A lively port town with old walls, pretty squares and the best cliff beaches within walking distance. A fine mix of culture and coast.
Insider tip
Walk the coastal path from the centre to Ponta da Piedade instead of driving.
Whitewashed lanes, viewpoints and the town beach reached through a tunnel. Charming by day, lively by night.
Towns & villagesThe former Moorish capital of the Algarve, crowned by a red-sandstone castle above the river. Winding old town and cathedral.
Towns & villagesAn elegant riverside town on the Gilao with a Roman bridge, many churches and a Moorish feel. Calmer and more authentic than the west.
