From Vila Real de Santo Antonio to Sagres - Off the beaten track Algarve, Portugal Travel Tips with an abundance of Med Style!
Portugal has been named one of the top travel destinations in Europe for the past 10 years and winning the World's Leading Beach Destination title twice, in 2020 and 2021. Previously down the list from other popular European sunny hot spots like the Cote D’Azur, Capri, Ibiza and the Greek Islands, Portugal’s star is rising!
The Algarve, the region of the southern coast of Portugal, is known for its stunning and dramatic coastal landscape, fresh fish, seafood, fruits, and artisan pottery. The Algarve as a whole is one of the warmest places of Southern Europe, with a dreamy Mediterranean climate, boasting 300 days of sun a year!
We took a road-trip across the Algarve’s 155 km strip of coastline from Vila Real de Santo Antonio at the border with Spain to the edge of Europe’s most western coast, Sagres. We found amazing gems, off the beaten track from chic design boutique hotels, to amazing food, and an abundance of Med Style!
If you are looking for still little known treasures, check out these Med Travel finds, off the beaten track: Boutique Hotels, Restaurants, Med Style.
TIP: Click on the name of the town for more history, and click on the names of the hotels and restaurants for locations and booking information.
Vila Real, and its pristine beaches, is at the Portuguese border town with Ayamonte, Spain - just 1 hour west of Seville. When you enter Portugal from Spain across the beautiful white spired Guadiana International Bridge you pass the fortress town of Castro Marim and drive across pink salt fields to the entrance of Via Real. If you go straight through the round-about you find a bit of a mish mash of the new town built up from the coast.
If you go left around the round about however, you come to a 1950s-esque retro rail station, art deco style and painted pastel blue. Drive on and the road takes you to the historic main coastal cobblestoned road of the town - which feels like something out of an old movie, with a facade of colourful buildings facing the water. Hidden behind is a majestic grand square. Vila Real’s old town is a great place for a leisurely stroll along the water, and an old word meander amongst shops and orange trees in the main square.
WHERE TO STAY
This Relais & Chateau gem stands out in Vila Real’s historic main coastal cobblestoned road with its beautiful facade inviting you in. A look inside and you find 1920s style charm, with a beautiful old bar and restaurant on the 2nd floor overlooking the Guadiana River to Spain.
Relais & Chateau is a global luxury hotel brand known for its exquisite locations and star chefs.
WHERE TO EAT
The Grand House Hotel has a stylish beach club about 1 km up the road from the Hotel at the end of Vila Real's river-side boardwalk.
This became our favourite spot to eat gourmet Portuguese cuisine while lounging in the sun and looking out to the sea.
Tavira is a 30-45 minute drive along the N125 from Vila Real and Spain. It is little known to many tourists who tend to flock to the famous beaches of the western Algarve near Lagos, Albufeira and Portimao (see Benagil Beach below).
It is a real local find for its authentic and artisanal Algarvian charm. It has a breezy river-side feel with a beautiful main square right on the Gilao river that leads out to the sea - with many cafes and shops at the bottom of the historic old town. A cathedral, which has an adjacent courtyard full of botanical gardens, sits on the hilltop overlooking Tavira (photo above). Back in the main square, take one of the footbridges over to Tavira’s winding streets full of cozy restaurants and boutique shops full of beautiful pottery and artisan gems.
Tavira is also a great location for nature lovers. Visit the Rio Formosa Natural Park from Tavira which attracts many species of exotic birds and wildlife.
WHERE TO STAY
A new hotel bringing boutique chic bohemian charm to Tavira.
Colegio is a stylish and luxurious find - especially for its nightly rate! - with rustic contemporary decor, and many boutique comforts.
WHERE TO EAT
Outside the Sao Paulo boutique hotel at the end of a charming square under church bells, you find Michelin guide restaurant, A Mesa. The food is simply perfect, and the atmosphere convivial.
The tasting menus are recommended for gourmet takes on local fare and matched with local wines by foodie friendly staff.
