The Western Algarve is made up of eight municipal areas from the busy holiday resort of Albufeira in the east to the windswept headlands of Vila do Bispo in the west. You can still find quaint little fishing villages, like Burgau and Carvoeiro that remain pleasantly unspoilt.

In fact, much of the Western Algarve has, until now, escaped major development. However, the extension of the motorway westwards from Faro has made the Western Algarve more accessible and new quality golf, beach and spa resorts are beginning to appear.

Off the beaten track, the west coast beaches are deserted by comparison to the rest of the Algarve. Wild and wonderful, the beaches are backed by rugged cliffs and can only be reached by dirt tracks.

Moving inland, the shady hills and spas of Monchique provide a welcome respite from the hot summer sun, while the sleepy historical town of Silves, founded by the Phoenicians in 900BC, offers a fascinating insight into times gone by.

The main activity in the Western Algarve is on the south coast. Albufeira is the busiest resort in the Algarve, attracting younger holidaymakers. However, the town has retained some of its original fishing village charm.

Portimão is an important centre in the Algarve for commerce, leisure cruises and sport fishing. The nearby beach resort, Praia de Rocha, famous for its sandstone cliffs and grottoes, has been overdeveloped; but along the coast, Lagos with its superb harbour and long history remains a popular family resort.