Holiday Destinations in the Algarve, Portugal: a quick look at the Western Algarve
Lagos is an historic town with many narrow cobbled streets, where the fort and part of the old town walls still remain. This is a relaxing and comfortable town for the visitors, with many restaurants, cafes, bars and interesting shops to choose from. A working fishing harbour and large marina also provide a lot of interest and there are several excellent beaches close to the town.
Moving west from Lagos, the main EN125 runs through rolling countryside about 3 kms inland. The coastline provides a wealth of interesting villages, coves and quiet sandy beaches. BURGAU is a small fishing village built on a hillside overlooking a small bay with a beautiful beach and fishing boats drawn up on the slipway. Burgau sports centre provides squash and tennis facilities for the active. SALEMA too, is a small fishing village with sardine boats drawn up on the beach.
FIGUEIRA, although slightly inland, has two virtually deserted beaches, one accessible by car. Throughout this area, there is a wealth of local restaurants catering for a wide variety of needs. The magnificent PARQUE DA FLORESTA village and golf course is situated in the hills behind Salema. SAGRES is a larger port and traditional boat building centre and was the site of Henry the Navigator’s fort and navigation school. CAPE ST VINCENT is the most south westerly point of Europe, with a lighthouse and spectacular cliffs. Heading northwards, there are numerous small beaches and coves to be discovered along the west coast and the short drive to this area is well worthwhile. In this more remote western end of the Algarve a car is essential. This will also give you the opportunity to explore with freedom and enjoy the full splendour of this coastal area.
