Eastern Algarve Coastal Towns and Villages

     Cobbled steps and land     Lagoon beach at Fabrica     Cacela Velha church     View along the coast      Typcial Algarve Cottage     Walking on the lagoon beach by Fabrica    Village street 

EAST of Quinta da Rā:

Santa Luzia is a lagoon-side fishing village, 2km east of Quinta da Rā, with a good choice of restaurants along the waterfront - many specialising in seafood caught by the local fishermen. There is access to 2 lovely beaches, Terra Estreita - by ferry and Barril - by miniature train or on foot.

Cabanas is just east of Tavira. Although small, it has a busy seaside town feel with good restaurants, cafés and access to water taxis that will take you to your choice of golden beaches.

Cacela Velha is a tiny picturesque village - untouched by the modern world. Set on cliffs above the lagoon shores, with a fort and church, Cacela Velha offers fantastic views from its walls. There is easy walking down to the sandy shore and along the coast.

Fābrica is a small village set on a beautiful sandy coastline strewn with colourful boats. It has a good restaurant where you can enjoy a meal overlooking the lagoon. Quinta da Ria and Quinta da Cima golf courses are close by.

Manta Rota is the first town east of Quinta da Rā with direct access to ocean beaches and because of this, it also has more development. There are car parks in the town at the seafront and behind the dunes with easy access to miles of golden beach.

Praia Verde, close to Altura, is approached through beautiful pine forests. It has a lovely beach with direct access and great 'on the beach' restaurant.

Monte Gordo, with its own excellent beach, is the only town on the Eastern Algarve with high rise seafront hotels and even a casino.

Vila Real de Santo António is the easternmost town on the Algarve coast, lying at the mouth of the river Gaudiana which forms the border between Portugal and Spain. The waterfront features gardens and a colourful, busy marina. The town has an amazing number of textile shops. There is vehicle access to the beach and fishing off the breakwater.

WEST of Quinta da Rā

Pinheiro an area, rather than a village, is less than 2km west of Quinta da Rā on the shores of the lagoon. Here you will find one of the best seafood restaurants in the area -"Marisqueira Fialho" - a local favourite.

Fuzeta is a small fishing town, about 8km west of Quinta da Rā. Fishing boats and pleasure boats leave from the quayside. Fuzeta has its own pretty lagoon beach or there is a short ferry trip to the beautiful Island Beach. There is a weekly street market and a special seafood shop - selling fabulous prawns.

Olhāo is the busiest fishing port in the Algarve with the largest fish market. The outer parts of Olhāo are typcial of a modern and busy working town - but persevere to reach the waterfront full of markets, gardens cafes and cobbled streets leading to the 'Moorish style' old town. Ferries run to the Islands of Armona and Culatra from the pier.

Faro, has much more to offer than simply being your arrival point, with beaches, great shopping and a lovely old walled centre to explore. Close by there are waterparks, including Zoo Marine, where you can swim with the Dolphins.