Villas & Apartments in Western Algarve, Portugal

If you have seen photographs of the Algarve before, in travel magazines, they were probably pictures taken in the Western Algarve of Portugal. The coastal area near Lagos boasts lovely beaches that are nestled in small coves and bays, with majestic limestone cliffs around them. The area is more wondrous because of erosion-formed rock formations, grottoes and caves, some of which are located in the water.

West of Lagos, you will find an area more like the authentic fishing villages you may have imagined. The villages of Salema and Burgau are now located in the nature reserve of Costa Vicentina. The road winds through Vila do Bispo, then back to the westernmost point of Algarve, where Cape St. Vincent can be found. You can also take a coastal road to the north, and follow it to Aljezur, which is very much a surfer's paradise.

You'll want to save some time to visit Albufeira, a less exclusive area, and a lively, pleasant and cosmopolitan place. Beaches and villages lay west of Albuferia, including Guia, Vale de Parra, Gale and Castelo. It is geared for tourists, but more in a low-key and relaxed way. The fishing villages are very picturesque, although some of them tend to be crowded in the summer months.

Back at the coast, you will find Ferragudo, which is a non-spoiled, attractive little town by the sea, with a wonderful beach, and castle ruins to explore. Waterfront restaurants will give you a good place to stop and rest after your daily travels. Portimao is a fishing port town, just a bit upriver from the main resort of Praia da Rocha. A very popular and famous resort is the town of Carvoeiro. Villa holidays in Carvoeiro are easy to find and the area has so much to offer for a family holiday, there is always something for the whole family to do, day or night.

Near Portimao, the Meia Praia is an extensive beach, with some areas of tourist development. The road leads you back to Lagos, which is somewhat tourist-oriented, but also a fishing and commercial center. Travel brochures describe the Lagos area as a place where you can delve deeply into beach-wandering and good eating. You'll also want to capture a photograph of the Ponta da Piedade rock formations.