We're sure you've heard of it. Perhaps a friend has told you about one of its magnificent beaches. Perhaps you've seen a report dedicated to its traditional Mediterranean gastronomy, or perhaps you've stumbled across a text like this one, which highlights the history, culture and friendliness of those who are used to welcoming visitors.

But there is one Algarve that you have yet to discover: those who live here all year round.

Only they can show you the hidden villages, the wildest hiking trails, the best restaurants to eat xarém (a kind of flour), the deserted beaches, the places where the flamingos flutter, the perfect courses to take your first golf swing.

Listen to our greatest secrets. And then whisper them over and over again in the ears of family and friends, because life is happier when there is sharing.

The Algarve enjoys, throughout the year, some of the best climatic conditions in Europe. Characterised by short periods of rainfall, generally concentrated in the months of November to March, and by a high level of sunshine, the Algarve region has excellent meteorological conditions for the development of tourism throughout the year.

During the summer the temperatures are high, a fact that favours "Sun and Sea" tourism and elevates the Algarve as an authentic paradise for bathers. This is a region of fine, white sand, with kilometres of coastline and a calm sea, with warm temperatures of around 22 degrees centigrade in summer.

Due to its relief and geographical location, the Algarve receives a wide range of climatic influences: from the European continent to North Africa, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean. The maximum temperatures oscillate, throughout the year, between 15 and 31 degrees centigrade, with no negative minimums in winter, a season in which the sunny days encourage the visit of tourists from the countries of Northern Europe.

The typical houses of the Algarve have a very unique characteristic, their traditional architecture comes from an Arab influence, which reflects the history, popular taste and the needs of people who live in a hot and sunny region. The picturesque houses in the Algarve, with their decorated chimneys, colorful platbands, fresh roof terraces and the whitewash of the walls are its special features.

Handicraft is a testament to the traditional arts, culture, society and economy of the Algarve, with its decorative nature and use, it is representative of the creativity of the Algarve people found practical and simple ways to use the natural resources of the region, like blankets, runners, towels, fine linens, and cheerful rugs; or the friendly dolls that recreate the daily lives of people, pieces in wood, copper and wrought iron, decorative lace and baskets of different formats and uses.