Quite some distance away from the crowds and the bustle of the tourist centres along the coastline of Algarve, the town lies near the Alentejo ( about 15 kilometres, 10 miles ) and has a natural border with Spain formed by the river Guadiana, 40 km north of where the river enters the sea at Vila Real de Santo António. A winding road that runs alongside the river offers great views of the countryside, with its orchards and orange groves, and the rural way of life in Alcoutim remains very much unchanged. At both Alcoutim and the adjacent Spanish village of San Lucar de Guadiana there are castle ruins from the days of heavy duty border control. All that separates the two communities now is  the river.

Situated in the north west of the Algarve, tourists can explore the amazing beaches of the Algarve's west coast. Facing the Atlantic, they are often wild and deserted in contrast to the warmer ones of the south. Aljezur is quite small and surprisingly tranquil, considering it is on the main coast road. Still quite 'olde worlde' ( un-developed ). It is overlooked by a Moorish castle from the 10th century, which gives the best overall view of the valley and the two sides of the town. A handful of free museums offer an insight into the town’s history. Aljezur is divided into two parts and lies in valley with a patchwork of fields where various crops are cultivated. It 'closes down' for the season pretty promptly in September and you'll be hard pressed to find much of a choice for eating / drinking. Taking the coast road via Vila do Bispo rather than the N111 main road from Lagos, to Aljezur it will give you the more picturesque route. Just south of Aljezur a turnoff leads to the beaches at Arrifana and Monte Clérigo. Just north, there is a turnoff signposted praia to Amoreira beach.

A small, but expanding, village that has three restaurants and several bars. There is also a small market for farmers' produce, a butcher and three small supermarkets as of 2006.

The chapel and the area that surrounds it, which includes an art gallery housed in restored old buildings, retain much of the character and charm of the Algarve of centuries past. Chapel of São Lourenço dos Matos (St. Lawrence of the Woods) - The occurrence of a miracle in 1722 when the locals were searching for water prompted the construction of the chapel. The architecture is baroque, with an elegant cupola and tiled panels set over the main entrance and to the rear of the main chapel. The tiles on the walls, ceiling vaults and cupola were made in Lisbon in 1730 and recount the life of Sao Lourenço (St. Lawrence). Together they form one of the most outstanding decorative ensembles in Portugal and earn the chapel a unique place in art history. Particularly worthy of note is the harmonious way the tiles fit in with the carved and gilded vestal on the main altar and the decorative detail on the triumphal arch and at the base of the cupola. There is a good collection of 17th and 18th century statues in the church, the sacristy - which also houses a fine chest with carved decoration - and the annex. Nearby, in Sao João da Venda, the old church retains a number of Manueline features (16th century) in its denticulate exterior and the vaulting over the main altar, as well as a vestal with paintings from the end of the same century.

Allegedly one of the prettiest and most typical villages in the Algarve, with brightly adorned white washed houses where two are never alike. The nearby village of Fonte Grande is an ideal place to picnic with its springs and waterfalls. Two restaurants, a grocery store and four or five shops line the main street which leads up to the church in the center of town. Early 18th-century blue-and-white tiles and a lovely gilt altar. Further up the hill are two natural fountains feature in a park and recreation area. Local folk dances at an outdoor restaurant draw take place in the summer. The old ceramic chimneys and carved wooden doors are particularly attractive. The area around the church is a delightful snapshot of the real Algarve. Main church - Built in the 13th century by the wife of the second lord of Alte to give thanks for his safe return from the eighth crusade to the Holy Land, the church has been modified on a number of occasions since, above all in the 16th and 18th centuries. The interior consists of three naves, with short, squat columns dressed with brick to bear the weight of the structure. The main chapel has a Manueline triumphal arch that is partially hidden by wooden mouldings. The vaulted ceiling is painted with decorated keystones. The walls and vaults are decorated with 18th century tiles. The chapel of São Sebastião (St. Sebastian) contains some notable polychrome tiles made in Seville which date from the end of the 16th century. The carved vestibules in the chapels of Nossa Senhora do Rosdrio (Our Lady of the Rosary) and São Francisco (St. Francis) are good examples of 18th century art; the latter is also decorated with the coat of arms of the Counts of Alte. Among the statues in the church and the sacristy; three in particular merit a mention: a 17th century Santa Teresa (St. Theresa), a Nossa Senhora do Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary) and a Santa Margarida Lady BIargareti full of movement and life, from the 18th century. The two fonts are in the Manueline style (16th century). Chapel of Sao Luis (St. Louis) - Built at the beginning of the 15th century, it was subsequently altered until it attained its current appearance, that of a country, church in the taste of the 18th century. The interior is plain: its most curious feature is a series of four paintings in a popular idiom depicting the life of St. Louis (18th century). Fonte Pequena and Fonte Grande - For centuries these two sources were a meeting place for the women of the village who would fill their water pitchers and do their washing. Tables and stone benches have now been installed, in the shade of the trees; making this an ideal spot for having a picnic or just lazing around. Ribeira de Alte and its mills - The waters of the Fonte Pequena and Fonte Grande, which are the source of the Alte river, once turned the wheels of the village's nine mills. Most have since fallen into ruins, the Moinho da Aboboda mill, which is known to date back to 13th century, is still in evidence.

