Hidden delights of the Western Algarve

The majority of Portugal’s visitors in the Algarve flock to the resorts of Vilamoura and Albufeira, not far from Faro. However, those willing to venture further westwards can find a wealth of magnificent coastline and fabulous beaches, alongside charming towns which tend to be quieter, more unspoilt and more authentically Portuguese than the region's larger tourism hubs. 

Lagos & surrounds

Lagos coastline

Perhaps the marker of the beginning of the ‘western Algarve’, Lagos' economy is heavily reliant on tourism but does not hibernate in the off-season. Indeed, its narrow cobbled streets and traditional balconies illustrate the strong Moorish influence on Portugal that is so evident in Lisbon, and elsewhere in Coimbra, Beja and Evora. Such influences are also embedded in the cuisine, with cataplana (a fish stew shared by all at the table) still the leading dish in many of its local restaurants, along with grilled sardines. Lagos' fish market, founded in the 1920s, is still a major hub in town.

There are other nearby smaller towns such as Alvor, Salema and Burgau whose topographies have dramatically changed, but even these still retain at least some of the look and feel that they had 30 years ago when they were little more than sleepy fishing villages. Many towns in the Algarve also retain forts built either under Islamic rule or a few centuries later during the age of exploration.

The region is also home to some of the most eye-catching beaches in the world that have not been absorbed into large resorts. These include the award-winning Praia do Zavial, the rockpool-covered Praia da Ingrina surrounded by sumptuous green slopes, Praia da Figueira with a backdrop of forests and a seasonal river, and the uniquely carved cove-and-rock formations at Praia da Dona Ana. That’s just to name a few within 20 minutes' drive of Lagos, which itself, neighbours the four-mile-long Meia Praia, where you'll find trendy beach bars along its seemingly endless golden sands.

The West Coast

Praia da Bordeira

In order to experience the Algarve’s coastline in its most beautiful and unspoilt form, it's essential to head to the west coast. Either for a long holiday in itself, as part of a wider itinerary, or even on a day trip, the very western part of the Algarve is home to some truly magnificent beaches and dramatic cliff formations. 

Praia da Bordeira, 68 miles northwest of Faro, is the jewel in the crown of the Western Algarve. At the very first glance, an assembly of sand dunes can be spotted spreading across its centre. A lagoon also stands out, particularly because its stillness and lighter colour is a contrast to the endless royal-blue sea, in which surfers regularly make the most of its optimum wave conditions. The dense expanse of wild vegetation on the perimeter highlights the remoteness and relative solitude of this region, which all falls under the Vicentine Coast Natural Park.

Cabo Sao Vicente, Sagres

There are several other beaches and stretches of coastline in the region which evoke similar feelings of awe, not least Praia de Odeceixe, where the River Seixe meets the Atlantic in the northwestern corner of the Algarve.

The western tip of the south coast of the Algarve is also home to some fabulous beaches, such as the spectacular vertical backdrop at Praia do Beliche or the sand dunes at Martinhal. Here you will also find Sagres, a charming fishing town which is the southwesternmost town in Europe. Indeed, it is believed that many Europe’s most famous explorers such as Henry the Navigator set sail from nearby Cabo de São Vicente, which is still home to its historic lighthouse. The cliff-top pousada at Sagres offers some of the best views in the area.

There are many concealed treasures across Europe’s most popular countries, and the Western Algarve certainly falls into that category.