10/22/13 The Unspoiled Algarve

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The Honeymoon Blog

I'm a married mum of one with a passion for all things travel.

I've visited over 50 countries around the world so far, so

whatever your perfect honeymoon or destination wedding, I'm

excited to learn about the newest, best and most exciting

options out there and to share them with you.

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The Unspoiled Algarveby Cathy@hitched

World-class diving, two-star Michelin restaurants, deserted beaches, clear seas – sounds like the perfect honeymoon spot, right?

So it might come as a bit of a surprise when I say I’m talking about the Algarve.

21 Oct

2013

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Images credited to Cathy Winston

Portugal’s southern tip has long had a reputation for high-rise resorts and cheap beach breaks. You can pick up bargain flights

and enjoy the sun nearly year-round here, but there’s far more to the area than tourist trappings.

In fact, it’s such a brilliant destination that I decided to celebrate a decade of marriage here: we marked our 10th wedding

anniversary with a trip to the Algarve.

Where better to start than one of the world’s top restaurants? Just west of Albufeira, Vila Vita Parc is easily the most

glamorous resort on this quiet stretch of coast, from the Moroccan-styled terrace, spa and string of pools, to its 72ft private

yacht.

Images credited to Vila Vita Park

As well as having nine wedding venues, the five-star hotel is home to Ocean, one of the Algarve’s two restaurants with two

Michelin stars. Looking out onto the Atlantic, even the view of the waves can’t match the food, with course after course of

stunningly presented dishes as part of the tasting menu, plus matching wine.

You can’t go to the area and just look at the sea: there’s 150km of coast, including 74 Blue Flag beaches, and as many little

hidden coves as there are golden stretches of sand – hire a car (I used local company AutoRent) and follow the string of signs for

‘praia’.

I stumbled across Praia do Lourenco near Gale, which I had to share with one fisherman and another couple, although there’s

plenty with beach bars, umbrellas and water sports, too.

Excitingly, they’re creating the world’s largest artificial reef off Portimao by sinking four decommissioned ships. It’ll make a

unique site for diving, although I had no chance to grab my own scuba gear this time.

For me, the most interesting stretch is to the south west. More rugged – and less developed - the area around Sagres was once

believed to be the end of the earth (or Finis Terra).

These days, going to the ends of the earth is definitely worth it, with places like Martinhal Resort which is unbeatable if you’re

honeymooning with kids. The five-star resort has its own spa and stretch of beach, several pools, chic minimalist villas, the

freshest seafood at As Dunas restaurant, and everything is child-friendly.

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Images credited to Martinhal Resort

There’s surfing nearby, along with kite-surfing, as the choice of two coasts to the south and west means there’s great surf

whichever way the wind’s blowing.

Or head inland. Silves is home to a Moorish castle dating back to the 8th century (with a café serving cocktails in the fortress),

overlooking the cathedral and quiet cobbled alleys of the town.

Even the smallest villages have their secrets. Ramires restaurant in Guia, for example, is said to be the place where piri piri

chicken was invented – and it’s certainly worth a visit to decide if you think it lives up to that impressive claim.

Image credited to Martinhal Resort

Does The Algarve sound like your kind of honeymoon destination?

Cathy