Algarve Dreaming – Europe’s dreamy Sunshine State!

senorabubu

9 years ago

In our opinion the western part of the Algarve is the most beautiful place in Europe. Of course, such things are a matter of taste. In general we would say, Italy is our favourite country. Being close to Germany might be one of the many reasons.

Portugal our great love

Fact is: We’re in love with Portugal. No matter if Lisbon or the Algarve – Portugal has never disappointed us. And with over 300 sunshine days per year, Europe’s Sunshine State doesn’t make it difficult to come back over and over again.

Long sandy beaches next to little bays next to the ‘end of the world’. The back country is dry and barren and a contrast to the sea side. The fish is delicious, tasty and really not expensive. Combined with a good Vinho Verde from the north of the country and your day develops from good to fabulous.

Wedding at the Algarve

During our trip in 2011 we had best weather and the cliffs of the Algarve showed their very best. Near Lagos we found a great Fortaleza, where people celebrated their wedding. A really great location at the beach.

A few years and one proposal later, we decided to celebrate our wedding here. It will take place next year and because of the anticipation, excitement and planning, we decided to present you this part of the world.

Especially to show our families how beautiful it is and that it’s really worth the effort to celebrate in a foreign country. In contrast to other countries like the USA, it’s not usual celebrating your wedding abroad. Maybe we’ll convince other people to the same.

Dream coast Algarve

If there wouldn’t be so much other countries in the world we want to discover, Southern Europe would stay a permanent destination for our trips. Once you’ve been here, you just know it’s a blessed peace of earth.

We’ve been here for one week and hired a rental car. We would definitely recommend you to do this. There’s so much to see here.

One week is enough to see all the important beaches and sights. Well not all of them. But most. As we think too much of relaxing at one place is a waste of time, we also made one day trip to Lisbon from here. Which lead to another city trip a few years later. Read more about it here.

We also spent two days at the Costa Vicentina.

For the next time, we are planning to see new places and we’re really looking forward to it.

Al-Gharb: ’The West’ – Historic Facts

From the 8^th to the 13^th century Arabs were ruling along the cliff coast and gave it its name. Later Christians conquered their country back. From here they started their conquest all over the globe. In contrast to Spain there is almost nothing left from this time.

Like Spain Portugal was ruled several years by a dictator. After a coup in 1926, the fascistic Estado Novo (New State) was founded in 1933. Dictator António Salazar established a one-party system and prohibited the opposition. During World War II Portugal stayed neutral. Salazar died in 1968.

The left-wing military brought down the regime in 1975, the Carnation Revolution took place and people of the country supported the military and the new government. In 1986 Portugal became a member of the European Union.

Starting Point Luz, near Lagos

As there is not much to say about beaches, you’ll only find pictures to them. Our starting point was Luz, a little village west of Lagos. We had our hotel here. In total, we didn’t visit many villages, but a lot of beaches.

Lagos

This Algarve town offers everything you need regarding infrastructure. Everything you won’t find in the countryside regions. There aren’t much big cities here. Like in Lisbon, you’ll find the beautiful Azulejos here, small mosaic tiles left by the Moors.

Restaurants, bars, promenades and culture – with its beaches outside the city, it’s the perfect holiday destination.

Lagos was very important in the 15^th century as sailor ships were built here. Great seaman’s voyagers started here and when they came back they brought their goods here. On his 500th birthday Lagos built a monument for Henry the Navigator in 1960.

He’s worshiped everywhere in Portugal. His name ‘the Navigator’ is funny as he was on a ship only once in his life. The statue stands at the Praço do Infante.

Other sights worth seeing are the Igreja de Santa Maria and the Avenida dos Descobrimentos.

On our way to Lisbon we’ve seen our most beautiful sunrise so far.

Alvor

This little place south east of Lagos is a holiday village with a cute little church built in the 16^th century.

There was not more to see here. But the beach is really popular.

Beaches of the Western Algarve

For a lot of people, the beaches of the Algarve are the main reason for their travels. We cannot blame them. We now present you the beaches we’ve visited so far. Our favourite: Praia da Marinha! Why? We actually don’t know as they’re all really beautiful.