Discover the secret Algarve

Peaceful Algarve – cycling unspoilt villages

The Algarve spans the width of Portugal, from east to west along the south coast. It’s a scenic stretch of glittering sea and rustic green hills - so no wonder some bright spark created 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, the most south-westerly point on the continent. 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 Algarve - anchor graveyard & bone chapel

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, accessed 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. Eeek.

Wildlife Algarve - kayaking with flamingos

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 Algarve – gypsy markets & secret backstreets

Loulé, about 20km from Albufeira, is known for its Saturday morning ‘Gypsy Market’ - a buzzy 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 (sorry, Nando’s). 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.

Hidden Algarve - seek out secret beaches

The region’s beaches get busy come high summer. But with so many to choose from, there are a bevy of secluded beauties still 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 - just bobbing fishing boats, a few restaurants and gentle sea that’s perfect for swimming.

Surfing Algarve - discover laid-back Sagres

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 cooking cheap but standout 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 Algarve - firewater & wild honey

While everyone knows about Portugal’s love of port, piri-piri and seafood, not everyone knows about the Algarve’s 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.

Author: Laura Chubb

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