Shop
More an eclectic collection of boutiques than a full-blown mall, but with Mexican specialists, gourmet food shops, chic interior designers and even a pub, Vila Sol Shopping, in Vilamoura is worth a detour for that special gift or an extravagant take-home present.
As well as a great restaurant, Veneza houses the best wine shop in the Algarve, a cavernous cellar stocking Portuguese varieties to suit every taste and budget.
Lovingly restored, historic Lagos has an array of elegant 18th and 19th-century buildings, smart shops, churches, museums and art galleries, as well as a plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants, and a new marina.
Portuguese families from Lisbon and the north descend on the Algarve in August so the central beaches can get very crowded. For peace and quiet, head west to Salema, Figueira, Furnas or Zavial.
Ferragudo still retains much of its fishing village charm. Cobbled alleyways meander up the hill to the church, with panoramic views out across the Arcade estuary to a 17th-century fort. People-watch from a cafe and enjoy fresh sardines cooked over a barbecue.
What to do: lots of cafes to choose from, many fab shops, have a walk around the pretty port, go to Vila-a-Dentro which is the gated and cobbled old town, climb to the top of the medieval Faro Cathedral to check out an amazing view, visit the adjoined museum for Baroque art.
You might spot a well-known non-golfing face on the courses at Vale do Lobo: Michael Owen, Alan Shearer and Andrew Flintoff all own houses here.
More an eclectic collection of boutiques than a full-blown mall, but with Mexican specialists, gourmet food shops, chic interior designers and even a pub, Vila Sol Shopping, in Vilamoura is worth a detour for that special gift or an extravagant take-home present.
As well as a great restaurant, Veneza houses the best wine shop in the Algarve, a cavernous cellar stocking Portuguese varieties to suit every taste and budget.
Lovingly restored, historic Lagos has an array of elegant 18th and 19th-century buildings, smart shops, churches, museums and art galleries, as well as a plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants, and a new marina.
Portuguese families from Lisbon and the north descend on the Algarve in August so the central beaches can get very crowded. For peace and quiet, head west to Salema, Figueira, Furnas or Zavial.
Ferragudo still retains much of its fishing village charm. Cobbled alleyways meander up the hill to the church, with panoramic views out across the Arcade estuary to a 17th-century fort. People-watch from a cafe and enjoy fresh sardines cooked over a barbecue.
What to do: lots of cafes to choose from, many fab shops, have a walk around the pretty port, go to Vila-a-Dentro which is the gated and cobbled old town, climb to the top of the medieval Faro Cathedral to check out an amazing view, visit the adjoined museum for Baroque art.
You might spot a well-known non-golfing face on the courses at Vale do Lobo: Michael Owen, Alan Shearer and Andrew Flintoff all own houses here.
You can also take a train to Olhao, huge fish, fruit and veg market.
Day trip
Cadiz. Hop over the border as Europe's oldest city goes into overdrive during its Carnival with pilgrimages, parades, creative figurines and satirical cabarets. Cadiz doubled for Havana in the Bond movie Die Another Day.
Zoomarine. Spend the whole day at this water park on the N-125 near Guia. Swim with dolphins or enjoy the aquariums, other natural animal habitats, live shows, fun fairs, educational facilities and 4D cinema.
Day trip
Cadiz. Hop over the border as Europe's oldest city goes into overdrive during its Carnival with pilgrimages, parades, creative figurines and satirical cabarets. Cadiz doubled for Havana in the Bond movie Die Another Day.
Zoomarine. Spend the whole day at this water park on the N-125 near Guia. Swim with dolphins or enjoy the aquariums, other natural animal habitats, live shows, fun fairs, educational facilities and 4D cinema.
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