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Praia do Camilo - Picture-perfect even in the depths of winter, Camilo, near Lagos, is quite simply one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.

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Tavira - Regularly cited as the most attractive town in the Algarve, Tavira is known for its abundance of churches—nearly 40 in all—and its Muslim heritage, as the Moors once held sway over this riverside community.

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Praia da Rocha - The beach, named after the incredible rocks which make it so beautiful, is one of the most picturesque in the region. Some of the Algarve's first hotels sprung up here in the mid-1960s, the beginnings of Portugal's tourism industry.

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Cabo de São Vicente - The Cape St Vincent lighthouse marks the very western edge of the Algarve. The Romans called this rocky outpost Promontorium Sacrum, their "Sacred Promontory."

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Praia da Bordeira - Quietly secluded, this is one of Portugal's top surfing beaches. The region falls within the boundaries of the protected Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina.

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Parque Natural da Ria Formosa - One of the most important wetland areas in southern Europe, the park comprises a series of shallow lagoons, marshland, salt pans, and freshwater lakes, all hemmed in by a chain of sand dune islands.

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Parque Natural da Ria Formosa - Teeming with wildlife, the park is home to a number of exotic bird species, including greater flamingo.

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Benagil - An outstanding natural wonder, the Algar de Benagil cave is only accessible by boat. The opening in its ceiling is known as the "eye."

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Ponta da Piedade - A ridiculously scenic pocket of Portugal, the Ponta da Piedade headland is dotted with caves and grottoes and best discovered on a sightseeing cruise.

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Faro - The regional capital enjoys a superb location on the the banks of the Ria Formosa and captivates visitors with its walled Old Town, parts of which date back to the Roman era.

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Carvoeiro - Renowned as a family holiday center, this charming coastal town exudes a kid-friendly vibe and lots of local character. 

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Cabanas - Fronting one of the lagoons in the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, this sleepy fishing village maintains a traditional and unhurried atmosphere. 

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Castro Marim - Castro Marim's 13th-century castle once stood as an impregnable frontier stronghold against Portugal's neighbor and enemy, Spain.

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Vilamoura - Renowned for its casino, plush marina facility, and collection of championship golf courses, Vilamoura buzzes in summer with jet-set guests and Portuguese celebrities.

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Amêijoas na Cataplana - One of the gastronomic delights of the Algarve, and particularly appreciated during the summer months, the dish comprises fresh clams steamed in a sealed copper cooking vessel (cataplana).

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Praia do Amado - Pounded by the Atantic Ocean and windswept year-round, Amado regularly hosts surfing competitions such is the quality of the rollers.

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Silves - Known as Xelb in Arabic, Silves was once the capital of the Moorish province of al-Gharb. Its 11th-century castle stands as one of the Algarve's grandest historic monuments. 

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The white stork, a local resident - Algarve local residents include graceful white storks. You can't miss their penthouse-style nests, and you'll quickly identify the rat-tat-tat sound of their tapping bills as they gossip to each other across rooftops.

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Ferragudo - As close as you're likely to get to a traditional Portuguese fishing village, this wedge of whitewash crowned by a church sits at the mouth of the Rio Arade.

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Olhão - The region's largest fishing port is also known for its distinctive cube-shaped houses and a fantastically animated daily market.

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Praia de São Rafael - Sited near the major resort of Albufeira, São Rafael offers peaceful respite from the neon-lit bars and nightclubs. But it can still get busy in high summer. 

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Monchique - Rural Algarve is exemplified by this engaging market town, perched high up in the Monchique Hills. The area is famous for its thermal spring water, which nourishes a top-notch spa. 

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Salir - In spring the entire region is blanketed in colorful and aromatic flora—the almond blossom is especially alluring! The inland hiking trails near Salir are particularly scenic.

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Lagos - Lively Lagos epitomizes summer by the seaside. As well as fabulous beaches, a modern marina, and buzzing nightlife, the town is steeped in history.

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Grilled sardines - If you only try one dish while in the region make sure it's this one: a plate of plump sardines grilled to perfection and drizzled in lemon juice. 

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Portimão - The Algarve's second city, Portimão is now a major cruise ship destination, but it was the Romans who first made waves along the Rio Arade to claim the destination for the Empire.

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Quinta do Lago - Exclusive Quinta do Lago features some of the best golf courses in Europe, if not the world. The celebrated San Lorenzo layout is situated here. 

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Barragem de Odelouca - Inland, the visitor can find secluded and supremely peaceful spots like the Odelouca reservoir—an ideal location for a picnic!

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Ponta da Piedade - Alternatively, the more adventurous can take to a kayak and paddle their way through the network of weird, ochre-hued sandstone outcrops along the Lagos coast.

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Sagres - Legend has it that Henry the Navigator (1394-1460) created a naval academy on this austere, windblown headland. A fort still stands, and makes for salt-laced exploration.

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Alvor - Seasoned kitesurfers congregate on the estuary near this pretty town, eager to capture the brisk winds whipping off the Atlantic. Their kites resemble giant tumbling butterflies.

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Algarve wines - Tourists, and the Portuguese themselves, are discovering the delights of Algarve wine. Several wineries are open for guided visits and after-tour tastings.

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Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina - Summer brings with it one of the Algarve's most iconic visitors, the European bee-eater. The brightly colored bird is seen across the region, but is particularly well observed in the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina.

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Odeceixe -

Situated on the far northwest coast near the border with Alentejo province, remote Odeceixe is for the more free-spirited, independent traveler.

See also: How to get the most out of your island holiday

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