Eastern Algarve
If you are after a more traditional atmosphere, relaxed style of holiday, away from the hordes of tourists and water parks, then the Eastern Algarve may be the place for you.
The towns which run along the eastern Algarve coast line itself are generally not right on the sea, they are separated from the Atlantic. These form the famous Ria Formosa Natural Reserve, an attraction in its own right, consisting of 127 unspoilt long sandy islands a must see for everyone.
Further inland one is greeted by small rustic villages hidden away in the remote Portuguese countryside. You’ll find the locals going about their daily business, the same today as they did many generations before. There is a certain charm especially on a Sunday, when shops close, and families head to their local churches, certain bliss is created as the church bells ring and the birds cannot help but sing, whilst one enjoys a laid back walk along the cobbled streets.
The main town in the East of the Algarve is Tavira, set along a peaceful river, remains elegant and laid-back, with a history dating back to the Romans. This is a charming and unspoiled town, with narrow cobbled streets, straddling both sides of the River Gilao. If you like an "old town" experience, then you won’t be disappointed as there are plenty to explore.
The capital Faro has a more Portuguese feel than some, and is a fascinating medieval city. Leaving Faro in an easterly direction one is met by the fishing port of Olhao. Olhão is the largest fishing port in the Algarve. A blend of Moorish and Portuguese-style architecture influenced from the commercial links with Africa and historically linked to the local fishing industry. Well worth a visit, particularly for the large fish market down by the sea front. Being beyond the Ria Formosa reserve, it lies on the coast, with some beautiful beaches.
East from Olhão is the quaint sea village of Fuzeta with the beautiful remains of what was once a castle and some older similar architectural style buildings. From the town of Olhão there is a boat ferry service that takes visitors to the nearby very small islands of Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Armona. With their un-spoilt and clear wide beaches these islands act as a unique contrast to the hustle and bustle of the main strip.
Finally we come to Vila Real de Santo Antonio, on the Spanish border and the resort town of Monte Gordo. The Guadiana River here marks the border with Spain. If you want travel over to Spain, take the ferry over the river and there are ferry services readily available.
Central Algarve
Central Algarve is the most geared up for the ‘tourist’; it has the fantastic range of hotels and a celebrated selection of sporting and leisure activities to suit everyone. The area itself a magnificent 45 miles across stretching from Faro in the east to Portimão in the west.
The elegant town of Almancil is a relaxed small market town admired by many for its aesthetic beauty, local goods shops offering home grown produce and an array of mouth watering family run restaurants, Almancil is very close to the up market towns resorts of Quinta do Lago ,Vale do Lobo and the Vila Sol Resort which are in the heart of Algarve’s 'Golden Triangle'. The golden triangle is well known for its easy access to the beaches and golf courses within the resorts and offering some of the best restaurants, it is an ideal location.
Quinta do Lago is a privately owned estate, a pleasurable 20 minute drive from the Faro airport. The 2000-acre estate is surrounded by the pine forests and refreshing lakes and is made up of privately owned luxury villas and a beautiful collection of up-market, high quality small villages, each with its own facilities.
If you’re after an exclusive holiday which offers peace, tranquillity and beautiful surroundings with all amenities around the corner, then Quinta do Lago is perfect for you.
The smaller villages have there own collection of restaurants for fine dining and leisure activities. Most restaurants offer an international flavour.
Vale do Lobo resort is a luxury 5 star resort close to Faro. It is self-contained and has every facility one could ever ask. If you are after a golf or tennis holiday you could entertain yourself all day without leaving the resort. If you like sports and want to pamper your self and simply forget about all your worries and stresses of life then Vale do Lobo may just be for you. Next door Vilamoura offers an all out, all frills, ‘hustle and bustle’ experience as well as boasting its own 1000 berth marina.
Western Algarve
The western Algarve begins at the town of Portimao, opposite Ferragudo, on the western bank of the River Arade. Portimao is a vibrant town and is currently the second largest town in the Algarve, after the airport town of Faro. With a central commercial and fishing centre Portimao offers a more traditional seaside resort however recently a brand new race circuit ‘The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve’ is a 4.692 km (2.915 miles) race circuit situated in Portimao, (approximately €195 million), facilities include a karting track, technology park, five-star hotel, sports complex and luxury apartments. Next door is the popular Praia da Rocha which offers the holiday maker plenty of bars and restaurants.
Not too far to the east is the quaint fishing village of Alvor. Alvor is next to an eye catching lagoon, offering shallow waters great for swimming enthusiasts, with lovely views of the nature reserve, which blend into the sand-dune backed beaches beautiful by day and night and not to be missed.
The best known of the western Algarve holiday resorts is the historic town of Lagos, boasting a stunning natural harbour, Lagos is rich with history. With its cobbled streets, young crowd and abundant nightlife, it is the carnival queen of the Algarve.
For those looking for something more quiet and peaceful then 10 km west to Lagos is the charming Praia da Luz it has a great beaches with plenty of water sports on offer, and plenty of opportunities to explore the wild and rugged countryside of the western Algarve.
Most would describe the landscape and coastline of the south-westerly point of the Algarve more rugged. Out on the rugged west coast, small, charming towns like Sagres and Carrapateira attract a surf-loving crowd.Sagres is different from most other coastal towns., it has fewer hotels and restaurants providing a more laid back experience.
North of Portimao is the intimate town Monchique ,a must for anyone, nestled in the pine-clad foothills of the Serra de Monchique Mountains. It is famous for its refreshing waters. Monchique is an inspiring town with fine views over the steep wooded countryside.