Western Algarve Portugal

The Western Algarve is perhaps the most beautiful part of this region, with many beaches on the west and south coasts, rugged hills and mountains along the north and prominent landmarks. It, like the rest of the region, has plenty to offer the traveler in the way of beaches, resorts and fun, but it also has some of the best places to get away from the hustle and bustle.

Running from the Atlantic Ocean along the western edge to Portimao and north to just beyond the Serra de Michique Mountains to Alentejo, the western part of the Algarve is a fascinating place. The beaches have long been the main draw, and the area around Lagos and Portimao is the most popular and populous. The coast stretching down to Sagres is full of rock formations, while the 50 kilometers of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean are often all but forgotten.

The climate of Algarve is pleasant all year round. The summer high temperatures averages about 28 C, while in January the lows average around 10 C. Daytime temperatures even in the winter months are usually in the teens and low 20s, so it is a fine place for outdoor activity any time of the year. The rainy months are during the winter, with the summer ones being mostly dry.

The economy of the whole region – east to west – is based these days on tourism. The major activity centers are along the coast, and in the Western Algarve the main cities are Lagos and Portimao. Lagos is the perhaps the more popular for tourists, with lots of nightlife and things to do, while Portimao is more of a residential town with shopping and amenities. Lagos is a former port town and fishing headquarters which now has a population of nearly 30,000 residents. The port is still active, though mostly with the sailboats and yachts of those who visit or have homes in the area.

Some of the beaches around Lagos are good for watersports, but farther to the west you get into the rocks and rock formations. Meia Praia is a large beach that does not have any rocks, but the beach itself is sheltered by cliffs. Dona Ana beach is a very popular one with plenty of rock formations, making it scenic and fun to explore. Farther to the west is the town of Luz, with its resorts and popular beach.

Cabo de Sao Vicente is the rocky promontory at the southwest that juts into the Atlantic Ocean. In centuries past, this windblown cape was thought to be the end of the world. North from here along the Atlantic coast are a number of beaches that are often all but deserted. Surfers love to come here for the great weather and waves, and if you like peaceful ocean days this is the place to come.

Inland are many small towns with some historical buildings and sites, though many of the oldest buildings were destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. This area has a strong Moorish influence, and many of the structures are reminiscent of that. The Western Algarve is also known for some of the prettiest wild flowers anywhere, particularly around Cabo de Sao Vicente.

The town of Portimao is the largest in the Western Algarve and sits just next to the central part of the region. It has a population of around 55,000 residents and this is place to come for shopping and eating. There is also a new marina here for those who have boats, and the beaches are rocky and fun to explore.

When looking for property in the Western Algarve, the towns of Lagos and Portimao have the most to offer. Lagos is right on the water and there are plenty of new and older housing options. It is a fun town, so there are lots of places that are less expensive – for the Algarve – and that might require a little more care. There are also a number of new resorts and developments that are going up in and around Lagos. To the west of Lagos is the town of Luz, with a beautiful beach and several and completed developments and projects in the works.

If you are looking for a place that is a little farther away from all the hustle and bustle, the west coast has some nice properties. The town of Aljezur is a pretty place and can offer the benefits of the Algarve without the crowds. There are also some stunning properties for those who want to spend a lot of money. The options are many – all you have to do is decide what you want.

When traveling to any part of the Algarve region, the easiest way to arrive is through the Faro Airport (FAO). This airport is located 7 kilometers west of the city of Faro in the southeast part of the Algarve. It is one of the most popular airports for discount carriers, offering quick and reasonably priced service to most major European and UK cities. From here to Lagos is approximately 70 kilometers and should take no more than an hour if traffic isn’t bad.

Lisbon is 280 kilometers north of Lagos, and the drive down can take about three hours. The main road is the A2, which is easy and fast. The A22 crosses the Algarve from just outside Lagos and heads east into Spain. In addition to the airport at Faro, there is train service from Lisbon that brings passengers to Faro and several other cities along the southern coastline.

To get around the any part of the Algarve, but particularly the more remote western areas, a car is a necessity to truly enjoy the region. It is possible to stay in a resort and not have to drive anywhere, but there is much more to the region than just the beaches and golf courses. It is a dynamic area and a wonderful place to live or visit for anyone who wants a second home or retirement spot.

Property For Sale Western Algarve