Praia Benagil
Beaches
If you want to explore other beaches, the two little coves at Senhora de Rocha are pretty (about a 45 minute walk or 15 minutes by car).
Further afield there is Praia Marinha, Praia Benagil, and Gale that can be reached by car, although in August parking can be difficult at Benagil!
There are also lovely beaches in and around Alvor between Portimao and Lagos.
Places of Interest
Algar Seco – Amazing rock formations to walk round and lovely cafe/restaurant for a snack or meal. This is reached through Carvoeiro (near Lagoa), worth a visit on the way!
Alvor – Traditional village with a street lined with shops and restaurants leading to the small promenade and beach reached along a walkway. The promenade is a lovely place to watch the sun set and there are some good fish restaurants here too. If you enjoy walking, the walkways lead off around the river and along the coast. (Between Portimao and Lagos)
Portimao – One of the larger towns on the coast with traditional squares and architecture as well as clothes and tourist shops. Around the harbour you can see the sardines being landed or buy the traditional marzipan sweets. A new shopping centre has also opened nearby.
Lagos – A bustling town with a marina and a lovely selection of restaurants and shops great for late evening shopping and more lively nightlife.
Silves – This is the historic original capital of the Algarve and has a wonderful medieval castle and cathedral on the hill above the modern town. Up here you will also find a few small shops and a great restaurant on the steps leading to the castle– Cafe del Ingles. They make delicious cakes here and have live music at weekends in season – you might need to book to get a table.
Monchique – This area in the mountains is filled with eucalyptus and cork trees and you can even ‘take the waters’ at the spa here if you have a strong stomach! This is the only place where they have ever had snow in the Algarve!
Cap de St. Vincent – This is the most south-westerly tip of Europe, west of Lagos and would be a full day trip. It has a lighthouse and can be windy and shrouded in mist at any time of the year. Sagres is worth a visit on the way if you want somewhere different for lunch.