Golden Cliffs and Atlantic Light in Southern Portugal
The Algarve is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, a stretch of Atlantic coast known for ochre cliffs, sea caves, golden beaches, golf, a mild climate and a relaxed, hospitable way of life. Faro is its capital and main gateway. The coast splits into two moods: the sheltered, sandy east, with the Ria Formosa lagoon and barrier islands near Tavira, and the dramatic west, where the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade near Lagos and the headland of Sagres give some of Europe's most memorable sunsets.
Heritage lies behind the beaches. Silves, once the Moorish capital of the region, has a red-stone castle; Tavira's old town is a quiet cluster of white houses, churches and a Roman bridge; and Sagres and Cape St Vincent mark the south-western tip of mainland Europe, a place tied to Portugal's age of discovery. Lagos' old walls and harbour link to the same story. To the east, the border country around the Guadiana is explored in the guide to Isla Canela, just across the river in Spain.
Sea Caves, Marinas and Grilled Sardines
Experiences are plentiful. Boat trips to the Benagil sea cave, kayaking among the rock arches near Lagos and surf lessons on the west coast show the coast's active side, while Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo are known for golf, marinas and polished resorts. The Rota Vicentina's Fishermen's Trail on the south-west coast gives walkers wild, sea-cliff scenery, and the Ria Formosa natural park is a rich area for bird watching and boat trips to its quiet islands.
Food follows the Atlantic. Grilled sardines in summer, cataplana seafood stew cooked in a copper pan, piri-piri chicken, clams and sweet figs and almonds define the table, with medronho, a spirit from the strawberry tree, as the local digestif. Pastéis de nata, the custard tarts, are never far away. A hotel group has a full range to show, from clifftop resorts to rural quintas, and the nearby Porto and Madeira show other facets of Portuguese travel.
Read the full The Algarve guide on Visit Travel Group, or see VisitAlgarve.co.uk on Visit Travel Group.