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    Secret Algarve

    "Explore the Alt-garve"

    Portugal’s sunny shores are full of surprises

    Discover the secret Algarve

    The Algarve might be Portugal’s most popular holiday hotspot, but it still has plenty of under-the-radar locations. Thousands visit each year, drawn to the sweeping beaches, cute cobbled streets, and affordable cost of living. But if you think the Algarve’s all tanning, kids’ clubs and golf, think again. With around 100 miles of Atlantic coastline to explore, there’s so much more – from kayaking with flamingos to discovering dinosaur footprints. And, whether you’re in a hotel, self-catering apartment or villa (where car hire is often included), it’s all within easy driving distance. Here are our favourite ways to see what we call ‘The Alt-garve’. Once you're ready, check out our Portugal deals to get booking...

    PEACEFUL ESCAPES

    The Algarve spans the width of Portugal's south coast. It’s a scenic stretch of glittering sea and rustic green hills – with a cycling trail that takes you all the way from one side to the other. The Ecovia starts at Vila Real de Santo António (VRSA), on the border with Spain, and ends at Cape St Vincent, Europe's most south-westerly point. And while only serious cyclists would take on the whole route, a leisurely pedal from one little village to the next on this biking track is a lovely day out. Try the gentle 27km segment between VRSA and Tavira in the east. Passing peaceful orange groves and fields, you’ll end at one of the region’s most traditional villages – quiet Tavira is all small cobbled squares, historic churches and blue-tile houses.

    QUIRKY SPOTS

    While you’re in the eastern Algarve – easily accessible from Faro – check out the spooky ‘anchor graveyard’ on Barril beach. A Blue Flag-accredited sunbathing spot, you’ll find Barril on Tavira Island, which you can reach by miniature train. The strange sight of rows and rows of neatly plotted, giant rusting anchors commemorates the tuna fishing trade that once sustained the whole area. Even spookier is the Chapel of the Bones near Olhos D’Agua, decorated with 5,000 human skulls and bones.

    BEAUTIFUL VISTAS

    Also near Tavira, natural marine park Ria Formosa is a collection of lagoons and quiet islands that feels like your own private slice of Portugal. Untroubled by crowds, the best way to see it is from a kayak, so you can explore little waterways and find your very own stretch of sand. There’s no current, which makes for easy paddling, and the resident flamingos add a vibrant splash of colour.

    FOODIE DELIGHTS

    Loulé, about 20km from Albufeira, is known for its Saturday morning ‘Gypsy Market’ – a maze of stalls selling everything from hand-painted honey jars to decorated tablecloths. Foodies in particular will love the local produce. Gourmet treats include homemade bread, piles of cakes and authentic local piri-piri sauce. Seafood fans should make their way to nearby Quarteira, near Vilamoura – dive into the town’s backstreets for unassuming shacks serving up garlicky clams drizzled with olive oil, enormous crabs and fried octopus.

    SECRET BEACHES

    The region’s beaches get busy come high summer. But with so many to choose from, there are still a bevy of secluded beauties flying under the radar. Praia de Salema, in the western Algarve near Sagres, has secluded coves and dramatic cliffs aplenty – kids will enjoy the dinosaur footprints fossilised in limestone at the western end of the beach. The area is part of the protected Costa Vicentina Natural Park, so there’s little development here. You'll find bobbing fishing boats, a few restaurants, and gentle sea that’s perfect for swimming.

    SURF-FRIENDLY STRETCHES

    Sagres is a low-key surf town right at the Algarve’s western tip. Thanks to the epic views over the seemingly endless Atlantic, when the Romans arrived here they thought they’d reached the end of the world. With no high-rise buildings, and a handful of casual cafés offering cheap but delicious seafood, it’s an unflashy sanctum popular with the bohemian set. While strong north-westerly winds here whip up world-class waves for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing, beginners should head to Cordoama beach, which is more sheltered and prone to gentle rollers – especially in summer.

    LOCAL TREATS

    While everyone knows about Portugal’s love of port, piri-piri and seafood, not everyone knows about the local delicacies. Aguardente de Medronhos, or ‘fire water’, is a handcrafted, fiery brandy made from the region’s Medronho fruit, a nobbly red berry. You can visit a distillery to learn about – and, more importantly, sample – the drink, which is produced on such a small scale, you won’t find it in supermarkets. Then there’s the famous wild honey of Monchique cultivated by local beekeepers. Pick some up on your way to the viewpoint at Fóia Monchique, the Algarve’s highest mountain, just above the town.

    Ready to visit the Algarve's secret spots?

    Check out our Portugal deals, and find out where to stay in the Algarve. 

    Author: Laura Chubbs 

    Pssst. Head to our Discover homepage to see the latest articles

    Published: 26.08.2020.

    Tags: latest, culture

    Destinations: Portugal

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