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Until Faro airport was built
in the sixties, the Algarve was virtually unknown. Now to the
west and east of Faro lies a region of highly developed tourist
resorts but also get-away-from-it-all beaches.
To the west of Faro, and within
easy driving distance of the airport, are several well-known resorts:
Vilamoura, with its distinctive marina; Quinta do Lago and Vale
del Lobo have good beaches and a sophisticated feel. This area
in particular is a magnet for golfers, offering superb facilities.
Holiday villas in this area are much sought after, and it's a
good idea to book well in advance. You can view Country Villas
on-line brochure of Algarve villas here.
Going further west is the busy
resort of Albufeira, which tends to cater more for the package
holiday market. Although very developed, Albufeira's former Moorish
port still retains some of its previous character around Rua da
Igreja Velha. It also benefits from one of the best beaches in
the area.
Carvoeiro is smaller and less
brash, retaining the look of a pretty fishing village, with a
small beach of its own and larger ones nearby. Portimao boasts
the famous rock formations of Praia da Rocha. Both of these suffer
limited beach space in the season, so beach-lovers in search of
space would do well to move on to the open spaces of Alvor beach.
Alvor itself has conspicuously avoided tourist development.
Lagos is one of the smarter resort
areas, a busy town that has retained much of its historic character.
There is a smallish town beach, with more nearby, a modern marina,
and attractive coves and grottos.
West of Lagos, development lessens
and the old Algarve still exists. In this area, Praia da Luz is
a tasteful resort popular for villa rentals.
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