The western Algarve

Vilamoura

Vilamoura is what could be considered the Marbella of the Algarve. Just one hour from AMA we can find multiple leisure options. High quality restaurants, golf courses and an endless number of nautical activities that start from its imposing Marina (the largest in the country). In addition, if you are looking for long beaches, we recommend you to visit the beaches of Falesia or Vilamoura with its beach club Puro Beach. 

Between the beaches of Falesia and Vilamoura is the Cerro da Vila museum, an archaeological site located in the Marina, which shows how the Romans saw centuries ago the benefits of this enclave by the sea to create their Roman villa.

Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro perfectly combines Portuguese tradition and first class services. Sailing from Carvoeiro to Armaçao de Pera we find the caves of the Algarve whose orography, composed of soft stone, provides unique images. 

Among them stands out the well-known Benagil, probably the most impressive natural attraction to see in the Algarve. This stone cathedral can be reached by swimming, boat or kayak. Of course, in July and August it is advisable to book in advance as they are quite crowded. 

Marinha beach is another must-see at least once a year. From this beach ends (or begins) the route through the 7 suspended valleys (7 vales suspensos) a route of about 12 kilometers along cliffs, caves, beaches, lighthouses … an activity not to be missed.

Near Carvoeiro, in Armaçao de Pera we find Ocean restaurant whose chef, the Austrian Hans Neuner, besides having been elected several years the best chef in Portugal, has 2 Michelin stars.

Lagos

Lagos is the perfect place to get in touch with the ancient stories of buccaneers and pirates. The Fort of Ponta da Bandeira, the church of Santo Antonio with its golden carving and tiles, the Castle of the Governors or the first slave market in Europe are some of the must-see stops in Lagos. Lagos was the shipyard, warehouse, barracks and starting point for the expeditions undertaken by the then largest navy in Europe. Portugal had succeeded in turning to the sea, until the Lisbon earthquake devastated its effigy, inspiring sad fados. 

The reconstruction work, fortunately, was carried out at a time when the taste for tradition had not yet been forgotten: The merchants rebuilt their palaces and the slave market, warehouses and palaces such as those that can be admired around Praça Luis de Camoes, and the Rua do 25 de Abril was filled, as before the earthquake, with spices, fabrics, ebony and ivory.

This golden crown of the Algarve also attracts visitors in love with its crystal clear waters, ideal for diving, and the climate, warm even in winter. We recommend you to visit: Camilo and Dona Ana beaches, two beautiful coves surrounded by sandstone cliffs. Where the water has made its way through the soft rock, creating islets, grottoes, natural arches and coves that can only be reached by boat. 

Eating, always eating

The gastronomy of the Algarve is fresh, light and delicious with high quality ingredients from the Algarve’s sea and land. 

The options for eating well in the Algarve are innumerable. This is where the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Portugal and an endless list of restaurants serving food from other countries are concentrated. Indian food in Portugal is of very good quality due to the possessions that this country had in India before its independence such as Goa, Daman and Diu.