What is it that you most yearn for immediately after all the wedding madness and sleepless nights? Of course, lots of relaxation and ‘ME’ time! After all, isn’t that what honeymoons are meant for? Portugal gives you just that! It’s a heady mix of calm and serene beaches, old world culture and a great nightlife coupled with delicious food.
Enjoy Winter Sun At Algarve
For those of you who love Europe but cannot withstand the chilly winters, Portugal offers the best of both worlds – good weather and of course the sun and the sand! Oh and it’s pretty pocket friendly too!
And the best place to catch some winter sun in Europe is the Algarve region in the southern most part of Portugal. It also boasts of some of the most beautiful beaches and coastlines in the world. The Gateway to Algarve is the coastal city of Albufeira, which is fast gaining popularity with travellers around the world.
2. Straight Out of Painting
Albufeira is a 40-minute drive from Faro airport. There are numerous beach resorts to choose from, book yourself in any one – preferably beach facing. An early morning walk on the beach relaxes you like nothing else. Most beaches are lined with restaurants where you can get a can of beer, call for some fries and chill for a couple of hours soaking in the sun.
The Albufeira town looks like its come straight out of a painting! Quaint winding lanes, cobbled streets, pretty little house windows, tiled houses, graffiti on the walls, little shops and cafes – the Old Town has it all.
Tired of all the walking around? Sit in a café, call for a hot cuppa and a cinnamon-apple strudel – the melodious sound of the flute in the backdrop, will put a soothing end to your day!
Tip: Must buy local wines/sangrias from roadside shops, they’re dearth cheap and super tasty!
3. Beaches Galore
Who can ever get enough of the beach life? At least not when you’re in the paradise of beaches! Fisherman’s Beach in front of the Old Town is quite scenic – you can walk up to the view point to get a full view of the entire expanse of the beach with the old town in the backdrop and definitely take a long walk along the shore!
And because this one’s called the Fisherman’s beach as the fishermen still fish here, it has numerous seafood restaurants around it.
4. Endless Road Trippin’
Perhaps the best part of being in Algarve is its proximity to places like Lagos, Sagres, Silves and even Spain. Depending upon how many days you’re spending in Albufeira, you could take planned bus tours or rent a car to explore any of the above places.
We suggest you must at least take two trips.
TRIP 1:
Albufeira – Lagos – Silves – Sagres’
An early morning pick up from the Albufeira city centre takes you through winding roads and forests uphill to the town of Silves (approx. 30 Kms). Popular for its red brick castle that stands remnant of its glorious past; Silves was the capital of the Algrave’s Moorish Era back in the 700s.
Once you’ve explored the castle and enjoyed delightful views of the town from vantage points within the castle, its time to head to Lagos. Another half an hour of drive leads to the ancient port city of Lagos that truly preserves its old world charm yet has a modern edge.
Upmarket restaurants, cafes and bars tucked away in the maze-like old town that faces the blue waters of the marina. These used to be the port of call for the sailors of Admiral Nelson’s fleet.
The last stop is Sagres – the drive is surrounded by the Atlantic with some of the most attractive rock formations. The lighthouse at Sagres is one of the major attractions and was thought to be the end of the world by the ancient sailors.
TRIP 2:
Albufeira – Seville
Seville attracts a large number of tourists for it’s the Gothic Seville Cathedral that is the largest cathedral in the world with a rich historic background. The Alcazar Castle is yet another attraction that boasts of splendid architecture.
As a matter of fact, the royal family still uses it as their official Seville residence. This trip literally helps you add another country to your itinerary at very low cost! The drive to Seville (in Spain) is about three hours long.
Walk down to the shopper’s street and you’d go berserk – Massimo Dutti, H&M, Louis Vuitton, Zara and what not! It’s a shoppers’ paradise!
5. Spectacular Nightlife
Back from your road trips, if you still have the enthusiasm and energy, go out and crawl the pubs and bars around town to finish your visit on a high note!
There you have it then, this honeymoon head to Portugal – Albufeira more specifically!
Also read: Six Romantic Winter Getaways in India
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