The sun drenched Atlantic coastline is famous for its wild beauty, featuring miles upon miles of sundrenched beaches, it is for many a great spring and summer destination. In fact most of the Algarve visitors will simply prefer to laze on the soft sands of sheltered coves, soaking up the sun and enjoying a swim or two, in the crystal clear waters of the coast.

However that is not what the region has to offer, not by far, those looking for a more active holiday, or those on a more adventurous streak can pursue a wide range of activities such as fishing, diving, horse-riding, windsurfing, sailing and many-many more. Nature lovers will also be thrilled to visit the region because there are several nature reserves to explore, such as Ria de Albor and Ria Formosa – both of them are paradises for bird-watchers, while those who are interested in wildlife in general can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the forested hills.

You happen to be a golfing enthusiast? Well then you’ll be visiting one of the best places for the sport on the entire surface of the European continent. There are somewhere around thirty top-notch golf courses in the Algarve, which cover the entire range of skill level, so rest assured that whether you’re looking for a challenge or you’re just a beginner, this region will have something ready for you.

Those interested in diving into the local traditions and culture will find exactly what they’re looking for, in the many small Algarve towns and villages that dot the landscape. It should be noted that the main resorts are rather touristy, so for such an experience you’ll want to venture a bit off the very beaten tracks.

All of these attractions, and more are available to you with the help of our Algarve car rental services.

Step back in time a few hundred years back to sometime between the 12^th and 14^th century and enjoy the particular atmosphere offered by the wandering troubadours, jugglers and barbecues and spit roasts at every couple of meters one from each other.

The Silves Medieval Festival takes place between the 9^th and 15^th of August in 2011 and is amongst the most popular festivals that the Algarve sees during the summer period and everybody can get into the action by hiring period costumes so as to better fit in with the rest of the medieval folk.

Silves Medieval Festival

Most of the activities that take place are free except for the jousting tournament and the wicked Black Knight which your children will surely want to see but there is only one show per night so make sure that you’re there when it happens. Talking of free, while in the Festival ground you will have to exchange your modern day Euros for the medieval currency of Xelbs; this can be done under the main gates and it’s all meant to add to the fun and immersion of the event.

Ideally you will want to grab dinner sometime around 7 PM as it will surely get really crowded after 9, despite the large number of places where you can eat rest assured that they will rapidly fill up at around that hour.

One could hardly find a better setting for such an event in the Algarve than the Moorish city of Silves its preserved old town and the castle play a huge role in taking you back in time.