Algarve

Gigantic yellow-orange rocks rise into the sea and give a play of colors, as we have rarely seen before. The sea whips against the giants with full force. Seagulls circle around the heads of the people. We chose a cooler time to fly to the Algarve. Swimming in the sea was not possible anymore. But we wanted to enjoy the last rays of sunshine before winter comes. Eat ice cream one last time and stretch your bare feet in the sand one last time.

After all the backpacker trips with several hotels within a few days and many stops we longed for a relaxing holiday. With only one hotel, pool and all inclusive. At Algarve you can relax on the beach or go for a walk on the rocks. Life is running a bit slower here and that‘s what we were looking for.

As an EU member, you can even enter with your ID card, but it‘s always good to have a passport with you. If you are entering from a non-EU country, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months.

If you travel to Portugal, you must definitely be vaccinated against measles. WHO has declared that omitting the vaccine as a „threat to global health“. However, no vaccinations are required when entering from Germany. The standard vaccinations are definitely always recommended. It is also recommended to vaccinate against hepatitis A and B.

The medical care in Portugal is fine, in rural areas travel time can be expected. If you come from Germany and need urgent treatment, this is not a problem with a statutory health insurance. You should, however, have at least one copy of your insurance with you. It is also advisable to take out a travel health insurance before your trip. It‘s best to check with your insurance company before.

In Portugal there are many different dishes. And you can expect that on every dish a fried egg can be found. Thanks to its proximity to the sea, there are delicious fish.

Also different sausage and meat dishes are highly recommended. Always accompanied with fresh vegetables or french fries. If you‘re in Portugal, do not miss the Pasteis de Nata. This dessert was definitely our highlight.

You can travel the Algarve by train, bus or taxi. If you only want to visit one place, this is a good alternative. However, if you want to see more of the Algarve, it is advisable to rent a car.

This makes you more flexible and it is also cheaper and faster. Just look at the timetables of public transport before you travel and decide if they are suitable for you.

The climate is very mild and balanced. All year long, the sun shines a lot and it rains less. However, the Atlantic Ocean is often very cool, swimming in the ocean is only pleasant in midsummer. The outside temperatures are never uncomfortable here, there is always a fresh breeze. Otherwise, the algarve is a perfect destination all year round.

In Portugal, you pay with euros. You can pay cash or by credit card, in smaller shops and restaurants cash is preferred. Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as well as Maestro card. You can find many ATMs where you can withdraw cash.