Algarve Hotel

With a name derived from the Arabic word for 'the west', The Algarve is the southernmost part of mainland Portugal. The combination of charming coastline studded with limestone caves and grottoes, a number of small islands, inland mountain scenery and a favorable climate makes the region a natural magnet for tourists. Being possibly the premier holiday destination in Europe helps make The Algarve the third wealthiest region in Portugal and for visitors wishing to stay in an Algarve hotel, there is extensive variety and opportunity.

Southern Portugal has a rich history and the megalithic stones around Vila do Bispo bear testament to human habitation dating back to Neolithic and Paleolithic times, when Europe and Africa were linked. Around 1000 BC the Phoenicians developed trading ports along The Algarve coast and about 550 BC the Carthaginians established Portus Hanibalis, now known as Portimao. More recent occupants have been the Conii in 6 BC and the Romans about 400 years later. Consequently The Algarve has many associated artifacts; there are many Roman ruins, especially in Lagos and Roman baths and fish salting tanks in coastal locations such as Praia da Luz and Vilamoura. The checkered history of the region continued after the advent of Christianity. Control was in the hands of the Visigoths until the Moors invaded in 711, but it was five years before they captured Lagos. Santa Maria, named by the Christian residents, was also renamed becoming Faraon (Faro), derived from 'the settlement of the Knights'. The Reconquista of 13 AD saw the Portuguese retake control and King Alfonso III became King of Portugal of the Algarve which included several North African territories, in part as a result of the efforts of Prince Henry the Navigator who conducted many maritime expeditions from his base near Lagos. In 1910 Portugal became a republic.

The wealth of The Algarve was helped by Gil Eanes, a famed seafarer. Embarking on a number of voyages of discovery from Lagos in the 15th century he established many successful trade links, bringing the town wealth and fame. Lagos was the provincial capital of The Algarve from 1577 to 1755, when the Lisbon earthquake caused a tsunami which severely damaged many costal settlements, the wave apparently reaching the top of the city walls. Faro, protected from such damage by the sand bars of the Ria Formosa lagoon, escaped damage, becoming the new regional capital.

With land rising from sea level to Foia in the Monchique Mountains at just under 3,000 feet, The Algarve has much spectacular scenery to delight all. The southern facing coastline stretches for over 96 miles and there is a cluster of islands and islets plus an additional 31 miles of beautiful beach north of Cape St Vincent. When looking for a suitable Algarve hotel there is an extensive selection available on line ranging from luxury spa resorts to smaller inland accommodation. Each offers a range of reception, hotel bar and restaurant facilities, rooms to a high standard and associated guest services.

The Algarve is blessed with a warm climate throughout the year. Winter temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit have been recorded in winter and temperatures below zero are extremely unusual. Summers are hot and temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit have been known! An ideal location for a relaxing beach holiday or for enjoying water sports there are also many other attractions to be enjoyed. Seafood is an important part of the Algarve economy with many long established fishing ports and markets offering locally grown oranges, figs and almonds. The fascinating caves and grottoes along the coast can easily be reached by powerboat and the Ria Formosa lagoon, a nature reserve of over 105 square miles, is an ornithologist's delight, being on the migration route for hundreds of different birds. Avid golfers can play on some superb courses and the area is also known for its pottery, especially hand-painted tiles and ceramics, perhaps the best known centers being located in Loule, Porches and Almancil.

With so much to see, do and enjoy words alone don't do the region full justice. Given the opportunities offered for anything from total relaxation by the sea in the sunshine to something considerably more active its allure is understandable. There's many an Algarve hotel with a welcome waiting.

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