Gastronomy highlights of the Algarve

Eating out at restaurants and tasting an area's local delicacies are some of the highlights of going abroad and staying in holiday apartments in the Algarve allows tourists to make the most of the region's traditional fare.

Self-catering is a popular option for many travellers heading to Portugal as the area is rich in local offerings, meaning that you can create the tastiest dishes at home with the delicious ingredients available.

The Algarve in particular has a huge variety of different flavours and meals that you can try on a trip here.

Situated on the southern coast of Portugal, the region takes influence from other nearby countries Spain and Morocco. You will be able to taste flavours from the Middle East, as well as other Mediterranean nations.

And being on the coast, seafood plays a big part in shaping typical menus in the Algarve. Fish is often grilled and you can smell the smoky flavours in the air as you walk down the beach, while locals are also fond of seafood stews cooked in a cataplana - a copper pot.

One of the traditional dishes from the area is Xerem de Conquilhas. This is ground corn served with clams and you're likely to taste the distinct spices and Arabic flavours from nearby North African countries.

Portugal has 1,230 kilometres of coastline meaning that seafood makes up a vast amount of the choices on its local menus and if you do decide to eat out one night, you'll find an array of these meals available to try. Sardines, salted cod, roasted tuna and sea bass are popular varieties, while mussels, clams, cockles and scallops can also be sampled at eateries in the area.

If you're feeling particularly indulgent, why not try fresh lobster as the creature can be easily found on the nearby shores?

Another popular meal in the Algarve is octopus rice and if you're staying in apartments in the Algarve, you might want to have a go at making this yourself.

Even if you don't fancy your chances at being able to reproduce the country's finest meals, people who spend their trip in holiday homes in Portugal can enjoy trying some of the area's delicious produce.

Indeed, you don't need to be a gourmet chef if you simply want to taste the Algarve's colourful, juicy citrus fruits or sample its unique delicacy - fig cheese.

In fact, cheese is one of Portugal's most well-liked products, being made out of sheep, cow or goat's milk. The soft queijo - as it is known in Portuguese - is delicious when eaten with freshly-baked bread and served with a salad that has been dressed with locally-produced olive oil.

Enjoy this with Iberian ham or pata negra, which is one delicacy the country is most proud of, and wash down with a glass of Portuguese wine.

Its sunny and wet climate means that this is the perfect location for vineyards and you are likely to be able to experience a variety of local wines during your visit here.

There are many vintages to try and whether you're a fan of red or white wine, you'll find both in abundance.

Indeed, finishing off the day at your self-catering cottage in the Algarve while sipping on a tipple surrounded by the rich aromas of Portuguese food is the perfect way to relax in the evening!

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