There’s so much to see and do on The Algarve, it can be a tough call knowing where to start. Here are three of the region’s best-loved destinations; one town, one beach, and a memorable inland treat to discover.
Praia de Cacela Velha – Portuguese beach life at its best
Discreet coves secreted within the folds of the great golden cliffs. Deserted islands and beaches with massive waves rated highly by the world’s best surfers. Child-friendly beaches where the seas are calm and balmy, and hidden romantic spots for a sunset stroll. The Algarve offers it all, and Cacela Velha beach is a bit special.
Head thirty miles from Faro on a 45 minute drive to Praia de Cacela Velha, near Manta Rota. Cacela Velha beach is within easy adult walking distance of Manta Rota beach, about a mile. Alternatively hire a boat over the water from Fábrica, or cross the estuary on foot at low tide. It’s knee deep at low tide but don’t try it at any other time, especially when the tide is turning or coming in – the water quickly gets deep, powerful, and fast.
On the other side you’ll find a quiet bow-shaped beach stretching away into the distance with relatively few people on it, a relief if you’re fed up of crowds but still want to enjoy the sun, sea and sand. The shallow slope of the beach means the water here is unusually warm. There are dunes to shelter in, with interesting flora and fauna as well as sheltered places to picnic. You might even see dolphins.
There’s a discreet LGBTQI+ scene here in summer, making it a lovely place where everyone feels at home, and the village itself is a nice extra touch. Just outside the village there’s the Jardim Representativo da Flora do Algarve, full of exotic native plants, trees and shrubs. There’s a little orchard with edibles like medronho, fig, almond, carob and olive trees, and areas growing scented delights like rosemary, thyme, lavender and juniper.
Cacela Velha itself is up on a hill to the east end of the Ria Formosa, loved for its beautiful views and ancient fortress as well as the beach. On the fortress site there was once an Arabic castle protecting the entry to the river from pirates and invaders, at the crucial point where cargo ships turned up-river to sail to Tavira and Faro. The current building was finished in 1795.
Visit the beach at Cacela Velha in the summer when the weather’s at its best and make the most of this secluded spot, not that far from the madding crowds but far enough for rock ‘n’ roll.
The lovely town of Lagos on Portugal’s Algarve coast
Pretty Lagos is about 190 miles from Lisbon and 56 from Faro and the closest airport. Lagos is bustling and lively, complete with stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs and towering rocks.
The views along the coast to Ponta da Piedade, Praia do Camilo, Praia de Dona Ana, and Meia Praia are outstanding, an Instagrammer’s delight, and the cliffs hulk at the fringe of every slice of golden sand to add drama as well as caves, rock pools, and cool places to shelter from the sun. The seas here are also calmer than many places along the coast, making it particularly good for watersports.
Mind… blown! Take the opportunity to see the historic Farol da Ponta da Piedade Lagos lighthouse on its remote, craggy orange rock headland a couple of miles outside the town centre. The views are genuinely awe-inspiring; arches, caves, 180 stone steps down to the water, plus fantastic walking paths going east and west for more spectacular eye-candy. If you fancy walking there from Lagos it only takes half an hour.
Lagos old town is perfect for culture-lovers with its mellow streets, elegant 1500s walls, ex-slave market, exciting zoo, lovely churches and great museums. The mosaic-like traditional calçada streets are ‘pedestrians only’ in the centre, making it a pleasurable experience on foot. The bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops are all buzzing and there are street performers and buskers everywhere. For the most vibrant street life go to Praça Gil Eanes and Praça Luís de Camões, then fan out into the funky streets around them.
Praça do Infante D. Henrique is a big public square dotted with little shade trees, surrounded by grand buildings. It’s named after Prince Henry the Navigator, who sailed unknown parts of the globe during the Portuguese Age of Discovery, complete with a statue of the man himself, the town’s main church and the excellent Slave Market Museum. Parts of the square’s Igreja de Santa Maria de Lagos church date back to 1498, survivors of the catastrophic 1755 earthquake.
The Mercado Municipal de Lagos building is home to the municipal market that sits at the heart of local life. The fish is simply superb, as good-looking as it is tasty and a feast for the eyes. It kicks off early and closes by mid-day, making it perfect for food-loving early birds.
The townscape changes dramatically thanks to an extraordinary structure in the palm-lined Jardim da Constituição . This is the entrance and twin towers of The Castle of the Governors or Castelo de Lagos. You can also see remnants of the medieval town’s walls that used to encircle it, which were sometimes as much as 7m thick.
The glorious mountain landscapes around Monchique
Turn inland and the Algarve reveals its rocky, rolling mountainous interior. If you’re tempted to go explore there are some real treats in store. Take pretty Monchique, loved by outdoor pursuits and nature fans because of the nearby mountain, forests, and refreshing thermal spas.
The town itself is picturesque, home to interesting shops and markets, traditional buildings and art galleries. The town nestles in the wooded high altitude area between the Algarve itself and Alentejo, typical of the Algarve region with its attractive whitewashed homes and cobbled streets. Surrounded on every side by green views, scented flowers and fertile fruit trees, you’re never far from nature.
Algarve walking tours and cycling routes are the name of the game here, with adventures every step of the way through some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation. Visit Luar da Fóia, the Algarve’s highest point above sea level, from where you can drink in the views as far as Cabo de São Vicente. Explore the towering Monchique mountains on foot, bicycle, or take a thrilling safari by jeep.
The magical Barragem da Bravura takes you on an easygoing hike to the dramatic Bravura dam, with its famously vivid turquoise waters and dizzying drop. Take a tour of the Ribeira de Seixe valley, which neatly divides the Algarve from the Alentejo region. Discover the spa town of Caldas de Monchique, a wellbeing destination for hundreds of years and a hot favourite with the invading Romans. Apparently the waters have healing powers.
Stay at the spa if you like, a hill country luxury resort with award-winning restaurants, a choice of luxurious treatments for the grown-ups, a club for the kiddies, a fitness centre and live entertainment on tap. There’s also bird watching and horse riding to enjoy with gorgeous weather and peaceful scenery as your backdrop.
Algarve tour treats for all the family, for every taste
Go on, you know you want to… check out our Algarve tour choices and see what’s on offer. Whatever you choose, it’s going to be amazing.
Comment (0)