ALGARVE TOURIST
Exploring Benagil Cave
Adventures in Albueira
Most beautiful caves and cliffs in Algarve
ALGARVE TOURIST Magazine
Faro, Algarve, Portugal
www.algarvetouristmagazine.com info@algarvetouristmagazine.com Facebook:@algarvetouristmagazine
Algarve Tourist Magazine is a free, online, and independent guide to the Algarve for those who are planning a holiday in this paradise.
Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
editor letter fromthe
Welcome to the monthly Algarve Tourist Magazine!
The temperature is rising and the tourists show up in full force in the Algarve. We all get into a hectic summer season, so the mood is definitely improving now. I'm really excited about our August issue full of places, adventures and experiences, new flavors and great programs, and additional service recommendations from experts in their fields.
According to the messages we're getting, our readers appreciate this great content. The fact that the Algarve Tourist Magazine is published on a monthly basis with new content satisfies their hunger for information. We are here to deliver... and to help you to enjoy your holiday in our amazing region!
We highly appreciate that you are part of our story and history.
Editor-in-Chief
PraiadaFalésia
PraiadaFalésiaisthelargest beachinthecentralAlgarve regionanditscliffslooklike theGrandCanyon.
ADVENTURES in ALBUFEIRA
Albufeira is one of the largest, liveliest, and most exciting of the resort towns on the beautiful Algarve coastline. Thanks to its splendid beaches and vibrant nightlife, this fishing village has become one of Portugal’s most popular destinations.
Around a 40-minute drive from Faro Airport, Albufeira is central to the region’s main tourist attractions and a great base for exploring the Algarve. The city offers a diverse mix of family attractions, nightlife and natural beauty.
HISTORY
Albufeira, which is the most famous place to spend a great time, is located right in the center of the Algarve. The city is famed not only for its beaches but for the countless shades of its rocks. This is the place where people are sunbathing during the day and flocking to enjoy restaurants and bars at sunset. This is the place where people are sunbathing during the day and flocking to enjoy restaurants and bars at sunset.
It was confirmed that people were already living in the Albufeira area during the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age. In the 8th century, when the Arabs invaded the peninsula took the city, changing its Roman name from Baltum to AlBuhayra, meaning 'Lagoon'. It is from that its current name is derived.
Until the 1960s, Albufeira was a typical Algarvian fishing village with rows of little whitewashed houses and the smell of sardines grilling in the air. It has since become an internationally renowned center for tourism, and nowadays it is enjoying a new period of prosperity.
In 1986, it became a city and is today regarded as the “capital” of tourism in the Algarve.
IN ALBUFEIRA WHAT todoandsee
Igreja Matriz
Albufeira is an amazing holiday destination, and you will have a fantastic time there. The town provides everything needed for a fun-packed holiday, with glorious beaches, a wonderful climate, and varied activities.
by Algarve Tourist Magazine
Old Town
If you want to experience the history of Albufeira, take a walk through the cobbled streets of the Old Town. The old town of Albufeira is centered around the main square, a short walk from the beach, packed with restaurants. There are also plenty of bars, street theatre, live bands here, as well as many events, festivals and concerts during the summertime.
The main church of Albufeira, built at the end of the 18th century, is one of the most significant examples of neoclassical architecture in the Algarve. On the facade, there are three windows with masonry surrounds and semi-circular arches. Inside, there are four side altars in the neoclassical style on which two late 18th-century statues of São Luís and São Pedro can be seen.
But the main point of interest in this church is a statue of the patron saint of the city of Albufeira, Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of the Conception), in the rococo style, of unusual size: about 2,40 meters in height.
The church is open to the public for free.
Igreja de São Sebastião
Originally built in the 16th century in the Manueline (Portuguese late Gothic) style, and was rebuilt in the first half of the 18th century. On the facade, there is a doorway in the Baroque style, profusely decorated with volutes. The chapel is a small building with a single nave where a museum of religious art currently operates, which has a significant collection of items from churches in the municipality of Albufeira.
The church is open to the public, but there is a charge for admission.
Most visitors come to Albufeira to relax on the beaches or to party at night, but there is a lot more to do and see within the surrounding region as well.
In the Praça de Republica, you’ll find Albufeira’s
Archaeological Museum, which has a temporary exhibition room and a permanent archaeology exhibition, featuring items representing the history of the municipality from pre-historic times up to the 17th century.
Open to the public, but there is a charge for admission.
Archaeological Remains from the Islamic Period
Also located in the Praça da República, next to the Archaeological Museum. The remains of two houses from the Islamic period of the 12-13th centuries, which was once the center of Albufeira Castle.
