The Algarve of Portugal refers to the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, and features some of the most dramatic coastlines in all of Europe. Though the area was home to paleolithic and neolithic cultures — as evident by the megalithic stones near Vila Do Bispo — the area is heavily influenced by the Visigoth culture and the Moorish cultures.
The Moorish Influence of Algarve, Portugal
During the Moorish Invasion and Conquest of the Iberian Peninsula that began in 711 A.D. the area took on a new identity with its many Muslim inhabitants. In fact, the name Algarve stems from the Arabic word Al-Gharb (الغرب) meaning “The West,” as this was the furthest west coast of mainland Europe. While the culture has changed much in past years, the Muslim and Moorish influence is still heavy in The Algarve’s culture, cuisine, architecture and traditions.
Portimão, Portugal
Formerly known as “Vila Nova de Portimão,” Modern Portimão is a bustling tourist destination and one of the most popular and important port cities in all of Portugal. The port of Portimão is host to the “Portuguese Grand Prix of the Sea Run,” the annual international championship of power-boating. Scuba is also a major draw off the coast of Portimão, with two large Navy warships that were purposefully sank to create a habitat for indigenous sea-life.
Traditional Portuguese Azulejos
If you go shopping in Algarve, Portugal you will be sure to see many Portuguese Azulejos. These light blue, expertly-painted ceramic tiles have been a staple in Portugal since the 1500s, and are used both for decoration and as a form of temperature control in homes and buildings. All around the Algarve you will see many churches and homes with these beautiful tin-painted tiles on both the insides and outsides of buildings. Demand for these tiles is still very high today, and many local artisans still manufacture and sell the tiles both locally and as an export.
The Carob Bean Farms of Southern Portugal
Carob beans are widely grown in the Algarve region of Portugal, as they grow very well in the Southern Coast’s climate. These beans are fuly edible and are often ground to make cakes and breads, or can be stewed soft and added to stews and other dishes. Because of the sweetness of the bean — with a hint of bitterness — ground carob beans (Carob Powder) is often used as a substitute for cocoa powder in the region and often made into liqueurs. When traveling through the Algarve region, you will see many carob bean farms dotting the landscape.
The Orange Groves of Southern Portugal
Oranges are another staple of Algarve cuisine, and one of the most widely grown foods in the Southern region of Portugal. While much of the harvests are exported to the rest of Europe, you will see orange being used in many local recipes, especially as a citrus companion to fish and seafood.
World Famous Marinha Beach in Algarve, Portugal
Of course, the coastline of The Algarve is itself the most impressive sight in all of the region. The sheer and battered rocks of the coastline are reminiscent of the Cliffs of Dover in some areas, and are riddled with sea-caves, hidden inlets, and pristine beaches. The most famous of the Coastline’s beaches in the world famous Marinha Beach. Known locally as “Praia da Marinha,” the beach is consistently rated as one of the top beaches in Europe, and as one of the top 100 beaches in all of the world. The pristine waters here are formed as the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea filter into the Atlantic Ocean. While this is the most famous spot on the coastline for visitors and beach-goers, it is just a single gem in the crown coastline that wraps around the southern edge of Portugal, and the Iberian Peninsula.
Check Out the Video Below Showing the Highlights of the Algarve Coastline:
On the beach in Portugal – my trip to Algarve coast from VideoPortret.pl on Vimeo.
And Check Out Our Best Algarve Portugal Photo Gallery Below:
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International Bellhop Travel Magazine 
When I saw the first few pics – I thought you were reviewing the Great Ocean Rd & Twelve Apostles in Australia. Not quite. The pics are stunning though, unfortunately Portugal is a tad more than a hop, skip & jump for me. Will have to be content with aussie beaches for now.
I sure hope you can go soon! Thanks for being here
Our planet never ceases to provide beautiful, breathtaking landscapes. Nice captures, one and all. 🙂
Absolutely! There is always more to see, always new things to travel to!
this is so beautiful! I’ve never been to Portugal, but always wanted to visit!
Stunning! – What a beautiful place. I never thought much about Portugal but after seeing this blog post – my whole brain has shifted! May have to put this one on my Bucket List!
There is so much more in Portugal, it is an amazing destination from north to south.
PS – I hope it is OK if I reblog this!
Yes, of course.
Reblogged this on CopperLeaf Treasures and commented:
Absolutely beautiful – I told ibellhop.com that I’ve added this to my Bucket List! Amazing how beautiful this world is and just think…this is the “cursed” version – after the Garden of Eden….can’t even fathom what it was like before!
Reblogged this on Destinations And Departures and commented:
My family vacations in Algarve because it has some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, some of the continent’s top golf courses, magnificent scenery, fantastic food, and beautiful climate. It has less cultural attractions than other parts of the country, but its scenic beauty more than makes up for it.
Very beautiful collection!
So beautiful
Makes me feel quite homesick 🙂 Lovely shots!
Beautiful photographs and a very nice write-up..! It seems to be blessed with natural beauty! Regards.
When did you say we were leaving? If I had a photo album in my heart every one of these photos would have a place of prominene.