Algarve Hen Do Weekends

ing sandy beaches and any amount of water sports and other activities to take up your holiday daytimes. It is a lively and prosperous region of southern Portugal with a long standing tourism economy which boasts an electric nightlife to keep your hen party positively charged. With events going on all around the year and a wide choice of hotels and restaurants in its many coastal towns and villages to suit all tastes and budgets this sunny region of Europe (one of its sunniest) is an ideal place to head for your trip.

Culture:

For those of you who want to get a feel for what the Algarve is about why not visit the market day of any town you are in, they will all have their own day set aside for market day. You will be able to get your hands on all kinds of local crafts and traditional products. Visit a cafe to experience how integral they are to way of life here and get a taste of Algarvian hospitality. There are religious festivals throughout the year across the Algarve and there are many examples of churches dating from the 15th and 16th centuries as well as fine latticework chimneys are to be seen all around.

Famous for/ Must See:

The Algarve is famous for its crafts and particularly its pottery and ceramics. There are many outlets throughout the region selling these wares as well as the markets. Porches Pottery in the Algarvian town of Porches is a well-established producer of hand painted pottery. Some famous Algarvians include singer Antonio Calvario, one of Portugal's greatest ever poets Joao de Jeus and present day Portuguese footballer Joao Moutinho.

Travel info:

Faro International airport serves many cities in Western Europe and only is less than 3 hours flight time from London. Cheap flights are always available so get on the lookout. Long distance buses are available from Lisbon contact EVA, Renex or Rede espressos. If driving the Algarve is about 2 and a half hours from Lisbon via the A2. Or slightly closer is Seville in Spain which is two hours away along the E1 (which may be signposted A22/A49)

Hen party ideas:

When the beaches are a touch too relaxed for you head to one of the areas many water parks with all kinds of slides and water amusements and features to entertain your party. Can you think of a better idea for fun and shenanigans on your stag party than going out to sea on a boat fishing for sharks and other big game? Sailing and kayaking are popular pastimes here too.

A go-karting session at an Ayrton Senna inaugurated F1 style track outside Albufeira would be just the ticket for any speed freaks in your group. Head into the centre of the Algarve for a few hours and go for a picturesque cycle through its beautiful mountains and its colourful orchards. Or perhaps you want to leave the legwork to horses and go horse riding. You will be spoiled with the amaizng choice for things to do.

Nightlife:

When the sun drops down on this vibrant Iberian extremity it merges into its alter ego. This is the nightlife capital of the Iberian peinsula. Between its horde of buzzing towns and its variety of lively and more laid back villages there really is something for everybody in this region. No matter whether you are in east, west or central Algarve you are guaranteed to be near a buzzing strip of Algarvian, Portuguese and ex-pat bars with drinks flowing, music playing and meetings of (alcohol fuelled) minds. And at the same time you are never far from establishments with a more local, relaxed Algarvian vibe.

Overview:

The Algarve was created to host people on hen parties. It is very easy to understand why it's such a massive attraction year in year out for holiday goers and is guaranteed to provide your group with every amenity it could possibly require in order to have a relaxing yet action packed and memorable trip. Whether you stay in one of its modern high rise apartment blocks in some of the bigger towns or in one of the assortment of charming guesthouses all along the coast and in the towns and villages you are assured of having an un-forgetful experience.

History:

From being such a small region, the Algarve has a long history of conquests and invasions. The Phoenicians were the first to develop the area when they set up trading posts here around 1100BC. Between 700BC and 1080AD the Celts, Romans and several other tribes were to invade and leave their mark. There are many Roman ruins visible in to town of Lagos. After a few centuries back in Portuguese hands, a king's son, Prince Henry 'the navigator' became governor of the Algarve in 1418 and founded the School of Navigation in Sagres which made some ground breaking developments in sea travel. There were further Spanish invasions in the 16th and 19th centuries.

Food/ Restaurants:

There are establishments to cater for all in the Algarve ranging from trendy and chic Michelin starred restaurants to open air beach restaurants with the sand between your toes. For a guaranteed Portuguese food experience try out the sea food aficionados at Restaurante O Duarte in Albufeira. Prices are good and the ambience is second to none. If Oriental floats your boat try the Chang Thai Restaurant in Praia da Rocha for a relaxed atmosphere and excellent Asian cuisine. The Pig & Whistle Restaurant in Almancil is an intimate little restaurant with a delightful menu of British and European fare.

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