From the beach of Ancão, in front of Quinta do Lago, to the village of Cacela Velha, stretches an environmental treasure of peaceful waters, vast expanses of sand and deserted islands. This is the world of the Ria Formosa Nature Park. Far from the madding crowd, this is a different way to enjoy the beach. You can eat cockles, clams and shrimps caught fresh in the pots of the nurseries beneath the water, while befriending the local fishermen.

Of the islands in the Faro region, Barreta is the most southerly; an exclusive beach for boat owners or those prepared to catch a river taxi. Culatra is recommended for those who enjoy seafood, and Armona is said to have a sunset that is out of this world.

There’s also another world waiting to be discovered in the vast expanses of sand of the Ilha de Tavira, where you’ll find beautiful beaches to walk on at low tide. Or why not visit the beach at Barril, which can be reached by miniature train, or Terra Estreita, famous for being Portugal’s most environmentally-friendly beach, or Cabanas, which can be reached on old trawling-boats?

This part of the Algarve seems almost designed for magical holidays, guaranteeing you peace, quality beaches, and excellent seafood dishes.