The Algarve

Quarteira was one of the first resorts to be developed along the Algarve coast. Apparently there was once a small fishing village here, but before you start imagining quaint whitewashed fisherman's cottages huddled around a little harbour that Quarteira has long since gone. Today the resort consists of high-rise apartment blocks along the sea front backed by a town that has little in the way of obvious charm.

Set in the rolling green landscape overlooking the broadening of the river Guadiana is the timeworn village of Castro Marim. Not far from the Atlantic Ocean and just across this natural border with Spain Castro Marim has been strategically important throughout history. As far back as Roman times the river here was used to mark the boundary between what was then Lusitania and Baetica, which were to become Spain and Portugal respectively.

Rising up between the Algarve and neighbouring Alentejo region is the Serra de Monchique, a range of rolling mountains clad in heavy forest. Here you will find the highest point on the Algarve; standing at 902m (2,959ft) is the peak of Fóia with its all encompassing views which span the Algarve's south and west coasts all the way to Cabo de São Vicente.

The attractive fishing village of Ferragudo has done a good job of avoiding the wholesale development that has affected much of this part of the Algarve. This is even more impressive considering its location at the mouth of the Rio Arade estuary, right across the water from the tourist hotspots of Portimão and Praia da Rocha. It is something of a wonder how the village has retained much of its traditional charm given its sprawling neighbours and prime location.

Situated on the coast between Lagos and Sagres is the fishing village of Burgau. Like much of the western Algarve the little fishing village was largely undiscovered by the tourism industry until relatively recently meaning it has largely escaped the unsympathetic development which blights much of the central coast. The village has somewhat spread out from the old centre but the new holiday accommodation is mostly low rise and inoffensive, if a little lacking in charm.

Situated roughly halfway between Portimão and Lagos is the pretty harbour village of Alvor. Given its position on the Algarve the village is remarkably unspoiled with the old village retaining much of its charm. Unlike many of the resorts along this coast it was the great earthquake of 1755 which did the greatest damage to this village and not the developers.

Situated around 40km (25 miles) from the coast, on the banks of the river Guadiana is the attractive village of Alcoutim. The village lies more or less on the northern border of the Algarve with the Alentejo, and more importantly the river border with Spain.

Monte Gordo is the Algarve's closest resort to the Spanish border. As such it attracts a mix of Portuguese, Spanish and international visitors drawn by the expansive golden sand beaches and the casino.

Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the longest beaches in the Lagos area, stretching for well over a kilometre; only Meia Praia on the other side of the town is bigger. This is yet another fine Algarve beach and provides a quieter alternative to Lagos' often busy beaches. Here you will find the same golden sandstone cliffs, fine sand and clear blue sea. There is even a choice of beachside cafes and restaurants along with all the facilities one would expect from a Blue Flag beach. However, at Praia de Porto de Mós you will also find plenty of space.

Separated from neighbouring Praia da Vau by a small headland at all but low tide the sheltered cove of the Praia do Alemão is an Algarvian delight. Also known as the Praia do Barranco das Canas the name Praia do Alemão (meaning German's beach) comes from the fact that the first house built here belonged to a German family.