Algarve - bustling with life, can you still go slo?
February 01, 2022
Where to go to slow down?
You may think the Algarve is this melting pot of night clubs, streets coming to life at night, beautiful beaches packed with sunshades, half naked Europeans in all sorts of physical forms, proudly displaying their latest year of gastronomic achievements in impromptu beach football matches where flip-flops are the goalposts and someone rigorously drew a line in the sand to mark the field lines, people loudly selling Berliners filled with custard cream or Nutella. You’d be right. It is. If you’re looking for great weather, relatively warm sea, water parks, karaoke clubs, casinos, lots of bars, great fish restaurants or sunsets way into 9PM, the summer Algarve is for you. From budget holidays in camping sites, airbnb rentals everywhere or a luxury stay at some of the best Hotels in Europe, the Algarve has them all. A perfect spot for family vacations too, it is no wonder every year more people try it. The question is: is it still possible to go slo? Can you squeeze your relaxed holiday bubble into Oura or Praia da Rocha. The slo answer is yes!
Best slo beaches in the Algarve
So first things first, if you’re into a slo-er holiday, there are still spots you can run to to escape the crowds and live your Algarve holiday in relative peace and enjoy quiet, semi-deserted beaches that escape the craziness that descends everywhere else.
Cacela Velha & Fuseta
The fine long strips of sand and shallow water right outside the shore at Cacela Velha and Fuseta are unmissable. When it’s high tide you may need to carry our backpack above your head (or take a small fishing boat), but when you get to Cacela Velha or Fuseta, the long walkable strip, the turquoise water and the many shallow pools make it a magical place. If you’re still wondering whether it’s worth it, text our agents but spoiler alert - yes. It is.
Armona - Olhão
Go to Olhão, park your car and start your slo ride to Armona. In the summer, boats are constantly leaving with passengers, in the spring and early fall, you’re probably getting one every hour. The small Armona village, in a small island off the coast of Algarve, is another one you won’t forget if you visit. Coming from Oura or Portimão, this will feel like you’ve entered another world. It’s a bit of a walk, but all worthwhile things are. There’s a camping site and bungalows for rent too if you’re looking to stay overnight.
Castelejo & Cordoama
All the way out in the Atlantic coast of the Algarve, you’ll find these (and other gems). Surrounded by impressive rock cliffs and with working surf all year round, they are the promised land at the end of a narrow and winding road out of Vila do Bispo. The short drive is totally worth it, though, when you get down and find the beach stretching for miles in beautiful classic west Algave fashion.
What can I do with slo while I’m there?
Algarve can get busy. It may be a little overwhelming to find the right place to stay, dine, take a road trip to, and more. What it also is, is a rich, delightful place, full of hidden corners and off the beaten path gems culinary gems that locals will help you discover. Imagine an insider feeding you all the hot tips, getting you tickets, telling you the best times to go and more, all a text away. That’s how you live slo.
Go slo
So there you go, if endless calls, a pile of unmanageable emails and crappy travel sites aren’t your thing, don’t worry. They’re our thing. All you need to do is sign up on our website, start a conversation with us, and you have the best personalized agents in the world, right in your pocket. Why would you travel the old hectic way, when you can travel slo. Feel the sun and the wind in your face, worry less, travel slo.
written by slo.travel. Follow us on instagram