West Algarve

An enchanting combination of spectacular scenery, historical heritage and vibrant local communities has made the western Algarve one of the most sought-after spots on Portugal’s southern coast.

From the sun-drenched beaches to the cooler hills, the bustling towns to the end-of-the-world-esque southwesterly tip, the west continues to charm all who make the trip to this delightful corner of the Algarve.

The Atlantic Ocean forms the focus of the Algarvian way of life. Tourists are attracted to the blue flag, sandy coves and endlessly long beaches, which frame a towering seascape of sandstone cliffs. The coastline is etched into strange shaped towers, caves and blowholes by years of coastal erosion. It is a spectacular sight to be observed from a coastal walk or boat trip.

Fishermen whose families have fished in the area for generations bring mackerel and sardines to the local markets. These delicacies can be relished at the plethora of authentic restaurants which drizzle the catches with local

olive oil and grill the fish on a BBQ. Washed down with the region’s gently sparkling green wine, the local cuisine will set your tastebuds alight.

Whatever it is that first brings people to the west Algarve - be it the scenery, history, culture or otherwise - they stay for the alluring way of life that the area offers.

Tourists are attracted to the blue flag, sandy coves and endlessly long beaches, which frame a towering seascape of sandstone cliffs.

Sagres Aljezur Monchique

WEST ALGARVE

Lagos Silves Loulé

Portimão

Carvoeiro Albufeira Vilamoura Quinta do Lago

Vale do Lobo Faro Olhão Tavira

13 West Algarve

PORTIMÃO

The region’s biggest town is Portimão, situated on the bank of the Arade river and facing the fishing village of Ferragudo on the opposite shore. Portimão is both a busy commercial hub and a brilliant beach town. With a mix of 19th and 20th century architecture, the pretty centre offers a wide range of shops and services, whilst the seafront stretch along Praia da Rocha has a year-round holiday vibe.

Meanwhile, the waterfront walkway that runs along the riverside makes for a relaxing stroll and also a tempting spot for a bite to eat. The town’s famous fish restaurants fill the air with the scent of barbecued sardines and other mouthwatering delights.

ALVOR

Neighbouring Alvor is a real treasure of a town, favoured by visitors and locals alike for its traditional air. Alvor’s harbour still serves as a focal point for the local fishing industry, with fresh catches delivered daily to the collection of restaurants that line its narrow, cobbled streets.

A newly-extended boardwalk provides ample opportunity to walk off lazy lunches. Alternatively, for those who like to stretch their legs over a game of golf, the Algarve’s original 18-hole course - located at the five-star Penina Hotel - is just one of the top-notch golfing options nearby.

LAGOS

One of the most attractive and historically important towns on the Algarve. A thriving fishing industry helps it maintain its character independent of the tourist industry.

Within imposing 14th-century walls, the centre is a maze of winding cobbled streets, home to over 350 bars and restaurants. The two main squares are a hub of activity, especially during the summer months when street performers and local musicians are on hand to entertain, making it a lovely spot to sit and watch the world go by.

Meanwhile, amble down the palm-lined Avenida which borders the river and offers a host of market stalls to pick up a souvenir. Across the footbridge lies the modern marina, where a wealth of bars and cafés provide a popular meeting point for the town’s wellestablished ex-pat community to come together for a coffee and a catch-up or to enjoy a sunset beer. The dolphin viewing trips allow you to meet Lagos Bay’s resident crustaceans. The new high-speed jet boat is an opportunity to get an adrenaline fix.

It was from Lagos that many of Portugal’s famed explorers set off for the New World, including Henry the Navigator and local boy Gil Eanes. Nowadays, it’s the perfect starting point for exploring the dramatic coastline - complete with coves, caves and rock stacks - that sprawls westward out of the town, from the handful of beautiful beaches that are located no more than five minutes drives away.

PRAIA DA LUZ

Praia da Luz has a friendly village feel that makes it popular with young families. An attractive family resort which tourists return to year after year, due to its safe sandy beach, perfect for children and welcoming atmosphere. The cove is framed by the spectacular Rocha Negra (Black Rock) to the east, a remnant from a volcanic age and the rock pools to the west, perfect for children to explore.

