Eastern Algarve
Praia Verde
View from the holiday resort to the beach in western direction. In the background you can see Altura.
Sand Algarve: Vila Real d.S.A.
Vila Real de Santo António is the most eastern city of the Algarve, situated on the banks of the Guadiana river, the border to Spain. The so called "Sand Algarve" starts at the estuary mouth of the river, watering here into the Bay of Cadiz. On the left side you can see Monte Gordo, one of the most popular tourist centres in this area.
Eastern Algarve: Monte Gordo
Monte Gordo is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Eastern Algarve due to its long and flat sandy beach, the excellent infrasturcture and the proximity to Spain.
Ria Formosa: Ilha das Cabanas
Aerial view to the eastern islands of the Ria Formosa. In the foreground you can see the Peninsula of Cacela, followed by the Ilha de Cabanas. On the right hand you can see the golf course Quinta da Ria
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club is the most exclusive golf course in the Eastern Algarve, situated a few miles north of Vila Nova de Cacela.
Tavira: Quatro Aguas
Sea salt basins at Quatro Aguas near Tavira. The name means "Four waters", because at this point the lagoons of the islands of Tavira and Cabanas come together with the Atlantic Ocean and the Gilão river. The method of sea salt production in the Algarve by evaporation of sea water goes back to the Phoeniciens.
Tavira
Tavira, located on the estuary mouth of the Gilao river, is the architecturally most attractive town in the Eastern Algarve. The tourist development on both sides of Tavira along the coast of the Ria Formosa had no negative impact on the historic townscape. Many places of interest invite for a stroll along the river and around the castle overlooking the town.
Tavira: Convento da Graça
The former monastery "Convento de Nossa Senhora da Graça", erected in the 16th Century, has been lavishly restored and converted into a Pousada, now belonging to the Pestana hotel group.
Praia da Fuseta-Ria
This family friendly beach "Praia da Fuzeta-Ria" is one of the few beaches of the Ria Formosa situated inside the lagoon on the mainland. Most beaches in this area are located on the seaside of the islands, well protected by large sandy dunes.
Olhão: Market halls
The two modern market halls of Olhão are hosting one of the best markets in the Algarve with a great selection of fresh fish and seafood and other local produce.
Faro: View from the Ria Formosa
View from board of an excursion boat across the lagoon of the Ria Formosa towards the historic old town of Faro, surrounded by huge walls.
Faro: Largo da Sé
View from the belfry of the cathedral to the Largo da Sé, the central square in the historical quarter of Faro. It is surrounded by orange trees. At the right side you see the palace of the bishop, adjacent to the left is the episcopal seminar. In the background the marina and the Faro airport can be seen.
Faro: Ria Formosa and Airport
View over the Ria Formosa towards the nearby Faro International Airport. On board of a plane you can enjoy great views of this unique lagoon landscape.
Faro: Air corridor
The air corridor to the nearby Faro International Airport for planes arriving from eastern direction is crossing the the old town of Faro and the marina at low altitude.
Faro: International Airport
Faro International Airport is less than three flight hours away from most European centres. Year after year several million passengers arrive to spend their holidays in the Algarve and during the high season the airport is quite busy.
Ria Formosa: Ecotour
A tour by boat across the Ria Formosa, guided by a local biologist, is a fascinating experience to discover the habitat of the lagoon and the islands.
Ilha da Culatra Oyster banks
Oyster banks on the lagoon side shore of the Culatra Island. Fresh oysters from the grill (ostras al vapor) are a local delicacy.
Olhão: Festival do Marisco
This festival, taking place in the Jardim Pescadores Olhanense near the market hall attracts thousands of locals and tourists on 6 nights mid of August. They enjoy an overwhelming selection of seafood prepared in a variety of styles, life music and the peaceful and fascinating ambience of a summer night in the South.
Ilha Deserta (Ilha da Barreta)
View to western direction along the beach of the Ilha da Barreta. The southernmost point of continental Portugal is only 1,5 km away. The sandy beach disposes of an excellent infrastructure and a huge area to experience unspoilt nature.
Ilha de Faro: Beach
The long sandy beach located on the seaside of the Ilha de Faro is the main beach for the inhabitants of the city. It can be accessed from the mainland via a small bridge.
Milreu: Roman Villa
Situated only a few kilometres from Faro, close to Estói, Milreu Ruins are amongst the most important remains of the Roman presence in the Algarve and now form an imposing archaeological site, which has been classified as a national monument.
Estoi Palace
The palace of the viscount of Éstoi has been built at the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century . This beautiful Rokkoko building, originally used as a pleasure seat, has been transformed into a Pousada (hotel).