Little-known villages and towns in the western Algarve
The Algarve in southern Portugal is a region that has grown in popularity in recent years, making it hard to get around in the most popular cities during the season because they are flooded by a sea of tourists.
Are there still places in the Algarve that have resisted mass tourism? Of course there are! Some of them are not included in tourist itineraries and therefore still keep alive the traditions of the past. To visit them is to discover an Algarve that is traditional, one where you will still hear Portuguese on the street.
If you are looking for the truest and most authentic Algarve, almost untouched by mass tourism, then see my list of the top 7 little-known villages and towns in the western Algarve, where you can feel the traditional atmosphere and mix with the local Portuguese community.
Monchique
Serra de Monchique is a mountainous region and one of the Algarve’s few treasures that is little known and undiscovered by many travelers because it is located inland, far from the beautiful beaches and coastal towns.
To see the Algarve’s highest point, head to Fóia. On the neck of the mountain you will see a fantastic landscape, with views of the entire Algarve region.
About 8 kilometers away is the historic center of the village of Monchique, where it’s worth strolling through the beautiful typical streets and seeing the ruins of an old monastery built in the 17th century, Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro. If you want to learn more about what to do and where to sleep in Monchique, read here >>.
Ferragudo
Ferragudo is a small fishing village that is 500 years old and belongs to the municipality of Lagoa. It stretches along a hillside full of typical Algarvian houses. The town is also home to the private castle of São João do Arade. The beaches of Ferragudo overlook Praia da Rocha and the Marina in Portimão.
Burgau
In the heart of the Costa Vicentina, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, is the small but charming village of Burgau. The town used to be quieter than it is today. It began to attract more and more tourists as it earned the nickname “Portugal’s Santorini.”
Like any typical town or village in the Algarve, Burgau still retains some traditions related to fishing. The region’s gastronomy is also closely linked to seafood. The beach, although small, is very pleasant, with calm and clear water, and is guarded in summer.
Aljezur
Aljezur is an amazing mix of nature and wild, beautiful beaches. Indeed, the beaches are the main attraction of the region. But there is much more to discover in Aljezur. The little town has a castle, beautiful churches and several museums.
Silves
The town of Silves was once the capital of the Algarve region, so it is full of history, culture, ruins and buildings that have been converted into museums. The town has a beautiful castle and the Silves Cathedral.
Since Silves was a place of great importance under Muslim rule, it has several Islamic traces, well documented and preserved in various museums and cultural centers.
Silves is also a good base for hiking and biking trips that will take you to places like the Funcho Dam or the Capelo dos Ossos de Alcantarilha.
You can read more about Silves here >>.
Pedralva
Pedralva is a small village in the municipality of Vila do Bispo with just a few colorful houses and a sensational pizzeria. It is home to Portuguese and foreigners who love nature and the surf. If you’re in the region, it’s worth making a stop here for lunch and to experience the atmosphere of a small, hidden village that probably only the local population knows exists. The village is also home to Werner, an artist from Germany, from whom you can buy his handmade cork and stone products. His products were also available in my Cork Factory store for some time.
Salema
Salema is a fishing village and one of the most popular resorts in the municipality of Vila do Bispo in the Algarve.
It is located halfway between Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesternmost point of continental Europe, and 20 km from Lagos. Salema is located in the heart of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina.
The lovely, magnificent Salema Beach has been named by The Guardian and The Telegraph newspapers as “one of the 50 best beaches in the world” and one of the best in the “family” category, as well as by Travel & Leisure magazine as “one of the most beautiful secret beaches in the world.”
