Algarve holidays - travel guide - lifestyle

Shopping

There are two large shopping centres in the Algarve which both provide over 60 shops, a food court and a cinema, they are: 'Forum Algarve' in Faro and 'Algarve Shopping' in Guia. In addition there are some good markets to browse around, the best being in Loulé (on Saturday mornings). Souvenirs to look out for in the Algarve include lacework and handpainted tiles (porches)

Cuisine

This stretch of Portuguese coastline has many local specialities such as 'Frango Piri Piri', barbecued chicken in Piri Piri sauce (made from local berries). Fish and seafood is also popular here with dishes such as 'Bacalhau com Natas', an ocean pie made from salted dry cod and cream. This region also produces many good wines including the now popular 'Vida Nova'. There are numerous places to eat with Faro and Olhao offering some of the best fish restaurants.

Night-life

Albufeira is the liveliest resort with bars and discos open until the early hours, illuminated by hundreds of neon lights. Vilamoura, Monte Gordo and Praia da Rocha have casinos where dance shows are performed on a nightly basis.