The Algarve

Some of the rock formations that give Praia da Rocha ("Rock beach") its name. The beach stretches for nearly 2 km in front of the popular Algarve resort town of Portimao

The Ria Formosa estuary forms a complex of lagoons,marshes and salty areas. The park which extends 60Km along the coast provides habitats to a wide range of wildlife

View over the Algarve town of Silves at dusk. In medieval times Silves was the capital of the Algarve and the River Arade was navigable from the see.

Although still a relatively important administrative town Silves has been eclipsed by the massive tourist developments on the coast.

© Can Stock Photo Inc /philipus

View up to the Moorish castle which overlooks the Algarve town of Silves.

This large castle is said to be the best example of a Moorish castle to be found in Portuga.

View from a boat trip around the rock formations of Algar Seco near the Algarve resort of Carvoeiro.

© istockphoto/Gonçalo Carreira

Boats moored on the Ria Formosa in the east Algarve town of Olhao.

©Can Stock Photo Inc/membio

Carrapateira beach is located on the Atlantic coast of the Algarve within the South East Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.

Exposed to the full force of the Atlantic ocean this is a wild and beautiful place, popular with surfers and beach-goers alike.

© Can Stock Photo Inc./ ikophotos

The small beach of (Praia do) Carvoeiro sheltered by cliffs and surrounded by holiday apartments is located roughly halfway between the popular resorts of Portimao and Albufeira.

Carvoeiro was a quiet fishing village until relatively recently. But with its location and beach it was only a matter of time until time caught up with it.

© istockphoto/Gertjan Hooijer

Looking out from the clock tower of the church over the East Algarve town of Olhão

© istockphoto/brytta

The distinctive red cliffs of Praia da Falesia (cliff beach) as it stretches from Vilamoura most of the way to Albufeira