Unidade de Hemodiálise de Tavira

Visiting the Algarve means traveling in multiple directions. Visiting places like Aljezur, Lagos, Silves, Faro, Tavira, Castro Marim and Alcoutim means discovering in every museum, church, fort or castle, a country with many traditions and a rich and long history.

Besides the beaches, the region is rich in natural beauty and heritage, reserving surprising discoveries for those who dare to venture away from the coast and dive inland. From Western Algarve to Eastern Algarve, there are mighty mountains where the air is pure and nature is vibrant. A sea of tranquillity punctuated by villages where centuries-old traditions survive, from handicrafts to gastronomy, a clear proof that not all of the Algarve has succumbed to mass tourism or gentrification. 

The marks of human presence in the Algarve go back to the Neolithic period. In addition to the Roman occupation in the region, well documented in the archaeological sites of Praia da Luz and Quarteira, it is important to highlight the more than five centuries of Arab influence, from the 8th to the 13th centuries. These influences are a very important part of the region's identity, starting with its name, which derives from the original Al-Gharb, and are reflected in the historical heritage, but also in the local architecture, marked by the lacy stone work of the terraces, the charming chimneys as well by the lime that, at the beginning of each summer, paints the houses with an immaculate white.

Looking to the future, while respecting the past, the Algarve will be always linked to the Portuguese maritime expansion, which started in the 15th century and is represented by the giant stone finger that, at Ponta de Sagres, challenges the ocean.

Algarve has improved the tourism offer, in order to find a customized response for each visitor. Adventure tourism, nature retreats, thermal cures, gastronomic routes or simply the sea. There is an Algarve for everyone.

Along its 200km of coast line, you can discover some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe: from the caves of Lagos to the extensive sands of Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António not forgetting to mention the islands in the Olhão region, accessible by short boat trips. Walking tours in the Ria Formosa are an opportunity to discover the local biodiversity and try, in the region's restaurants, the seafood that is celebrated in festivals in Olhão and Faro.

When speaking of seafood, we're talking about clams, oysters and cockles which, cooked on the grill or in the pan, are simply wonderful. And there are other delicacies, such as brined horse-mackerel and grilled sardines, accompanied with a tomato and oregano salad, famous in Portimão, as well as tuna steaks or “estupeta”, a particularly interesting local speciality of raw tuna, thinly sliced and served with salad, an ex-libris of Vila Real de Santo António and Tavira.

Faro, the capital of the Algarve, home to one of the region's three NephroCare dialysis centers (the other two can be found in Portimão and Tavira), is a good starting point for exploring the region. With a picturesque historic centre, crisscrossed by narrow alleys and cobbled streets, Faro knows how to be cosmopolitan without giving up its authenticity. With a lively cultural life, the city is full of services and commerce, but it also preserves the most typical corners and the most authentic flavours. Yes, Algarve does smell like orange: more than 80% of the national production of oranges is concentrated in the Algarve. Almonds, figs or carobs are other local fruit delicacies turned into exceptional desserts that leave us delighted and eager to return.