If you’re looking to track down the best seafood in the Algarve, you may want to book a bigger holiday. Your options are vast, varied and, on occasion come with a Michelin star or two of approval. We’ve sampled the fresh seafood in some of the Algarve restaurants you’ll want to reserve a spot at… at least for starters.
Blindly pop a pin in a map of the Algarve and, chances are, you’ll have struck golf course gold. Legendary among Euro golf holiday hotspots, there’s little room for sightseeing when you’ve got championship courses at almost every turn.
The Algarve coast certainly isn’t short on sand, sea and sun. Though, unlike some coastal escapes, the golden sands here aren’t always the star of the show. Natural beauty in the Algarve comes if the form of orange-hued rock formations. Boat trips get you close to the cliff action, but you’ll do just as well with a sturdy set of hiking legs. Though, if you prefer soft, rolling dunes to cliff tops, some of the best beaches in the Algarve can be found near the Ria Formosa Natural Park…
When the travel gods bestow hoards of visitors upon a city, it’s inevitable that it’s going to sling up a tourist district. Paphos is no exception, but it pays to look beyond the souvenir schtick and roam a little further. Start with a stroll around the Old Town to peer into Paphos life. From there? Take your pick from a coastal conservation outcrop that’s protecting and rescuing turtles to an ancient collection of mosaics that’s a star among antiquities. Drop into the harbour to eye up the yacht scene, or hop aboard for a day on the suitably glittering ocean.
Stay on dry land to scamper among the sands, track down some crafty artisans creating all manner of local art and produce or plan a day trip to loop around village outposts, folk museums, churches and coast roads. If all this sounds a little exhausting, drop in to a five star hotel for some fine dining, a taverna for a family-style welcome or beach club for lounging and cocktails. Of course, you could just spend a fortnight by the pool, making the most of the Paphos sun. But really, could you relax with all this and more on your doorstep?
Mention Paphos nightlife and it won’t be long until someone compares the scene to one destination. Ayia Napa. And, yes, they’re on the same island, but that’s where the comparison begins and ends. Clubs in Paphos aren’t short on style or atmosphere, and the bars can certainly stoke up a lively atmosphere. But it never quite hits the frenetic levels you’ll find on the other side of Cyprus. So what to expect? Paphos nightlife is a heady mix of dazzling views, molecularly structured cocktails and gimmicky bars.
Is there any greater joy than browsing the shelves of a bizarrely stocked souvenir shop far from home? Shopping in Paphos more than delivers on that front, but the local crafts and tourist trinkets are bolstered by the Paphos mall, market and a healthy selection of independent shops. As you’d expect from any urban area, just about anything is on sale in the stores, stalls and streets. Your only real conundrum might be just how you’re going to get your unique sculptures, artisan wines and locally produced olive oils to fit in your suitcase.
In just a few decades, Paphos golf courses have popped up along the coast to make this area a strong contender for a Cyprus golfing holiday. Big names in the course design world have applied their signature styles to greens and fairways, luxury clubhouses lure you in for a post round bite to eat and new developments are keeping the older courses on their toes. Golf academies are the place to hone your skills. Though, if you forget your clubs – or can’t face the faff of excess baggage, there’s a pleasing 9 hole, par 3 that’ll lend you a set to get your golfing fix. Let’s look at your Paphos golf options…
How do you like your sand served? In Paphos, you’ve got plenty of options. Coastal action comes with a hearty helping of amenities and convenience near the town centre. Or, if you like your coastline a little more wild and untouched, there’s a rugged piece of protected coastline waiting to be discovered. Of course, there’s the goldilocks-esque middle ground too, where almost everything is just right for a day by the sea. Sounds too good to be true? Not in Paphos, the beaches are as diverse as can be. The only snag? To access some, you’ll need a sturdy hire car.
There’s something about the prospect of teetering on Land’s End cliff tops that’s inexplicably alluring. Though, whether you’ll get there is another matter. It’s not that it’s too far – it’s simply that holidays in Cornwall are so distracting. If you’re not watching surfers ride the seemingly impossible waves, you’re trekking the lengthy coastal path, meandering along farm tracks or buying something crafty and local in a village so picturesque it almost hurts. Of course, all this is immaterial if you’ve happened upon Bodmin Moor. You’ll not be lost in the wilds – but you could well just be too smitten to even consider going anywhere else.
All these outdoor activities will warrant somewhere you’ll get a good night’s sleep. And, frankly, your choices in Cornwall are joyfully quaint, quirky and eclectic. Cast aside any thoughts of a generic hotel stay. Here? You’re looking at pods, tipis, yurts, treehouses, log cabins and just about anything that doesn’t remotely resemble traditional hospitality. Holidays in Cornwall are for far more exploring. Getting back to nature? There’s an element of that, if you want it. But for everyone – however you spend your time. It’s about pure indulgence. Be it pasties or picking the best spot to watch the world go by. Just enjoy every second.
When travel talk turns to turquoise waters and perfect watersports conditions, you immediately assume somewhere Mediterranean is on the cards. What if we told you Cornwall can more than match any Euro hotspot on scenery, beach facilities and competition level watersport locations?
Dive Cornwall’s depths to track down steam engines that have been submerged for over 100 years, sea kayak your way to a more than decent pasty or paddle into hidden creeks. However you enjoy the Cornish coast, get in it, get on it – but whatever you do, don’t just look at it. The FOMO will almost certainly be too much to bear.
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