Portugal

Revelling in a 150km coastline, ranging from broad sweeps of open sands lapped by gentle lagoons, to wind-sculpted cliffs standing sentinel over secluded other-worldly beaches, it’s easy to see why the Algarve region is such a favoured destination with visitors from northern Europe. The southern most part of Portugal and the most south-westerly tip of the Iberian peninsular, the climate is as much African as European, and with a cultural history that blends both continents, the Algarve has an ambience all its own.

Each and every beach on the long the Algarve coastline offers its own unique charm, from secluded little coves, coyly hiding between rugged mountainous outcrops, to elegant swathes of magnificent open sand, to secretive desert islands. With friends or with family, as a romantic getaway for two, or a fun-filled party with the gang, there’s something for everyone on here. Luxuriate in the soothing sea breeze of the Costa Vicentina, experience the cosmopolitan beaches between Lagos and Faro, or swim out in the warm seas from the Ria Formosa islands. Most beaches are flanked by a choice of restaurants providing refreshment and shade. Being so far south – almost in Africa, the midday sun can be fierce, so you may want to take a break, especially if you’ve little ones in tow.

All the main Algarve tourist beaches are watched over by lifeguards, and a system of green, yellow and red flags keep swimmers informed of sea conditions, while the coveted blue flag is a guarantee of clean beaches and excellent water quality.

Visitors from Birmingham arrive after only three hours in the air, touching down just outside the region’s capital and largest town, Faro. With the airport close to the city and the city close to the sea, everything is perfectly arranged for finding which particular version of beach perfection is right for you – and you don’t have to travel far from Faro itself to find some truly impressive candidates, as it’s sheltered from the open ocean by an archipelago of low islands that stretches east down the coastline towards the Spanish border.

Starting at Ancão beach by Quinta do Lago, to the coastal settlement of Cacela Velha, runs a natural paradise of sleepy waters, huge swathes of sand and lonely islands which make up the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, a beautiful and unusual landscape of islets, inlets and lagoons. Long sandy beaches interweave with unspoilt marshlands across a jumbled tapestry of sea and land.

The beach at the Ilha de Faro, (not actually a beach but a long peninsula) enjoys calm sheltered waters and is backed by a range of open-air cafés and restaurants, ideal for those who like their creature comforts close at hand. Ilha da Culatra also offers a large helping of soft sand with a succession of beaches where you can see the traditional fishing culture of the local people, still earning their livelihood from the sea. The beaches at Fuzeta and on the Ilha da Armona are the close to the town of Olhão, some 5km along the coast east of Faro. You can catch the regular boat service to each to find large expanses of sand and warm water and a choice of calmer or rougher seas, to suit your taste. The livelier water attracts livelier visitors, as water sports fans are drawn to enjoy the more boisterous waves. The last of the large islands of the Ria Formosa is Ilha de Tavira, which also has a large carpet of sand, relatively calm water and plenty of modern amenities for beachgoers – including a campsite. A boat connection to the island runs year-round from Quatro Águas with a summer service from the town of Tavira too.

If all the sand and sun gets a little too much (and that could take a while) take some time to explore the city of Faro itself. Its streets are made for strolling and the café-lined terraces are a great place to ease down to the local pace of life.

The name ‘Faro’ traces back to the Arabic family of the settlement’s 11th century Moorish governors. Within its castle walls the narrow streets converge on Afonso III square where a statue commemorates the city’s wresting from Arabic control in 1249 by the Spanish King. Adjacent to the square, the city’s cathedral, The Se, is built on the site of an ancient mosque and before that a Roman forum – a deliberate move by the new Christian rules to erase the history of Muslim rule. Impressive though the cathedral’s exterior is, it’s well worth a look inside to see the beautiful Renaissance tiled decoration.

Beyond the walls, the city has a distinctly different character. Rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755, the rich ruling classes displayed their wealth in the elaborate residences and the Lethes Theatre that still stands to this today.

