Towns

Faro – capital of the Algarve – Marina and the Old Town are well worth a visit. Lots of restaurants and shoe shops – very cheap.

Tavira – an old walled town and great beach via the ferry.

Loulé – market day on Wednesday and Saturday.

Monchique – highest point on the Algarve and Monastery.

Silves – interesting town and lovely journey. Some good restaurants near the castle.

Cap Vincent – the Algarve’s ‘Land’s End’........take in Lagos and Burgua en route.

Portamão – fishing town – great sardines, etc., etc.

Lagos – great beaches, restaurants, shops, etc. Worth the one and a half hour drive straight down the motorway.

There are lots of really pretty coastal town and villages between Faro and Villa Real.

It is also worthwhile to drive into the hills and just explore. Visit Capocho and then the mountain drive down to Tavira, wonderful!

BEACHES

They are prettier as you travel west. But if you like sea and sand without too many people, Tavira and several beaches either side of the town will suit.

PEDRAS DEL RAIS on the Faro road and ILLE DE TAVIRA (which has been voted one of Europe’s top ten beaches) is accessible via the ferry from Tavira.

Good beaches and some great beach restaurants between Vale de Lobo and Quinta da Lago – not too crowded. It is best to just explore and find your own! There are plenty.

Try the small towns between Faro and Tavira on the coast – some are very interesting and most have great fish restaurants.