Once an ancient coastal village now a very popular holiday location. The enclosed narrow cobbled streets have kept development in the village to a minimum. Many of these streets now have bars with live music and different types of restaurants but leading off from these there are still parts of the older fishing village. There are a number of holiday resorts In the area and as a result the tourists will flood the town in the mid / peak seasons. The village is located on a hill facing a natural lagoon opening onto the sea. There is a modern fish market on the seafront and a good wide promenade lined with fish restaurants ( open grilled sardines! ). There is a long open sandy beach with a choice of 'beach bars' which were once strategically spaced along its length, but are now replaced with a group of three larger bar restaurants at the town end of the beach. Also there are a number of small coves tucked under the cliffs. The 16th Century Parish Church has, in its main doorway, a prime example  of the great craftsmanship of the "Manueline" era of architecture. It is the only building that has survived the earthquake of November 1755.

A village easily missed except for the petrol station and Ecomarche  supermarket at the side of the N125. Small, with picturesque streets, an antique fountain and tank for washing clothes. Nearby stand abandoned windmills and a typical lime kiln.
Main Church - A country church (18th century). Carved and gilded altars. Interesting effigy of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary) (17th century). Religious artefacts (16th/18th centuries).
Hermitage of São António (St. Anthony) - 18th century edifice Panoramic views from the church churchyard.
Hermitage of São Lourenço (St. Lawrence) - Built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The front of the altar is decorated with tiles from the 18th century.

10 minutes drive west of Luz, fifteen minutes from Lagos. An old fishing village, overlooking a small bay and sandy beach, with a good beach bar. Relatively unspoilt by tourism as it is  protected by a conservation order to retain the areas character, (but see update below). It has some good restaurants and bars. Built on a hillside, the old fishermen's houses line cobbled streets leading to the bay, and the still active fishing fleet. (2005) Despite the so called national park / conservation order some extensive villa / apartment development is under way which probably means another village will succumb to the ever growing tourist trade. Access from the N125 is by a pretty narrow 'main' road, be careful.

Driving through Burgau down toward the beach but turning right before you get there will take you along a road which peters out to a track. This leads to a small unspoilt bay. Populated by a newish beach bar (replacing the original in 2004). This beach is also known as Fisherman's Beach or Quarry Beach, as there is an old quay there, where stone was shipped out, which is now used for fishing. The old cabins can still be seen on the hill. Extensive building is planned on the surrounding hills (despite being part of the nature reserve), so visit whilst you can.

A solitary beach bar on a beautiful quiet beach. A Smart log cabin style with terrace. Quite modern, light and 'airy'. Totally peaceful and a beautiful location. Excellent fish dishes, meals and snacks. Bit off the beaten track but highly recommended.
Where : Through Burgau, 1km turn left down the dirt track toward the bay.

