"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."Mark Twain
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Bald Eagles Arrive in Squamish BC
Once again our planet’s largest gatherings of Bald Eagles in underway in Squamish British Columbia, just North of Vancouver BC, and just 50 km south of the world class Whistler Ski Resort. Based on population estimates, up to 5% of the world’s bald ...
Mexico Beaches - Cabo San Lucas And Acapulco
Mexico beaches come in all shapes and sizes. Two of the most famous areas are Cabo San Lucas and Acapulco. Acapulco You’re probably already familiar with Acapulco if you ever watched the Wild World of Sports on ABC. Acapulco was exhibited frequently as ...
Your Gold Panning Trip - Camping For Fun!
If you want a good camping vacation and want to find gold I have just the spot for you. Princton BC was noted for the gold found in the late 1880's. You will find Granite city which is now a ghost town. Lots of gold and platinum was found in the area. To ...
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If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: 'leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure', then one taken in Algarve must be the epitome of that term.
The southern-most region of Portugal, Algarve is a holiday-maker's dream. Wonderful year-round weather, great beaches, fabulous scenery and - best of all - the local people!
Algarveans are a tolerant, laid-back lot, who have seen much change in the several decades since their region started to become a tourist magnet. Some of the age-old ways of life (such as small-scale fishing) continue undisturbed by the leisure-seeking visitors who are drawn to this lovely area.
Most who sample the attractions of Algarve become converted enthusiasts. If you love warm places, sand and sea and generally relaxed holidays, then Algarve is your dream destination.
It's a compact area, only some 90 miles by 30 miles at its furthest extremities - but it's home to over 100 miles of gorgeous sandy beaches.
While, for those who don't mind leaving the coast behind for a while, the region is steeped in history, and has much to delight the visitor's eye. Much of the Algarve's heritage has been preserved, especially in the profusion of Moorish-influenced architecture on show. And the contrasts, between coast and mountains, sand and greenery, modernity and history, offer visitors many choices of how to spend an Algarve vacation.
The region's ancient past is positively celebrated, and most sizeable towns boast a local museum that shows relics from
Roman times - and even earlier.
Algarveans are proud of their distinct culture and some of the diversion on offer to the holiday-maker is even free (concerts and gallery admissions spring to mind from my last visit). Whatever the month of year, there's usually a Saint's day that gives rise to a colourful festival, in which the locals take a whole-hearted part.
Public transport within the region is efficient and cheap, which serves to keep the tourist dollars and Euros circulating, while allowing holiday-makers to sample more than just the tourist areas.
Even a tour of either the western or eastern halves of Algarve can be undertaken within a single day (though it helps to have your itinerary sorted before you set out). And a meal at an inland restaurant during the return journey to your holiday accommodation will likely prove cheaper than one taken in the tourist-populated coastal areas (a bonus for the more adventurous tourist!).
Am I keen to get back there soon? You bet!
Which leads me to a rather obvious question: why am I sitting here writing this, instead of making a booking with my friendly local travel agent?
Jennifer Dodds is the owner of www.algarve-beach-life.com, her enthusiast website, where she shares everything she loves (and is still discovering) about her favourite vacation spot. She publishes a monthly newsletter, Algarve Beach Life News to update subscribers about what's new on the site.
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