The lovely beach resorts, excellent hotels and vibrant package holiday scene in Portugal’s Algarve region is alive and well, but venture farther afield to find peace, seclusion, awe-inspiring natural landscapes, and magical places to explore. Let’s take a look at Algarve tours to the lesser-known corners of this beautiful place.
Discover the Algarve’s many fascinating natural wonders
The Algarve’s western edge is all about the vast, towering sea cliffs. From Odeceixe in the north, all the way to Cape St. Vincent and Sagres, there are fewer visitors and the landscapes are dramatic and wild. Stroll the cliff tops to see the area’s countless jewel-like beaches and coves from above, and make your way down dizzying wooden or stone steps to have a paddle, a swim, or a picnic.
The enormous Vicentine Coast Natural Park is home to rare seabirds, plants and amphibians, many unique to the park iktself. This is your perfect destination for way-off-the-beaten-path Algarve experiences, a place where you can connect deeply with nature. But it’s also where some of the best the thrills are in the shape of surfing, windsurfing, fishing, scuba diving, and spotting dolphins and sharks.
The region’s famously lovely golden cliffs start to appear east of Sagres, complete with fascinating grottoes and weird-shaped rock outcrops. Head for scenic Lagos, Carvoeiro or Lagoa for gorgeous sandy coves and tiny, perfect beaches, amongst the loveliest in Europe. Crystal clear water and beautiful soft sand is on the menu along with dazzling views everywhere you look.
Venturing along the coast towards Albuferia
Where the east and west coast meet you’ll find Albufeira with its massive sand dunes, long sandy beaches and rocky outcrops reaching far out into the blue sea. For the biggest natural drama visit the vast cliffs near Vilamoura, at Praia da Falésia and the Pine Cliffs resort area.
Central Algarve is where you’ll find the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where fresh water turtles and terrapins share the peaceful waters, barrier islands and inlets with rare birds like the Glossy Ibis and the Waxbill. Seahorses and pipefish, the Mediterranean chameleon, they all live here in the Quinta do Lago and Quinta do Ludo. Here’s where you can sample local delights like freshly-caught cockles, clams and more, a super-fresh taste of the sea washed down with some chilled Portuguese wine.
Massive long sandy beaches and calm waters are yours from Tavira and Cacela Velha, right along to Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António, not far from the border with Spain. The Nature Reserve of Castro Marim is home to more than 200 bird species, as well as the magnificent stronghold at Castro Marim with origins in the Stone Age. The eccentric buildings of Vila Real de Santo António, built just after the massive 1755 earthquake, are a delight.
A surfer’s paradise with a world-class walk to enjoy
If you’re into surfing there are huge waves to be ridden at the small coastal villages of Carrapateria and Aljezur, and walkers challenge themselves with the 141 mile long Trilho dos Pescadores, some of the region’s best hiking, just part of the magnificent Rota Vicentina, and one of the world’s most exciting coastal walks.
Discovering the Algarve interior
Head inland a bit to experience two very different natural wonders. The Barrocal region is all about lovely, rolling limestone hills rich in flowers and scented herbs like sage and lavender, while the Serra offers more mountainous, dramatic landscapes covered with the famous cork oak trees from which so many modern products are made, including iPad cases and floor tiles. The homes in the many tiny villages clearly reflect influences from Europe and Arabia, and both areas are stuffed with geological wonders.
At the far west of the Algarve Serra there’s the Monchique mountains, the Algarve’s highest, and to the far east there’s the Lower Guadiana valley. Visit dramatic Fóia to see the sea sparkling in the far distance and the vast, wild and empty Alentejo plains. Then make your way to the village of Caldas de Monchique for spas and other lovely places to enhance your wellness and health.
For wonderfully bleak natural drama experience the winding River Guadiana valley, flowing through glittering schist rocks, hills and crags, olive groves and almond trees. Last but not least take a look at the remote and very lovely Lower Guadiana valley for sightings of rare reptiles and amphibians, including exotic salamanders and lizards.
The best quiet beaches on the Algarve
For calm, quiet places to walk the edge of the sea choose Monte Gordo beach, Praia de Alvor, Praia Grande, Cacela Velha, Praia de Terra Estreita, Ihla Deserta at Praia Barreta, or Quinta do Lago.
Take Algarve tours to discover all this and more
See what Algarve tours we have in store for you, book yourself in, then prepare to enjoy a place so beautiful and unusual you’ll never forget it.
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