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To the west of Faro, and with easy driving distance of the airport,
are several well-known resorts: Vilamoura, with its distinctive
marina; Quinta do Lago and Vale del Lobo have good beaches and a
sophisticated feel. This area in particular is a magnet for golfers,
offering superb facilities.
Holiday villas in this area are much sought after, and it's a good
idea to book well in advance. You can view Country Villas on-line
brochure of Algarve villas at: www.countryvillas.com/portugal/
Going further west is the busy
resort of Albufeira, which tends to cater more for the package holiday
market. Although very developed, Albufeira's former Moorish port
still retains some of its previous character around Rua da Igreja
Velha. It also benefits from one of the best beaches in the area.
Carvoeiro is smaller and less brash,
retaining the look of a pretty fishing village, with a small beach
of its own and larger ones nearby. Portimao boasts the famous rock
formations of Praia da Rocha. Both of these suffer limited beach
space in the season, so beach-lovers in search of space would do
well to move on to the open spaces of Alvor beach. Alvor itself
has conspicuously avoided tourist development.
Lagos is one of the smarter resort
areas, a busy town that has retained much of its historic character.
There is a smallish town beach, with more nearby, a modern marina,
and attractive coves and grottos.
West of Lagos, development lessens
and the old Algarve still exists. In this area, Praia da Luz is
a tasteful resort popular for villa rentals.
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