Skip to content
Why Choose Algarve for Your Mobility?
Discover why hundreds of European educators select Algarve every year for their KA1 professional development.
Vibrant European Peer Community
The Algarve is one of Europe's top hubs for international teacher mobility. Participating in a course here allows you to connect with passionate teachers, headmasters, and educational specialists, facilitating lifelong partnerships, job shadowing opportunities, and KA2 cooperation projects.
Unique Natural Environment for Outdoor Learning
Home to the Ria Formosa Natural Park-one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal-and dramatic coastal rock formations, the Algarve provides an extraordinary backdrop for outdoor education, STEM activities, environmental awareness, and stress relief methodologies.
State-of-the-Art Training Facilities
Our training centers are situated in the center of Faro in accessible locations, featuring high-speed connectivity, interactive technology, and comfortable collaborative working spaces.
Unmatched Climate & Quality of Life
With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, mild winters, and clean sea air, the Algarve offers an unbeatable environment for teacher well-being, mindfulness, and recharging professional energy outside of course hours.
The Rich History Behind the Algarve
A chronological journey through centuries of cultural convergence, maritime bravery, and Mediterranean heritage.
Gharb Al-Andalus & Moorish Heritage
The name "Algarve" is derived directly from the Arabic Al-Gharb (meaning "The West"), as the region formed the westernmost territory of Islamic Andalusian rule in Europe. Over five centuries of Moorish governance profoundly shaped southern Portugal.
This golden age left behind an indelible architectural legacy: iconic whitewashed houses designed to reflect the intense summer heat, delicate handcrafted rooftop chimneys (chaminés algarvias), and advanced agricultural irrigation techniques that introduced citrus groves, almond orchards, and fig plantations.
Cradle of the Age of Discoveries
During the 15th century, the Algarve became the strategic beating heart of global exploration. Prince Henry the Navigator (Infante Dom Henrique) established his legendary nautical center at Sagres, perched on the southwestern tip of Europe.
In the historic harbor of Lagos, caravel ships were designed and launched to sail beyond known horizons. Geographers, cartographers, astronomers, and mariners gathered here to pioneer modern navigation, unlocking trade routes across oceans.
Maritime Economy & Mediterranean Diet
Following the Reconquista, the Algarve evolved into a vital maritime economy centered on tuna and sardine fishing, canning industries, and salt production in the ancient salt pans of Castro Marim.
Today, this heritage is celebrated through the UNESCO-recognized Mediterranean Diet. Traditional dishes like the Cataplana-a copper-clam steamer inherited from Moorish metalworkers-embody the region's enduring connection between land and sea.
The Algarve isn't just a picturesque holiday destination-it is a living open-air classroom where ancient Mediterranean trade routes smoothly meet modern European educational collaboration.
Planning Your Stay: Essential Logistics & Local Life
Everything you need to know about arrival, transit, accommodation, regional wines, and sightseeing in Algarve.
✈ Getting Here & City Transit
ArrivalBy Air: Faro International Airport (FAO) is the main gateway, receiving direct daily flights from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dublin, Brussels, Madrid, and across Europe.
Reaching Faro City Center: Local Bus Line 16 (operated by Próxima) runs directly from the airport terminal to Faro Central Bus/Train Station and Marina in under 20 minutes (approx. €2.50). Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber/Bolt) operate 24/7 and reach downtown Faro in 10-15 minutes (approx. €10-€15).
Connecting to Albufeira: Direct EVA/Vamus express coaches or pre-booked airport shuttles connect Faro Airport directly to Albufeira Central Terminal in 35-45 minutes.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Lisbon (LIS) or Seville (SVQ, Spain) and take a direct 2.5-3 hour express coach (EVA, FlixBus) or CP train into Faro.
🏨 Accommodation & Stay
LodgingWe provide all accepted participants with a pre-vetted guide of recommended 3-star and 4-star hotels, local lodges, and self-catering apartments located within easy walking distance or short transit to the training venue.
Special corporate discounts for Erasmus+ participants are available at our partner hotels upon final registration, ensuring your KA1 individual support grant is utilized efficiently without compromising comfort.
🍷 Local Gastronomy & Regional Wines
CultureAlgarve culinary culture is a celebration of Atlantic and Mediterranean traditions. Must-try local specialties include:
- Cataplana de Marisco: Signature seafood stew steam-cooked in a hinged copper clam vessel.
- Fresh Charcoal-Grilled Fish: Sardines (sardinhas assadas), sea bream, and sea bass served with olive oil and sea salt.
- Traditional Sweets: Almond, fig, and carob desserts like Dom Rodrigo and Morgado de Amêndoa.
- Authentic Algarve Drinks: Pair your meals with regional IGP Algarve wines (Lagoa, Portimão, Lagos, Tavira), a shot of Aguardente de Medronho (wild strawberry tree spirit), or sweet Amarguinha (bitter almond liqueur).
📸 Sightseeing & Entertainment
LeisureDuring your free afternoons and weekends, explore the best of Faro and Albufeira:
- Historic Heart of Faro: Wander cobbled streets through Vila Adentro, Arco da Vila, Faro Cathedral, and the 18th-century Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos).
- Natural & Coastal Wonders: Take guided boat tours through Ria Formosa Natural Park, visit Ilha Deserta and Faro Beach, or explore Benagil Sea Cave and Ponta da Piedade cliffs.
- Albufeira Old Town & Beaches: Experience whitewashed house alleys, lively squares, and golden sand beaches.
- Nightlife & Entertainment: Enjoy live music, waterfront dining at Faro Marina, traditional Fado nights, or family attractions like Zoomarine and Aqualand.
Come Discover Faro and Albufeira with us!
Explore 100+ courses in our UNESCO Cities: Algarve, Aveiro, Azores Island, Lisbon, Madeira Island, Porto, Cadiz, Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Valencia, Poznan, Krakow and Wroclaw.
Planned Courses in Faro & Albufeira
Browse confirmed and upcoming KA1 training sessions available in the Algarve region.
All Erasmus Courses in Faro and Albufeira
Enhancing Emotional Intelligence
This course is designed to empower educators with essential emotional ...
Inteligencia Emocional – Claves para la Vida y el Trabajo
La inteligencia emocional es la habilidad de comprender, utilizar y ...
Social and Communication Skills
Whether we are interacting with coworkers, headmasters, students, or parents, ...
Portugal Awards 2020 (27 awards)
