A Guide To Nature And Wildlife Holidays On The Algarve

The protect and quiet south west corner of the Algarve is an area of conservation and wildlife, as well as playing host to some of the finest beaches in Europe and stunning coastal scenery. Primarily an area protected from development, southwest Algarve is a paradise for nature lovers and a range of guided tours make it easy to see the best the region has to offer. The sheer bio diversity and range of flora and fauna in the area makes this part of the Algarve excellent for hiking, bird watching, and great local food. Qualified nature guides are also available in this stunning part of Portugal, making Algarve holidays the ideal way to explore this rich and diverse region.

This part of the Algarve also boats some rare species, in addition to peaceful waterways for a spot of boating. The barrier islands of the Rio Formossa are a natural lagoon system with long white sandy beaches, rare wildlife, and calm waterways. Join a boat trip between the islands to go snorkelling, or grab a coffee and sit back at a café and just watch the world go by in a place that is revered the world over as one of the most appealing coastal nature parks.

Just like in some coves around Cornwall it is possible to spot dolphins here, a fantastic opportunity to observe the region's diverse ocean life. Organised boat trips to watch dolphins also provide a great afternoon out on the water to experience the sights of this stunning Portuguese coast. Sports involving boats are also favourites across the Algarve, as are a range of other water sports.

Rural Algarve features a variety of landscapes, charming rural scenes and a vibrant countryside culture, with the Via Algarciana area especially stunning and scenic. The culture, natural environment, fauna and flora combine to deliver a distinct ambience across the coastal, country and mountainous sections of this beautiful part of the world.

Head inland and explore on two wheels. For cycling and walking in the Algarve, head to the Caldeirao Hills, a perfect area of rolling hills, and a unique way of life with pretty villages, good food, and many places of interest. Worth checking out is the Costume and Cork museum in Sao Bras, go further into the region and examples of traditional skills and crafts are all over, especially the production of local drinks and wines. The flora and fauna in the Caldereirao Hills are outstanding, with a variety of species to discover. Whether you prefer to hire a bike or just walk the paths and walkways the whole Algarve can be explored in a leisurely and laid back style, and a good meal from locally sourced produce at a traditional restaurant tastes so much better when the day has been spent in an active way.

Holidays in the Algarve have always been impressive from the perspective of the natural landscape and coastline, and as such reflect the true essence of responsibly managed and ecologically sensitive holidays. As a region that appeals to lovers of the coast and countryside, the Algarve truly embodies the concept of tourism that has as little impact on the environment as possible, with many resorts in the region making great efforts to control their impact and use only natural materials in their construction.

It obvious that villas in the Algarve are now built with sustainability in mind and while stylish and luxurious, are also built to strict environmental specifications and services and designs that work with nature, complimenting their beautiful natural surroundings.

With the region's dramatic seafront resorts, fascinating array of wildlife and natural coastline and great Algarve villas, the Algarve is a great destination for all the family. Travelling to the Algarve from the UK is easy, with a wide choice of flights departing from many regional airports.

If sustainability is important to you then Algarve holidays could be just the solution for you. Mark kept an eye on sustainable travel and the availability of Algarve villas makes these trips a sustainable alternative to other options.