Barlavento
Western Algarve

Algarve: Best Golf in the world in 2020

• Lagos • Portimão • Pond • Silves• Albufeira

Algarve: Sun, Beaches and Fun
In the Southern Region of Portugal, the Algarve - Faro District - is the main tourist destination in Portugal and one of the most sought after in Europe. Tourism on its beaches is the main economic activity.

Faro, the capital of the district, is the starting point to discover this beautiful Region.

Councils of Barlavento

Algarve Sun, Beach and Fun
The Barlavento algarvio corresponds to the western part of the Algarve; comprises the municipalities (municipalities) of:

• Lagos

• Portimão

• Lagoa

• Silves

• Albufeira


Portimão, the capital of the Barlavento region

The most visited city is Albufeira, but the capital of Barlavento is the city of Portimão, the third most important port for cruise ships from Portugal, behind only Lisbon and Funchal.

Barlavento's Coast

The Barlavento coastline, from Burgau to Vilamoura, has about 90 km in length, characterized by cliffs (cliffs) and the estuaries that spread along the coast. This stretch (section) of the Algarve coast has an important concentration of beautiful beaches, and, from April to November, it receives a large number of Portuguese visitors and from other countries in Europe.

"Occupying only about 30% of the total length of the coastal fringe of the Algarve, the The Barlavento coast receives 60% of the tourists who visit or use the region's beaches" [PROT Algarve].

Cliffs, rocks, boulders and beautiful sands

From Lagos to Albufeira
It is in this central stretch (section) of the Algarve coast that you will find the most typical of the Algarve, with yellowish cliffs that reach 40 m, rocks, arches and piles. Not to mention the beautiful sandy beaches.

"The tracery modeling of this section [stretch] of the coast promotes the formation of dozens of beaches, with variable dimensions, some without access by land. The stretch of coastline in the municipality of Lagos, between Ponta da Piedade and Lagos, the central section of the coastline of Portimão (between Alvor and Barranco das Canas beach), the entire coastline of Lagoa and the coast of Albufeira, between Galé and Olhos de Água) are sprinkled with of small beaches, scattered by the recesses of these cliffs yellow, contained between resistant points or depending on the mouths of small water lines that flow into the coast" [PROT Algarve].

Bay of Lagos

A beautiful bay of about 8 km in length, which goes west from Praia da Ponta da Piedade to Três Irmãos Beach, to the east.

Bay of Armação de Pêra

The Bay of Armação de Pêra, protected by a reef, is located at the height from Armação de Pêra, in the municipality (municipality) of Silves.

"This bay benefits from particular oceanographic conditions and the largest rocky reef coast of Portugal" [CCMAR/UAlg].

"In Armação de Pêra Bay, and adjacent areas, there are important fishing grounds for local and coastal fishing and for tourist activities (diving, recreational fishing for coast, underwater, on board, boat trips, visit to caves), among others" [Idem].

• Coast of Lagos

The beautiful coastline of Lagos, from Praia do Burgau (to the east) to the Meia Praia (to the west) is about 30 km long.

• Coast of Portimão

The small and charming coast of Portimão, from Praia de Alvor (to the east) to the Praia da Rocha (to the west) is about 8 km long.

• Coast of Lagoa

The coast of Lagoa and its beautiful beaches, from Praia Pintadinho (to the east) to Praia Cova Redonda (to the west) is about 15 km long.

• Coast of Silves

The beautiful and small coast of Silves, from Praia Grande de Pêra (to the east) to Praia de Armação de Pêra (to the west) is about 6 km long.

• Coast of Albufeira

The beautiful coast of Albufeira, from Praia da Falésia (to the east) to the Praia dos Salgados (to the west) is about 30 km long.

Beautiful Beaches of Barlavento

The beautiful beaches of the Algarve are found in the Barlavento: Praia da Falésia, Praia da Marinha, Praia da Rocha, Praia da Armação da Pear... to name only the most famous. Find out more: Beaches of the Algarve

Councils of Barlavento

These are the concelhos (municipalities) of Barlavento:

1. Lagos
2. Portimão
3. Lagoa
4. Silves
5. Albufeira

Barlavento Beaches

The stars of Barlavento are many: Vilamoura, Carvoeiro, Armação da Pêra.... all beaches of great beauty, with tourist infrastructure and lively nights.





Coast, Barrocal and Mountain - The facets of geography, with its landscapes and charming villages.

Algarve International Destination

In addition to the Portuguese, the Algarve is one of the favorite destinations for the British, Germans, Dutch and tourists of other nationalities.

Beaches of the Algarve

The beaches of Algarve, considered some of the best in Europe, attract most of the tourists who visit the region. There are about 200 km of coastline, from Rio Guadiana to Costa Vicentina, with an international airport in between.
And all this beauty is found just 277 km south of the capital, Lisbon. In a straight line, the distance is of only 217 km! Which means that in about 3 hours of travel the visitor will be enjoying of the sun and the beauties of Algarve

Find out more: Beaches of the Algarve

Location

Located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve is bathed to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, limited with Spain, to the east, by the Rio Guadiana, to the north, it borders with the Alentejo and to the west, equally with the Atlantic Ocean.

