Adventuring to the southern end of Portugal in the Algarve

Dan MacCarthy goes to the Algarve on the southern end of Portugal to discover a more energetic side of the perennially popular holiday region.

Guide par excellence, Joao, says Portugal was once known as the kingdom of Portugal and the Algarve. This Lusitanian duality gives the region a distinct identity, a feeling of being a place in its own right, and one proud of its Moorish heritage. Most Portuguese names starting with ‘al’, are Moorish in origin — Algarve, Albufeira. Alvor and Moorish castles feature on the national flag.

The Algarve of course has been a magnet for sunseekers and latterly the stag and hen party clientele. But there is a lot more going on.