Portugal Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing
Explore Portugal and the Algarve and discover the delights of this popular holiday destination. If you're booking one of our holiday villas in Portugal this gives you the freedom to get out and tour some of the country's main sights.
Faro - The Algarve's Capital
Faro is the capital of the Algarve - and combines plenty of old world charm with the natural wonders of the Ria Formosa Natural Park which lies right on its doorstep. Where visitors can explore mile after mile of beaches, dunes and lagoons.
The town itself is a monument to the enterprise of the Romans and Moors, who occupied Faro during the 1400 and 1500's. Turning it into one of the most affluent outposts in the country. So much so that it also attracted the attentions of numerous pirates and privateers, such as Britain's the Earl of Essex who laid siege to Faro during the 1530's.
Today the town is home to a wide selection of upmarket shops and restaurants as well as a wealth of historic buildings such as Se Cathedral and the Church of St Peter. As well as the famous Roman ruins at Milreu.
Historic Lagos
The historic town of Lagos is home to a wealth of old buildings too. Such as the impressive Fort at Ponta de Bandeira that dates back to the 1680's and which was originally constructed to protect the citizens of Lagos from pirate raids and incursions. Today the Fort plays host to a wide array of cultural events and exhibitions and is located close to the old city walls, which are also an impressive tourist sight in themselves. The oldest building the town is the Church de Sao Sebastiao which was built in 1463 on the site of a former chapel.
Faro also has a dark past as it was once a centre for the exportation of slaves to the New World. And visitors today can still view the old slave market where imprisoned North Africans would gain their first sight of Europe before their onwards transportation to South America and the Caribbean.
Family Friendly Albufeira
Whilst for many the main attraction of Albufeira are the 20 plus beaches that adorn the shoreline it still retains plenty of old world charm in the east of the town. Where tourists can explore attractions such as the Virtual Archaeological Museum and the Municipal Art Gallery.
As one of the most developed tourist resorts on the Algarve Albuferia also offers plenty for kids to do too, such as the Zoo marine and aquarium in nearby Guia, where families can enjoy regular Dolphin Shows. Whilst water sports enthusiasts and golfers will also find the town an ideal location for their holiday in the Algarve.
Vilamoura Marina
The ritzy marina in Vilamoura lies at the heart of this large resort - which is widely billed as one of the biggest tourist developments in Europe. The marina itself is home to around 1000 expensive yachts as well as plenty of attractive bars and restaurants. And from here tourist can hop onto a number of sea based excursions such as dolphin spotting trips.
Sagres - Home of Henry The Navigator
Located at the western end of the Algarve Sagres is arguably best known as the former home of the important historic figure Henry the Navigator. Who lived here during the 15th century and whose fort still stands at Ponta de Sangres.
However much of the rest of the towns rich historic legacy was lost during the earthquakes of 1755, which devastated a number of towns and villages along the Algarve. And today Sagres' main attractions are its excellent sandy beaches.