15 West Algarve

Whatever it is that first brings people to the west Algarve - they stay for the alluring way of life that the area offers

BURGAU

A popular small old fishing village with a maze of narrow streets, where fishermen still mend their nets on the slipway and tourists enjoy the sandy cove. It was recently dubbed by the Portuguese press as the Algarve’s Santorini. You can walk along the coast from Burgau to Praia da Luz which is an excellent opportunity to take in the coastal landscape.

SALEMA

The functioning fishing village is located within the Costa Vicentina national park. With its whitewashed houses with blue trims snaking their way around cobbled streets, it gives access to some coastal walks and a popular sandy beach with an array of bars and restaurants.

MONCHIQUE

If you can tear yourself away from the awe-inspiring coastline, then the inland town of Monchique is a haven for nature-lovers who prefer the sound of the breeze rustling through leaves to the roar of the ocean. Nestled in the hills high above the coast (and thus a few refreshing degrees cooler), this charming town is perfectly placed to explore the plentiful hiking, biking and nature trails to be found in the surrounding mountain range’s lush, green folds. Further afield still, the remote town of Aljezur feels a magical world away from the buzz of the coastal towns.

The Romans established Monchique as a spa town. The “sacred waters” of the town were believed to cure ailments and even contain magical powers. The spa received a royal stamp of approval in 1495 when King João II visited it.

SAGRES

The town at the tip of the Algarve from which you can gaze out to sea at the most south-westerly point of continental Europe, from the sheer cliff of the Cape of St Vincent. Sagres fort allows you to understand Portugal’s rich nautical past. Henry the Navigator established his famous school for navigation in Sagres, where he employed cartographers, shipbuilders and instrument makers. Sagres port is still a centre for boat building and lobster fishing.

THE WEST COAST

Driven by the colossal power of the Atlantic Ocean pounding the immense stretches of sandy shores unmarked by a footprint, it feels wilder than the south coast. This majestic coastline has become a mecca for surfers. In contrast, the undeveloped coastlines are ideal for bird watching, spotting dolphins, cliff top walks and discovering deserted sandy coves.

INLAND

In Vila do Bispo, the likes of yogis, surfers and creative types live side by side with the local Portuguese population to bring a gentle bohemian vibe to these typically sleepy towns.

Inland, the tranquil villages of white-washed houses are a stark contrast to the busy coastal areas: Olives, oranges, carobs and almonds are picked from the trees to be sold at markets. In the squares, you will see old cloth-capped men watching the world go by while elderly ladies adorned in traditional black garbs grill sardines in the street.

Things to do West Algarve

PORTIMÃO MUSEUM

The history of Portimão is deeply rooted in maritime history and the canning industry. Portimão museum is the former São Francisco fish canning factory, located on the city’s riverfront.

From this renovated factory building, dating from the end of the century the space offers an exploration into the origins and evolution of the community, its territory and the most striking aspects of its industrial and maritime history.

LAGOS MUSEUM

Take a journey through time at the newly renovated Lagos museum housed by the Santo António church with its breathtaking Baroque interior covered in breathtaking gilded woodwork.

The museum was founded in 1932 by José Formosinho who dedicated his life to collecting an abundance of regional and archaeological remains. The space is akin to embarking on a journey through the history of Lagos and the Algarve.

BENAGIL CAVE

Also known as Algar de Benagil, this spectacular natural phenomenon can be explored on a boat trip from Portimão also taking in the Fort of Santa Catarina, the Ferragudo Castle, and visit Benagil Cave. For the more energetic, you can go on a kayak or SUP tour to experience the sea cavern which hides a secret cove with a roof that opens to the sky.

MONCHIQUE

To visit this area is to go back in time to a forgotten age where people live off the land where the locals collect berries to make Medronho the local “firewater”. Here you will find the highest point on the Algarve; standing at 902m (2,959ft) is the peak of Fóia with its all-encompassing views, which span the Algarve’s south and west coasts all the way to Cabo de São Vicente. The town of Monchique offers some great viewpoints, gift shops selling the local produce and a range of local restaurants where you can sample the local delicacies of chicken Piri Piri, wild boar or Carne de Porco Preto - black pig sausage.

