Travel guide Algarve

Arbouse, a small red or orange berry native to the Mediterranean region, is mainly used to make jams and is also used to make a rustic but subtle brandy, the famous medronho. This is the famous spirit that the owners of the old cafés used to take out from under the counter.

The precursor of the modern pressure cooker, the cataplana is a traditional vessel from the Algarve, and is also the name of the dish cooked. Its steam cooking gives this dish preserved, incomparable flavors. Don't leave the region without trying the ubiquitous "cataplana de mariscos" (seafood).

A pure product of five centuries of Moorish occupation, the picturesque whitewashed chaminé algarvia will not escape the discerning eye. Prismatic or cylindrical, simply grooved or delicately serrated, they are an integral part of the region's architectural heritage. Photograph them before they disappear.

Cantinho, lulinha, Joaozinho... all have a common suffix that's used and abused in all everyday situations. A mark of littleness or a sign of affection most of the time, don't let yourself be impressed by this recurrent language effect and get into the dance by answering obrigadinho when you're served a cafezinho.

Nostalgic Fado is Portugal's unmistakable musical style. Whether you like it or not, you have to admit that this music often provokes a melancholy state in those who let themselves be lulled by its gentle notes. After all, it's all about expressing saudade, or the emotion of a certain sadness or feelings linked to love or exile.

In the early ^15th century, he transformed Lisbon into one of the world's capitals, and launched the great discoveries. Henry the Navigator was the true initiator of the Portuguese colonial empire, and his life is deeply linked to the Algarve. Indeed, thanks to his vision, Sagres was to become one of the world's leading scientific centers.

Real estate in the Algarve is flourishing. Platforms for investors, advantageous tax regime for senior citizens, specialised agencies, professionals in the sector have a very wide visibility. It must be said that the conditions are there to plan a peaceful retirement or a holiday in this kind of Côte d'Azur.

A visit to one of the Algarve's markets - whether municipal, weekly, antique or fish - is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture in complete discretion. Some of them have their own unique architecture, making them well worth a visit in their own right, such as Loulé, a stunning neo-Moorish red-brick edifice.

The influence of the Moors coming from North Africa strongly impregnated the region after five centuries of occupation. It is impossible to escape the history, the remains and the heritage of this Muslim culture rooted in the Algarve, which can be felt even in the language. A heritage that is readily celebrated at festivals.

With their strong personalities, the Algarve's little sweets are to be savored without complexes, if you want to get to the heart of the people. Top of the list are the colorful morgadinhos, not forgetting the Dom Rodrigo, sold in metallic paper like a gift, made from threads of egg yolk and sugar, to be enjoyed with a bica (strong black coffee).

The king of fish at both national and regional level, the sardine is ubiquitous and is the guest of honor on every Sunday barbecue. Grilling them is an art in itself, to be taken seriously, and the Portuguese are masters of the art. Don't hesitate to follow the scent of grilled sardines in the small restaurants near the ports.

Fluoride-rich or bicarbonate waters are ideal for treating respiratory ailments, but not only that. The benefits of thermalism are immense, and the region boasts a number of resorts conducive to this unrivalled sense of well-being, such as Caldas. Another Algarve with a serene environment where the sea is always close by.