My Algarve
Still feeling sun kissed from my trip to Algarve, my favourite place to visit in Portugal. I have been three times this year for work but the next 9 days I’m “out of office” , simply enjoying the heat, amazing food and stunning surroundings.
In Algarve, there is so much to visit and explore , it can’t be all done in 9 days so I’m just going to share some of my impressions here and spots I love. Our goal this Summer was to find the perfect mix between exploring the region and getting a lot of rest so we rented a small house with a pool in Albufeira. You can find a huge selection on Airbnb and there is a vast selection of rentals on Google.
The beaches there are absolutely stunning and endless. My favourite ones are Praia de Marinha in Lagoa. It’s a public beach so take your towels and umbrella.
There is a snack bar for food and drinks if you don’t want to bring yours. Go early in the morning to secure your spot, it’s really worth it for it’s beauty.
Praia de Falesia in Albufeira is another beach that I love with it’s red earthy rocks. It’s also a public beach but you can get sun-beds there if you want it to be a bit more comfortable.
Where you’ll find me most days is at the incredible Maria’s Beach in Almancil. The sunbeds are very comfortable and the landscape with its dunes is totally different from the beaches I’ve previously mentioned. This is what I love most about Algarve....it’s ever-changing landscapes. The food at Maria’s is delicious and if you are a white wine fan like me, please do order some Vino Verde! Delicious and light. Actually, come to think of it, stay there for the sunset on the roof terrace...it’s a dream.
We did a road trip to Aljezur which is about 90-min drive from Albufeira. It’s quite worth a visit as it’s the end of Europe. The sea is rough so I wouldn’t recommend to stay there but it’s a breathtaking view.
“The beaches all have a very relaxed vibe and I was surprised how women are at ease walking around topless... the cool vibe of St. Tropez in the 70s’-80s’.”
Faro’s old town is a must for me for a lunch at Taverna Modesto. Honestly the best gambas and spare ribs I have ever had in my life. It’s a nice walk through the old town- I loved the centre with cute shops and cafes. Maybe avoid it for lunch if it’s very hot and have an early dinner there.
A top notch address is Gigi’s for lunch in Quinta do Lago. The food is to die for and as fresh as it gets. The drive there is stunning and you have to walk over a long wooden bridge to access the restaurant in the dunes. You can also stay there at the beach with sunbeds for rental.
In Algarve you can literally change beaches every day and plan many activities. It’s also a golfers paradise.
What I love most about this region is it’s laid back atmosphere and the service is impeccable. The beaches all have a very relaxed vibe and I was surprised how women are at ease walking around topless... the cool vibe of St. Tropez in the 70s’-80s’.
It’s also not St. Tropez prices and you get so much for your money.
A must place for the most stunning sunset dinner is the restaurant Dos Passos in Almancil. Please do reserve on the roof terrace for apero and on the terrace downstairs for dinner. Get there a little early to see that sunset. The food is absolutely delicious. The best calamari I have ever had.
It takes so much more than 9 days to explore this Golden Triangle as they call it, so I’ll be back here to report more of the beauties of Algarve very soon.
The Cheeky Pup, a gastropub in Quinta do Lago, is not only pretty but their breakfast is amazing and at night there is a great atmosphere on the terrace with amazing cocktails.
If you need a great hairdresser or a manicure, Philippe Stabile Salon is your place. The owner has lived in London for many years with it’s salon on Mount Street in Mayfair.
Vilalara Thalassa Resort is one of the best addresses in Algarve for spa and wellness. The hotel is stunning with a beautiful beach and wellness programm.