A village on the main EN 125, with roads that lead south to Praia da Luz, and north to Barão de São João. A typical Portuguese village. The part facing the main road looks fairly modern and the roads are well made but go one row of houses back and the roads revert to old cobble style and are murderously narrow in parts. If you go into the village, rather than  just by-passing it on the main road, you will find a few restaurants and bars, a supermarket and newsagents.

Faro is the principal town of the Algarve. Also home to its international airport. It is often overlooked as visitors just pass it on their way to the resorts, but if you get a chance to stop for a while you will find it a fascinating and quite a picturesque town. Though it is quite a large sprawling town, it is probably best if you park up near the centre or by the marina and walk. There is quite a mixture of 'old fashioned' and modern shops as well as masses of cafe bars and restaurants.
The main point of interest is the peaceful old town, reached via the Arco da Vila, an 18th century arch built on the site of a medieval castle gate with stork nests at the top. At its heart is the Largo da Sé, a cobbled square surrounded by elegant buildings, including the Bishops' Palace. Two hundred of its valuable books, now in the Bodleian Library in Oxford, were stolen during the period of Spanish rule in 1596 when English troops burned the city.
In the center of the square is the Renaissance-style cathedral, which was all but destroyed in the English attack. The base of the bell tower, its medieval doorway, and two chapels survived, but everything else was rebuilt in the following century. The interior is decorated with 17th- and 18th-century tiles and behind it is a 16th-century convent converted into an Archaeological Museum that includes remains from the nearby Roman ruins of Estoi. Particularly interesting is the mosaic devoted to Neptune and the four winds.
Nearby is also the Church of São Francisco with a plain façade but with rich gilt-covered woodwork and blue and white tiles in the interior.
Back in the modern center of town is Faro's most bizarre sight, the Chapel of Bones in the baroque Carmo Church. The walls are entirely covered with bones and skulls from the church cemetery, while the rest of the interior is Baroque, mostly decorated in precious Brazilian gold leaf. The Church of São Pedro is also attractive, with a fine altar whose central image is a gilded Last Supper in relief.
Many of the neighbouring streets are now pedestrian only, and are filled with many cafes and restaurants. A famous café is Café Aliança, a charming old-style coffeehouse with images of a 'old' Faro.
By the harbour are two small museums, the Regional Ethnographic Museum, providing a glimpse of traditional Algarve way of life, and the Maritime Museum, with model ships illustrating the region's and the country's naval history.
The closest beach is a massive stretch of white sand on the Ilha de Faro, reached by frequent ferry or bus services, or if you are driving take the turning off of the first roundabout at the airport ( the one with the statues of people watching the planes taking off ).

This inland town, not to be confused with Lagos, about 12 miles to the west, is the wine capital of the Algarve. It is not known when Lagoa was actually founded, and it was only after 1773, when it was elevated to the status of a town, that its history was first documented, but it is known that nearby Estombar and Porches were important centres in the Islamic and medieval periods and that Ferragudo had defensive ramparts. Nowadays Lagoa is at the forefront of the modern Algarve. Standing on a small hill, it is surrounded by vineyards and its white houses gleam in the distance. A very peaceful town in contrast to the tourist centres on the coast. Nearby Carvoeiro, with its charming sandy cove, is an old fishing village which became a popular holiday resort, but of the ancient fortress and convent there is little left. A walk through Lagoa's ancient streets will soon confirm this with the heady aroma of ageing wine drifting from the underground cellars. The local wine is served in all the bars and restaurants and a winery tour is available.

Just ten minutes from Praia da Luz is one of the Algarve's largest towns. Lagos is a major fishing port yet steeped in history and interest. Lagos was the capital of the Algarve from 1578 until 1756. It is, I think, still the Algarve's third or forth largest town. It was the home of the first slave market which can still be seen standing on the riverbank. The statue of Henry the Navigator overlooks the promenade displaying the towns close association with the sea. Plenty of lively bars and good shops. The old town defined by the city walls and two streets (Rua de São Gonçalo and Rua 5 de Outubro) is particularly nice with plenty of street cafes and restaurants and is a great place to roam around. Grab a 'freemap' (available in most bars, shops etc.) to get the best out of this town. There are several very large supermarkets mostly situated in and on the outskirts of the town. Coming from Luz the Intermarche is probably the most accessible ( see the section below ).

