Faro is the capital of the Algarve, with beautiful historic buildings in the rambling Old Town, as well as a harbour bordering the nature reserve
Vilamoura is a purpose-built tourist destination, featuring some of the Algarve's best golf courses and a marina from which boat tours travel along the coast
Albufeira is famous for its vibrant night life, although its fisherman's beach and winding, cobbled streets ensure that it retains its charm. Albufeira also boasts some excellent restaurants
Paderne is a relaxed, friendly rural town, typical of the Algarve. Explore the church, visit the Roman bridge and Moorish castle or simply spend an afternoon in the bar with the locals
Loulé is an ancient market town, well-known for its artisan market on Saturdays. The town's vibrant carnival is also legendary
History geeks can absorb Europe's chequered colonial past in Lagos, where the coastal fort and statue of Prince Henry stand next to the old slave market
Fishing is one of the Algarve's main industries. Try char-grilled sardines at Portimão
Cape St Vincent is at the most South-Westerly tip of Europe. Bleakly beautiful Sagres has a fascinating fort and museum
The Algarve has gorgeous, sandy beaches, spectacular cliffs and warm, clear seas
Silves has many attractions, including the castle, an archaeological museum, boat river trips and Fabrico do Ingles - a former cork factory now turned into a cultural centre
The virtually-deified 15th century explorer, Henry the Navigator - a pioneer of European worldwide exploration - was based at Sagres and Lagos
Almonds, figs and oranges are important crops and the bases of many desserts
Visit Guia and Monchique for the best piri-piri chicken at the many churrasqueira restaurants
The food of the Algarve is simple, wholesome and delicious. Cataplana is a fish stew taking its name from the copper, clam shell pan in which it is cooked and served
The distinctive chimneys are a relic of the 500 year occupation of Southern Iberia by the Moors, ending in the 13th century. The name "Algarve" is derived from the Arabic for "The West"
Half the world's cork comes from Portugal
The Algarve is renowned for its many world-class golf courses
Slide and Splash is one of two water slide parks in the region
The Atlantic waves make ideal surfing conditions, particularly around Cape St Vincent
The mountains of the Serra de Monchique are the highest point of the Algarve
Armação de Pera has a long, sandy beach and a promenade. At nearby Señora da Rocha, fisherman give boat tours along the coast
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