Who says Algarve thinks of sun, beach and sea. There is still a lot more to experience and discover here in the far south of Portugal. Idyllic bays, jagged rock formations, picturesque villages, exclusive fish restaurants and challenging golf courses are just five reasons why you should go to the Algarve!

Idyllic sandy beaches
The Algarve has a long, warm summer. A beach holiday can not be broken here. If you want to avoid the crowds on the beach, opt for smaller coves such as Praia do Camilo (near Lagos) and Praia dos Três Irmãos (near Alvor). Not to be missed is the dune island Ilha de Tavira off the coast of Tavira. Here you will find the most beautiful sandy beach of the Algarve. Remember that it can be quite busy in the summer.

Impressive nature
The coastline of Portugal is characterized by erratic rock formations and steep cliffs. One of the best places to admire this natural beauty is Ponte da Piedade off the coast of Lagos. The ocher colored cliffs and strange sandstone formations can be visited here on foot or by boat. Also spectacular is the rugged landscape of Cabo de São Vicente, the southernmost point of Europe.

Picturesque towns and villages
Unknown is unloved. This also applies to many cities and villages in the Algarve. One of those hidden gems is the port town of Sagres. It lies in the extreme southwest of the country and you get the feeling that you have ended up at the end of the world. Also not to be missed is the picturesque medieval town of Silves with its 13th century cathedral and impressive Moorish castle. One of the best-kept secrets is perhaps Odeceixe, a sleepy white village along the Seixe River in the northwest of the province.

Delicious Portuguese specialties
Fresh, simple and delicious - that's Portuguese cuisine in a nutshell. Fish dishes are the specialty of the country and they can be found anywhere in the Algarve. Excellent seafood restaurants can be found in the cozy center of Alvor, in the small fishing village of Ferragudo and in the picturesque village of Benagil. If it is more luxurious, you can go to the beach restaurant The Arte Náutica in Armação de Pêra, to the Ocean restaurant at the Vila Vita Parc Hotel in Alporchinhos (a Michelin star) or to the 2-star restaurant in the Vila Joya hotel at Praia da Galé.

Spectacular golf courses
Are you a golf lover, then you can indulge yourself at one of the many golf courses. Spectacular Quinta da Ria and Castro Marim in the east of the Algarve. The 18-hole golf course Quinta da Ria is located in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Here you not only enjoy an excellent game of golf, but also a beautiful view of the mountains and the sea. Castro Marim near the Spanish border is according to the book '1001 golf holes you must play before you die' one of the world's best golf courses. Here you play 27 challenging holes in a rugged landscape with impressive views of the nature reserve Sapal, the river Guadania, the mountains and the sea.

As you can see, something for everyone in the Algarve! If you want to experience this beautiful destination, book a villa at www.amarantevillas.com

The best beaches in the world are in the Algarve!