The Algarve

Crab pots by the harbourside in the Algarve town of Tavira

The fish market in the border town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio.

Pleasure boats moored at Vilamoura

Looking across the Rio Guadiana to the Spanish village of Sanlucar on the other side of this natural border

The Sé Velha (old cathedral) in Silves was started in the 15th century, but was remodelled in the 18th century after the 1755 earthquake.
It has a Gothic vestibule and remains of a Baroque façade, plus a big ogival window. Inside there are three naves, a Renaissance retable and marble tombstones.

A small section of the castle at Silves.
The town was the Moorish capital of the Algarve and although recaptured by Christian forces once in 1189, was ruled by the Moors until 1242.
The castle was badly damaged in the 1755 earthquake and it was not until the 1940s that its restoration began

A closer look at the facade of the church at São Brás de Alportel.
Located about 10Km north of Faro, the rural town of São Brás de Alportel is a different world and well worth a visit

Looking across Tonel beach from Ponta de Sagres in the direction of the town.
Tonel is a popular surfing beach and the waves here can get huge as it faces the full force of the Atlantic

The Igreja Velha or old church in Portimão

Suspension bridge just outside of Portimao which caries the main EN125 road over the River Arade