Although most tourists head to the central Algarve to destinations like Albufeira it is in fact the east and the west of the Algarve where you will find the most beautiful and untouched beaches. In the back country only miles from the tourist destinations many villages and towns remain untouched with little known rural walks in the spring flowers and shady woods.

In the East head to Tavira a stunning old city with a castle and many historic churches, at one time the capital of the Algarve. This area is close to the Ria Formosa natural park offering miles of lagoons and barrier islands where flamingos and numerous aquatic birds live and bread. The island of Tavira is easily reached by boat from the centre of town or after a 15 minute walk by the side of the salt pans. This stretch of sand is very popular with the Portuguese but continues for miles allowing for solitude even in the busy summer season.

In the west the city of Lagos is a popular destination and with good reason. The city has an important history as it is was from here that the Portuguese began their expeditions along the coast of Africa in the age of discovery. Today Lagos has a lovely pedestrianised old town surrounded by city walls and there is much to see and do within the centre including several historic churches, a wide selection of local shops, quality restaurants and a famous night scene. On Saturday mornings a trip to the vegetable market is highly recommended to purchase local produce for the kitchen. Walk along the cliffs out to the Ponta da Piedade (Mercy Point) with it's lighthouse or go swimming on the little known nudist beach at Praia do Carnavial.

The mountains of Monchique are easily reached by car from anywhere in the western Algarve. There is a thermal baths with an ambiance of the 1920's and the cooler climate and forests of pine trees and eucalyptus offer wonderful walking possibilities. Walk from Monchique up the hillside to a little monastery past traditional cottages and vegetable plots or climb to the top of Foia for the panorama out to the westernmost point of mainland Europe. There are plentiful shops selling local crafts and locally produced smoked hams, cheeses as well as the delicious Artbitus berry Brandy and the restaurants here are famous for their Chicken Piri Piri.

From Lagos the coast stretches west towards "the end of the world"'. Resort towns such as Praia da Luz with it's arced bay and black rock headland give way to the natural park of Costa Vincentina where many more secret beaches can be discovered especially along dirt tracks west of Vila do Bispo. Atlantic rollers meet a wild landscape of immense natural beauty. Popular with surfers the beaches at low tide have waves that collapse on themselves again and again and sitting on the beach on a sunny afternoon undisturbed by the modern world listening to the roar in the background while looking out into the abyss one can see how sailors were captivated to venture forth to discover what lay beyond.

About the Author:

Martin Thompson is a frequent visitor to the Algarve where he has enjoyed many a sunny day at his families villa in Praia da Luz from where he uncovered many of the best kept secrets revealed in this article. Visit his website to find out more about villa holidays in Portugal.