The Algarve

An aerial view of Praia da Falésia (beach) which is situated about halfway between Albufeira and Quarteira. The name of the beach comes from the distinctive red cliffs which back onto it

The beach at Vale de Centeanes is set at the base of steep cliffs a few miles to the east of Carvoeiro. It is a Blue Flag beach and fortunately access isn't as difficult as you'd imagine from this view.

Located in the Algarve's 'Golden Triangle' Praia do Garrão is yet another fantastic sandy beach within striking distance of the Vale do Lobo resort. In the distance you can make out the beachfront apartments and hotels of Quarteira.

As a Blue Flag beach there are plenty of facilities here and the beach is both accessible and lifeguarded.

Situated within the Ria Formosa National Park, just off the coast of Faro the Ilha Deserta (Deserted island) lives up to its name. There are no permanent inhabitants here and the only significant structure on the whole island is the surprisingly popular O Estamine Restaurant at the eastern end of the island. The highly rated food here is prepared in the restaurant's solar powered kitchen.

The beautiful, sandy Praia da Conchas (Shell beach) on the Ilha Deserta (Deserted island) off the coast of Faro.

Whilst rarely completely deserted there are no permanent inhabitants of the island. The building you see is a restaurant, which is the only structure on the island.

Ilha da Cultura is a small sandy island just off Faro. It is only accessible by ferry via the Ria Formaso. This is the western end of the island, Farol (after the lighthouse) and this is where the ferry stops.
Unlike neighbouring Ilha Deserta there are a few residents on the Ilha da Cultura.

Located just to the east of the small sandy beach of Benagil is the Benagil sea cave. The large cave has two big, arch-like entrances and a collapsed roof. Inside is a circular grotto forming a sort of miniature, private beach.

The cave is best reached by small boat or possibly a quick swim round from the beach - if it's calm.

Castelejo beach is located on the quieter, more exposed Atlantic coast of the Algarve. Being part of the Vicentine Coast natural park it feels a million miles away from the beaches of the south coast.

The beach is dominated by the huge black schist cliffs that rise out of the golden sand. On some days this can feel like a very remote location, in the summer though it is quite a popular spot.

Looking along the sheer cliffs that form this part of the Vicentine Coast near Sagres.

The South East Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is around 100km of protected coast stretching from Burgau, in the Algarve up to Porto Covo in the Alentejo.

Small fishing boats at anchor in the Algarve town of Lagos. As with most Algarve towns there is a strong fishing heritage here in Lagos and it continues to this day. Lagos as also been the start of many maritime adventures with the likes of Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama launching expeditions from here.

Despite becoming a popular holiday resort Lagos still manages to retain much of its charm. with its bustling harbour and old town.