Faro provides generously for shopaholics, with a bustling daily market offering fresh local produce plus numerous shops selling Algarve handicraft and clothing. The best time to bargain hunt is the monthly market, with its wide range of linen, leather goods and pottery. If some smaller members of your group aren’t as interested in all the architecture, history and shopping, try the Living Science Centre, where all will enjoy the museum’s take on Cyber Space themed around the Sun.

Further to the west along the Algarve coast Lagos is another great base from which to explore the surrounding coastal bounty. The city itself is compact – small enough to explore on foot and, although well adapted to the thriving tourist trade, there’s still plenty of the old town’s heritage to explore. As the point of departure for Henry the Navigator’s voyages in the 15th century, the city played an important part in Portugal’s age of discovery, shown in the Museum of the Portuguese Discoveries situated in the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira.

Modern Lagos continues its connection with the sea not only through the many tourists who come to enjoy the picture-postcard beaches that surround the city. Fishing is still an important part of the local way of life, and morning in the harbour is a riot of activity, a sight (and sound) to behold if you’re up early.

The main attraction for this, like every part of the Algarve, is the beaches. The western stretch of the Algarve coastline takes on a different, more stirring character than the east, with craggy outcrops, soaring rock arches and mysterious caves carved by the Atlantic wind.

There’s always space at the golden sands of Meia Praias to the east of Lagos, although the beaches lying to the south are considered the more picturesque. The Ponta da Piedade headland of ornately eroded rock formations shelters the bay, making it an ideal place to take a swim and explore the nearby caves. Among the most popular beaches near Lagos is the Praia Dona Ana, recommended for snorkelling around, or enjoy the view and some refreshments from its café built into the cliff face.

A little further along the coast brings you to Alvor, with the favourable winds making sailing and windsurfing popular. A boat ride is an excellent way to spend half a day, with crews (some English speaking) ready to show you the best of the impressive local scenery from a different angle.

The beaches to the east are packed together in rapid succession – Praínha, Três Irmãos, Vau and Praia da Rocha. They’re close enough together that seeing each in turn is easily done in a day, so you can pick your favourite and spend the rest of your holiday there!

The fortress of Santa Catarina is a great spot to visit, for the spectacular views, while the Praia do Carvoeiro beach has impressive caves to explore, with the distinctive ‘Algar Seco’ rock formation. While there’s little doubt that it’s the impressive coastline that has made the Algarve so popular with visitors, its attractions are not limited to where water laps on sand. Inland, away from the well-developed tourist areas, you can get to know a little of the true character of the region, its traditional architecture, historic landscape and friendly residents.

The area is known for its characteristic design of houses, with white walls, carved stonework and distinctive saia or ‘skirt’ chimneys. From the town of Monchique’s steep, narrow streets, visitors are offered a never-ending series of panoramic views over the surrounding mountains.

 If you’re feeling energetic, tackle the climb up the Pico da Fóia, the region’s highest peak at 902m, where you can experience truly breathtaking views of the landscape (if you’ve any breath left after the climb!).

For visitors with young children in need of excitement – don’t worry – the region has plenty of high-energy theme parks to keep thirst for entertainment satisfied. Aqualand is sited near the town of Alcantarilha, between Albufeira and Armação de Pera around 15 km from Albufeira on the main EN 125 coastal road. It’s a very family-friendly water park with some exciting rides for the slightly older thrill-seekers and a safer area for younger ones so that everyone can enjoy their visit. Along a similar theme, the Slide and Splash attraction is some five minutes’ drive past Lagoa. Built more recently than Aqualand, it provides the same balance of watery attractions for kids of all ages to splash about in.

If you prefer to watch the experts do the splashing around, head for Zoomarine, one of the most popular theme parks in the Algarve, located on the outskirts of Albufeira. With its mixture of a marine centre, zoo and amusement park it has enough of everything to keep the whole family constantly amused. The main attractions are the spectacular choreographed displays of dolphins and sea lions, and the fun fair for the kids. If you really want to splash out in every way, you can even spend time swimming with the dolphins.

So whether your preference is for broad open beaches or secluded coves, quiet traditional villages, or lively modern resorts, Portugal’s Algarve coast is a tried and tested winner for enjoying your summer sun.