A holiday in the Western Algarve is one of sun-filled days, quiet beaches, contrasting landscapes, history and culture, good food, excellent accommodation and plenty of attractions and entertainment. From the tranquillity of sheltered southern bays and harbours to the rugged splendour of the west coast, this is like no other part of Portugal.

With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, the region boasts unrivalled opportunities for holidays, which can be as active or relaxing as you wish. It is less than 90 minutes drive by motorway and good road from Faro International Airport to the Western Algarve.

Here in the Western Algarve, in contrast to the more commercialised east, you will discover open vistas with rolling rural landscapes, long stretches of sandy beaches, picturesque fishing villages and historic towns steeped in maritime heritage.

The countryside of the Western Algarve is scattered with villages and hamlets where time has seemingly stood still.  The highlight of the week is the traditional open air market at which local folk gather to buy and sell their fresh produce and wares. These are a real tourist treat and an ideal place to pick up bargains and souvenirs

Luz is a pretty town with a mixture of old and new, with old style Portuguese houses, Moorish style white villas and modern apartments. The towns origins as a fishing village is still apparent and there is an extensive shopping area and many restaurants.

The main attraction of Praia da Luz is the beach. This is a gently shelving, crescent shaped area, ideal for an children, relaxation and water sports. One end of the beach is rocky with a good selection of rock pools.

Lagos is a town of culture and history, with its maze of winding cobbled streets full of pavement restaurants, café bars, antique and art galleries. The town walls, still largely intact, date back to Roman times. It was from here in 1415 that a giant fleet set sail under the command of Prince Henry the Navigator to seize Ceuta in Morocco – and set the stage for Portugal’s ambitious Age of Discovery.

Right out to the west is the port of Sagres and spectacular headland of Cape St Vincent, the most south-westerly point in continental Europe, known as O Fim Do Mundo, the “end of the world” by the ancient mariners who passed this way on their voyages of exploration into the Great Unknown.

The rich diversity available in the area guarantees your holiday pleasure.

Images of the Algarve...