With nearly 200 km of coastline and over 100 beaches, the Algarve offers endless variety—from expansive golden sands to secluded coves with crystal-clear waters. Highlights include the deserted Ilha Deserta, reachable by boat through the Ria Formosa wetlands, and Praia do Barril on Tavira Island, accessed via a charming little train. Even if the Atlantic feels brisk, I've relished swimming amid dramatic cliffs, free from algae or sea critters.
Portugal isn't just about cod! During my visits, I was thrilled by the Algarve's diverse local dishes and wines. Savor Michelin-level excellence at Vila Vita Parc's two-star restaurant in Porches or fresh seafood at Jorge Do Peixe in Quarteira. At Tertúlia Algarvia in Faro's historic center, I learned to prepare cataplana—a monkfish bouillabaisse with clams, razor clams, and chorizo, slow-cooked in a traditional copper clamshell pot.
Tapas abound everywhere: crispy cod fritters, chorizo, and Serpa sheep's cheese drizzled with orange blossom honey. In Portimão, the new sardine museum at a former canning factory illuminated the region's fishing heritage. At Veneza restaurant in Garrafeira, I indulged in authentic flavors amid Portugal's finest wines, accompanied by enchanting fado melodies.
