Albufeira
The former little white fishing village of Albufeira, now densely developed beneath a sea of apartments and mid-rise blocks, is the region’s most popular resort. The pretty Old Town is wall-to-wall restaurants and bars, though some local establishments and residential areas still remain. Its picture-postcard Fisherman’s Beach, with spectacular ochre cliffs and rock stacks, remains an iconic, albeit often very crowded, Algarve sight.
Almancil
Just 15 minutes from the airport in Faro, the small town of Almancil is typical of the Algarve and known for its local pottery. However, Almancil is best known for being close to the top-end resorts Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, which offer luxury accommodation, top-notch food, and excellent golf.
Carvoeiro
At the head of a long verdant valley the popular, pretty little resort of Carvoeiro opens onto a small golden cove. Steep cliffs dotted with traditional houses rise to either side while the surrounding area has been heavily developed with low-rise apartments. Fishing boats ferry holidaymakers to less busy picture-perfect coves at Benagil, Carvalho and Marinha. Adjacent, the curious eroded rock formations of Algar Seco are worth exploring.
Faro
This bustling characterful little town, gateway to the region, is overlooked by most Algarve visitors. Its elegant cobbled, peaceful Old Town is a delight for strolling. The Cathedral is its highlight; climb to the top for wonderful views across Faro’s lagoon. The newer, late 19th-century part of town is a likeable jumble of shopping streets, local bars and restaurants, a regional museum and the Carmo Church with a ghoulish bone chapel.
Lagos
The region’s top resort, Lagos packs in history, character and wonderful beaches. The old centre, partly walled, features local shops next to fashionable restaurants and nightspots, favoured by independent travellers as well as package holidaymakers. The Algarve’s best museum, a gilded chapel, a sea fort and various monuments recall the town’s heyday. Its beaches range from a broad, long town beach to picture-postcard coves close by.
Portimao
A port town, Portimao is known for its fish restaurants and shopping. The former cluster around the dock though its once-famous old-style eateries have been replaced by modern outlets. Boat trips also depart from the quayside. Portimao is the regional shopping centre, noted for leather, shoes and clothes, and its weekly market attracts large crowds. Close by, Praia da Rocha is a busy resort which boasts one of the Algarve’s most spectacular beaches.
Sagres
Sagres is synonymous with the dramatically sited fort of Henry the Navigator. Here at the westernmost tip of the known world, Prince Henry planned the 15th-century Portuguese Age of Discoveries. Every coach tour calls here, then onto nearby “Lands End” at Cape St Vincent. The town of Sagres still has a frontier feel to it, patronised by independent travellers. The windswept, undeveloped beaches around here are the most dramatic in the Algarve.
Tavira
A handsome riverside town, Tavira is famous for its elegant 18th- and 19th-century architecture. Shunning mass tourism, it leaves international-style bars, restaurants and shops to satellite areas such as the beach resort of Cabanas. There are very good local seafood restaurants however. Its medieval castle ruins offer a panoramic view of the town which includes some fine churches. The beaches close by are long, flat and sandy.
Vilamoura
A modern resort created in the 1970s, Vilamoura is famous for its marina and several championship golf courses. What it lacks in local character it makes up for in facilities as one of Europe’s largest leisure complexes, including most water sports. By night the marina is the lively hub with bars and eateries for all budgets, plus a casino and nightclubs. The adjacent beach of Praia da Falésia is recommended.
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