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, lies on 20 low hills. The principal attraction of the city lies in the magnificent views from its many belvederes, shady tree lined avenues and flower filled balconies. Lisbon also has a generous share of historical monuments, churches and museums. An ideal location for shopping, markets and restaurants, a visit to Lisbon should not be missed. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake took place on November 1st and was one of the most destructive and deadly earthquakes in history, killing between 60,000 and 100,000 people. The quake was followed by a tsunami and fire, resulting in the near total destruction of Lisbon.

Located between the foothills of the Serra de Caldeirao and the Atlantic Ocean coastline of Southern Portugal Loule is rich in architecture and is famous for its market. Also a center for local handicrafts. Loule is an active market town with some remains of a castle dating back to the 12th Century. This place is a rural administrative and active market town with some remains of a castle dating back to the 12th Century. The Arab castle has been virtually destroyed leaving some walls still standing that are now surrounded by modern buildings. Like most other towns in the Algarve, most of the older potentially interesting buildings have been destroyed in the earthquake that occurred in 1755. Within the remaining walls is a museum with an explanation of what was in the past the grandeur of the castle. The various earthquakes that it has suffered through its history have damaged the 13th Century Church of São Clemente. However, its Gothic arches and side chapels are remaining from the 16th Century have survived.
Querença
Savour the atmosphere of a traditional Algarvian village of white houses and modest gardens. Main church - With its origins in the 16th century. This church has undergone subsequent alterations. The facade has a simply decorated Manueline doorway (16th century), and the side entrance is from the same period. The main and side chapels have carved and gilded vestals (18th century). Among the statues to be seen, a 16th century Virgin and Child and a 17th century Nossa Senhora da Assuncão deserve particular mention. In the square in front of the church stands an interesting cross mounted on a limestone boulder.
Fonte Benemola Classified Site - There are nature trails for walkers. Within the park are a number of caves containing archaeological remains. The local fauna includes otters, a wide variety of birds and a few colonies of bats. On the approach road is the Cerro dos Negros viewpoint, which looks out over a broad sweep of coastline.
Salir
The white houses of the village are scattered higgledy-piggledy on the hillside around the ruins of the castle. Its narrow, streets are an alluring mix of bright flowerpots, whitewashed walls and peace and quiet. Main church - Although of little architectural interest, this church does contain one small treasure: an illuminated papal bull on parchment dated 1550. It also boasts carved and gilded 18th century vestals and statues from the 17th and 18th centuries. Castle - The fact that it does not have an "alcaçova" (house of the castle commander) suggests that the castle was built in the 12th/13th centuries to defend the peasants who worked in the fields from Christian attack. Captured by the Knights of the Order of Santiago (St. James) after the fall of Tavira, it was here that the Master of the Order, Paio Peres Correia, awaited the arrival of the army of King Afonso III before going on to seize Faro (1249-1250). Its ramparts are built of 'taipa' and are one of only a few surviving examples of Moorish fortifications in Portugal. Archaeological excavations have uncovered a Moorish residential area and confirm that part of Salir is built on the site of the old fortification. The castle is an excellent vantage point. To the north it looks out over the forbidding ranges of the Serra, while seaward the view, is of more gentle, verdant hills. Rocha da Pena Classified Site - A limestone rnassif with steeply scarped sides,. Rocha da Pena rises to a height of 479 m (1600 feet). There is a panoramic view from its summit which takes in the sea.
Barranco do Velho
A beautiful church, built in 1944 in the Algarvian rustic style, looks out from the top of a hill. The churchyard is one of the most marvellous viewpoints in the Algarve and from it can be seen an endless vista of hills covered with cork oaks, stretching away almost as far as Loulé, Salir and Alte. In the nearby ranges of hills are to be found picturesque thatched stone houses, round in shape, that are used as barns these days but which reflect the type of dwellings from prehistoric times.