algarve west holiday

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places to visit .

Lagos is a large marina town with an abundance of shops & cosmopolitan restaurants.

Situated c 30 km from Aljezur, Moorish and Renaissance influences abound in Lagos, from its fortress to its plethora of magnificent churches, such as the Medieval São João Hermitage, the 16th-century Santa Maria of Misericrida, the Baroque Santo Ant-nio and the 17th-century São Sebastião. Whilst its history is rich, its the fine beaches and beach bars, such as Bahia Beach Bar and Retiro do Marujo, which attract many visitors.

Portimão is one of the largest towns on the Algarve, making its living from fishing since pre-Roman times.

Situated c 50 km from Aljezur, this sprawling port is a major sardine-canning centre. Whilst most of its older buildings were destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, some of the cobbled streets still remain. Others have been transformed into a pedestrianised shopping area selling lace, shoes, jewellery ceramics and wicker goods. A wide variety of shops and cafés make it a place worth visiting. On the 1st Monday of each month there's a huge market held on the Estrada Velha de Praia da Rocha (just out of town) & on the morning of the 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month there's a flea market at Avenida São João de Deus.

Odeceixe is a small Moorish village on the border between the Algarve & Alentejo

Situated c 15 km from Aljezur. Odeceixe has an excellent beach sheltered by high cliffs. A popular location with surfers, Odeceixe remains uncrowded even in the summer months. It also has a designated naturist beach.

Zambujeira do Mar is a small fishing village in the Alentejo region.

Situated c 35 km from Aljezur, it beaches are its most important attraction. Situated on the top of the cliff, the small village offers a perfect natural terrace from which to appreciate views of the ocean.

One of the biggest summer music festivals in Portugal, takes place in the Zambujeira do Mar - The popular event Festival Sudoeste (Sudoeste Festival), one of the biggest summer music festivals in Portugal, takes place in the Zambujeira do Mar. During the four days of the festival a whole host of national and international bands take to the stage playing through the day and evening. After hours, world-renowned DJs keep the party going well into the next morning.

Vila Nova de Milfontes is a small town affording excellent eating, entertainment & beach facilities.

Situated c 55km from Aljezur, Vila Nova de Milfontes offers an excellent range of outdoor cafés, bars, pubs & clubs making it a busy, trendy & cosmopolitan nightlife scene. It is also renowned for its fantastic gastronomy, including fresh fish & seafood, 'alentejano' bread, sausages, salami and sheep cheese.

Odemira is a sleepy town c 20km inland from the picturesque Alentejo coast.

Situated c 40 km from Aljezur, it nestles on the banks of the River Mira. Besides the fountain in the main square, the main points of interest include the churches of Salvador and Santa Maria. One of the Alentejo's best-preserved windmills is located on the edge of the town and stands as a working display of the traditional methods used to process the region's wheat and corn. Odemira is also well known for its pottery workshop, where visitors can witness the skilful production of earthenware and other local handicrafts.

Monchique is a breathtaking rural town, nestled between the hills of Foia and Picota.

Situated c 30 km from Aljezur, it boasts a green oasis of lush gardens, flowers and butterflies. The old craggy rural town sits amongst steep cobbled streets in the Serra De Monchique mountain range that forms a barrier between the Algarve and the neighbouring region of Alentejo.

The little spa town Caldas da Monchique, within the Serra De Monchique, has been a spa since Roman times. It remains an active and pretty town where visitors can sample the spa water for a modest fee.

Carrapateira is a small village surrounded by sand dunes and green hills, with a few bars and restaurants.

Situated c 20 km from Aljezur, the beaches near here are spectacular and popular with surfers, although they can be a little windy for some sunbathers.

Vila do Bispo is a small town known by its white houses amongst the hills, covered by heather and rosemary.

Situated c 35 km from Aljezur, Vila do Bispo boasts beautiful rocky beaches with excellent waves for the practising of surfing and body board & fishing.

Sagres & Cape St Vincent are the 2 most south-westerly tips of Europe.

Situated c 45 km from Aljezur, it was here that five centuries ago Prince Henry set up a school of navigation, which played a crucial role in the Portuguese Discoveries. The Nossa Senhora da Graça Chapel, the 14th century fortress and the 15th century rosa-dos-ventos are all worth seeing.

The local restaurants are renowned for their fish and its variety and freshness. The local fishermen regularly risk their lives precariously wedged into the sheer cliffs above the Atlantic.

go to 'places to visit'

things to do ...

... zoo .

'Lagos Zoo' located at Barão de S. João is an absolute must for anyone with children in their party. Click on 'Links' for further info.

 

 

... surfing.

Vale da Telha is surrounded by 3 good surfing beaches. All of the 3 beaches are within 5 minutes driving. Praia de Amoreira and Monte Clerico are North West facing beaches and pick up any swell. Arrifana is Southwest facing and is very protected from the North wind because of his high cliffs. Arrifana is surfed when the swell is slightly to big for the Northwest facing beaches.

The good thing about Vale da Telha is that when the swell is to big on the West coast (even on Arrifana), you can drive 30 minutes to the South coast which has lots of surfing beaches to escape from the big swells.

The South West part of Portugal is unspoilt. Lots of secret spots to find. Come over here and go on a search!!

... racing .

Why not visit the Formula 1 standard motor racing circuit at Portimão? A great experience for anyone interested in car and bike racing. Click on 'Links' for events calendar.

... marine life .

'Zoomarine' at Alcantarilha offers a unique opportunity to experience marine life and leisure facilities. A popular activity is the interactive swimming with dolphins programme. Click on 'Links' for further info.

... dolphin trips .

Dolphin watching trips & safaris can be booked through a range of tourist companies operating out of Lagos. Click on 'Links' for further info.

... boat trips & fishing .

Cruises and family fishing trips can be booked out of Lagos, through a range of tourist companies. Click on 'Links' for further info.

... sand festival .

Why not take the time to visit the fantastic 'Fiesa' sand festival, held every year between May - September at Alcantarilha? Click on 'Links' for further info.

... waterparks ...

For those wishing to indulge in a little bit of more commercialised holiday fun, why not try some of the waterparks available. Click on 'Links' for further info.

... golf ...

Whilst the Costa Vicentina is a perfect place to get away from it all, there is a wide variety of golf courses available from Lagos along the South Coast to enjoy a round or so. Click on 'Links' for further info.