Neighboring Andalusia, Faro and its surroundings remain one of the most important summer tourist regions in Europe. In addition to a historical heritage of great interest and a beautiful natural setting towards its southwestern tip with the Alentejo Park and the Costa Vicentina, it is above all the beaches and numerous seaside resorts that attract millions of tourists every year from all over Europe and even beyond.
Some ideas of discoveries….
Albufeira
This former fishing village in the south of Portugal has been transformed over the past few years into a very popular, festive (its main interest) and rather chic seaside resort…
Beja
It is a medium-sized town in the south of Portugal, inland, with several museums and a beautiful medieval castle that are worth visiting. Very often, Beja is a stopover on the way to the coast.
Caldas de Monchique
This is a spa town – with a somewhat “overrated” tourist reputation – tucked into a valley near Monchique.
Castro Marim
On the Spanish border, this village of ancient origins has a beautiful medieval fortress. It is surrounded by marshes classified as a nature reserve and several beaches in its vicinity.
Faro
The capital of the Algarve, Faro is primarily the airport gateway for millions of vacationers heading to southern Portugal. Nevertheless, the city also has some old buildings, nearby beaches and a nature reserve on its outskirts. Enough to spend at least a few hours there.
Lagoa
This is an area of beautiful beaches and occasional cliffs between Albufeira and Portimao. Several churches, convents and old forts worth a visit are in its surroundings.
Lagos
We are here almost at the southwestern tip of Portugal. From a tourist point of view, Lagos offers beautiful beaches, a beautiful architecture, a historical heritage, plus opportunities for pleasant walks in the sea to discover its cliffs.
Loulé
A little bit behind the coast, the city has a few churches and a perched castle dominating the place. Several beaches and famous golf courses (including Quinta do Lago) are located in its surroundings.
Mertola
This small town with its medieval castle, churches and ramparts is also a good base for discovering the nearby Guadiana Valley Natural Park.
Mirobriga
These are the remains of a Roman city located next to the town of Santiago do Cacem.
Monchique
In the hinterland, this big traditional village a little bit in altitude serves as a starting point for hikes in the surroundings or to the nearby thermal village of Caldas.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
This park is very close to Faro, on the south coast. The place is made up of lagoons and is famous for its birdlife. You can go for boat trips, enjoy the beaches and visit some Roman remains.
Natural Park of the Guadiana Valley
This large park close to Spain is home to beautiful hilly landscapes with several waterfalls.
Natural park of the southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina
On more than 100 kilometers this park, both terrestrial and maritime, offers beautiful landscapes with a succession of beaches and cliffs. It is also famous for its ornithology. It is also where Cape St. Vincent is located, in Sagres, which is the most southwestern point of Europe. You can also go hiking there.
Portimao
Second city of the Algarve, this city traditionally focused on fishing is now known for its beach and sports events (surfing, regattas, F1 …). On its outskirts, the resorts of Alvor or Carvoeiro are also quite touristy.
Porto Covo
On the southwest coast, this pretty village with its 18th century buildings and its small surrounding forts is very popular in season for its beaches.
Sagres
This is the last town before Cape St. Vincent. You can visit its old fortress which dominates the sea and the cliffs.
Salema
At the southwestern tip of the country, Salema is a fishing village with rather quiet beaches. You can hike along the cliffs in its surroundings.
Silves
West of Faro, the city has one of the most beautiful old centers of the region with a beautiful cathedral and an old Moorish fortress surrounded by walls. It is a must visit when in the region.
Sines
On the coast, between Lisbon and the Algarve, the small port where Vasco de Gamma was born has an old quarter and a fortress that are at least worth a stop.
Tavira
Tavira is a town with beautiful architecture, partly 18th century, which can serve as a gateway to the Ria Formosa Park and the nearby beaches.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.