Clock Tower
Located in what was once the county jail, with an interesting decorative structure in wrought iron around the bell. Climbing the stairs to the tower gives you a great opportunity to take some awesome photos of the cityscape.
The excellent Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach) can be accessed by a tunnel in the center of the town or via the lift (Elevador do Peneco).
Monument to Friar Vicente de Santo António
São Vicente was born in 1590 in Albufeira and when he was baptized, his mother offered him to Nossa Senhora da Orada.
During his studies he showed himself to be hardworking and intelligent, which made him leave Albufeira and continue his studies in Lisbon, having proved to be a good singer, musician, right-handed instrument player, connoisseur of classical languages, designer, student of medicine and fencer. The death of his parents took him to the priesthood and then left for Mexico where he joined the Order of St. Augustine. After many difficulties he was able to fulfill his dream, to preach the Faith of Christ in Japan.
He was imprisoned for two years, during which he was tortured in order to deny the Christian Faith. When he didn't, he was caged and led to the final ordeal, the bonfire. On September 3, 1632, he expired, holding up a crucifix and shouting "Long Live the Faith of Jesus Christ!"
The monument is located in Largo Jacinto d´Ayet.
Marina
To the west of the town, you find the new marina - a very colorful collection of apartments, restaurants and shops, a modern tourist complex. There are also several boat companies that offer coastal cruises and dolphin-watching trips from this marina.
Dive into the water
Albufeira boasts beaches where the sand is fine and the sea a turquoise blue, sheltered by cliffs. It is for its wonderful beaches that Albufeira is internationally renowned, but during the summer they can get crowded.
The Praia do Peneco, Pescadores and Inatel is a long strip of sand, made up of three beaches, surrounding the city.
Praia da Falésia is one of the longest beaches in Portugal, it stretches from Olhos de Água to Vilamoura.
Go to The Strip
The Old Town is also the home to ‘The Strip’ - a street crammed with themed bars and pulsating nightclubs. Head here for themed bars, nightclubs and riotous nightlife that continues until the sun rises.
The Strip is the heart of the city’s nightlife with an abundance of clubs and bars which cater to every taste of dance music. Walking down there at night, you’ll fall under the spell of Albufeira’s neon lights and vibrant atmosphere.
But its smaller size means that it is extremely busy during the summer.
Experience water sports
To the west of Albufeira is the colorful marina complex. Departing from here are numerous boat excursions, including dolphin-watching cruises, boat tours to Benagil cave, and party boats.
All kinds of water sports are available along the Albufeira coast, including surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, diving, jet biking, water skiing, banana and ring rides, pedal boats and kayaks.
You’ll find also a good range of family-orientated water sports at Praia da Oura.
At the historic center of Albufeira, the Old Town consists of a series of traditional Portuguese streets and plazas filled with family-friendly restaurants and shops. This district opens out onto the Praia dos Pescadores beach, a calm and sheltered stretch of coast perfect for families and children. This is a magnificent sandy beach. This main beach of Albufeira is a 1.3 km stretch of sand that extends along the front of the Old Town. Its vast size means there is ample space, even in peak summer months, and the beach is sheltered from any strong waves or sea breezes.
The most picturesque beaches in the Albufeira region can be found to the southwest of the marina, however, a car or taxi will be needed to travel to them. These beaches nestle at the base of golden cliffs, with the most beautiful being the Praia de São Rafael.
Aventure Park
Between Albufeira and Olhos de Água, play on the Aventure Park. Enjoy the outdoor tree-top obstacle course through different routes, bridges, nets, giant slides and much more, plus a paintball battlefield equals a few hours of fabulous fun for not only the kids, but the adults too.
Zoomarine
Located a few kilometers from Albufeira, Zoomarine is probably the biggest Algarve attraction. Opened from March to October, it has everything for a memorable day out: you can watch presentations with dolphins, seals, sea lions and tropical birds, as well as you can enjoy awesome waterslides and wave pools, 4D cinema and many more.
Salgados
To the west of Albufeira, Salgados is the place to appreciate nature. Check out the 5 km boardwalk, which stretches between Praia Salgados and Lagoa dos Salgados. Crossing the bridge, you can spot a variety of birds such as pink flamingos. And do not miss spotting the sea turtles in the water.
How to get Albufeira?
The main international airport of southern Portugal is Faro Airport, which is 36 km east of Albufeira.
There is surprisingly poor public transport from Faro Airport to Albufeira, so the best choice is either to pre-book a private transfer or get a taxi at the airport.
