If you are thinking of buying real estate in the Algarve, Portugal you should take time to visit East Algarve: the 'new destination' of choice for tourists, golfers and property buyers alike. East Algarve is rapidly becoming the most sought after destination on the Iberian Peninsular and it's easy to see why it has grown in popularity in recent years.
The Algarve's rise to prominence since the 1970s as a major tourist destination and magnet for expatriate residents has focused heavily on its central and western regions. The east, meanwhile, remained largely a quietly scenic backwater. But nowadays the area - from the fishing port of Olhao to Vila Real de Santa Antonio on the Spanish border - is springing to life, heralded as the Algarve's 'new destination'.
Prompting this campaign, the East Algarve Tourist Association was formed in to promote the region's distinct natural virtues and cultural character, with the aim of encouraging tourism with an emphasis on quality.
The ASA is based in Tavira, the jewel of the region - a charming fishing town straddling the lazy Gilao river just before it opens gently to the sea. Tourist visitors have long been captivated by its palm-lined riverside promenade, its cobbled streets and quaint buildings. With a rich history evident from Moorish castle walls, ancient churches and a Roman bridge, Tavira adroitly maintains its traditional appeal whilst nonetheless managing its starring role at centre-stage of the area's surrounding development.
Inland, the East Algarve offers an untouched environment for those who enjoy the simplicity of nature and tradition - a timeless backdrop of gently undulating countryside with a scattering of small whitewashed towns and rustic hamlets. This is the perfect scenario for walking, cycling, horse riding or a stimulating jeep tour.
On the coast, the easternmost area after Tavira boasts 20 kilometres of uninterrupted sandy expanses, with many stretches still little-frequented. There are nonetheless several small-to-medium seaside resorts which are witnessing increasing popularity - Cabanas, Manta Rota, Alagoas, Praia Verde and the largest, Monte Gordo, which even boasts its own casino.
Bordering with Spain, the East Algarve has always held an attraction for discerning Spanish holidaymakers, who will tell you that they don't only come for the beaches, but for the food. Portuguese gastronomy is excellent in the region, particularly with its tradition for fishing and shellfish-gathering. With a plethora of typical local restaurants offering fresh, hearty fare, there are nowadays also numerous quality venues appearing on the scene, catering for a more varied and discerning demand.
From Tavira to the west, the coast boasts a natural beauty all of its own. Extending for 60 kilometres, the Ria Formosa Natural Park is a protected labyrinth of tidal lagoon waters sheltered behind a barrier of narrow sandbar islands running parallel to the coast. The seaward edges of these fishing-hamlet isles offer long stretches of stunning sandy beaches for the independent-minded visitors who make their way across via shuttle-ferries and little private boats; whilst the landward sides cradle shallow emerald waters which provide a paradise haven for teeming birdlife - and a natural pleasure-park for enthusiasts of gentle boating.
The absence of the usual beach-front coastline here, and the protected environment, has prevented development in previous decades, a fact that now works to the East Algarve's advantage. With low-impact tourism and quality development today's watchwords, the region offers an unspoiled environment in which to entice newcomers - and new investment.
The creation of several superb golf courses has been at the forefront of this movement, some with prestigious property developments. The courses at Benamor, Quinta da Ria / Cima, Colina Verde, Castro Marim and the 2 new Monte Rei courses have attracted many golfers to the region and a wave of interest from overseas property buyers. This in turn is spring-boarding several non-golf related developments, such as the luxury residential village, O Pomar, at Cabanas de Tavira.
As foreign property buyers arrive on the scene, so new services and amenities are springing up to cater for their needs. In this respect, a major addition to the East Algarve scene is the opening of EAST - the Eastern Algarve International School at Tavira - which will allow families to settle in the region with quality education now available for their children.
To meet the demand of increasing golfing and tourist visitors comes a sprinkling of new, quality hotels. Recent years have seen the appearance of the 4-star Vila Gale Tavira and Albacora hotels, whilst Tavira has recently welcomed the opening of a beautiful Pousada hotel at the Convento da Graca - a lovingly converted convent, its ancient cloisters now tastefully refurbished to offer an ambience of calm and charm.
With a quality environment and a philosophy of quality tourism and lifestyle, the Algarve looks set to see a new star rising in the east.
Diana Monteiro is a consultant at Manorpark Properties in Almancil, Portugal, who specialises in real estate Algarve.
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