Tavira is a very beautiful little town built on both sides of the Gilao river. Both parts are joined by a roman bridge with 7 arches. There is a very pleasant walk up to the medieval castle up on a little hill. From up there you can enjoy a wonderful view on the pyramid formed roofs that are so typical for this area and behind that, the salt-pans and the sea. Unfortunately the village cannot be reached by boat anymore due to silting up of the river but in medieval times, Tavira was a very important harbour for products such as salt, wine and fish for Northwestern Europe and North Africa. The Island of Tavira, that can only be reached by boat, is perfect to make a long walk or just enjoy the beach. And for those who like it: a part of the beach is for nudists...

Culatra island is an old fishing village, with a long, quiet beach. This island, together with the ones of Armona and Farol act as barriers for the lagoons that can be found on the inside and that form part of the Ría Formosa Natural Reserve. Culatra is perfect for anchoring or if you prefer, you can go to Olhao where there is a marina yet to be inaugurated that allows you to go on shore and enjoy a goog meal in one of the typical restaurants. Near the unopened marina you will find the town market where you can buy all kinds of delicious local fish and seafood. 

The Vilamoura marina is the central piece of this fairly new constructed town. It has a very international atmosphere, many fine hotels and is visited by many golf-players. On the west side of Vilamoura, before reaching Olhos de Agua,  you will find the PRAIA DA FALESIA, owing its name to the red cliffs that form a barrier from the northern wind. This can be very useful, especially on out-of-season days.  

Albufeira is situated at the end of a long beach that stretches from Faro. It grew from a small fishermans village to become one of the best known tourist places in the Algarve. There is always something to do, at any time of day (or night), especially in summer. West of Albufeira you will find the PRAIA DA GALE, around the Armaçao de Pera bay.

Portimao is the biggest city of the western side of the Algarve. It has always been an important harbor due to its situation in the mouth of the river Arade. Nowadays it is a provincial city and a commercial fishing harbor. Near the iron bridge you will find many restaurants specialized in seafood. If you want to go shopping, you will have to go to the higher part of town, near Praça da Republica and Rua do Comercio. The PRAIA DA ROCHA, south of Portimao is the oldest and best known beach of the Algarve. 

Many people consider Lagos to be the best city of the Algarve. It is not within the racket of the more touristy spots, but there is always something to do. More towards the west you will find Praia da Luz, a very popular beach. The MEIA PRAIA is the other half of the walk between Alvor and Lagos. It is a beach where surfers like to go as it faces the Lagos bay and also gets protection on the west by the Ponta da Piedade. This beach is a little longer than the one of Alvor and has many restaurants where the people who have decided to make the walk from Alvor to Lagos can take a rest.

Sagres is a place with many faces: you can visit the historical fortress without noticing that behind the cliffs, lies the Sagres harbor, one of the harbors with the most activity of the Algarve. Cape San Vicente is the most protruding point of Europe. It is right at this point where the lighthouse stands that informs many boats that they have reached this important point in their voyage. Sagres is a village with many houses and stores up on high cliffs and you should really try to get the impressive view from the harbor and the bay. The beach within the bay is called PRAIA DO MARTINHAL.