Private transfers to Albufeira cost around €40 (for 1-4 people). Getting a taxi at the arrivals lounge costs about the same fee.
There are also ride-hailing apps (such as Uber and Bolt) in the Algarve, however, demand can be very high at peak times.
Traveling from Faro airport to Albufeira by public transport requires catching two buses; the first from the airport to Faro city center, and the second one is from Faro to Albufeira. The journey by public transport is inexpensive, but they depart very rarely and there are long waits for connections.
EXPLORING BENAGIL CAVE
by Algarve Tourist Magazine
The Benagil Cave is one of the most spectacular natural features of the Algarve coastline, carved out by the sea and winds in the Algarve.
A massive sea cave with golden strata walls and an enclosed sandy beach, which is illuminated by sunlight flooding in via the wide hole in the ceiling.
It doesn’t matter how many times you see it in photos, you’ll be wowed when you arrive.
Considered one of the world’s most extraordinary sea caves, it resembles a big domed temple with an open skylight. It encloses a small beach and has become the most famous sight in Algarve. Praia de Benagil is not a very big beach, and it wouldn't be as popular as it is if it wasn’t the main access to the must-see Benagil Cave.
This place is inaccessible from the cliffs above and can only be reached via tour boat, kayak, SUP the adjoining beach. visitors can jump aboard one of the boats offering trips to these spectacular sinkholes and sea caves. Such trips usually make several stopovers, including at the large, light-filled dome of this famous cave.
Benagil cave is the most magical when no one else is there, but in the summer expect it to be rammed with tourists. Go early in the day to avoid the crowds.
The Algarve coastline captivates visitors mostly with its natural beauty, who become spellbound and end up exploring much more of the region than they anticipated. Mother nature shaped the Algarve over the millennia. It created a breathtaking coastline with a diverse landscape of tall cliffs, idyllic bays, sandbar islands, hidden caves and oddly shaped rock formations.
Many of the famous caves are only accessible by sea and the best close-up views of the more spectacular rocks are from the water, so a boat trip or kayak tour is mandatory. These caves and rock formations are concentrated on the coast between Lagos and Albufeira, which is sometimes referred to as Costa de Ouro (“Golden Coast”). The name describes the color of the cliffs and rocks.
SevenHangingValleys
01 MOST BEAUTIFUL CAVES AND CLIFFS IN ALGARVE
TheSevenHangingValleysTrailisa sceniccoastaltrailinAlgarvein Portugal.Clingingtothecoastthe wholetime,this6-kilometer spectacularwalkstretchesbetween PraiadaMarinhabeachandPraiade ValeCenteanesbeach.Asyouamble acrossocher-coloredcliffsjuttingoutof theocean,you’llbeconvincedthat SouthernPortugalisoneofthemost stunningcoastalregionsintheworld.
You can join a tour or rent equipment at any of these towns and explore the entire coast. During your journey, you’ll discover dozens of wonderful beaches. You’ll find one more beautiful than the next, each with its unique scenery and atmosphere. On your way, you might even spot a few dolphins.
Find here some natural wonders that you should explore.
PontadaPiedade
PontadaPiedadeisaheadlandatLagos andoneofPortugal’smostbeautiful sites.Itscavesandtallrockformations canbeadmiredfromthetopofthe cliffs,fromaterraceatthebottomofa longstaircase,oronaboattour. Walkingnorthoverthecliffstakesyou pastseveralstunningbeaches. Thebest timetovisitthisplaceistheearly afternoonwhenthesunshinesjust rightfortheperfectphotos.
AlgarSeco
Erosionhascreatedafascinatingsiteat Carvoeiro.Thewindandtheseacarved rockpools,caves,and“balconies”over thesea.Pathsarehewnintothe limestonecliffsandrocks,andtherock poolsareformedathightide.Nearbyis ValeCovo,a“secret”beachthat’sonly accessibleatlowtidefromtheTivoli CarvoeiroHotel.Butyoudon’thaveto stayatthehoteltoaccessthisbeachor eventhenearbyrooftopbar,which offersastunningviewofthecoast.
Prainha
04 03 02
Oneofthemostbeautifulbeachesinthe Algarve.Thebeachisaseriesofcoves andcavesandusuallyhascalmwaters inthesummer.Thisromanticbeachat Alvorhasthreeaccesspoints,but they’reallnotsoeasytofind.There’san elevatorandastaircasehiddenatthe topofthecliff,oryoucangooverrocks fromtheneighboringbeachofTrês Irmãos.Butmakesureyoustillgoto theclifftopattheendofRuaPraiada Prainha,forthestunningview.
