Algarve

The Algarve (pron. IPA: [aɫ'gaɾv(ɨ)]; from the Arabic الغرب — Al-Gharb, "the West") is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, incorporating, amongst others, the cities of Faro, Albufeira, Lagos, Olhão, Tavira, Portimão and Silves. The Algarve is one the Regions of Portugal according to NUTS II subdivisions. The region's administrative centre is the city of Faro, which has its own international airport (Faro Airport) and public university (University of the Algarve). The Algarve is one of Europe's favourite holiday destinations well known for glorious year round sunshine and excellent sandy beaches. Algarve.org is an online guide, ideal for anyone planning the perfect holiday or even considering relocating to the Algarve.

The Algarve is hilly, but traversed with rich valleys. Its highest point is the Mountain range of Monchique, with a maximum altitude of 906m (Peak of the Fóia).

It is composed of 5,412 square kilometres with approximately 410,000 permanent inhabitants. This figure increases to over a million people at the height of summer due to an influx of tourists.

The region is also the home of the Ria Formosa lagoon, a nature reserve of over 170 square kilometres and a stopping place for hundreds of different birds.

The Algarve is a popular destination for tourism, primarily because of its beaches, Mediterranean climate, safety and relatively low costs. The length of the south-facing coastline is approximately 155 kilometres. Beyond the westernmost point of Cape St Vincent it stretches a further 50 kilometres to the north. The coastline is notable for picturesque limestone caves and grottoes, particularly around Lagos, which are accessible by powerboat. Praia da Marinha, Lagoa was classified as one of the 100 most beautiful and well preserved beaches of the world. There are many other beautiful and famous summer places such as Albufeira, Vilamoura, Portimão, Lagos, Armação de Pêra, Quarteira, Monte Gordo and Tavira. It is also host to the annual Algarve Cup invitational tournament for national teams in women's football.

In the 1960s the Algarve became a very popular destination for tourism, mainly from Britain. It has since become a common destination for the Germans and the Dutch. Many of these tourists own their own property. There are Algarve-based English-written publications and newspapers specifically addressed to this community. Recently, the Algarve has been investing in the creation of a network of golf courses. One well known beach in the Algarve is Praia da Luz.