The Algarve

The main town beach in Albufeira. As one of the Algarve's most popular tourist destinations, it can get pretty busy here. This photo wasn't taken at the height of the season so you can still see why Albufeira attracts so many visitors.

photo: José Manuel

The village of Odeceixe near Aljezur on the Costa Vicentina in the Algarve.
The beach here is a fairly popular surfing beach.

photo: António Sacchetti

A view over the traditional red tiled rooftops of Faro's Cidade Velha (old town) looking towards the Formosa Estuary

photo: António Sacchetti

The marina in Faro. Whilst sufficient it doesn't really compete with the likes of Portimao

photo: António Sacchetti

The Se (cathedral) in Faro. Built in the 13th century on the site of an ancient mosque which was itself built on a Roman forum

The intriguing rock formations of Ponta da Piedade (Piety Point) in Lagos.
The crystal clear water and the rock bridges and grottoes make this a fasinating place to explore. There are steps cut into the cliffs for access

photo: Regiao de Turismo do Algarve

The elaborate decoration over the doorway of the Armazém Regimental in Lagos. Located in Praça Infante Dom Henrique, the building was historically used as an army warehouse and is a fairly plain except for this mannerist flourish.

photo: Região de Turismo do Algarve

Despite being a popular tourist town Lagos also has a rich history some of which is preserved in the towns walls.
These walls were built to defend the town and the harbour from the various threats of the day. In the past the town was home to the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors

photo: António Sacchetti

The city walls of Lagos are well preserved despite much of the town being destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. Up until this time the town was the region's capital photo: António Sacchetti

One of the most beautiful beaches on the Algarve is Paia Dona Ana located just outside Lagos. At the height of the summer it can get more than a little busy here
The unusual rock formations are a feature of this part of the coast, culmanating in the cliffs Ponta da Piedade

photo: José Manuel