PraiadoNinhodeAndorinha
PraiadoSubmarino
ThisbeachatAlvorisinaccessiblewhen thetiderises,soyouhavetobeluckyto bethereatlowtide.It’snamedaftera submarine-shapedrockemergingfrom thewater,andtoreachthesandyou mustgothroughanarchedopeningon acliff.Otheropeningsleadtoa spectacularsceneryofrocksandcaves, butonlypossibleatlowtide. ThisshelteredcoveatAlbufeiracanbe reachedfromtheseaorfromatrailand stepsleadingdownfromthetopofthe cliff.Manydiscoveritonakayaktour. Itissmall,andmostofitisshadedby thesurroundingcliffs,soyoushouldn’t visitforsunbathinginmind.Instead, youcanenjoythecrystal-clearwateror takephotos.Walkoverthecliffsand you’llseeothermagnificentbeaches thatcanonlybereachedbyboat.
PraiadaFalésia
07 06 05
Itsnamemeans"CliffBeach"anditwas namedaftertheextraordinarycliff behindthisbeach.Thatclifflookslike theGrandCanyonbythesea,stretching for6kilometersfromtheeasternendof AlbufeiratoVilamoura.Theredand ochercliffsrisetoasmuchas40 meters.Forthebestview,headtothe topofthepine-coveredcliff.Itis especiallyspectacularattheendofRua daFalésiaandatsunriseorsunset.
PraiaJoãodeArens
PraiadeBoião
FromthepromontoryofJoãodeArens, youcanseeaseriesofrocksthatalmost looklikethey’refloatinginthewater, carefullyplacedtherebysomeone.In reality,it’stheresultofmillionsofyears oferosion. Followthetrailoverthe cliffsforsomeimpressiveviews,and thenheaddowntothesand. Unfortunately,mostofthebeachisonly accessibleatlowtide.Incaseofhigh tide,youcanonlygettherebyboat.
PraiadeAlbandeira
Thisbeachissplitintwobyacliff,and thetwosidesareconnectedbyatunnel onthecliff.Visitboth,asyougetto exploretherocksandsmallcaves,and admireaviewofthePortimãocoast. Thebeachispopularmostlywithyoung couples.Beforeyoufollowthetrail down,walkoverthecliffsforthe postcardpanorama. 10 09 08
Anotherrelativelysecretbeachthatis mostlyfrequentedbytheguestsofthe onlyhotelnearby.It’saquitesmall beachandisdividedintotwosections byarockyoutcrop.Onthesmallerright sideisanarrowtunnelleadingtoan archedcliffknownasArcode Albandeira.Whentheseaiscalm,you canswimunderandaroundthearch, andit’salsopossibletowalkontopofit forbeautifulviews.
PraiadoCarvalho
BenagilCave
Toreachthisbeach,youneedtofinda tunnelhiddenintheground.Atthe bottomofthestepsinthefossil-covered tunnel,you’llseeanopeningwitha “window”carvedonthecliff,framinga picture-perfectviewofthebeach.Inthe waterisaperfectlycenteredrock,while totherightarestepshewnonthecliff, usedforcliffjumping. 12 11
Consideredoneoftheworld’smost extraordinaryseacaves,itresemblesa bigdomedtemplewithanopen skylight.Itenclosesasmallbeachand hasbecomethemostfamoussightin Algarve.Itdoesn’tmatterhowmany timesyouseeitinphotos,you’llbe wowedwhenyouarrive.Itisaccessible onlybyboatfromseveralbeachesinthe area,althoughPraiadeBenagilisthe closest.Goearlyinthedaytoavoidthe crowds.
You could spend weeks exploring the entire coastline of Algarve and always find something new and interesting. The variety of landscapes and beaches can't be compared to any other European coastline. You can join a tour or rent equipment at any of these towns and explore the entire coast. During your journey, you’ll discover dozens of wonderful beaches. You’ll find one more beautiful than the next, each with its unique scenery and atmosphere. On your way, you might even spot a few dolphins.
Tippingin
ALGARVE
byAlgarveTouristMagazine
The tipping culture in Portugal is more relaxed compared to some other countries. In this country, and also in Algarve, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Anyway, tipping is translated 'gorjeta' in Portuguese.
Find here some general guidelines!
Taxi and transfer drivers
If you use a taxi or private driver, tipping them is not obligatory, but you can round up the fare as a gesture of appreciation.
Restaurants
If the service charge (usually around 10%) is not included in the bill and you are satisfied with the service and food, it is common to leave a tip of around 5-10% of the bill.
