The Eastern Algarve

The area east of Faro contrasts sharply with most of the Algarve. Here development has spread more slowly. The coastline, almost to the Spanish border, is largely lined by stretches of tidal marshlands which are an integral part of the Rio Formosa National Park, a conservation area of raw beauty and great ecological importance. These marshlands are protected by long and magnificent sand flats (ilhas).

The Eastern Algarve is very different compared to the rugged beauty found west of Faro. Those tidal marshlands have a tranquil beauty and the small resorts along the coast have retained much of their character, looking today as they must have looked long ago. Here tourism blends in perfectly with local activities creating a relaxed way of life. There is a tinge of excitement, even romance, about those ferry or tiny boat trips to the ilhas, trips rewarded by superb, less crowded bathing beaches and warm waters. The houses are different too, in the main more modest and discreet although more opulent properies are appearing on the skyline. There are more characterful cottages, farmhouses and the local architecture is quite distinct.

To the east beyond Tavira the sea ‘returns to land’ creating excellent beaches at Cabanas, Manta Rota, Alagoa and Praia Verde, all accompanied by development.

Change is inevitable and has already begun with the introduction of golf and other facilities. Take a step inland and you enter a world where development will never encroach. The countryside is unspoiled and full of surprises. Best surprise of all is the border area to the north and inland from the Guadiana River - here you will find the undiscovered Algarve. Tourism has not yet touched the splendid countryside along the river and into the Serra do Caldeirao. Stretching north to Alcoutim, west to Ameixal and in the south bounded by Castro Marim and Sao Bras de Alportel, the Barrocal region is little visited - an area where time has stood still.

Faro
Provincial capital of the Algarve, busy industrial town and port built around an attractive harbour. Largely ignored by the thousands of holidaymakers who fly into its nearby airport bound for resorts mainly to the west. Understandable perhaps but a pity because the town offers excellent shopping, an interesting waterfront and buildings and its happy mix of business life and tourism creates a relaxed atmosphere. Much of the town centre has been pedestrianised and offers many restaurants and tiny cafés. There is a sandy beach which gets very crowded but others are within easy reach.

Olhao
With its strange cube-like houses, Olhao's North African appearance sets it apart. The largest fishing port on the Algarve, the town is a good base for those offshore llhas and sandbanks and ferries make the short trips to the ilhas of Armona and Culatra. Everything seems to radiate from the harbour which is fringed with many restaurants. There is a large, lively daily market and the local people are friendly, relaxed and largely unaffected by tourism.

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Moncarapacho
Sunday market town and focal point for the local farming community and expatriates.

Santa Luzia
A delightful fishing village with good seafood restaurants about 3kms west of Tavira. Nearby access by little train, or for the more athletic by foot, to the crystal waters of Barril beach.

Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo
A typical small town in the Barrocal, surrounded by almond, olive and orange groves, with a 16th century Renaissance style church and a few "casa de pasto" cafes.

Tavira
Built on either side of the river Gilao which is spanned by two low bridges (one Roman), Tavira is without doubt the most beautiful town in the Algarve. The town's main industry is still fishing and its independence of tourism adds to its charm. Everything seems to centre on the palm-lined river, from restaurants and tiny bars to the daily fruit and vegetable market and fishing boats. The town's old buildings, most carefully preserved, complete the perfect picture. Ferries take bathers to the llha de Tavira and its superb island beaches. Most of the town's nightlife is along the river.

Cacela Velha
Almost untouched by development, the tiny hamlet of Cacela Velha is a gem. Built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea and surrounded by ploughed fields, its beach is superb. Bathers though will need a boat to reach the sand spit which protects Cacela from the sea. The hamlet's little fort offers good views.

Monte Gordo
Last and most heavily developed of the Eastern Algarve's holiday towns with high-rise hotels and a casino, Monte Gordo has a good beach with clean sands but little else of interest.

Vila Real de Santo Antonio
Border town and harbour with design and historic interest. The original town was demolished by a tidal wave and eventually rebuilt on a grid plan by the Marques de Pombal. The handsome main square, Praca Marques de Pombal, is lined with lemon trees and the streets off the square offer good shopping.

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Castro Marim
A small, attractive village just north of Vila Real de Sao Antonio dominated by the ruins of its large castle destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. Adjacent to the village is the Reserva Natural do Sapal with flocks of flamingoes, spoonbills and other migratory birds; an excellent area for bird watching.

Odeleite
Very picturesque village with its buildings stepped up from the river.

Alcoutim
Attractive small town with a long history as an inland river port and fine views to Spain from the ruins of its 14th century castle.

Central Algarve or Western Algarve

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Our researchers are busily working on providing you with the latest up-to-date information about the Algarve and we will be posting their findings in the next few weeks. Make sure you return soon to get the full low down about this wonderful region of Portugal.