Algarve and South
Rent a bike, moped or horse and take a ride along one of more than 100 white sandy beaches in Portugal’s South. Here, in the Algarve region, it’s virtually impossible not to wax lyrical about the landscape! You may be excused for reading this thinking it’s almost too good to be true . . .
The beaches are washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the maritime shelf and water currents, the sea temperature is surprisingly warm, even during the winter months.
Located on the tip of Europe, with the vast ocean of the Atlantic as its southern and western border, this enviable position blesses this region with possibly the most unpolluted climate in the European continent.
Further inland from the coast itself, the landscape and lifestyle varies enormously.
In January and February the coast is painted white with almond blossom, shading the many varieties of wild orchids.
In March, the heady perfume of orange blossom mixes with the bloom of acacias.
During the month of April the bountiful wild flowers give cause to the delightful music of many colourful birds.
May and June is the time to see the raw beauty of the striking bare barks of stripped cork trees in contrast to the palette purple of the jacaranda.
July is the time of cherries, strawberries and melons.
August and September provide the picking of grapes, figs and almonds.
October and November are for the gathering of chestnuts for the national festival of Sao Martinho.
And in December it is time to start picking the famous sweet juicy Algarve oranges, a season continuing through to March.
Pack your high hopes and fine tune your senses – you’re certainly in for a treat!
