Area Description
Our golf holidays in the Algarve have always been highly popular and if you are planning a golf holiday in the Algarve we know you will enjoy this particular part of the coast. The Western Algarve is a mixture of
the traditional and the modern, from the lovely old towns of Lagos, Alvor
and Portimao to the tourist hotspots of Albufeira.
The town of Albufeira is best known for the sea, the beaches and the
nightlife. The area around it, greater Albufeira as you might call it,
is the most tourist intensive place in Portugal. It has very little to
do with the real Portugal, or with the real Algarve for that matter, but
people come in droves and have the time of their lives.
Moving down the coast you come to Praia do Carvoeiro, which is usually
known just as Carvoeiro nowadays. Despite its popularity, it has managed
to avoid the tower block syndrome, spreading sideways rather than upwards.
Suburbs of good quality villas have been built to the east and west of
the village.
Portimao is not renowned for its beauty but it has plenty of character
and a long history as a port. During our golf holidays in the Algarve we always enjoy shopping here, particularly
in the Rua do Comercio. If you've never tried fresh sardines, Portimao
is the place to do it. It's still a lively fishing port and the fish are
just great.
Alvor is an old port at the mouth of the Rio Alvor. We love the excellent
traditional restaurants by the quay, but don’t bother looking for
a disco - you won’t find one. What you will find is a quiet maze
of cobbled streets lined with white houses, a scattering of shops and
a few bars.
Lagos is set on one of the largest bays in the Algarve and is an attractive,
bustling town. A squat, 17th century fort and tumbledown walls guard the
harbour entrance, providing an exciting mix of old and new Portugal. We
recommend strolling around the town’s many classic flower decked
squares and whitewashed buildings, and exploring the new marina and rows
of excellent restaurants and bars.
As a destination for golf holidays in the Algarve, we believe that this area has much to offer.
Bill Goff’s collection of golf holidays in the Algarve also includes
the
Eastern Algarve and Central
Algarve.
