Exploring the Algarve: Dream Landscapes of the Southern Coast of Portugal

Cap Saint Vincent. At the southwestern tip of Portugal, it was considered the edge of the world in the Middle Ages... With its cliffs 80 meters high and its breaking waves, Cap Saint Vincent has become a paradise for veteran surfers. If it has been classified as a nature reserve since 1988, it is because it is teeming with sea otters, herons, or Bonelli's eagles!

Just a short distance away stands Sagres with its lighthouse offering a view that embraces 50 km around! Let's now linger at the sheltered fishing port to watch the trawlers return. Moreover, the small town has a strong unique defensive structure dating back to the 15th century. Its peculiarity? Only one wall was built, for the others, the cliff drops were used! The fort will seem vast to you and you will notice the presence of a small chapel within it. Nevertheless, what will catch your attention is its paving. On the ground, you will admire a magnificent sundial: the compass rose!

Just a short distance away stands Sagres with its lighthouse that offers a view spanning 50 km around!

Did you know? Sagres is also the name of one of the most famous beers in Portugal, even though it wasn't born there at all!

As you follow the coast eastward, you will soon come across Lagos, an authentic white and pink village. You'll be charmed by its 16th-century ramparts and its municipal market. Besides the church, the governors' castle features a baroque facade and includes watchtowers. You will visit the exceptional site of Ponta da Piedade aboard a fishing boat. Just imagine arches spanning the waves, caves lit up by the setting sun...

NB: Le Bon Vivant bar has a rooftop soothed by music for a caipirinha at sunset!

This 5 km long jetty crosses an old sanded bay and offers a changing spectacle between river and ocean. You will overlook marshes, and explanatory panels will tell you about the fauna and flora. The jetty then leads to Alvor beach which is best experienced, in my opinion, by sea kayak. Moreover, this village formerly Moorish and taken over in the 12th century by the Portuguese to the local clientele, remains preserved from the turbulence of the larger city of …

Renowned for its canneries in the 19th century, Portimão has a Gothic church featuring azulejos and a fortress. Since then, tourism has taken over the city, making it a popular seaside resort. Nearby, you can engage in activities such as beach volleyball on the beaches of Praia da Rocha. On the other side of the river, the fishing town of Ferragudo with its castle of Sao João do Arade was not affected by the earthquake of 1755 because it was built on a massive rock!

NB: 30 km to the North, make a detour through the Serra de Monchique, a forest of pine and eucalyptus trees

Stretching over 11 km, it follows the ocean before reaching San Marinha where you will take a swimming break. It must be acknowledged that the landscape of ochre-colored rocks and chasms is stunning, and you won't be able to resist taking some photos. The chasms of Algar Seco with their holes that are like windows to the ocean. Fortunately, to help you navigate, the route has been marked with maps and landmarks.

Indeed, Albufeira is a well-known coastal town especially famous for the nightlife of its Strip, a street lined with theme bars and restaurants. Formerly a fishing port, it has turned towards tourism. However, if you engage in water sports such as diving, sea fishing, or water skiing, or if you want to watch dolphins, you will find plenty here to fulfill your desires! Finally, the excursion from Albufeira to the Benagil cave is wonderful.

On one hand, the city shelters the Gothic and Baroque church of Sé. On the other hand, you will discover an institution: the pasteleria where, it is said, the best pasteis de nata in Portugal are made in an environment adorned with azulejos. Speaking of which, where do these tiles originate from, that were used by Christians in the Middle Ages? From the Muslim world, and they were widely employed during the reconstruction following the Lisbon earthquake of 1755. The palácio Fronteira near Lisbon is a remarkable example of this.

Craving the countryside? Venture inland and visit the enchanted town of Loulé. It's as if time stopped in the Middle Ages! Wander through the narrow streets, linger in its tree-shaded squares. You will also pass in front of its Moorish castle. Know that visitors flock here for the Arab-inspired covered market. It houses handicrafts, horticultural species, and especially excellent fish like turbot!

Cacela Velha or the blue village. It contains a small fort now used as a police station! The town is also famous for its church. This latter is surrounded by a terrace itself included within an enclosure. Indeed, pirate attacks threatened the peace of the residents. Few tourists venture into this quiet seaside village which provides clams, oysters, shrimps, and squids to the surrounding restaurants.

Tavira, in white and yellow, once is not customary... What inevitably strikes the visitor is that a river runs through the city. Lose yourself in its maze of streets with family restaurants. Finally, it has magnificent beaches such as Praia do Baril with its anchor cemetery and Tavira Island Beach, accessible by ferry. That’s why I highly recommend this less frequented destination...

Faro, the capital of the Algarve, is nonetheless a charming city. You enter the city through a monumental arch. Discover its narrow streets and you will feel the mischievous spirit of the author of the invaders! From the top of the medieval tower, you have a view over the Ria Formosa Natural Park. If you are interested in birds or chameleons, you will find your bliss within this nature reserve.

You enter the city by passing under a monumental arch.

Last stop on our tour here is Alcoutim, nestled into the hillside in a bend of the Guardania. You will admire its castle and enjoy its river beach. Note that it was a hotspot for cross-border smuggling until the first half of the 20th century...