Amazing Algarve: Perfect Properties in ‘Europe’s Leading Beach Destination’
Portugal’s Algarve has scooped the coveted award for Europe’s Leading Beach Destination at the World Travel Awards 2022. In a glitzy ceremony in Mallorca, the ‘Tourism Oscars’ recognised the Algarve’s incredible wealth of beachscapes, setting it above every other beach destination on the continent. Deservedly so, according to Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK:
“Portugal’s Algarve is home to incredible natural beauty. With over 100 beaches, there are locations to suit every taste when it comes to enjoying the coast. From huge stretches of sand that are popular all year round to lesser-known beaches that are quiet even in the midst of summer, the Algarve’s coastline offers a rich depth of variety that can be found in very few locations. It’s a wonderful place both to visit and to move to.”
The Algarve’s Atlantic-facing southern coastline stretches for 96 miles, while its western coastline extends northward for a further 31 miles. Visitors can enjoy the regions beaches in a variety of family-friendly ways. There are vast expanses of sand such as Praia da Rocha at Portimão, which are perfect for stretching out on a sun lounger under an umbrella. There are sheltered cove beaches with gently lapping waves that are perfect for playing in the shallows. There are swimming and snorkeling trails for those keen to discover the Algarve’s marine life. Boat trips explore grottoes, stunning cliff formations and coves that can only be accessed from the sea. Restaurants are tucked away on the edge of the sand, with fresh sardines grilling over red-hot coals. And should you tire of one beach, you can often walk up and over the clifftops to discover the next.
Beach properties in the Algarve are as varied as the beaches themselves. Buyers looking for stylish design and sweeping ocean views will be delighted by the Signature Apartments at Palmares Ocean Living & Golf, which are available from €600,000. Designed by Pritzker Prize winners RCR Arquitectes, the homes take advantage of the stunning natural beauty around them with outdoor terraces that deliver panoramic views of Meia Praia and Lagos Bay. The homes range from one to three bedrooms and are sold fully fitted out, so that buyers can move in and start enjoying the beach lifestyle immediately. The apartments are complemented by a host of on-site facilities, including the Michelin-starred Al Sud restaurant and the Experience cocktail bar.
The Algarve is also home to plenty of villas that provide spectacular views, such as this four-bedroom clifftop gem just 50m from the sea in Carvoeiro, which is on the market for €6,500,000. Available through real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, the villa is arranged over three floors, encompassing plentiful living space, along with an outdoor pool, a separate children’s pool and a landscaped garden with a waterfall flowing into a koi carp aquarium and rockery.
Further along the coast, this seven-bedroom villa with pool, also available through Ideal Homes Portugal, is within 300m of the golden sands of Lagoa. The villa blends traditional features with modern convenience and comes with extensive space both indoors and out, including lovely gardens and terraces from which to enjoy the panoramic sea views. The home is priced at €1,350,000.
