Eastern Algarve

Climate

The Algarve has an excellent and enviable climate – reputed to be one of the best and healthiest in Europe – so it is no surprise that this is one of Europe’s best-loved destinations.

About the Eastern Algarve

The Eastern Algarve is still relatively under-developed; its small resorts have kept much of their original character providing a quiet and relaxing holiday destination.

In contrast to the more rugged Central and Western Algarve, the coastline here has a tranquil beauty as it gently stretches towards the Spanish border. Ilhas (sand flats) protect the characteristic tidal marshlands of the Rio Formosa National Park - an area of natural beauty. Boat trips to these Ilhas allow visitors to enjoy the quiet beaches and warm waters.

Inland, the countryside is unspoiled – and the border area (north and inland from the Guadiana River, stretching up into the Serra do Caldeirao) remains untouched by tourism. The area north to Alcoutim, west to Ameixal and south to Castro Marim and Sao Bras de Alportel continues to charmingly feel as though time has stood still. 


Towns and villages in the Eastern Algarve  

ALCOUTIM  

Situated very close to the Spanish border, Alcoutim is a small inland river town with a busy port which is a popular destination for pleasure boats.  There are lovely views across to Spain from the 14th century castle set at the top of the town. Set on a hillside, the town has cobbled streets and small squares.  The riverfront promenade has a selection of restaurants and cafés.

Facilities include: 

• Restaurants
• Cafés
• River cruises
• Boat hire

Approximate Driving Time to Airports: 

• Faro -  1 hour, 10 minutes 
• Lisbon -  3 hours, 10 minutes 
• Porto -  5 hours, 40 minutes 

CACELA VELHA

Perched on a rocky outcrop, the unspoiled rural hamlet of Cacela Velha overlooks the sea and there are great views from the old fort.  A sandy spit, which can only be reached by boat, protects Cacela Velha's excellent beach.  

Facilities include: 

• Bar/restaurants

Approximate Driving Time to Airports: 

• Faro -  40 minutes 
• Lisbon -  3 hours
• Porto -  5 hours, 30 minutes  

CASTRO MARIM

This small, attractive village with cobbled streets, lies between two hills one topped with the ruins of a castle, the other with the remnants of a fort.  Castro Marim is set just to the north of Vila Real de Sao Antonio and the surrounding area is a nature reserve (Reserva Natural do Sapal) where flocks of  flamingos and spoonbills are a common sight .

Facilities include: 

• Restaurants
• Bars
• Market - 2nd Saturday of the month
• 18 hole golf course

Approximate Driving Time to Airports: 

• Faro -  43 minutes 
• Lisbon -  3 hours
• Porto -  5 hours 30 minutes 

• Shops
• Bars
• Cafés
• Restaurants
• Market - 1st Sunday of the month

• Faro - 25 minutes
• Lisbon - 3 hours 35 minutes
• Porto - 5 hours 10 minutes  

MONTE GORDO

This is the most developed holiday resort in the Eastern Algarve and has a large, sandy beach.  Monte Gordo offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants and bars and a choice of 3 casinos.

Facilities include: 

• 3 Casinos
• Restaurants
• Bars
• Shops

Approximate Driving Time to Airports: 

• Faro -  40 minutes 
• Lisbon -  3 hours
• Porto -  5 hours, 30

ODELEITE

The picturesque riverside village of Odeleite is set on the shores of the Barragem de Odeleite.

Approximate Driving Time to Airports: 

• Faro -  50 minutes 
• Lisbon -  3 hours, 5 minutes 
• Porto -  5 hours, 40 minutes 

OLHÃO

This is the largest fishing port in the Algarve and the harbour, bordered by a great selection of restaurants, is the focus of the town.  Olhão has a distinctive North African feel and distinctive "cube" houses.  There is a lively, large market held daily and reputed to sell the best seafood in the region.  Ferry services take day trippers to the offshore llhas of Armona and Culatra.

 Facilities include: 

• Daily market
• Restaurants
• Railway station

Approximate Driving Time to Airports: 

• Faro -  20 minutes 
• Lisbon -  2 hours, 45 minutes 
• Porto -  5 hours, 20 minutes

SANTA CATARINA DA FONTE DO BISPO

The small village of Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo is set in lovely countryside, surrounded by groves of olives, oranges and almonds.

Facilities include: 

• Restaurant
• Café/Bars
• Shops
• Bank
• Market - 4th Sunday of the month

Approximate Driving Time to Airports: 

• Faro -  25 minutes 
• Lisbon -  2 hours, 40 minutes 
• Porto -  5 hours, 10 minutes 

SANTA LUZIA

About 3 kms west of Tavira, the delightful fishing village of Santa Luzia has some excellent seafood restaurants. The beautiful Barril beach is within walking distance, however it's quite a long walk and the less ambitious may prefer to use the train service.

Facilities include:

• Restaurants
• Bars
• Cafés (one selling freshly baked bread)
• Supermarkets
• Shops

Approximate Driving Time to Airports: 

• Faro -  35 minutes 
• Lisbon -  2 hours, 50 minutes 
• Porto -  5 hours, 20 minutes 

TAVIRA

Approached through green fields studded with almond trees, the fishing town of Tavira is possibly the most picturesque town in the Algarve. It is set about 20 miles east of Faro and sits either side of the palm-lined river Gilao which is the centre of the town’s nightlife.

One of the bridges spanning the river dates back to Roman times and there is still evidence of the town’s Roman walls.

Formerly one of the most important Moorish settlements in the region, the ruins of the Moorish castle, where there are some of the best views of the town over the streets lined with 18th century houses topped by pyramidal Roman-tiled roofs.
Ferries leave the terminal, 2 km south of the town centre, taking bathers to the 11 km long and 500 m wide sandy beach of Ilha da Tavira.  

Facilities include: 

• Restaurants 
• Cafés 
• Bars 
• Daily fruit and vegetable market 
• Market - 3rd Saturday of the month
• Shops 
• Banks 
• Beach 
• Railway Station 
• 18 hole golf course

Approximate Driving Time to Airports: 

• Faro - 30 minutes 
• Lisbon - 2 hours, 45 minutes 
• Porto - 5 hours, 15 minutes 

VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTONIO

Set on the Spanish border, this harbour town is full of history. The original town was demolished by a tidal wave and was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal with a grid layout. There is good shopping in the streets that lead to the Praca Marques de Pombal – the town’s main square lined with lemon trees.

Approximate Driving Time to Airports: 

• Faro -  50 minutes 
• Lisbon -  3 hours
• Porto -  5 hours, 30 minutes 

Golf in the Eastern Algarve

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