CELIA RIVERA
Updated Friday, March 1, 2024-08:14
Getaways An Easter plan for every corner of our geography
Guadalajara There are always reasons to return to Brihuega (also in winter and without lavender)
Located in the Algarve, between Vilamoura and Albufeira, the kilometer-long
Falesia beach
has always been considered one of the most desired in the world.
This year it has achieved the number one position in the ranking of rankings, that of TripAdvisor users.
Many other sandy beaches could be at the top of this list, in fact, there are several Spanish ones (La Concha, in San Sebastián, and Playa de Las Canteras, in Gran Canaria) among the 20 best, but the beauty of the Portuguese one is undeniable.
Also its construction, no less than
eight kilometers of
blue flag beach, which guarantees transparent waters.
The fact that it is exposed to the
powerful waves of the Atlantic
has a lot to do with this , something that must be taken into account in the Algarve, a surfing destination.
We also like Falesia because it is a little difficult to get to.
You have to cross those clay cliffs and the natural landscape that lies right above them on
wooden walkways
until you reach the water.
All very bucolic.
La Cataplana and other delicacies
Of course, the region in the south of Portugal is much more than impressive sandy beaches.
In addition to the Atlantic and days of sun and beach (
more than 300 days of sun a year
), it is mandatory to talk about gastronomy.
The 2024 Michelin Guide Portuguese Gala was just held here this week.
Its coastal location makes the region a paradise for
fish and seafood lovers
.
Fresh daily catches often include cockles, clams, oysters and squid, sea bass, sea bream, mackerel or sardines;
and in many restaurants specializing in fish, the catch of the day is sold by weight.
Canned fish are also a traditional delicacy of the Algarve and in the past were a great economic driver for many parts of the region.
Dish from the Vila Joya restaurant in Albufeira.
Now, if there is one traditional dish that you have to try, it is the
cataplana,
an icon of Algarve gastronomy.
It is a stew that generally has
fish or seafood
as the star ingredient.
The word cataplana also serves to name the container used in its preparation: it is a type of metal pan, originally made of copper or brass, which consists of two concave halves joined by a hinge and two clips, which allows it to be closed hermetically. .
The key is that everything is steamed
,
thus maintaining the aromas and flavors.
The wine route
To pair so much delicacy, the traveler can also enjoy the
Algarve Wine Route
, one of the novelties that Portugal brought to Fitur, the Madrid Tourism Fair in its last edition.
It turns out that vineyards love the Algarve for the same reason tourists do: its climate.
And that is why a whole range of wine and gastronomic experiences has been created in the south of the country that are worth discovering.
And to stretch your legs after some excess, the options are almost limitless.
The best thing is that the
Algarve trails
run through crops and pastures, wind and water mills, dirt roads, wooded areas, streams and quiet towns in which the authenticity and customs remain intact.
What's more, between now and the end of the year, the region hopes to attract more than 3,000 hikers.
The hook are four festivals for hiking lovers that have been held for five years under the
Algarve Walking Season
brand , such as Alcoutim (March 15-17) and Ameixial (April 26-28).
The latter, one of the oldest, has more than 30 different walks planned this spring, in addition to many other activities.
PRACTICAL GUIDE
How to get.
TAP Air, Iberia and Ryanair fly to Faro from Spain.
You can also go by AVE to Seville and drive to the Algarve.
More information
: on the Algarve website (www.visitalgarve.pt/es).
You can follow
El Mundo Viajes
on
,
and