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Portugal
Algarve
Portugal's southern coast runs from ochre sea cliffs and grotto-pocked coves to pine-backed golf estates and whitewashed fishing towns. The Algarve wears its popularity lightly at the top end, where quinta resorts, clifftop spas and a fast-improving food scene trade on some of Europe's most reliable sunshine.
Best areas to stay
The Golden Triangle
Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Almancil form the Algarve's polished core, with championship golf, beach clubs and the region's densest run of fine dining.
Lagos & the west
The old town's tiled lanes sit beside the sculpted cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, with wilder surf beaches stretching towards Sagres.
Carvoeiro & the central coast
Cove beaches, the Benagil sea cave and clifftop boardwalks anchor this scenic middle stretch, well supplied with resorts.
Tavira & the east
The gentler east trades cliffs for the lagoons and barrier-island beaches of the Ria Formosa, with Tavira the prettiest town on the coast.
Dining & nightlife
Cataplana stews, grilled sardines and clams from the Ria Formosa share the coast with a growing cluster of Michelin-starred dining rooms around Almancil and Porches. Nightlife runs from marina bars in Vilamoura to low-key wine terraces in the fishing towns.
Travelling as a family
Sheltered cove beaches, warm shallows in the east, water parks and family-geared resorts make the Algarve one of Europe's easiest family coasts. Boat trips to the Benagil caves and dolphin-watching from Lagos are dependable crowd-pleasers.
Travelling as a couple
Clifftop suites above private coves, sunset at Cabo de São Vicente and long dinners over Portuguese wine give couples plenty to work with. Shoulder season brings empty beaches and gentler prices.
Cultural highlights
- The sea caves and rock stacks of Benagil and Ponta da Piedade
- The Ria Formosa lagoon and its barrier islands
- Silves' red sandstone Moorish castle
- The end-of-the-world headland at Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente
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