This area is still one of Portugal’s hidden secrets, from the tranquility of it’s sheltered southern beaches and harbours, to the wilder more rugged west coast with it’s spectacular surf.  It boasts over 3000 hours of sunshine each year. The countryside consists of rolling landscapes, picturesque hamlets and fishing villages, as well as towns steeped in maritime heritage. Unlike the East, this region is delightfully unspoilt and untouched by commercialization. Open air markets are held each week where locals trade their fresh produce and wares.

Lagos is the nearby town with it’s culture and history dating back to Roman times. It was from here in 1514 that Prince Henry the Navigator launched his fleet to seize Ceuta in Morocco setting the stage for Portugal’s age of discovery. The town is a maze of cobbled streets with pavement restaurants, cafés and bars.

To the west is the port of Sagres with it’s dramatic headland – Cape St Vincent which is the most south westerly point of Europe.