It is an amazing evening spot, to escape the heat of the day, and linger into the night full of taste bud bliss and atmosphere.
Come Na Gaveta …Gourmet Burgers
For something casual, but not compromising on flavour - on a rare rainy day or in the warm winter, Come Na Gaveta is a great find. Make a reservation, as this tucked away spot is well known to the locals and fills up fast!
Terraze ...For Drinks by River
If you are looking for a lazy stylish spot for late afternoon apero drinks before dinner, Terraze is the spot to be - with an abundance of sofas and tables by the river, and a rooftop for dining if you decide to stay and eat.
Continuing on the N125, Olhao, is another 30-minute drive west of Tavira and 15-20 minutes east of Faro.
Olhao is known for one of the best and most charming fish markets in the Eastern Algarve. On Saturdays the port of Olhao is brimming with market-goers and has an abundant selection of restaurants along the coastal road outside of the market.
WHERE TO STAY
Vila Monte is a renovated farm estate extraordinaire. From its focal point floor to ceiling floating fireplace at the hotel entrance, to sprawling grounds of Arabic-influenced Mediterranean design.
The vast estate offers many unique and choice accommodations with many quiet places to relax and rejuvenate in Med Style!
It also has an amazing restaurant, see below on where to eat!
WHERE TO EAT
For fresh catch of the day, stop at one of the many cafes directly outside the market on the sea-side.
Try the clams or "Ameijoas" in Portuguese - it is spaghetti a la Vongole with out the spaghetti - and is a divine simple dish of clams garlic and cilantro that melt in your mouth. Soak up the sauce with freshly baked local bread!
A Terra (at Vila Monte Hotel)
Escape the bustle of the market, for an upmarket meal at the Vila Monte Hotel's exquisite restaurant.
Eat inside at their stylish restaurant, on the covered terrace - or under the trees with hanging lanterns at night for a magical experience.
The seafood rice with a side of garlicky steamed spinach was my favourite!
Benagil beach and Carvoeiro village are a must see on your Algarve road trip. A 45-minute drive from Olhao brings you to the heart of the Algarve's famous dramatic sea cliffs landscape and boat access only beaches and caves.
You can take a nature walk along the top of the sea-plunging cliffs or hop on one of the €15 / 30-minute boat tours to experience the magic from the water - those more sporty travellers may decide to swim, kayak or paddle-board to see the caves up close.
WHERE TO STAY
Tivoli is a chain hotel, however, it has chosen brilliantly its location - overhanging the ocean cliffs at Benagil and Carvoeiro.
It is a 5-star hotel with a rooftop terrace with spectacular views for sundown cocktails!
WHERE TO EAT
A tiny terrace with grand views of waves spashing against the dramatic cliffs - and amazing local fish dishes.
Try the Cataplana, a local speciality.
A 45-minute drive from Benagil on the A22 highway and then the N125 - passing many alluring pottery shops along the way - you arrive at the end of Europe, Sagres.
We drove straight to the old fort, Fortaleza de Sagres - you feel like you are in a James Bond movie on the approach - and inside a beautiful walk around the tip of Europe from inside the fort's walls.
Stop at the giftshop on your way out of the fort - it has lovely local gems and especially great photography books from the area.
WHERE TO STAY
A beautiful modern design hotel on the edge of the Atlantic ocean at Sagres. This secluded spot makes you feel like you've found a secret location unknown to the many.
Having reached the end of Europe we were tempted to stay and watch the world go by...
WHERE TO EAT
The town of Sagres is small and charming with several super restaurants.
We ate at Three Little Birds - which served the best grilled cheese sandwich I have ever seen, on home-baked bread and they weren’t shy about the portion of cheese! Delish.
It was also here that I discovered Ocean zero alcohol beer - a beer that aims to change the world!
This road trip across the Algarve, Portugal's southern coast was full of exquisite surprises. The laid-back Algarve is still little known and undiscovered, offering a unique experience in emerging Med Style grounded in its beautiful history and culture.
Share your finds from the Algarve in the comments below!
Jade
Lewon
Med
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