is the range of outdoor sports that are available, whether you're playing golf on lush green courses or enjoying some physical exercise at some of the region's excellent facilities.
This is the true portrait of an Algarve that you'll find waiting for you, all year round.
For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at:
Email: info@friendlyrentals.com
Tel: (+34) 932 688 051
Fax: (+34) 932 688 052
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Useful information
- Banks
Monday to Friday: 08:30 – 15:00 Closed on Saturdays and official holidays.
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Post Offices
Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 18:00
Central post offices and those at airports are open on Saturdays.
- Chemists
Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 13:00 / 15:00 – 19:00 Saturday: 09:00 – 13:00
- Shops
Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 13:00 / 15:00 - 19:00
From January to November, shops close at 13:00 on Saturdays; in December, they are open Monday to Saturday, from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00.
There are also many shopping malls with shops that are open from 10:00 to 24:00.
- Restaurants
For lunch from 12:00 to 15:00 and for dinner from 19:00 to 22:00.
- National Museums
Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 to 18:00
Tuesdays: 14:00 - 18:00
Closed on Mondays; Good Friday; Easter Sunday; 1 May and 25 December.
- National Palaces
Closed on Wednesdays.
- Algarve Tourist Board
Avenida 5 de Outubro, n.º 18
8000 Faro
Phone: 289 800 400
Fax:289 800 489
rtalgarve@rtalgarve.pt
www.visitalgarve.pt
www.rtalgarve.pt
- Tourist Support Services
Tourist Help Line - 808 78 12 12
- Police Support Services for Tourists
Albufeira Police - 289 513 203
Vilamoura Police - 289 388 989
Beaches
Sun, sea and sand... some great relaxation!
Some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world are to be found in the Algarve. Hardly surprising then that the region is a favourite for sun-seekers from all over.
These beaches vary from the small sheltered coves to broad endless stretches of sea washed sand. All main beaches have in the season Lifeguards on safety patrol. Many beach concessions offer all the usual water sports facilities along with restaurant food and snacks. These are beaches to suit every taste with the majority having gained due recognition in the form of the EU "Blue Flag" for quality standards.
- PRAIA VERDE
Located to the west of Monte Gordo it stretches westwards towards Tavira. Ideally suitable for most families with children.
- PRAIA ILHA DE TAVIRA
To some this is the jewel in the crown of the eastern side of Faro. It is also often locally referred to as Praia das Cascas. A few minutes boat trip will take visitors from the jetty of Tavira to this attractive sandy beach.
- PRAIA DO BARRIL
This beach is really an extension of the above beach known as Praia Ilha de Tavira. From the village a small train takes the visitor across the intervening water to the sandy island bar in a slow journey which reminds everyone that they are definitely on holiday!
- PRAIA DA ARMONA
The three Islands of Armona, Culatra and Farol act as a barrier to the sea and on the inland side there are the extensive lagoons forming the nature reserve of Ria Formosa. Reaching these beaches can only be done by Ferryboat which leaves from the fishing port of Olhão. The journeys can takes some 30 minutes and leave at about 15 minute intervals during the day .
- PRAIA DA ILHA DE FARO
This beach is a long narrow sandy bar that is accessed by a road traversing a lagoon just south of the Faro airport. Being near to the principal town of the Algarve it is usually very busy and there are many water sports faculties and plenty of restaurants.
- PRAIA DE GARRÃO
This beach fronts the chic area of the holiday resorts known as Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo. This beach can now be easily reached by road .
- PRAIA DA FALÉSIA
This beach takes its name from the fascinating gouged red cliffs that form a backdrop to the endless stretch of sand. As these cliffs are not very tall it makes access convenient whilst acting as a suitable barrier to any winds from the north during the out-of-season.
- PRAIA DA GALÉ
Another long sandy stretch but as there are no cliffs it has many point of easy access by road. This beach is located to the west of Albufeira and runs round the Bay of Armação de Pera to the town.
- PRAIA DA ROCHA
This is probably the oldest and best known beach in the Algarve. It is located just south of the main town of Portimão and was originally much shorter in width and with a lot more charm.
- PRAIA DE ALVOR
The beach is located and accessed from the old popular fishing village of Alvor. It stretches just over two kilometres from the village to the west in the direction of Lagos.
- MEIA PRAIA
This beach forms the other half of the previous walk from Alvor to Lagos. It takes its name from being part of this walk .The approach to this beach is from the town of Lagos and it is easily accessed. This beach is popular with windsurfers and surfers alike as it faces the open Bay of Lagos.
- PRAIA DO MARTINHAL
This beach is located in the Bay of Baleeira close to Sagres. Another windsurfers paradise and is a smaller beach in a reasonably shallow bay that is shouldered to the west by Ponta da Atalaia. It is recommended as a location if visiting the area of Sagres.
- PRAIA DO CASTELEJO
One of the few beaches on the west coast were it is safer to swim due to the underlying dangerous currents. This beach is located just to the north-west of the small town of Vila do Bispo. It is one of the smaller beaches and has a completely different atmosphere to those found on the southern coastline.
- PRAIA DA BORDEIRA
This beach is on the west coast of the Algarve and can be reached by travelling north from Vila do Bispo, then after passing the small village of Carrapateira turn seaward where there is a sign that reads “Praia”. Virtually a long sandy beach with many sand dunes and very often virtually deserted out of the season
- PRAIA DA ARRIFANA
This is a beach which also is considered to be reasonably safe for swimming and a very special place for surfers.
Golf
A year round golfing paradise!
One of Europe's top golfing destinations, the Algarve has firmly established its reputation as a quality resort among all enthusiasts.
For further information please contact golf@atalgarve.pt.
GOLF COURSES