Eastern Algarve Portugal

The Eastern Algarve

The Eastern Algarve has some of the more unspoiled and scenic beaches in the whole region. It is a land of rolling hills and long, flat stretches along the coast. Unlike much of the coastline of the Algarve, the eastern part is full of open beaches, barrier islands and lagoons.

The Eastern Algarve begins at Faro, the capital of the whole region, and runs to the Spanish border. It runs north along the border to Alcoutim and along the edge of Alentejo. This part of the region is much flatter than the others and doesn’t have the rocky coast or mountains that are common to the west. The climate is warm and pleasant for most of the year, with the hottest months in the summer reaching to the high 20s and the rainy season coming in the winter months. Otherwise, it is a perfect place to be any time of the year.

Faro is the largest city and capital of the whole Algarve region. It has nearly 60,000 residents in its urban area and also has the major airport in southern Portugal. It is the point of entry for most visitors who don’t drive to the region. The town itself has lots to see and do from its medieval walls and cathedral to the many clubs and restaurants. There is a major university here, The University of the Algarve, with about 10,000 students. In addition to the airport, the town is a regional transit center with a train station and bus depot.

Along the coast near Faro are many beaches that are popular for tourists and residents. Many resorts and golf developments have sprung up around the city, making it an ideal place for those who want to find a place to visit. Faro is located next to the Rio Formosa lagoon, which has now been designated a natural park to protect the sensitive ecosystem. The lagoon is bounded on the south by barrier islands and beautiful beaches and sand dunes, and has some of the best wildlife viewing in the country.

The other major city in the area is Tavira, to the east of Faro. This town, which has been inhabited for thousands of years, has recently become a major golfing destination. A number of golf resorts have sprung up in and near the city, which has a population of around 25,000. Farther inland near the border with Spain is the tiny town of Alcoutim. The drive to get here is worth the trip, as there are stunning views of the countryside and Guadiana River. This little town held a strategic importance for many rulers and empires, and its castle is evident of that history.

In the Eastern Algarve, much of the available property and housing is located around the city of Faro. This is the most populous town in the whole Algarve, not to mention the regional capital, and it has the most to offer. Just outside of Faro is the town of Olhao, which has a nice selection of lower priced apartments and homes for those who don’t want to spend huge amounts. The other major location in this part of the Algarve is Tavira, closer to the Spanish border. This town has some very nice resorts and developments and is near some of the most spectacular beaches anywhere in the region.

Faro Airport (FAO) is the easiest and least expensive way to get to the Algarve. This airport is located 7 kilometers west of the city of Faro in the southeast part of the Algarve, right on the border with the Central Algarve. It is one of the most popular airports for discount carriers, offering quick and reasonably priced service to most major European and UK cities.

Just a few of the airlines that fly to Faro include Aer Lingus, British Airways, Atlantic Airways, easyJet, Flybe, Jet2.com, Ryanair and Thomsonfly. It is possible to fly from almost any major airport in the UK direct to Faro. There are many more flights during the warmer parts of the year, but this airport is becoming popular for business travelers so it has a good number of flights that operate year round.

In addition to the airport at Faro, there is train service from Lisbon that brings passengers to Faro and several other cities along the southern coastline. The A2 autoroute comes from Lisbon down to Loule, and the A22 runs across the Algarve from east to west. Getting around the Algarve is best done with your own car, as there is much to see and do off the beaten path.

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