Europe

Évora feels like those university towns that slow down in summer and come alive in September. Except here, students mingle with 2,000 years of Roman history and an intact medieval centre. The capital of Alentejo draws visitors for its Roman temple planted right in the city centre and its chapel lined with human bones. Portuguese visitors come for the regional wines and local cuisine, whilst foreign tourists tick off another UNESCO site from their list. The Fortified Historic Centre Évora’s medieval walls still encircle the old town across 3 kilometres. Unlike other Portuguese fortified cities, there’s no exhausting climb here … Read more

Faro suffers from an image problem. Each year, millions of tourists pass through its airport before heading straight to Albufeira, Vilamoura or Lagos. The administrative capital of the Algarve remains in the blind spot of Portuguese tourism, caught between its role as an airport hub and that of an active university town. It’s a shame and a blessing at the same time. A shame because the city deserves better than its 45-minute taxi transit. A blessing because it spares it from the tourist development that has disfigured much of the coast. The fortified historic centre: 2 hours flat Faro’s old … Read more

Lagos has found its perfect balance. Unlike British-dominated Albufeira or upmarket Vilamoura, this western Algarve town attracts a diverse crowd whilst keeping its Portuguese soul intact. Surfers mix with retirees, backpackers cross paths with families, and this eclectic bunch gets on rather well between the historic centre and the spectacular beaches. A Surf and Maritime Heritage Atmosphere Lagos breathes surf culture. Converted vans occupy car parks near the beaches, surf shops dot the town centre streets, and the atmosphere stays relaxed even at the height of summer. The town draws a young, international crowd that gives it a dynamic edge … Read more

Albufeira encapsulates both the best and worst of what the Algarve has to offer. As the region’s most developed resort town, it draws thousands of Brits each year seeking cheap sunshine and €2 pints. Yet the town retains some solid appeal: spectacular beaches framed by ochre cliffs, an old town that’s somehow resisting the concrete invasion, and a central location perfect for exploring this stretch of coast. Within a 15-kilometre radius, you can go from Vilamoura’s ostentatious luxury to traditional inland villages, with every possible experience in between. Albufeira: Where British Nightlife Meets Portuguese Charm Albufeira’s old town splits into … Read more