CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Pousada Palacio de Estoi; yoga session, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve; Culatra Island PICTURES: Letizia Cigliutti; AIA
OF THE BEST
ALGARVE EATS Pastel de nata
These custard-filled puff pastries are a staple
Portuguese sweet treat and are widely available across the Algarve, from bakeries to breakfast buffets.
Cataplana
This rich stew is slowly simmered in a traditional clam-shaped, copper cooking pot – locking in the flavours of fish, sweet pepper and white wine.
Piri piri chicken
Forget Nando’s – this spicy dish was said to be conjured up in Guia village in 1964, using piri-piri chillis, oil, garlic and seasoning.
Torta de laranja
An orange-flavoured sponge dessert made with egg, flour and lots of juicy citrus fruit, shaped to resemble a Swiss roll.
Seafood
Oysters, clams and many species of fish thrive in the estuaries of the Ria Formosa and Alvor – a drizzle of oil and lemon or a sprinkle of herbs and salt will elevate any meal.
top tipp t
Learn more about selling the Algarve by taking a free agent training course with OTT
onlinetraveltraining.com
formations, wildlife and celebrity homes you pass; tickets can include an open bar and beach barbecue. Those who prefer keeping their feet on solid ground might enjoy walking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, which hugs the coastline for four miles from Praia da Marinha to Carvoeiro, with vertigo-inducing viewpoints ideal for selfies (just don’t get too close to the edge). It’s best to hike the sun-baked path out of peak season, when temperatures are cooler, but clients can dip in to plenty of quiet bays to admire dramatic scenery without walking the whole route. Inland, off-road adventures await in the Monchique mountains. During a 4x4 tour with local provider Geographic Algarve (which works with UK agents), I was blown away by panoramic views on the steep, cliff-edge climb, steadying any nerves with the odd nip of local firewater Medronho brandy and honey-sweetened Melosa liqueur. Lunch, featuring a host of Algarve specialities, is also included at a mountain restaurant.
FOODIE FAVOURITES It would be hard to beat that meal in the mountains – except with lunch and a wine tasting under a 2,000-year-old olive tree at Morgado do Quintão, a family-run estate dating from the early 19th century. After an inspiring tour of the vineyard, we sat at picnic tables to relish three of the vineyard’s wines, accompanied by generous sharing platters of local specialities.
38 26 FEBRUARY 2026 I steadied my nerves on
the steep, cliff-edge climb with the odd nip of Medronho brandy, the local firewater
The port of Olhão was once known for its canning factories and fishing industry. Foodie operator Portugal4U offers Seafood from the Island guided tours from €135, starting at the vibrant Olhão Market, where fresh seafood, bunches of aromatic herbs and locally made jams abound. Clients then sail through the Ria Formosa Natural Park to Culatra Island to meet sustainability ambassador Silvia Padinha, who helps keep oyster harvesting alive for local fishermen.
WHERE TO STAY Tavira is a laid-back town with sleepy streets and squares, where craftsmen still sell their traditional wares of lace and pottery. Boutique hotel Palacio de Tavira opened last year behind the facade of an old mansion house. Step inside for an award-winning restaurant, or check in to its beautifully designed rooms with rooftop plunge pools, outdoor showers and minibars filled with locally made treats.
travelweekly.co.uk
5
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
