Algarve hotels

Along narrow streets of whitewashed houses, the smell of the sea mingles with the scent of wild flowers, almonds and oranges. From rocky coastline to golden beaches, the Algarve buzzes with families and partygoers in summer, golfers in spring and birdwatchers in winter.

Leave Faro's Old Town behind to paddle in the blue lagoons of Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Take the boat from 18th-century Tavira for solitude on sandy Cabanas beach. Lie on golden sands at Portimão and pick your way among the caves, rocks and transparent waters of Lagos beaches. After a round of golf, enjoy the high life in cosmopolitan Vilamoura and party in whitewashed Albufeira.

Sit atop Castro Marim Castle for views of the interior uplands and take in Manueline splendour in riverfront Alcoutim churches. Feel the romance of the pink 19th-century Estoi Palace hotel, its gardens littered with lakes. Discover the Moorish roots of Silves Castle and explore Loulé's medieval fortress and hilltop gothic sanctuary surrounded by narrow streets.

Walk across the clifftops to see the sunset from Cabo de São Vicente, mainland Europe's most south-westerly point. Escape to the remote Desert Island near Faro for crystal waters, tranquil beaches and birdwatching. Bathe in therapeutic spa waters at Monchique where nearby hill walks offer panoramic mountain and sea views, and delve into Costa Vicentina Natural Park's world of wildflowers and wildlife.

Hold on tight during a jeep safari from Carvoeiro through bumpy back roads, or brace yourself for extreme downhill mountain biking from Monchique to Lagos. Take to the high seas for sports fishing from Portimão and Vilamoura. Alternatively, enjoy a more gentle boat ride up the Guadiana River from Alcoutim to visit 18th-century Vila Real de Santo António, built on a grid layout after the 1755 earthquake, and practise your swing on golf courses from Tavira to Silves and Sagres.

Tuck into traditional fish stew (caldeirada de peixe), steamed clams (cataplana), grilled sardines and razor fish rice (arroz de lingueirão). Also try spicy piri-piri chicken, fresh figs and cakes made from almonds and honey. Wash it down with cold Sagres beer or fiery medronho spirit made from wild strawberries.

Party in the bars and clubs along the Strip in Albufeira or seek out Alvor's waterside fish restaurants. Carvoeiro has a gentler pace with local bars and a couple of teenage discos, while Vilamoura attracts gamblers and the jet set to its casino and bars. Have a flutter here or at other casinos in Monte Gordo and Praia da Rocha, which also have shows in their concert halls.

Shop in Monchique's market for pottery, woven baskets and brass knick-knacks. Look out for linen and jute products made by local craftspeople using age-old techniques. The supermarket is the best place to pick up packets of Portuguese almonds and bottles of wine and medronho spirit.