Deservedly known as the "deserted island", Barreta is a narrow 7 km long sandbank off the coast of Faro. It is in fact the closest of a number of sandy islands that make up this stretch of coast. Forming part of the Ria Formosa National Park, this is one of the best destinations for those wishing to escape the crowds and experience the remote calm of an undeveloped wilderness.

Ferries and speed boats depart daily from Faro.  Be sure to check the time of the last boat back-this island has no...

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Located a few kilometres northwest of Sagres is the historic Cabo de São Vicente (Cape of Saint Vincent) is a craggy, windswept headland at the spot which claims to be the most south-westerly point of mainland Europe. Until the end of the 14th century many believed this place to be the end of the world - come here on the right day and you might think they had a point. The Romans called this place the Sacred Promontory, and if you stand here at sunset, it can be easy to see why - the sun appears unusually large as it descends over the seemingly endless sea. 

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Literally translated, Boca do Inferno means the "Mouth of Hell". Whether this coastal rock formation near Cascais actually lives up to its name largely depends on the sea conditions. On a calm, sunny day it can be positively idyllic, however, when the full fury of an Atlantic storm is thrown this way the display can be awe-inspiring.

Boca do Inferno is located on the western edge of Cascais, around from the Santa Marta lighthouse. It is easily reachable from the town on foot but there is also plenty of parking here (and a restaurant) if you are driving.

The name Boca do...

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Located around 10 km (6 miles) off the coast of Peniche is the rugged Berlengas Archipelago. This collection of 3 little islands, named Estelas, Farilhões and Berlenga, is virtually uninhabited, well, except for about a million seabirds! Now a nature reserve (Reserva Natural das Berlengas) these islands are home to puffins, seagulls and cormorants and they are very much in charge these days. Not only are the three square kilometres of island protected but so are the surrounding seas which make up a 985 hectare marine reserve.

The main island of the group is Berlenga with its boat...

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Awarded Natural Park status in 1987, the Ria Formosa is a coastal lagoon protected by a group of sandy barrier islands.  It features marshes, tidal flats, waterways and some excellent sandy beaches and is rich in marine and birdlife. 

Regular boat trips take visitors out to explore Cultura Island with its fishing community, lighthouse and beaches and the uninhabited Barreta Island - known to the locals as the 'desert island'.  These trips provide a wonderful opportunity to escape the crowds and get close up to...

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The Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is a huge swathe of the coast of Southern Portugal taking in much of the Atlantic coasts of the Algarve and Alentejo. It stretches for around 150 km (100 miles) from Porto Covo in the Alentejo around Cabo de Sao Vicente to Burgau in the Algarve.

The park includes a range of natural habitats but also protects the cultural heritage of this historic coastline.

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This rugged promontory in the western Algarve features majestic 20-metre-high ochre cliffs, calm green-blue waters and some of the most stunning rock formations, sea arches and caves that you will ever see.  It is a great spot to come to watch the sun rise or set and provides excellent photography, snorkeling and boating opportunities. Birdwatchers might also enjoy looking out for migratory birds including falcons, egrets and swifts as they stop-off on the rocks just off the coast here.

The Ponta da Piedade headland lies around 3 km from Lagos...

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Also known as the Promontorium Sacrum (sacred promontory), Sagres Point is both geographically and historically significant. Once considered the end of the known world by many it is in fact neither the most westerly or southerly point of Portugal (and therefore continental Europe). However, it can be considered the most southwestern-most point and it certainly maintains a feel of being the end of the world.

It is the site of Henry the Navigator's 15th century fortress and also the...

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