Top things to do

This sizeable system of lagoons and islands stretches for 60km along the Algarve coastline from west of Faro to Cacela Velha. It encloses a vast area of sapal (marsh), salinas (salt pans), creeks and dune islands. T…

Three kilometres east of Olhão is the beautiful 60-hectare Centro Educação Ambiental de Marim (commonly known as Quinta de Marim). A 3km trail takes you through various ecosystems – dunes, salt marshes, pine woodlan…

In a converted merchant's store in an alley just back from the seafront, this tiny 22-seat affair serves a brief menu of homemade dishes including cataplana (seafood stew) and cuttlefish. Begin with a simple €2 star…

The white, modern interior in this spot set back from the main drag, Avenida da República, plays host to some excellent traditional cooking accompanied by a cordial welcome. With fresh produce purchased twice a day,…

By the water, these two noble centenarian red-brick buildings are excellent examples of industrial architecture and house picturesque traditional fruit and fish markets that are worth a look at any time but are espe…

On offer here is an authentic-as-they-come Brazilian churrasqueira, and an incredible all-you-can-eat carnivorous extravaganza – five kinds of grilled meat or, for an even greater protein injection, 12 kinds in one …

This lively seafood festival features all the great Algarvian oceanic dishes, including caldeirada (fish stew) and cataplana (seafood stew). Bands add to the fun; it's one of southern Portugal's livelier festivals.

A real slice of historic Portugal, this no-frills bar in the centre of town has a nicotine-stained interior and hosts old men playing dice. It's so authentic you can forgive the gruff welcome. Look for the vintage t…