Algarve

… the southern region of Portugal

The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region, known for its relaxed lifestyle, low population density, and traditional villages. It boasts a scenic coastline with numerous beaches, a warm climate, and 37 golf courses. The region supports a variety of outdoor activities such as sailing, horseback riding, birdwatching, and biking. Unlike much of Europe, which experiences winter snow, the Algarve offers sunny beaches and mild weather, attracting visitors year-round. This makes it suitable for families looking for an active outdoor lifestyle. Geographically, the Algarve is divided into two main areas: Barlavento (Windward Algarve) and Sotavento (Leeward Algarve), with the Central Algarve and the Golden Triangle situated in between.

Central Algarve: This region, situated between the Windward and Leeward Algarve areas, is the most developed and populous. It includes the capital city, Faro, where the main airport with connections to major European cities is located. Faro acts as the administrative and transportation center of the region. Central Algarve is known for the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and high-end golf resorts such as Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, and Vilamoura, which features an award-winning marina. Notable towns in this area include Vilamoura, Loulé and the eastern part of Albufeira, such as Açoteias and Olhos de Água, are more natural and less developed.

Here we find the Golden Triangle area, an affluent and luxurious area situated between the resorts of Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, and Vilamoura. The Golden Triangle is renowned for its high-end resorts, golf courses, fine dining, and upscale real estate. It is highly sought after by enthusiasts of luxury and a high-quality lifestyle, offering top-notch amenities and services. The Golden Triangle area is the most desirable real estate investment location in the Algarve due to the luxury rental properties in Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo, and Quinta do Lago.

• Windward Algarve (Barlavento): is the western part of the Algarve. It extends from the town of Sagres to Albufeira. This region is known for its rugged coastlines, picturesque cliffs, and beautiful sandy beaches. Key towns and cities in this area include Sagres, Aljezur, Lagos, Portimão, Monchique, Silves, Alvor, Carvoeiro, Galé, and Albufeira.
• Leeward Algarve (Sotavento): is the eastern part of the Algarve. It stretches from Vilamoura to Vila Real de Santo António, near the Spanish border. Beyond Faro to the east, you’ll find a more relaxed and traditional atmosphere, with fishing towns and deserted beaches mostly accessible only by boat, due to the Ria Formosa that separates these villages from the ocean with the Ria Formosa natural park. Important towns in this region include Quarteira, Loulé, Faro, São Brás de Alportel, Olhão, Tavira, and Vila Real de Santo António.

Map of the 16 municipalities in the Algarve

Map of the 16 municipalities of the Algarve, south of Portugal region

Map of the Natural Subregions of the Algarve

The Algarve region is made up of four natural sub-regions with distinct characteristics. Costa Vicentina, Litoral Algarvio, Barrocal Algarvio and Serra Algarvia. The region has a rectangular shape located in the extreme south of Portugal. It has a coastline with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, a border with Spain to the east separated by the Guadiana River, and a border to the north with the Alentejo region.

Map of the natural subregions of the Algarve: Costa Vicentina, Litoral Algarvio, Barrocal Algarvio and Serra Algarvia.

• Costa Vicentina is the western coast of the Algarve, known for its rugged cliffs, unspoiled beaches, and powerful waves, popular among surfers and nature lovers. The Costa Vicentina stretches into the Alentejo region and is part of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.
• Litoral Algarvio is the south coastal area of the Algarve, known for its tranquil beaches, Mediterranean climate, and tourist towns like Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira, Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, Faro, Ria Formosa area, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António.
• Barrocal Algarvio is the area situated between the coastal area and the hills, Barrocal Algarvio is known as the transitional zone. This area features fertile valleys ideal for cultivating citrus fruits, and the autocne trees of almonds, carob, and figs. The landscape here includes karst formations and limestone caves.
• Serra Algarvia, also known as the Algarve Mountains, encompasses the less populated, hilly terrain in the northern part of the region. It is noted for its cooler climate and diverse flora and fauna. Traditional ways of life are preserved here, with small villages where crafts like basket-weaving and distilling medronho. The Serra Algarvia also provides a barrier that protects the southern Algarve from colder northern winds.

Map of the Windward and Leeward Algarve

Although the entire Algarve region is warmer than the rest of Portugal, the Barlavento Algarvio (Windward Algarve), located between Albufeira and Sagres, is bathed by the west Atlantic coast and more exposed to the north winds. The Sotavento Algarvio (Leeward Algarve), stretching from Vilamoura in Loulé to Vila Real de Santo António, is protected from the north winds by the mountains of the Algarve and experiences a climate with greater Mediterranean influence due to its proximity to the warm waters of the Gulf of Cádiz