Algarve Food & Drink

The Algarve offers a very rich regional cuisine

Apart from a very high quality international cuisine that stems from the expanding tourism industry, the Algarve also offers a very rich regional cuisine.

The traditional Algarvean gastronomy is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean cuisine.

There are two distinct geographical areas offering dishes rich in the local flavours:

• the coast, with dishes made from different varieties of fresh fish and shellfish picked everyday from the Atlantic Ocean, charcoal grilled or stewed, accompanied with tomato and other vegetable salads;
• and the Barrocal and Serra Algarvia, inland between the coast line and the Alentejo (neighbouring region where a variety of good wines is produced), where meat dishes are the main specialities.

The tempting cakes pastries of the region translate the strong influences of artistic baking using sugar and almond to produce exquisite maçapão cakes sapped like little animals or fruits. Other delicious sweets are the Dom Rodrigo or the morgado.

Most are made with the almonds, carob, figs and oranges that are grown throughout the area combined with plenty of eggs and sugar.

The challenge to the visitor is to choose from such a wide variety of delicacies.

Wine and Drink

The Algarve wines are fruity, with low acidity, smooth and with a high level of alcohol. If you are willing to taste the local wines you may try the Lagoa wines, as well as those from Lagos and from Tavira.

Most of these wines are of a reasonable standard but if you are looking for finer wines you will want to try the Dão or the Alentejo reds.

There are a select few private estates that produce excellent quality fine wines. Vinho Verde ("green wine") is a unique type of wine produced only in Portugal. It's a sparkly white wine low in alcohol and has a slight effervescence, making it pleasantly tingly on the tongue and refreshing on hot days.

Apart from Port wine Mateus Rosé, a lightweight rosé, is probably the most famous Portuguese wine.

After your evening meal, have a glass of sweet, dark tawny or vintage Port wine made in the Douro - a region of the Northern Portugal.

Beer is readily available of local brands but you can also find imported British beer in many supermarkets and pubs.

If you are feeling adventurous and willing to taste the very alcoholic types of local brandy you can start with the medronho (a liqueur made with fruits of the strawberry tree). There are other traditional and very tasty liqueurs made with fruit and honey which are well worth a try.