How to get to the Algarve

Located around 270 km south of Lisbon, there are several ways to get to the Algarve: by by car, by train (train) or by bus (bus). The duration of the journey is approximately 3 hours on a trip.

Find out more: How to get to the Algarve

Area and Population

With 4,960 km², the Algarve currently has a population of close to half a million population. The main urban agglomerations are Loulé, Faro, Portimão, Olhão and Tavira.

Discover the Algarve

• Albufeira
• Alcoutim
• Aljezur
• Castro Marim
• Faro, capital
• Lagoa
• Lagos
• Loulé
• Monchique
• Olhão
• Portimão
• São Brás de Alportel
• Silves
• Tavira
• Vila do Bispo
• V. R. de Santo Antonio

Flavors of the Algarve

The Algarve is known for its delicious cuisine based on fish and seafood. sea, Mediterranean cuisine and traditional Algarve cuisine, the highlight of which is the cataplana.

Learn more: Algarvian Cuisine and Gastronomy

What to see in the Algarve

Beautiful beaches, cliffs, rocky outcrops and blue or greenish sea are characteristics of the coast Algarve, from Barlavento to Sotavento.

However, the Algarve is much more than beautiful beaches: landscapes nature, nautical sports, golf courses, hot springs, spas and many other attractions that make this region of Portugal one of the most visited places in Europe.

Find out more: Attractions of the Algarve

What to do in the Algarve

Active holiday lovers have a wide choice of activities during their stay in the Algarve: hiking, trails, cycling, horse riding, walks and excursions. There is no shortage of options to take advantage of make the most of your vacation in the region.

Find out more: What to do in the Algarve

A bit of history

The Algarve has a rich history, marked above all by the Moorish occupation and the Reconquista Christian. It was the last territory to be incorporated into the Kingdom of Portugal.

From the Algarve to the World
"It was from here that the Portuguese set out to meet other peoples and cultures in the 15th century…" [Visit Portugal]

"In the middle of the 13th century, the Algarve lands were the last in Portugal to be conquered from Portuguese rule. Muslim. After long advances and retreats, the Christian reconquest has the precious collaboration of the Knights of the Order of Santiago, led by D. Paio Peres Correia, for in the reign of D. Afonso III put an end to the Arab presence in Algarve and unite the region to the kingdom of Portugal. In addition to Silves, Tavira and Faro, the current capital of the Algarve, are definitely taken to the Moors. Thus was founded the Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves.

Later, at the beginning of the century. XV, the beginning of the Portuguese maritime expansion gives new vigor to the lands and Algarve people. Lagos and Sagres are forever linked to the Infante D. Henrique and the Discoveries. Even today, at Ponta de Sagres, a gigantic stone finger points to the Atlantic ocean in a clear allusion to the courage of the Algarvian navigators, such as Gil Eanes, who made sea in search of new worlds to give to the world" [Visit Algarve].

Algarve must-see

Diversity of landscapes, beautiful beaches and inviting sea, summer paradise and unforgettable holidays make Algarve the right choice for a successful holiday.

Find out more: Algarve unmissable

Where to stay in the Algarve

The Algarve hotel network is one of the most complete in Portugal: luxury or other categories, apartments and houses for seasonal rent, visitors can choose your accommodation according to your profile.

Find out more: Where to stay in the Algarve

Sports in the Algarve

There are several sports activities that can be practiced in the Algarve, with highlight for water sports and golf, among others.

Find out more: Sports in the Algarve

Health in the Algarve

In Algarve numerous visitors take advantage of their holidays to undergo small treatments and care at the various care centers and spas throughout the Algarve region.

Find out more: Spas in the Algarve

Live in the Algarve

A highly touristic region, very focused on the European summer (Jun-September), the Algarve it has a relatively higher cost of living than in other regions of Portugal.
For this reason, most likely, living in the Algarve will cost more than in the rest of the country, perhaps with the exception of Lisbon.

In fact, to better take advantage of income in their countries of origin, many Europeans choose Portugal and the Algarve, which even though it is expensive, is still less expensive than, for example, Scandinavia or in Switzerland.

Researching a lot before making this option is an imperative necessity.
Learn more: Live in Portugal

Working in the Algarve

Algarve's economy rests essentially on tourism, with seasonality a hallmark of activity in the region. The high season in Europe, which runs from June to the end of September, increases the demand for workers, especially - but not only - in activities geared towards tourism: waiters, cooks, drivers and other jobs.

To work as a waiter, in direct contact with the public, it is advisable to at least know how to speak a little bit of English, or French, or German. This can help a lot in your job search. Algarve.

Salaries do not vary much in relation to other regions of the country. Considering the current minimum wage of 760 €s (R$ 4,233.00 in July 2024) monthly, with tips this could reach 860 €s (BRL 4,790.00, at the exchange rate of 5.57 reais per euro).

Learn more: Work in Portugal

Study in the Algarve

As for living and working in the Algarve, studying in the region does not escape the same basic considerations, such as accommodation and food, in addition to travel (transport).

The University of the Algarve (UAlg), with eight faculties, offers a series of courses to students from all over the world. Students from Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) benefit from a price more affordable part of the annual fee (tuition), which is between 1,500 and 4,500 €s, according to the course. This payment can be divided into ten monthly installments.

Learn more: Study in Portugal