The Algarve

Wide sandy beach backed by large cliffs. Easily accessible by wooden steps. Great spot for snorkelling or just soaking up the sun

The Atlantic coast beach of Praia de Odeceixe Mar straddles the border between the Algarve and Alentejo regions of Portugal. It is situated at the mouth of the River Seixe (Rio de Seixe) which forms the border and lays down a lush green valley leading to the beach.

Odeceixe is a big sandy beach that is popular with surfers. The break around the river mouth can be especially good. At the northern end there are steep, sheer cliffs.

At the far southern end is a small cove (Praia de Adegas) which is a designated nudist beach.

Praia do Burgau is a lovely little sandy beach located in the small (and relatively unspoiled) fishing village of Burgau. The beach is backed by high, sloping cliffs and all but disappears when the tide comes in. Roughly halfway between Sagres and Lagos the beach isn't too far off the beaten track and is well worth a visit. It can however get fairly busy during the summer. You'll find most things you need in the village and along the beachfront, with a few cafes and bars here. Finding somewhere to park can be a little more of a challenge though!

Set at the bottom of a deep valley by the fishing harbour of Benagil there's lots to explore here. Caves and rock formations abound.

Praia da Marinha is the archetypal Algarve cove. Clear turquoise waters lap up against the orange limestone that forms the cliffs and iconic rock formations that have graced the covers of a hundred holiday brochures. The beach itself is fairly small and sandy, but what has saved it is what it doesn't have. Despite being located in the middle of the Algarve coast, Praia da Marinha lacks the facilities and most importantly, the easy access of other Algarve beaches.

The Ilha da Cultura is a small, but very sandy island located just beyond the Ria Formosa nature reserve off the coast of Faro. It is only accessible by a ferry from Faro which guarantees it never gets super busy. However, unlike the neighboring Ilha Deserta (Deserted Island) there are a few permanent residents at the western end of the island in Farol - which is Portuguese for lighthouse.

Once, just a typical Algarve fishing village nestled in a valley and flanked by high limestone cliffs, Carvoeiro is now a popular, ever expanding resort town. That said the beach is still the focus of the town and this area retains much of its charm. Whitewashed, terracotta-tiled villas and cottages cling to the cliff sides forming a kind of amphitheatre with all eyes on Carvoeiro's prime asset - the beach. The Praia do Carvoeiro is a smallish sweep of fine golden sand sheltered by high, ochre cliffs to either side.

The Church of São Lourenço (Igreja de São Lourenço) in Almancil dates back to the late 1600s. It is a fine example of a whitewashed Algarvian church built in the Baroque style. It features an large azulejo tile over the main door depicting Saint Lawrence of Rome which as added in 1730.

View out over the Algarvian market town of Aljezur as the sun rises. This small town is set in rich farming country just inland from the Atlantic west coast. This photo was taken from the ruins of the Moorish castle which provides great views over the town and countryside.