Ferragudo Beach enjoys a very special location, just 150 metres from the beach at Ferragudo. This delightful fishing village has retained its charm despite the Algarve’s tourist developments. It sits at the mouth of the Arade River estuary, across the water from Portimao and Praia da Rocha. Its wonderful riverfront promenade is sprinkled with palms dividing the old village from the new part. The main square, the charming Praca Rainha Dona Leonor, is lined with cafes, a perfect spot for breakfast and coffee. There are many fish restaurants that look out over the river. A warren of narrow cobbled streets rises up into the old village, lined with whitewashed cottages. The terrace in front of the village church offers wonderful views over the Arade River and Portimao, as well as the closest beach Praia da Angrinha. This beach is home to the medieval Castelo de Sao Joao de Arade which commands an elevated position on the headland at the southern end of the beach. The castle dates back to the 16th century, sitting opposite the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina in Praia da Rocha. By 1896 the fortress had fallen into disuse and was sold at auction. Ferragudo’s main town beach is Praia Grande which lies at the far side of the castle. The sheltered waters of the Arade beaches are ideal for watersports including kayaking and windsurfing.

On the opposite side of the Arade River, Portimao brings delicious seafood, shopping and waterfront promenades to the table, along with one of the Algarve’s best beaches, Praia da Rocha around the corner. Portimao is a sailor’s delight with elite competitions taking place. Long before tourism arrived in Portimao, the town made a living from fishing and canning. The fascinating Museu de Portimao is housed in the evocative old Feu Cannery and impresses guests with the history of the industry. The Megalithic Monuments of Alcarlar are very close to Portimao on the hilltop and spreading out over 10 hectares. There are burial monuments in the complex and a vast cairn with a shape resembling a beehive. Portimao has a wonderful market, the Mercado Municipal, which is a great place to stock up on supplies for the villa. There is also a special farmers market on Saturdays. The riverside esplanade is remarkable and perfect for a stroll beside the swaying palms. It is beautiful at night with the twinkly lights on the opposite bank. There are many opportunities for seafaring excursions from Portimao. You can take a voyage on a replica pirate ship, look out for dolphins, take on some water sports or simply enjoy the magnificent coastline.

Further inland, the red-hued town of Silves is nestled on the banks of the River Arade, dominated by one of the best-preserved castles in the Algarve. Silves was the capital of the ancient Arab kingdom of Algarve and retains many of its ancient nods to the past. It also boasts many charming outdoor cafes, some excellent restaurants, pretty fountains, a market hall and wonderful scented orange groves. Lagoa is another historic town worth visiting. It is a very pretty hill town which boasts gorgeous, ancient buildings, some stunning art galleries and some wonderful eateries.

Just a little further along the coast, Praia do Alvor features three impressive sea stacks known as the Tres Irmaos or Three Brothers, fine glistening white sand, ochre sandstone cliffs, grottoes and caves and extensive dunes. Praia do Vau is 2km west of the stunning Praia da Rocha and is quieter than its neighbour. The beach is surrounded by impressive red coloured cliffs which also make it more sheltered than some. On one side of Praia da Rocha is Praia do Alemao with several rock pools enjoyed by young children and on the other, Praia dos Careanos. From Praia do Vau you can enjoy a lovely beach walk all the way to Praia do Rocha, passing Praia dos Careanos. You will see some stunning rock formations along the way. From Praia do Alemao you can take the cliff walk which boasts incredible stunning views of the rock formations.

With a rich seafaring heritage and a dramatic coastline, the historic and characterful town of Lagos is a fantastic place to visit. It boasts a 17th century fort, intricate baroque churches such as Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz and the city’s ancient Moorish walls. The cultural centre of Lagos was originally built in 1710 as the Convent of Saint Joseph and is now home to exhibitions of paintings, photography and sculpture. Lagos has fantastic shopping and dining opportunities. If you want to stay out late then Lagos, home to many neon-lit bars, is the place to come.