WESTERN PART:
from Carvoeiro to Cabo de Sao Vicente

Carvoeiro
This is where you find the typical rocky coastline of the Algarve with its bays, enclosed beaches and beautiful rock formations. Mass tourism has not yet reached these parts, but it has all the necessary facilities. You can still find many secluded, romantic places here. How to get to them is another matter and usually involves quite a bit of walking.

Portimao
This is one of the Algarve's bigger cities. Particularly the old city centre is worth your while. It is a seaport and its sardines are a true delicacy. Shops and outside restaurants and cafes can be found in the pedestrianised centre. Other points of interest are the benches in azulejos (painted faience tiles) at Largo 1 de Dezembro square and the small Nossa Senhora da Conceiçao church.

Praia da Rocha
This was one of the first places the property developers got their eye on. Praia da Rocha literally means 'beach of rock'. It is one of the most beautiful rock formations in the Algarve, but is also one of the busiest tourist destinations. You can make boat trips everywhere along the coast to admire the beautiful coastline and Praia da Rocha is no exception. A beautiful sandy beach was created for visitors to enjoy. At the end is a castle (Fortaleza da Santa Catarina) with stunning views.

Lagos
Lagos is a city you shouldn't miss. Today it is still a fishing port and it was once the capital of the Algarve, but the earthquake of 1755 completely destroyed the entire city. There are many tourists, but not that many hotels, which is why Lagos managed to keep its own character. Henry the Navigator turned the city into nautical centre. A statue (from 1960) and a commemorative plaque where the oldest slave market in Europe used to be (Mercado de Escravos) are the only reminders of that era. Other points of interest are the fort of Ponta da Bandeira, which protected the city, the Igreja de Santo Antonio church, which is one of the most beautiful churches in the Algarve and the Santa Maria parish church with the statue of Sao Gonçola. The city's Praia de Dona Ana beach is often seen on photographs. 

Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vicente
We have now arrived at the far south west of Europe. In the past, Cabo de Sao Vicente was known as the end of the world. Now it is a nature reserve with a tall lighthouse. Sagres has beautiful beaches, but is subjected to fierce winds and strong currents. The Fortaleza de Sagres is worth seeing. It is said that Henry the Navigator prepared for his faraway journeys in this castle. There is an exhibition in the castle, but its main attractions are the unique location by the sea and the large wind compass. 

Photo: ©iStockphoto.com/Matt Trommer
Text: GVDV - © AT-Europe bvba