Algarve

Tavira has ancient foundations but its heyday was in the 16th century when it was a major exporter of salt and dried fish. That era ended when its harbour silted up, and since the Algarve's big tourist developments cluster west of Faro, it is now a placid little town. Sights include a Roman bridge and the church of Santa Maria, next to a ruined castle that offers views over dozens of other churches to the old salt pans and port. Here small boats will carry you to peaceful sand-spit beaches.

Phone:

Tourist office +351 281 322 511

Opening hours:

N/a

Address:

N/a

First developed in Roman times, this spa in the hills between Monchique and Portimão offers waters at a constant 32ºC with the curative powers of sulphur, and everything from hydromassage to nasal irrigation. Previously rather fusty, it’s been renovated, with several posh hotels attached. For a different kind of cure, try medronho, a local spirit made by distilling the juice of wild berries.

Phone:

+351 282 910 910

Opening hours:

Spa medical treatments Mon, Wed 10am-1pm, Tue 2-5pm

Address:

Near Monchique

This castle is the biggest in the Algarve and the largest physical legacy of the Moorish period in Portugal: its thick walls, with 11 towers, enclose 12,000sq m. It was fiercely fought over during the Reconquest. Elsewhere, the town walls, medieval bridge and cathedral – with its Manueline (Portuguese Gothic) doorway – are worth a visit. Fábrica do Inglês, a former cork factory, hosts cultural events and, in July, a beer festival.

Phone:

+351 282 445 624

Opening hours:

9am-6pm daily

Address:

Largo do Castelo, Silves

This much renovated fort is popularly believed to be the site of the ‘school of navigation’ founded by Prince Henry the Navigator, the 15th-century promoter of the Discoveries. Apart from a chapel, there’s little to see, building-wise, but the view across to the Cabo de São Vicente is spectacular. Walk or drive the 6.5km to that cape and you’ve reached the European mainland’s most south-westerly point.

Phone:

+351 282 620 140

Opening hours:

May-Sep 9.30am-8pm, Oct-Apr 9.30am-5.30pm daily

Address:

Ponta de Sagres, Sagres

Vila Real de Santo António, the Algarve’s easternmost town, was designed on a similar grid pattern to Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake destroyed both towns. It’s a pleasant place for a stroll, and also the casting-off point for boats that ferry you north into a different world: the stunning Guadiana Valley. Most end at Alcoutim, a river port since before Roman times and now a delightful town with two ruined castles. Boats stop for lunch and/or a swim.

Phone:

Riosul +351 281 510 200, Penisular +351 281 543 561 Turismar +351 281 513 504/+351 281 ) 956 634

Opening hours:

Riosul May-Nov, Tue, Thu, Sun, begin around 10am, return 5pm

Address:

Ferry terminal, Vila Real de Santo António

The estuary that stretches from Faro airport to the fishing town of Olhão is a haven for waterbirds. However, you don’t have to be a twitcher to enjoy a peaceful two-and-a-half-hour glide (€20) about this lagoon, with its islets and sand spits: the outlying islands have fine beaches, and ideal conditions for windsurfing.

Phone:

+351 917 811 856

Opening hours:

Trips 11am, 3pm daily

Address:

Stretching east from Faro airport

‘Mulberry Tree Beach’, as different as can be from the central Algarve’s overdeveloped coast, is no longer such a well-kept secret. Flanked by grassy cliffs and flecked by scrubby dunes, the beach has little caves and shallow pools dotted about at low tide, offering plenty for children to explore. It is sheltered and quiet and at the mouth of a slow-running stream, so you can bathe in fresh water if you prefer.

Phone:

Aljezur tourist office +351 282 998 229

Opening hours:

N/a

Address:

Amoreira, Aljezur

Although this mega-club, on the road between Vilamoura and Boliqueme, is not seen as cutting edge it is the Algarve’s largest and as such attracts top-class guest DJs. If the thumping beat gets too much for you, step next door to the more sedate Kadoclube. Straight and on the smart side (but that didn’t stop it from holding the region’s first Gay Pride event some years ago).

Phone:

+351 289 360 485

Opening hours:

Vary by season: phone for details

Address:

Estrada de Vilamoura, Boliqueme

Lodged in an old castle and overlooking the sea, this justly famous restaurant specialises in fresh grilled fish (you choose your meal from the display) and seafood. It’s not cheap, but you’re more or less guaranteed a hearty meal and good service. It is atmospheric too with dripping candles and big dining tables.

Phone:

+351 289 512 094

Opening hours:

12.30-3pm and 7-11pm daily

Address:

Largo Cais Herculano, Albufeira

Europe’s biggest water coaster ride has come on stream at the water-based fun park, Aquashow, near Quarteira. The five-minute brand new ride includes a 23m slide, and reaches speeds of almost 75kph. Other attractions include Europe’s biggest wave pool and the Wild Snake, a water slide inside a 16m tree trunk.

Phone:

+351 289 389 396

Opening hours:

Nov-Apr 10am-5pm daily, May-Oct 10am-5.30pm, July-Aug 10am-6.30pm

Address:

EN-125 Quarteira