The Central Algarve has something to offer everyone

Most people who come for an Algarve holiday will head for a destination in the Central Algarve. This is probably because the this area of the Algarve is the most commercialised and geared up for the ‘tourist’. It has the largest concentration of hotels and apartments in the country and a selection of sporting and leisure activities to suit everyone.

The Central Algarve area stretches from Faro in the east to Portimão in the west, some 45 miles across. Faro is the capital of the Algarve, but it often ignored by visitors as a holiday destination, who consider it only as the place where the airport is. This is a shame because it is a vibrant town with plenty of history and architecture to enjoy.

From Faro, travelling north-west, you'll come to Almancil. This is a small town which acts as a hub for the resorts found along the costal stretch here. These are Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and the Vila Sol Resort which are in the heart of Algarve’s 'Golden Triangle' formed by Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura and Loulé. Right next to Vilamoura is its less glamorous neighbour Quarteira. In-between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo are he smaller luxury developments of Dunas Douradas and Vale do Garrão.

Before you arrive at the bustling and most popular resort in the Central Algarve, Albufeira. you'll find the two purpose built resorts, Pine Cliffs and Balaia Golf Village near the town of Olhos d'Agua.

Travelling further west you’ll find the resorts of Armação de Pera, a small resort dominated by high-rise buildings and the quiet village of Porches, famed for it's pottery. A little further along the coast is Carvoeiro , a pretty little resort still with the charms of the fishing village it once was. Travelling north and inland about 13km, you'll come to the historic town of Silves, once the capital of the Algarve, lying on the banks of the River Arade.

Travelling down the River Arade to the sea, on the eastern side is a small but attractive fishing village, Ferragudo, yet to be ravished by high-rise hotel developments.

On the other side of the Arade estuary, and now in the West Algarve is Portimao, a busy fishing port and an important commercial centre in the Algarve and its off-shoot the lively Praia da Rocha. Just down the road is the quieter fishing village of Alvor.

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