Acoteias Holidays

Nestled a short walk inland on Portugal’s south coast, Acoteias is a hidden haven along the road from bustling Albufeira. It’s a traditional village with a few intimate restaurants, bars and shops. The secluded vibe continues onto the local beach – a fabulously long stretch of pristine, golden sand.

Acoteias’ beach, Praia de Falesia, is a roomy stretch that runs along the coast for six kilometres. Backed by rust-coloured sandstone cliffs, it comes with fine, caramel-coloured sand and snorkel-clear waters. You’ll also find sunloungers and beach bars here. And handily, it’s only about 10 minutes’ walk from the hotels.

Acoteias has an unspoken keep-it-calm code, but there’s plenty to do on the activity front. For a start there’s golf. The Algarve is famous for it, and the village comes with its own nine-hole course, Pine Cliffs. The last hole, Devil’s Parlour, sits atop a beach-side ravine. And there are plenty of tennis and walking options in the area, too.

Half-an-hour’s drive and you can be exploring the 18th-century architecture, ancient cathedral and well-preserved Medieval quarters of Faro. A must-see here is the Capela dos Ossos – or the Bone Chapel – with its spooky monks’ skulls and skeletons cemented into the walls. There’s also an attractive marina and an old town peppered with outdoor cafés.