But in case the service charge is included in the bill, additional tipping is not necessary.
Cafes and bars
In cafes and bars, it is customary to leave small changes or round up the bill as a tip, especially if table service is provided.
Hotel staff
Tipping hotel staff is appreciated but not mandatory. You can leave a small amount for housekeeping or tip the concierge for exceptional service.
Tour guides
If you're on a guided tour, it's customary to tip your guide based on the level of service provided. This can range from a few euros to more, depending on your satisfaction.
Other services
For other services, you can tip based on your satisfaction, typically small changes or rounding up the bill as a tip.
Tipping is a way to show your appreciation for good service, so the exact amount can vary depending on your experience and personal preference!
GASTRO GASTRO
AmêijoasàBulhãoPato
This appetizer (Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato) is named after the 19thcentury Lisbon poet Raimundo Bulhão Pato, who is said to have described in one of his works how his cook made him this dish.
Some variations of this recipe use a little white wine as well. For some heat, add red pepper flakes in step 3.
Ingredients:
1/3 cup olive oil
5 garlic cloves, smashed
25 to 30 pieces of small clams
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of one lemon
Method:
Serves: 4-6
1. Give the clams a good scrub with a sponge. Place them in a large basin of cold water to cover and leave for about two hours, stirring around occasionally, so they will expel their sand. Drain and discard any open or broken clams before cooking.
2. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
3. Add the garlic and clams, cover, and cook until the clams open (5 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of the clams). Discard any clams that failed to open. Do not overcook.
4. Add the cilantro and lemon juice.
5. Transfer the clams and pan juices to warmed soup bowls, dividing evenly.
6.Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
And don’t forget the crusty bread! The strong flavor of the sea, the aroma of fresh coriander, and the expectation of dipping a good slice of bread in that sauce that tastes like the beach, couldn't be better. Enjoy!
AUGUST AGENDA for
This month's special selection of experiences worth participating
SARDINE FESTIVAL, PORTIMÃO
From 30 July to 04 August 2024
This year's Sardine Festival will take 6 days of celebration, with an extra day compared to previous years. The historical recreation of the sardine unloading will take place on the 30th of July, the day the festival opens.
Location: Portimão Waterfront
Hours: 6 pm - Midnight
Admission free
19th SILVES MEDIAEVAL FAIR
From 09 to 17 August 2024
The Silves Mediaeval Fair is a cultural event that transports visitors to the golden age of the Arab occupation in the Algarve. Held annually in the stunning city of Silves, this event is a living testament to the history and heritage of the region.
Location: Historical Centre of Silves
Hours: 6 pm to 1 am
Daily ticket from €2.00
11TH AMERICANCARS ALGARVE
From 02 to 04 August 2024
This event shows a bit of American culture with pin-ups, rock & roll music, American motorcycles, and crafts, where of course the vehicles are highlighted.
Location: Parque das Figuras, Faro
Hours: 19:00 - 2:00
Free admission
PINE
CLIFFS SUMMER GALA
02 August 2024
At 83 years old, the talented, charismatic, and legendary British singer Tom Jones continues to captivate the public with his timeless discography and the surprising amount of energy he brings to the stage.
Location: Pine Cliffs Resort, Albufeira
Hours: 10 pm
Tickets from €79
MEDIEVAL DAYS IN CASTRO MARIM
From 21 to 25 August 2024
For five lively days and five mysterious nights, Castro Marim will once again be steeped in the Middle Ages. On different stages in the town, you can discover medieval markets, a wide range of arts and performances, medieval music and dances, snake charmers, and processions.
Location: Castro Marim Castle
Hours: starts at 3 pm
NIGHTS AT THE VIEWPOINT, MONCHIQUE
From 09 to 10 August 2024
The 3rd edition of Noites do Mirante features 2 days of celebration, where music will be combined with gastronomy, in a fusion of sounds, styles and environments. To combine this atmosphere, the Festival also features street food and lots of entertainment! The Festival stands out for its natural setting, particularly the Monchique mountains, which will give the event a different atmosphere.
Location: Monchique - Largo de São Sebastião
Hours: 6 pm - Midnight
Free admission
OLHÃO SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
From 10 to 14 August 2024
The biggest gastronomy event in the Algarve will once again be bringing the best of the region’s gastronomy to Olhão, along with a luxury program of music.
Location: Jardim Pescador Olhanense, Olhão
Hours: 7:30 pm - 01:30 am | Concerts start at 11 pm
Tickets from €10
Praia João de Arens, Alvor
