Albufeira is a former fishing village in the central Algarve. A major holiday destination, with sandy beaches and a busy nightlife. There is also a modern marina to the west of the town which is a base for diving, dolphin-watching and boat trips.
Just 15 minutes drive from Faro airport Almancil is in the heart of the exclusive “golden triangle” with Loule to the north and Quinta do Lago/Vale do Lobo to the south. Almancil is a busy town with several banks, a wide variety of shops and also offers a good selection of restaurants.
Named Ipses by the Romans Alvor was considered an important port and was allowed to issue its own money. Nowadays this ancient coastal village is a very popular holiday location, it has one-ended narrow streets that to this day have restrained the developers from changing to much of the older fishing town, but many of these streets now boast bars with live music and different types of restaurants. The long sandy beach is easily accessible.
Originally a traditional fishing village surviving on the tuna catches where an historic naval battle between Portugal and Turkey took place in 1554. Today although you can still see the local fishermen bringing in their catches, the town is peaceful and offers a wealth of shops and restaurants. The sheltered beach offers water sports and can be found just in front of the main square where the two main streets meet.
capital city of the Algarve and the airport town, Faro is also home to one of Portugal’s most beautiful nature reserves the Ria Formosa lagoon which stretches over 17,000 hectares and is the stopping place for hundreds of different birds during the spring and autumn migration periods. However, if you’re simply looking to relax on the beach or if you are interested in shopping or the theatre Faro has it all. If you’re looking for a property where you can indulge yourself in fine restaurants and bars too then Faro will not disappoint you.
Smaller and more traditional than it’s more commercial neighbour, Portimão which is located across the estuary of Rio Arade. It is a beautiful village, whose accommodation is quite spread out with whitewashed houses ‘tumbling’ down the hillside towards the river front. The nearest beach is Praia da Angrinha and the furthest is Praia dos Caneiros. There are painted arrows from the town and out along the coast to guide you on this walk. The town has many cafes and restaurants, on the quay you can find some that barbecue outside.
A quiet residential area about 5kms west of Albufeira old town. The are three gorgeous beaches and a scattering of restaurants, bars and shops. It is a perfect relaxing location and also only a short drive from the nightlife in Albufeira. Also nearby can be found golf courses and the Salgados nature reserve.
Originally the capital city of the Algarve, this ancient town is steeped in history where you can visit the castle and slave market which is just across the mouth of the river from the modern marina which offers vibrant cafes bringing the town up to date. Located in the western Algarve the coastline is rugged with a selection of bays surrounded by cliffs, but extending to the east of Lagos is the 4km long Meia Praia Beach which at 4 km is the longest sandy beach on the western side of the Algarve. Windsurfing and fishing trips are very popular in this area.
The largest city in the western Algarve Portimao was traditionally a centre for sardine fishing and processing. Today, most of that industry has been replaced by tourism, leisure, and retail, leaving Portimão as a large and residential city. The city’s old and once bustling fishing docks have been transformed into a scenic promenade, leading to the quaint and tree-lined plazas of the old town. Further inland are pleasant pedestrian shopping streets, a series of historic buildings, and a tantalising selection of cafes, bars, and restaurants.
A wide sandy bay dominated by the extinct volcanic Rocha Negra to the east and a hand-paved promenade, which extends 350m along Luz beach to the west. En-route you will come across a small opening in the stonewall leading to the ruins of a Roman-bath. Fine restaurants, bars and shops are readily available within this compact fishing village, making it easy to walk everywhere. happy.
In common with much of the Algarve, Sao Bras was a settlement in Roman times and later inhabited by the Moors. It was once the biggest cork producing centre in Portugal and was also a popular retreat for the bishops of the Algarve – somewhere for them to escape from the heat of the city during the hot summer months. São Brás de Alportel is a mix of old and new, with typical, low white Algarvean houses amongst the slightly dusty, grander merchant houses from its wealthy past. The area near the church is the older part of town and typically Algarvean with narrow, cobbled streets criss-crossing each other and small shops and cafes in between the houses. As you move further away from the church the streets widen and modern apartments take the place of the older white washed houses. There are lots of shops and supermarkets, banks, restaurants, cafes – everything you need in fact! A little further away again and streets of new villas and low rise apartments edge the town.
A charming village perhaps best known for its bell tower, a landmark which sits atop a 400-year-old white walled church and can be seen from miles away. The town is set on the site of a Bronze Age hill fort and has most essential facilities on the spot, such as newsagents, a market, a post office and a large supermarket as well as a number of restaurants and bars. During the day you can take a gentle stroll through the village, admiring its Gothic and Manueline architecture or venture further out to the rolling countryside and surrounding villages. Beaches and larger tourists attractions are just a short drive away, as is Faro Airport. Santa Barbara de Nexe is a very convenient location to explore the best of the Algarve.
A Roman bridge links the two parts of Tavira town across the River Gilao and gives a clue to the history of this quiet town. The Santa Maria do Castelo church which is built on the site of a Moorish Mosque and in it are the tombs of Dom Paio Peres Correia and his seven knights. During the 17th century the river and port was of considerable importants, when they were used for shipping produce such as salt, dried fish and wine all round the world. Today Tivira has still managed to stave off the influence of tourism to hold on to its unique tradition and handsome character.
Recognised as the most exclusive area of the Algarve with fine properties hidden amongst the selection of fine golf courses. The beautiful sandy beach stretches for miles in both directions and the lake offers a selection of restaurants and water sport. Tennis can also be found nearby making this the perfect family location.
Naturally beautiful and perfectly stylish, Vale de Lobo is an amazing place to call home. The area first caught the eye of an affluent British entrepreneur back in the mid 1960s who fell in love with the unspoilt pine forest and wide golden beaches and decided to build a golf course complemented by villas pretty townhouses. There are now three golf courses and Vale do Lobo still remains a much sought after area to live.
At the very heart of the Algarve, sandwiched between beautiful sandy beaches with the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful Serra hills to the north, the location is renowned for its natural beauty, elegant property and sophisticated ambience. This popular family destination also offers a bustling marina, water sports, golf, tennis, bowls and a magnificent show jumping venue.