Ancoa Beach is on the edge of the stunning Ria Formosa Nature Park. It is an astounding beach, backed by pristine sand dunes and offering a good range of watersports as well as sun loungers and parasols and a few dining options. The Ria Formosa Nature Park’s network of barrier islands and inlets can be explored by taking one of the ferry-boats from Faro, Olhao, Fuseta and Tavira. You can visit the gorgeous beaches of Barreta, Culatra, Armona and Ilha Tavira.
The atmospheric Portuguese market town of Loule is famed for its Arabic inspired market brimming with regional handicraft stalls, colourful local produce and freshly caught fish. Loule boasts beautiful, tree-lined plazas and narrow alleyways, barely altered since the Medieval times. The Gothic Igreja Matriz Church is a must-visit! Quinta da Tor is an excellent winery close to Loule where you can taste some amazing authentic Algarvian wines together with delicious olive oil and bread.
Faro Old Town is beautiful. You enter the Old Town through the 11th century Arab gateway Arco da Vila. The atmospheric warren of cobbled streets boasts many wonderful buildings including the Municipal Museum at the magnificent, 16th century Convent of Nossa Senhora da Assuncao. The Manuel Bivar Gardens are stunning and offer astonishing views of the marina, the Ria Formosa and the turquoise sea.
The Golden Triangle and Vilamoura are known for their excellent, world-class golf facilities. The San Lorenzo Golf Course, the Quinta do Lago championship courses and the Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf Course are extremely close by. The Victoria, Pinhal, Old Course, Millenium and Laguna courses of Vilamoura are famous. Vilamoura isn’t just famous for the golf though, the nightlife is glitzy and glamorous. The alluring marina, brimming with luxury yachts and chic, gastronomic restaurants, and the renowned Vilamoura casino are popular hotspots.
The charming village of Almancil and the neighbouring village of Sao Lourenco are lovely. Almancil is famous for its local pottery. The Sao Lourenco Church is decorated with characteristic blue tiles dating back to 1730 which tell the life story of its patron saint. It is one of the most attractive churches in the Algarve.