Where to go…
What to visit in the Algarve
The Algarve is ideal for short daytrips. We recommend a car though, as public transportation is slow, limited and very time-consuming. The roads are reasonable, the highways are perfect, and signposting is ok. There is much more worthwhile visiting, this is just a small selection.
Most of the places we mentioned are on the coast, but do not forget to look north: walk authentic Portuguese villages such as Alte, Salir, Aljezur and Paderne. You even might want to visit Lisbon or Sevilla in Spain.
Albufeira
Just 7 km away: lively Albufeira, loved by tourists young and old, year-round. The modern new town surrounds the historic centre: famous narrow streets, colourful squares, steps and numerous shops, restaurants, discos, bars, banks, hotels and mega supermarkets ( Modelo and Pingo doce). West of Albufeira you have the beaches of Sao Rafael, Castelo and Gale and east the beaches Praia da Oura and Falesia, all beautiful sandy beaches with impressive cliffs.
Algarve Shopping
If you like shopping do not fail to visit the Algarve shopping. You will find many fashion boutiques (Mango,Zara,Cortefiel )kiosks, sport shops etc . On the ground floor you cannot mis Continente a mega supermarket for all your everyday needs, fresh food, toys, shoes, clothing etc. On the first floor you also will find restaurants (the food court) and cinemas. If you like shopping, then you also can visit the MAR SHOPPING in Loulé. Bigger than Guia, with an outlet centre and IKEA, at a 20 minutes’ drive from Vila do Ouro.
Faro
Cosmopolitan Faro has been the capital city of the Algarve since 1756. Faro has a rich history; traces of roman and moors occupation can be seen in many places. The old city walls near the harbour enclose very old buildings. Faro has an airport, hospital and several museums, Maritime, Municipal and Ethnographic (traditional lifestyle). The heart of the city is for pedestrians only. From the harbour boats will cruise you through the National Laguna Park Ria Formosa, a famous bird sanctuary.
Silves
Silves used to be the capital city and being so close to the river Arade, Silves was a very important trading post. Nowadays the river is not navigable, but the grandeur of this town is still visible, even after the destroying earthquake 200 years ago. Find the thick walls, the castle on top of the hill, the cathedral, and the narrow streets.
Lagos
The bright city of Lagos lies in the largest bay of the Algarve. Famous homeport of Henry the Navigator, who discovered new land in the 15th century. You can still see his statue, the slave market, the castle, and some fortifications. Lagos has many churches; do not forget to visit the golden church San Antonio annex museum. Small boats along the boulevard will take you to the famous caves of Ponte de Piedade.
Olhão
Ever since the Middle Ages life here is synonymous with fishing. There are huge factories for canning sardines and tuna. The catch of the very morning will be sold at the local covered market daily. On Saturdays the farmers come to town with their groceries, fruits, honey and live chicken. Behind this covered market small boats at the quay will take you to the islands Armona and Culatra, both with flat sandbanks, small cozy beach houses and quiet beaches.
Tavira
Charming Tavira is a must. This town still has its characteristic features. They call it the Venice of the Algarve. Romans and Moors left their footprints here. Famous for the many churches you best discover those on foot. Also visit the remains of the old castle, high on the hill. You will have to climb many steps, but the view is rewarding. In summer a sight-seeing trolley shows you all the interesting places. Walking the roman bridge gives you a special feeling. Close by you can take the boat to the island of Tavira, again beautiful beaches and good restaurants.
Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago
Beautiful golf courses, pompous villas of several world’s celebrities, chic harbours, chic restaurants, and chic shopping centres…
Sagres and Cabo São Vicente
This windy corner of the Algarve has been considered the most southwestern point of the world for a long time. People were convinced it was the end of the world. You will have that same feeling when visiting the cape. Sheer high cliffs falling in the roaring waters of the Atlantic Ocean, remote land around you and strong winds. This place is a must if you love to see unusual flora and fauna, very worthwhile between February and May.
Portimão
Portimão is a very modern trade city. Large hotels, housing blocks and company buildings. Still, it is worthwhile for the many shops, entertainment and beautiful beaches like Praia da Rocha, a long stretch of golden sand, safe for children.
Monchique and Serra de Monchique
Monchique is a small cozy market town on an elevation of 458 m. The volcanic mountain ridge protects central Algarve from the cold Atlantic winds. Highest point Foia is about 900m.Everything is very green here even in hot summer. Hiking is popular here.
Aljezur and West Coast
An hour’s drive away is Aljezur, a small town on the west coast, once founded by Arabs in the 10th century. The west coast has many national parks and beautiful large beaches and a rough sea. Characteristic is the surf culture and hippie culture that is abundantly present here. Beautiful views, perfect sunsets, high cliffs and beautiful rocks. It is absolutely worth doing a daytrip to the west coast.
Lisboa
From Vila do Ouro to Lisbon it takes about 2, 5 hours by car. Good choice is to travel by train from Ferreiras railway station. Not too expensive and very comfortable. Lisbon has many interesting places, go by foot or by public transportation (tram). Lisbon has many hills, palaces, churches, museums, shopping malls. Nightlife in Baixa, Bairro Alto and Alfama is traditional: Portuguese pubs with live music fado diners. Fado means a lot, it is always about desire, sorrow and “saudade” = nostalgia. Docas has modern nightlife.
Sevilla (Spain)
From Vila do Ouro to Sevilla takes about 2,5 hours, only 50 minutes to the Spanish border. No need to tell you about Sevilla it simply is a must! Outdoor living, delicious tapas and Spanish music.
Ayamonte (Spain)
Closer than Seville but you still want to cross the border? Then you can visit Ayamonte. This charming Spanish town on the Guadiana River can be reached in 1 hour. It is more fun to take the ferry from Vila Real de Santo Antonio and reach Ayamonte.