Above the town is the romantic ruin of the 17th-century monastery of Nossa Senhora do Desterro. Around fifteen minutes walk from the town centre, the 1755 earthquake reduced the Franciscan monastery to a shell.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxing range of therapies at the Caldas de Monchique, set in a picturesque ravine amongst the pine and eucalyptus trees. Parque Fonte dos Amores has walking paths and tree-shaded benches overlooking ponds and streams.

A visit to the old manor house of Parque da Minha will be a welcome diversion to your Monchique tour. Some of the traditions of Serra de Monchique are on display including a grocery store, shoemaker, carpentry, seamstress and medronho distillery. There is a viewpoint and a suspended bridge over the waterfall, spaces for children’s entertainment, picnics and a display of illusions with a maze of mirrors.

LAGOS ZOO

If you are looking for a break from the beach, then Lagos zoo is a fantastic day out located on the edge of the small village of Barão de São João. It offers you a glimpse of the Algarve countryside and a huge array of animals.

Home to over 150 different species of animals and hundreds of botanical species, the zoo is focused on conservation and captive breeding programmes, homing many endangered species. The highlight is the array of monkeys and apes which live on islands, so you don’t have to observe them through bars. Two chimpanzees, rescued from a sad life of being kept as pets, delight the children. At the same time, a

swimming pool offers the opportunity to cool off and swim with African penguins, whose pool is located through a glass division.

COSTA VICENTINA

The Costa Vicentina is a national park that offers the opportunity to get off the beaten track. From here, you can observe the beauty of the natural coastline, which merges with the Alentejo countryside to offer a mecca for birds and wildlife. The delights of this gem of natural beauty can be enjoyed by surfing with one of the many surf schools, hiking or cycling.

BEACHES

The shoreline around Lagos, Carvoeiro or Lagoa nestles a wide array of sandy coves and cosy beaches, many of them, like Praia da Marinha, are considered as one of the very finest in Europe.

Their crystal clear waters and smooth sands paint a vivid watercolour canvas of greens, blues and yellows. Strolling around, you will be delighted by the remarkable geological features, the fragrant shrubbery, the seabirds and the dazzling views. In Alvor, you’ll also find an inviting estuary and a rich marshland.

The sandy beaches are a must when you visit the Algarve, with unique seascapes to explore.

TENNIS & PADDLE

You can book in advance to use the courts and play tennis or paddle at Lagos tennis club or Ocean Padel Club in Praia da Luz.

GOLF

The Algarve is famed for its many golf courses and the western Algarve has an excellent variety to choose from, whatever your standard of golf is.

BOAVISTA

Located in Lagos and designed by Howard Swan, this is a challenge, particularly holes 6 and 8 where golfers have to drive over a ravine. With sea views from many holes it is an attractive course to play. architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course sweeps down to the beach, with the 27 holes offering golfers spectacular ocean views.

ESPICHE

The newest course in the region, this sustainable golf course gently provides an undulating 18 hole par 72. Located near Lagos and Praia da Luz, lakes, streams, and indigenous planting, marry the local countryside with vineyards and views to the Monchique Mountains.

PENINA

The original home of golf in the Algarve, Penina boasts three golf courses, including the Algarve’s first 18 hole Championship Course, designed by Sir Henry Cotton.

OUTDOOR PURSUITS

There are many coastal, hillside, and riverside walks in the Algarve, excursions around the unique natural sanctuary of the Ria Formosa, or you can have a go at horse riding, karting, jet skiing and other experiences that you’ll never forget.

Numerous cycling routes through the beautiful scenery can be enjoyed with one of the adventure companies offering guided cycle tours.

Please enquire with your representative for a choice of tickets, excursions, boat trips and other activities that you can book through us.

WATERSPORTS

Watersports concessions operate from several of the beaches offering high speed rides on inflatables, water skiing or wakeboarding. For those that like a more relaxed voyage chartering a yacht or sun-seeker may be the option for you.

Fishing trips, pleasure boats, kayaking tours and paddleboarding, are all popular with visitors.