Vila Nova de Milfontes

Foreign visitors are slowly discovering the allure of Vila Nova de Milfontes and the western Alentejo region, but it is still one of the least visited coastlines of Portugal; with vast stretches of wild and deserted beaches. The town of Vila Nova de Milfontes is delightfully Portuguese, filled with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and scenic views across the Mira River.

Cabo de San Vicente

Being the most south-westerly point in mainland Europe, this rugged and forbidding Cape has long been considered sacred ground – ancient Greeks called it the ‘Land of Serpents’, but the pugnacious Romans oddly preferred a meeker designation: Promontorium Sacrum (‘Holy Promontory’), the Latin origin of the name ‘Sagres’ (from Sacrum). For them, terra firma-loving citizens of Rome, Cape St. Vincent was the ‘Edge of the World’, a supernatural vortex where the setting sun was dramatically submerged by the immense, unknown ocean (still today, the fading solar disk occasionally seems bigger and brighter at Cape St. Vincent). The myth persisted throughout the Middle Ages until a man decided to end all that crazy nonsense and – in the process – put an end to the Age of Darkness: Prince Henry the Navigator

Ponta da Piedade

The cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade headland is one of the finest natural features of the Algarve. This dramatic limestone coastline is formed of sea pillars, fragile rock arches and hidden grottos, all of which have been chiselled-out by savage winter storms.

Lagos

Lagos is a historic and characterful city that is situated on the beautiful Western Algarve. It is a city that boasts a rich seafaring heritage and a coastline of dramatic natural scenery, and today is one of the Algarve’s finest holiday destinations. Thankfully, Lagos has not succumbed to mass tourism, and the city still retains its distinctive character and charm. Found within the historic centre is a proud Portuguese city, with cobbled streets, authentic restaurants, and an atmosphere which is relaxed and welcoming.

Faro

Faro, the administrative capital of the Algarve, is rich in natural and cultural heritage and invites you to discover it. The pre-Roman city called Ossónoba was one of the most important urban centers in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Today, due to its location, as well as being the capital, Faro has the most important infrastructure and public services in the Algarve region. The local gastronomy, based on shellfish from the Ria Formosa, is unique and one of the best in the country. Faro's charming historic center is surrounded by ancient city walls and contains a Gothic cathedral. Outside the city walls is a modern center with pedestrian shopping streets, scenic squares and a variety of restaurants and bars. South of Faro is the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a series of saltwater lagoons and mudflats that are a haven for migratory birds and wildlife. Along the sea side of the Ria Formosa are three sandbar islands, location of Faro's pristine beaches.

Tavira

Tavira is one of the most charming towns in the Algarve. Tavira lies along the slow flowing Gilão River, and is a delightful mix of traditional Portuguese heritage with deep-rooted Moorish influences. Concealed within the labyrinth of cobbled streets are traditionally tiled houses, family run restaurants, and a myriad of decorative churches. South of Tavira are the protected waterways and mudflats of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, which leads to the beautiful sandy beaches of the Ilha de Tavira. Tavira is one of our favourite holiday destinations in the Algarve, and are sure you will discover the allure of it too.

Silves

Uncover the Culture & History of Silves, the Islamic capital of the Algarve, known in the 11th century for its development and prosperity, it was a cultural centre where the most brilliant poets, chroniclers and jurists in the region resided. Precisely because of its importance, Silves was the first Algarve city to be taken by the Christians in 1189, led by King Sancho I Situated overlooking the town below Silves Castle is considered the best preserved of the Moorish castle in Portugal

Algar Seco Park is a network of caves, pools and incredible rock formations, which are well worth visiting

Carvoeiro

Once, just a typical Algarve fishing village nestled in a valley and flanked by high limestone cliffs, Carvoeiro is now a popular, ever expanding resort town. That said the beach is still the focus of the town and this area retains much of its charm. Whitewashed, terracotta-tiled villas and cottages cling to the cliff sides forming a kind of amphitheatre with all eyes on Carvoeiro's prime asset - the beach.

Evora

With over two thousand years of history and, therefore, a variety of cultural and architectural influences, is a real national treasure and certainly merits its status as a UNESCO world heritage site. Temple of Diana: The Corinthian-like imperial temple, with its twelve granite columns, believed to have been dedicated to Diana the Goddess of the hunt. The 12th century Roman-Gothic cathedral is the largest in Portugal and houses the Sacred Art Museum. Chapel of bones: Beyond the beauty of the cathedral lies another important church which houses something quite different. The Manueline-Gothic church of Sao Francisco features a chapel decorated entirely with human bones from approximately 5000 people collected in the 17th century from graveyards by monks whose intention was to convey the message of the transitory nature of life. Above the entrance to the Capela dos Ossos notice the inscription that translates roughly as “We the bones which are here, for yours await.”