West Algarve

Towns and villages

Lagos, situated on the south coast of Portugal, is a lively coastal resort with a beautiful historic centre and a relaxed Portuguese feel. There are magnificent golden yellow beaches nearby with cliffs and bizarre rock formations. Further to the West you’ll find modest Sagres, a town with an enormous fortress, beautiful harbour and lovely unspoilt beaches.

Monchique, a small market town and nearby picturesque Caldas de Monchique lie hidden in the forested mountains of the Serra de Monchique. These are some of the attractive towns worth a visit in the Algarve hinterland.

On the South west coast you’ll find many fishing villages where you can enjoy wonderful meals in a relaxed atmosphere. The coastal area has villages such as Aljezur and Odeceixe, both built up in the hills. Aljezur has Moorish Castle ruins from the 10th century with fantastic views over the white village and the surrounding countryside. Odeceixe is a picturesque, sleepy village on the mouth of the Seixe river.

A little further north, the Alentejo province starts with its rolling hills and the vast Cork Oak plantations. The villages in this region are still very traditional and tourism is still low-key here. Even during the high season you can still find tranquillity and space; only the easily reached bays are busy.

Nature

Western Algarve, also called Costa Vicentina, is a ninety kilometre long coastal area with wild cliffs, beautiful bays and quiet fishing villages high on the cliffs or below near the beach. The area is called after the Cabo de São Vicente; the most South-western point of Europe.

The Costa Vicentina is part of a 75,000 hectare nature reserve that stretches from Lagos to Sines. This Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina is an important habitat for more than 200 bird species, many of which use this as their breeding area. Many special plants and flowers can be found here too.

The West coast of the Algarve and part of the adjoining Alentejo are littered with many small and large bays. The hinterland has very special countryside to offer too. Vast high plateaux alternated with forested hills.

From all directions the Serra de Monchique can be seen which has the 902 metre high Fóia as its highest point. This mountain range is a wonderful walking area with subtropical flora such as eucalyptus, olive and orange trees and banana plants.

Activities

In the green hills of the Serra de Monchique, fantastic walks can be found. In the mountains you’ll find subtropical flora such as eucalyptus, olive and orange trees and banana plants. From the Fóia (902 metre) and Picota (773 metre) summits, there are breathtaking views over high green plateaus and the sea in the distance.

The rough and rocky nature reserve Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina offers fantastic walking options too. This reserve with its salt lakes and swamps is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers with its huge collection of rare and indigenous plant and bird species.
Other beautiful walking areas are the areas inland in the direction of the Alentejo province with its rolling hills and vast cork oak plantations and the spectacular coastal area between Salema and Luz.

Aside from hiking, surfing is a very popular activity in the Western Algarve. Well-known areas with ideal surf conditions are Sagres on the south coast and Carrapateira and Arrifana on the west coast.

Portucasa's vacation homes are far away from the areas with mass tourism. For people who love peace, space and nature, Portucasa has beautiful vacation homes in the Western Algarve in the quiet inland, in a fishing village or near the coast.

Beaches

The entire Western coast of the Algarve and part of adjoining Alentejo contains large and many small bays. Some of these bays can be reached by car, but you can also take many of the little goat paths down to hidden idyllic small beaches.

Praia de Odeceixe is one of the best kept secrets in the Algarve. This quiet, sheltered, oval shaped beach occupies a spectacular location a short car ride away from picturesque Odeciexe. Praia do Armado near Carrapateira with its high waves is one of Portugal’s best surfing beaches.

On the South coast, the surfing town Sagres has beautiful unspoilt beaches and Praia de Figueira near Salema is a popular spot for diving and surfing enthusiasts.

Holiday Homes

Portucasa has a unique collection of holiday homes in the Algarve. All houses are selected and visited by us in person so you’ll never be disappointed.
Portucasa holiday homes are always located outside the mass tourism areas. Because of their location in a fishing village, a small coastal town or in the hills they offer the holiday-maker tranquillity, space and privacy. Our villas, apartments and country homes in the Western Algarve have all modern comforts and almost half of them have a wonderful pool too.

Because of the variation in the type of holiday accommodation you’ll always be able to find a dream house for holidaying in the Algarve. Have a look at our holiday homes in Central Algarve and Eastern Algarve too for even more special holiday destinations.

Do you have questions, would you like advice or more information? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We, the Portugal specialists, love to help you!