"Exploring Portugal's southwest corner" Top 5 Page for this destination Algarve by Bwana_Brown

Algarve Travel Guide: 2,711 reviews and 5,795 photos

Sue & the Manueline decorations in Monchique

The Algarve was one of the parts of Portugal that we most wanted to see. As a result, we decided to spend two nights there so we would have some flexibility to adjust our plans depending on the weather that we encountered. In the end, the weather was great, sunny and in the mid-20 C range. However, our time was cut short by a few hours due to a problem in Lisbon that delayed the start of our road trip. Nevertheless, we found that the Algarve had a lot to offer - especially since we had decided to stay away from the main tourist areas (for the most part) and concentrate on some of its other delights.

To this end, using the tiny village of Aljezur as our base, we visited one of the less famous beaches on the western Atlantic coastline. This was then followed up by a whirlwind trip to the south coast where we took in the lighthouse and cliffs at Cape St. Vincent. In the heat of the afternoon, an obligatory visit to the sandy southern beaches was an interesting experience before we retreated to the cool inland airs of Mt. Foia, the highest peak in southern Portugal.

We were a bit disappointed and saddened by the damage done to the forests in the Monchique and Mt. Foia area by the severe forest fires of 2003. Even so, we still found that this area was well worth the drive for the views that it offered as the road twisted through the mountainous terrain.

This photo shows the famous 500-year old Manueline decorations on the church door in Monchique, a small village in the mountains.

For an overview of the area that we covered, please check my map in the General tips.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A wide variety of interesting things to see and do
Cons:Great in May, very busy in summer!
In a nutshell:An extremely interesting part of Portugal

Last visit to Algarve: May 2004
Intro Updated Oct 8, 2007
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Reviews (30)

A Handy Rental Car Transportation (3)

When we travel to a new country or location, we like to be able to travel around and see the sights at our leisure.... more travel advice

Get Yourself a Good Map! Favorites (2)

We bought (10 Euros) this now battered road map at a tourist information shop in Sintra, during our first full day in... more travel advice

Our Driving Route in the Algarve - Algarve

Our Corner of the Algarve is HERE Favorites (2)

Following our arrival in the Algarve (see my 'Lisbon' page for our first adventures in Portugal) this tip gives an... more travel advice

Monchique Things to Do (10)

This is a sleepy market town located about 1500 ft (460 m) above the ocean in the Monchique Mountains. It is most famous... more travel advice

Restaurants (4)
See All Eat with the Locals
Off The Beaten Path (4)
See All Mountaintop View
Local Customs (3)
See All Azulejos

Comments (39)

balhannah Jan 27, 2012 at 4:41 AM Report Abuse

You certainly found a fabulous Beach and Cliff's, but you wouldn't catch me in that little fishing boat!
MalenaN Nov 30, 2010 at 9:54 AM Report Abuse

Sounds great to sit in the sun on an empty beach sipping wine! I have never been to Algarve but if I visit Portugal again I would defenitly go there.
aligreen Sep 28, 2009 at 6:19 AM Report Abuse

We stumbled on this place in identical fashion last week - noone else there but very friendly owner came out and organised set menu lunch for us. Delicious 4 course meal for 30E a head. We will definitely be going back.
Ekaterinburg Apr 20, 2008 at 4:06 AM Report Abuse

Imaginative and alternative view of the Algarve. A joy not to have to look at Praia De Rocha etc. This is somewhere we could get to by direct flight from Cork so I'm reading with geat interest and of course pleasure :))
scottishvisitor Nov 1, 2007 at 9:43 AM Report Abuse

What would the Algarve be without its stunning coastline? Your page brings back some nice memories for me
Fra.da. Sep 5, 2007 at 6:53 AM Report Abuse

I have never been to Portugal and I would love to visit Algarve as first. So thanks for your excellent tips! Greetings from Italy, Francesca
algarvebuzz Aug 15, 2007 at 7:03 AM Report Abuse

ola Bwana, thanks for the info on the Algarve.
2_lovelygirls_FR May 16, 2007 at 3:14 AM Report Abuse

Great pages and tips about Portugal. Heading to the Algarve this summer fo rsome sightseeing. Thanks for sharing your wonderful trips ;-) Cheers from Ireland!
calcaf38 May 12, 2007 at 3:14 PM Report Abuse

Thank you for rating my Coban page. Your kind words always mean a lot.
magor65 Mar 19, 2007 at 6:18 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page on Algarve - full of useful information. I'm going to spend a week there, and I hope I'll manage both to relax and go sightseeing. Bth, thanks for visiting my Helsinki page.