The Southern region of Portugal, Algarve, is dubbed as the ‘European California’ by Vogue. Well, I think there’s more to it. Not that I’m judging Cali – which I haven’t been to yet – but the raw, sun-drenched, yet immensely beautiful Algarve is truly one of a kind and can’t be compared to anything else. From Alvor‘s Praia da Rocha (that holds countless caves) to the wild beaches near Cape of St. Vincent (a seperate post is coming up!), you can laze around literally everywhere in here. Nearly every city in Algarve has something that will surely amaze you. Caldas de Monchique and its healing waters; Lagos and its slightly obsolete, yet charming churches; Silves and its pottery tradition. Not forgetting about the fish market in Portimão, which you can see more of here. If you chose one of the less busy cities near the coast-line, it’s guaranteed that you won’t have to fight with a bunch of tourists to get a seat on the beach (a tip: beware of Albufeira, which  awfully contrasts with the idylic character of other places in Algarve). Also, in order to discover Algarve to the fullest, it’s really worth renting a car. So, who’s coming this summer?

One of the beach caves in Alvor.

The fish market in Portimao.

Those little sea finds!

Lobsters. Everywhere.

Nature’s perfection.

Another find!

The typical street view. in Silves.

Me and my new blanket, made somwhere in Algarve.

Mum and the cathedral in Silves.

Locals eat usual snails with pepper, oregano and coffee.

Caldas de Monchique.

Near the resort in Monchique.

Near the resort in Monchique.

Lagos.

Lagos.

Lagos.

Evening walks down the beach in Portimao.

Monchique.

The wild beach near Cape St. Vincent.

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.