Algarve facts & figures

The Algarve has an area of approximately 5000km2 and has 430.000 permanent residents divided in 16 municipalities. The Algarve has on average about 80 inhabitants per km2 and 150km of coastline

For the Algarve, the coastal area is the most important in terms of economic activity. You will find a diversified coast varying from long sandy beaches, to lagoons, marshlands and sandy dunes.

The area behind the coast is named the Barrocal area and is the transition area between coast and mountains. This ‘serra’ area is where most the agricultural activity in the Algarve takes place.

Behind the coast and barrocal area, you will find the hills which occupy roughly half of the territory. This area is famed for its piece & quiet and unspoiled nature. This ranges form Serra de Espinhaco de Cao, Monchique and Serra do Caldeirao. The Algarve has a temperate climate with Mediterranian characteristics with over 3000 hours of sunlight per year and a low average rainfall.