First of all, I would like to point out that this article is specifically about the Algarve and should not be compared to how things are in Portugal in general. Because I don't want to compare the rest of Portugal with what I have seen and experienced, here in the Algarve.
Similar to my previous visits to other countries, I've come up with five fun, but entirely random facts about Albufeira, where I was based, and the Algarve in general.
FACT 1: The Algarve is an awesome place to visit, whatever you taste
It's over eight years since I last came to the Algarve on holiday and now I'm here again, revisiting this amazing part of southern Portugal. It does makes me wonder why it took me so long to revisit, as it's a really special place. For lots of reasons: amazing choice of food (especially fish), stunning scenery, so many beaches (see FACT 2 below for more on my thoughts), the all-year round weather and of course its rich culture, history and lovely people.
Many years ago, I used to come here every year playing golf. But I've also been here with the family on family holidays. And now I'm here as a solo traveller and every time I've visited this part of Portugal, there has always been lots to do with so many interesting places to see and enjoy.
The Algarve certainly does cater for everyone's taste. So for a place that's only 2.5 hours from the UK, it's got to be one of the most awesome places in Europe to visit and should be on everyone's bucket list!.
FACT 2: The Algarve has probably some of the top ten beaches in the world
Now that's a bold statement! But I personally think it is true. I know people associate the Algarve with beautiful golf courses and that's a fact too. But in my humble opinion it has some of the best natural beaches I have ever come across.
I know a lot of people can argue that there are better beaches elsewhere in the world, but on the whole the Algarve is littered with both big and small beaches covering more or less its full coastline.
And they're all absolutely tremendous. Lovely white sand, beautiful Mediteranean sea and with its all-round temperature, I would defy anyone to dispute that the Algarve does not have some of the world's best beaches.
FACT 3: Getting around the Algarve without a car is quite easy
On this visit to Portugal, I am car-less. So I'm dependent on public transport and fair play, I've had a really good experience during my week here.
Regional trips
Taking the Algarve region in general, if you want to make your way along the coastline to others towns such as Tavira, Villamora, Quarteria, Portimao, and Lagos, or inland to Silves or Loule, there are copious different bus routes that run all day long. All run under the name of VAMUS for intercity routes.
Check out their website for more info, but I must forewarn you, it is not a good website at all:
I used VAMUS for travelling from Albufeira to Portimao and it is an hour's journey for 10 euros return, on a decent, quality modern coach. One word of warning with VAMUS is that they sometimes operate different routes to the same destinations and some of these routes do literally go 'round the houses'. There was an alternative route to Portimao that took 90 minutes as opposed to an hour.
I had similar VAMUS journies to Vilamora and Quarteria. Again reasonable fares, regular times.
VAMUS also offer tourist bus passes for 3 days and 7 days, which are ideal if you plan to do lots of journies during your stay.
National trips
Based in Albufeira I was lucky as it has a fairly new bus terminus and from there are also regular national bus routes to Lisbon and Seville in Spain, for example. And the prices are very reasonable indeed and the coaches are both modern and luxurious.
So you definitely dont need a car to get about!
Urban trips
And finally, in the major towns themselves, they all have a large number of local urban minibuses, to get you around the towns themselves rather than driving, operating under the GIRO name.
In Albufeira, GIRO provide 11 different routes around town and the buses are 20 seater minibuses, all electric powered, which is obviously good for the environment. From my hotel to the bus terminus in Albufeira took me about 6 or 7 minutes on the GIRO and was €1.99, which seems to be a fixed fare.
And you can buy a GIRO bus card, which you load with money, which you can then 'tap on' and 'tap off' with.
This isn't just in Albufeira, I saw it also in other cities as well, including Portimao and Vilamoura, so the Portuguese have got it well sorted in terms of using environmentally friendly electric buses to make transportation around towns much easier and far more cost effective than using taxis.
The €1.90 fare in Albufeira to the bus depot would cost you 5 euros in a taxi, So if it's something you do often then there are significant savings to be made during a week or a fortnight's holiday. This is based on being a solo traveller and travelling on your own. Obviously if you're a family, then it would be different economics all together.
FACT 4: Portuguese beer is absolute garbage.
I'm an IPA and Guinness drinker, but I don't mind a decent lager, especially something like Estrella or Madri. But here in Portugal, they predominantly have their infamous Super Bock and Sagres lager brands and they are available everywhere!
It's as cheap as chips but it's like drinking fizzy dishwater and tastes just as bad. It's fair to say that my beer intake in Portugal this time has dropped dramatically, which is not a bad thing, but I missed having a decent 'early doors' pint after a long day travelling.
The upside is that I developed a liking for cocktails at 5 euros each and, as you can see here, the occasional glass of 'vinho tinto portugesa'!
FACT 5: Cash is still king in the Algarve
Unlike many countries in the world, where the trend is being towards a cashless society, here in Albufeira, and other parts of the Algarve, cash is very much in demand.
Today alone, I've had two occasions where I would have thought that both places would accept electronic payment. But in fact, neither did, which was a complete surprise to me. They both required cash payment, which is lucky that I had been to the bank to withdraw some cash earlier in the day.
The first place was a really nice Italian eating place located overlooking the main river Arade in Portimao, which is a large establishment selling really nice (but not cheap) meals. I was really surprised that they did not accept any form of electronic or card payment.
And secondly, at the rooftop cocktail bar in the Hotel Baltum in Albufeira, they served me probably the best Bloody Mary cocktail I've had since I've been away. And as I went to pay yet again by card, they did not accept any electronic payment and required cash.
So you have been warned.
In Portugal, as well as in the Algarve at least, you do need to have sufficient money on you at all times. And unlike the UK, you can't rely on being able to pay electronically in every place you visit. That will probably please lots of people. But personally I prefer being cashless, because one of my pet hates when travelling is getting ripped off at cash machines each time you want to withdraw money. Does my head in big time.
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There you go, a few random facts about Portugal, which I thought you might enjoy, and there's lots more to this country than I've covered, but all I would suggest is that you come and pay a visit. Embrace the Portugese culture, its amazing scenery, as well as everything that is on offer in the Algarve, not forgetting the unbelievable food.
The Algarve is a haven for those who really like to eat fish, as it's a region that has developed its cuisine based on a thriving fishing industry. This region of Portugal has some of the best fish available. And it's all fresh each and every day.
Want to see more of my travels in the Algarve, then just click on this link for my latest YouTube video:
tenha um bom dia!
All my 'Solo Traveller' travel blog videos are available for viewing on: https://www.solotraveller.online/gallery
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