The Algarve holidays

The Algarve is home to some of the best beaches in Europe. The coastline morphs from golden sandy sweeps to untouched pebbly bays and back again. Most of the beaches are backed by the rugged limestone cliffs and striking rock formations this part of the world is famous for. And, thanks to an influx of hidden caves, there are some great snorkelling and diving spots.

Albufeira is the Algarve’s most popular resort, thanks in large part to its beach. Praia d’Oura is washed by translucent waters and backed by open-air restaurants. For lunch with a view, try the eatery built high into the cliff-face – it serves up seafood fresh from the net. After lunch, you can stop by the massage cabin en route to your sunbed.

Escaping the beach crowds is easy if you head away from the main resorts. About an hour from Albufeira is Vila do Bispo – a sleepy town that’s home to Barriga Beach. This golden crescent-shaped cove is towered over by high cliffs, and is as secluded they come. Just be sure to check tide times before you set off – the beach is so narrow, it can completely disappear at high tide.

The town of Loule is the epicentre of the Algarve’s handicraft industry. Head here to watch artisans at work in the studios along the Rua da Barbaca, then pick up the likes of copperware and clogs to take home. Visit Albufeira’s old town in the evenings, meanwhile, and you’ll find stalls heaving with beaded jewellery and ceramic plates. Olhos d’Agua and Sao Rafael have a fair few souvenir shops between them, too, where you can buy things like bohemian dream catchers and locally made bottles of olive oil.

Just outside Albufeira’s new town is the Guia Shopping Centre, which is home to an impressive 130 stores. The majority of them are high street brands, including names like Zara and Massimo, but you’ll come across some designer shops, too. There’s also a cinema and a bowling alley. Another good option for high street fashion is the Forum Algarve mall in Faro.

If you want to splash out, pay a visit to Lagos. Kick off your shopping spree on Rua Candido dos Reis, where you can browse designer clothes, leather accessories and jewellery. Vilamoura Marina is dotted with some great boutiques, as well.

Olhos d’Agua and Sao Rafael have low-key after-dark scenes – not surprising when you consider their origins as sleepy fishing villages. In Olhos d’Agua, most of the action revolves around the village’s main street, which snakes down the hill to the palm-lined promenade. There are authentic restaurants and bars running the length of it. Try one of the seafood places for lobster with a view. Sao Rafael is the quieter still, with just a clutch of restaurants and bars scattered down by the beach.

Albufeira is split into an old and a new town. The latter has a neon-lit strip lined with bars, pubs and clubs. Most of the action's centered around one street which is jam-packed with bars. Over in the old town, meanwhile, cobbled streets lead off from the main square, taking you in the direction of outdoor terrace bars dotted with wicker armchairs.

Grilled sardines are an Algarve staple, and you’ll catch the scent of them sizzling over the charcoal at most restaurants. They go really well with fresh tomatoes and a crunchy salad. Alternatively, tuck in to miniature bowls of them before a meal, along with olives and doorstop-sized chunks of bread drizzled in olive oil.

Rabbit is a common delicacy in the Algarve, and lots of stews pair the meat with lashings of red wine. But if you’re after something a bit different, try this one for size. The rabbit in this dish is marinated for 24 hours, before being fried in small sections and smothered in a thick, rich tomato sauce.

This traditional stew is a firm favourite on the Algarve. It’s made with potatoes, tomatoes and onions, which are all tossed together with chunks of fresh fish. Sardines, tuna, monkfish – anything goes, really. Follow the locals’ lead and scoop it all up with a piece of crusty bread that’s been lightly fried in olive oil.

Arroz doce is the Algarve’s answer to rice pudding. It’s fluffy and light, and often flavoured with lemon and cinnamon, which give it a nice zesty kick. Every restaurant puts its own spin on the dish, but one of the most popular ways of serving it is with sweet, caramelised mandarins.

Aguardente tastes a lot like vodka, but it’s actually a type of brandy. It comes from the fruit that grows on the medronho tree, and has a smooth, fruity taste.