Western Algarve

The tour begins in Albufeira with a visit and a stroll through the historic centre and the Pau da Bandeira viewpoint, an experience that allows visitors to get a taste of everyday life in the region, whilst preparing to head down to Praia dos Pescadores with views looking up, against a backdrop of exceptional beauty and uniqueness. The tour continues to the Cais Herculano viewpoint – one of Albufeira’s best-known historic sites, with strong links to maritime activity and one of the most appealing places for a stroll along the seafront.

The stop in Albufeira invites you to continue your journey and enter the Algarve’s medieval town: Silves. The town is rich in heritage, and it stands out for its Historic Quarter and castle, both steeped in history and protected by walls offering panoramic views. The visit to Silves is rounded off with a stroll through the historic centre and across the Ponte Velha (Old Bridge) over the River Arade – the perfect spot for a walk on your own or in the company of your loved ones.

The next destination is for those seeking the Algarve’s most picturesque side, with a visit to the fishing village of Ferragudo. The colourful streets, lined with houses typical of the Algarve region, its heritage sites such as the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, which stands at the highest point of the village and offers a superb view over the River Arade, the fishing harbour area, Angrinha Beach and São João do Arade Castle, as well as Ferragudo’s Praia Grande, are the perfect excuses for an experience that brings you closer to the local culture, seascape and cuisine.

Before setting off for Lagos, a visit to Portimão offers an opportunity to discover one of the Algarve’s main towns; it is the region’s second-largest city and is therefore regarded as the capital of the western Algarve. With an attractive historic centre, a seafront boasting some of Portugal’s most beautiful scenery, viewpoints offering panoramic vistas, the beauty of the Arade River Estuary or the Ria de Alvor, the Passeio da Ribeirinha promenade and the marina, it is the perfect invitation to embrace the vibrancy and discover one of the country’s most dynamic cities, particularly during the tourist season. Portimão and its dream beaches, such as Praia da Rocha, form the perfect picture-postcard scene, captivating all who visit and leaving you longing to return for even more memorable experiences.

The trip is incomplete without first visiting Meia Praia. The railway stop of the same name sits right next to the beach, allowing for a quick visit and short journey to the shore to enjoy all the coastal beauty, take a dip in the sea, or simply go for a walk along the beach before continuing your journey.

Terminal station: Lagos. The town is the perfect blend of history, landscape and culture. Set amongst cliffs and a breathtaking seascape, combined with streets brimming with life, people and a wealth of local cuisine, Lagos captivates all who visit and seek to discover more about the town. Walking through the historic centre of Lagos is like learning about the history of an entire region, where heritage sites such as the Church of Santo António, the Rota da Escravatura Museum Centre and the Ponta da Bandeira Fort are living testimonies and landmarks that stand the test of time and form part of the culture and way of life of the Algarve.

Characteristic of the western Algarve, the breathtaking beaches are one of Lagos’s hallmarks: Dona Ana Beach and Camilo Beach, together with Ponta da Piedade, a natural labyrinth of stone arches and caves, make the town one of the most desirable summer destinations and a prime example of scenic beauty not only in Portugal but also in Europe.