A Food Lover's Guide to the Algarve: From Sea to Serra

Portugal may be a small country – roughly the size of Indiana – but its food culture is vast, diverse, and absolutely spectacular. Each region has its own specialties, its own preparations, its own proud culinary traditions. And the Algarve? Well, the Algarve is a true treasure trove. Blessed with both a long Atlantic coastline and fertile hinterlands, this southernmost region offers an extraordinary range of flavors. From the freshest seafood imaginable – pulled from the ocean each morning by small fishing boats – to hearty mountain dishes that have sustained shepherds and farmers for centuries, your taste buds are in for an unforgettable journey. Add to this a growing wine scene, artisanal cheeses, and a fiery local spirit called medronho, and you have a culinary destination that rivals any in Europe. In this guide, we'll take you on a gastronomic tour of the Algarve, introducing you to the dishes you simply must try and the places where locals go to eat them.