10 of the best places to visit in the Algarve

With its golden beaches, fabulous golf courses and year-round appeal, the Algarve is an enticing holiday destination. This enchanting region is famous for its stunning ochresplashed coastline of shallow bays, vertiginous cliffs and lively resorts, and is also home to a verdant canvas of dramatic hillscapes, quiet villages and sleepy hamlets. 

1. Faro
2. Tavira
3. Silves
4. Monchique
5. Loulé
6. Lagos
7. Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
8. Sagres
9. Albufeira
10. Portimão

1. FARO OLD TOWN

Faro’s venerable Cidade Velha (Old Town) is the city’s most interesting quarter and can be appreciated at a leisurely pace on foot. Set within a circle of medieval walls, the whole vicinity is a veritable time capsule reflecting Faro’s brief golden age in the 16th century. The landmark cathedral and cloistered convent are set alongside a patchwork of narrow, cobbled streets with several inviting cafés and shops.

2. Tavira

With its timeless atmosphere, traditional character and stately charm, it's no wonder that the elegant riverside town of Tavira is considered by many to be the most pleasant and picturesque town in the Algarve. The city, located on both sides of Rio Gilão, is perhaps best known for its abundance of churches - nearly 40 in all. Tavira's prosperity is now largely based on tourism, although not at the cost of the town's tranquil atmosphere.

3. Silves

The 30,000-strong Moorish settlement, known as Xelb in Arabic, prospered until 1189, when Dom Sancho I besieged it with the help of English crusaders. In 1242, the Christians finally gained full control. Today, Silves is known as a center of citrus and cork production. The castle's sandstone walls bathe the town below in tan, a clear reminder of Silvestre's once mighty past.

4. Monchique

This pretty little market town sits in the Serra de Monchique, a lush patch of eucalyptus, chestnut, pine and cork oaks interspersed with barren wasteland. Monchique is a welcome change from beach and villa, offering cobblestone streets and a rustic vibe. The local medronho - fire water distilled from the berries of the bayberry (strawberry tree) - is the best.

5. Loulé

The cozy inland town of Loule is known for its traditional handicrafts and delightful markets. The Romans first settled where the castle now stands, but Lule became an important site for the Moors. Their remains can still be seen today in the bell tower of Igreja Matriz de São Clemente, a former minaret. The castle is also of Moorish origin. Almonds and figs have been vital to the local economy for centuries.

6. Lagos

Lively and full of holidaymakers, Lagos is probably the most popular destination in the Algarve. The name Lagos literally means "lake" in Portuguese - an apt name for the city's seaside location. This coastal city was an important naval center in the 15th century and where the slave trade took root in Europe. Today it is known for its beautiful beaches, sandstone cliffs, cheap shops, bars, restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere.

7. Parque Natural da Ria Formosa

Parque Natural da Ria Formosa includes an expansive lagoon along a 60-kilometer (37-mile) coastline between Manta Rota and Vale do Lobo. Made up of dune islands, marshes, salt pans, and freshwater lakes, the habitat provides refuge for a variety of flora and fauna, including birds such as white storks and the rare purple partridge. The park's headquarters are located in Quinta de Marim, 3 kilometers (2 miles) east of Orleans.

8. Sagres

In summer, this port town is full of young people with surfboards and a passion for life. Filled with homey Pensões, it's a great base for exploring the beautiful beaches of the Algarve's untamed west coast. Sagres is the most southwestern city in continental Europe, and its laid-back vibe is infectious.

9. Albufeira

Albufeira is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Portugal and the largest in the Algarve. Known for its fantastic beaches and nightlife, the city gets very busy during the vibrant summer months. Its history is equally vivid, from Roman settlement 2,000 years ago, Arab and Christian conquests in the 8th and 13th centuries, respectively, to its rise and fall as a trading center and the rise of fishing.

10. Portimão

Portimao, once the center of the region's fishing industry, is now known as a vibrant tourist center. The old town's 18th-century finishes, picturesque riverfront and several highly regarded tourist attractions help showcase this busy port. Meanwhile, leisure facilities include beautiful beaches, international marinas and stunning offshore diving spots.