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Eastern Algarve

The coastal towns of the eastern Algarve are ‘real’ towns, far more under-developed than those in the Central and Western area of the Algarve.

If you are after a more relaxed style of holiday, away from the hordes of tourists and water parks, then the Eastern Algarve may be the place for you.

Why is it so undeveloped? The reason for this is probably because the towns along the coast are not generally right on the sea. They are separated from the Atlantic by salt-pans, marshland and lagoons. These form part of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, which stretches from just south of Faro along the coast to the town of Vila Nova de Cacela, a few kilometres west of the Rio Guadiana river on the Spanish border.

The beaches you’ll find along the coast are to be found on long sandy islands and outcrops. Because of this, little development of hotels has been possible, and should therefore keep the area quieter than other areas in the Algarve.

The wetlands of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve make this area of coastline, wild and interesting, in contrast to the red sandstone cliffs of the central Algarve and the rugged coastline in the west.

Further inland, the area is completely undeveloped. Small rustic villages nestle in the remote countryside. You’ll find the local inhabitants going about their daily business, the same today as they did many generations before.

Leaving Faro, to the east along the N125, the first town you come to is the fishing port of Olhao. Well worth a visit, particularly for the large fish market down by the sea front.

Leaving Olhao and continuing east along the N125 for about 23km, you’ll see Tavira signposted. This is a charming and unspoiled town, with narrow cobbled streets, straddling both sides of the River Gilao. If you like churches, then you won’t be disappointed as there are plenty to explore.

About 17km east from Tavira, is the Eastern Algarve's only real tourist resort, Monte Grande. Being beyond the Ria Formosa reserve, it lies on the coast, with some beautiful beaches. You’ll find more high rise apartments here than in other towns, and in the summer plenty of Spanish holiday makers (no doubt attracted by the cheaper prices here).

A few kilometres to the west of Monte Gordo, on the coast is the small purpose built resort of Altura,which is a peaceful and relaxing place to unwind, although you shouldn't expect much more from it than that.

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