With golden beaches, sandy islands, and cutting cliffs, the Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal is the countries best-known beach hotspot. Whilst its centre is packed with holiday villas and resorts, the edges on the west and east coast offer much more history and rustic charm. The Algarve is located within the Ria Formosa, a natural ecosystem of lagoons and marshlands that stretch for 60 km along the coastline making it a prime destination for adventure activities possible to explore by boat, hiking or bike.

Whilst centrally located, unlike neighbouring towns Lagos has retained traditional character and charm making it the perfect base for exploring the Algarve and its striking beaches. Lagos is not short of dining options with restaurants serving seafood fresh from Mercado Municipal da Avenida that morning. Just south of Lagos is the Ponta da Piedade headland which is host to a series of grottos, sea caves and arches giving way to hidden beaches. Whether you want to laze on the beach or hit the waves for a SUP adventure, there’s something for everyone in and around this traditional Algarvian town.

Most pass straight through Faro using it only as a pitstop for the airport, but this small narrow-street maze of a city is well-preserved and oozing in seaside town charm. The Arco da Vila marks the entrance to Faro’s old town made up of cobbled lanes scattered with local restaurants and the cities Municipal Museum which is home to a selection of historic Algarvian archaeological artifacts. At Faro’s port, boats leave by the hour to Ilha Deserta, a deserted beach forming part of the Ria Formosa offering a selection of walking trails and picturesque spots for a seaside picnic.

Olhão is the Algarve’s biggest fishing port and unbeaten seafood capital with its charisma resonating from the towns deep-rooted commitment to the fishing industry. The old town bears a strong resemblance to a seaside Moroccan medina, a result of its Moorish influence and it’s easy to get lost amongst its narrow, winding streets full of unexplored realms. Whilst Olhão itself has no beach, it lies on the Ria Formosa lagoon providing direct access to remote beach islands just a short ferry ride away. 

18 miles from the Spanish Border, Tavira is full of small churches, dissipated fishing boats and colourful azulejos townhouses. There’s a relaxed, unhurried nature to this small fishing town that we adore, where everything has been kept exactly as it was. Whilst dawdling like the locals around its cobbled lanes you’re sure to discover one of the 22 churches or spot an example of historic Moorish architecture displaying the most intricate details. The best view in town is from its botanical castle, offering views over the lacework chimney pots out to the Ria Formosa.