Far more relaxing, and infinitely cooler

Eastern Algarve is the region's hidden gem. Even though Western and Central Algarve have enjoyed most of the tourist trade since the ‘70s, the east side is far more relaxing and infinitely cooler. Savvy Europeans are now buying in many areas of Eastern Algarve and successfully renting out their properties, trendy ex-pats are opening boutique hotels and super cool restaurants and with the unspoiled rural feel that many of its towns retain, together with the Ria Formosa offering pristine nature and untouched beaches, it is easy to see why Eastern Algarve is on the up.

Stretching from the east of Loulé right up to the Spanish border this area has secluded beaches that stretch for kilometres with no one in sight and super cute towns with exquisite mosaic tile work that each offer something very different to the typical resort towns associated with other parts of the Algarve. The east comes with the innate ability to appreciate life at a slower pace and offers its inhabitants relaxation, calmness and a deep feeling of serenity.

FARO

Many of us fly into Faro, hop in the car, taxi or transfer and promptly leave to only see Faro again the next time we go to the airport. As a result, Faro’s best bits seldom make it into the guidebooks, but there is more to Faro than just being home to EasyJet, TAP and Ryan Air. Faro is the capital of the Algarve. It has a historic centre and marina that both have a traditional feel as well as a busy bustling commercial centre with many shops, cafés, restaurants, and businesses. There’s also some history: Faro Cathedral and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo which is noteworthy mainly for the walls and ceilings of its rear chapel which are lined with the skulls and bones of more than 1,000 monks who once served there. Faro may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it certainly shouldn’t be overlooked when looking to buy property.

TAVIRA

Tavira is a beautiful traditional town set on either side of the Rio Gilao and is also known as the Queen of the Algarve. It is one of the region’s most architecturally attractive towns with nods to the various cultures who have left their mark on it over the ages still visible. It has a relaxed feel and cultural vibe and thanks to its winding streets and collection of cafés and restaurants, Tavira is the perfect town for a leisurely stroll, a long, relaxing lunch or a picturesque evening meal by the river.

Its castle was a Moorish fortress, dating back to the Middle Ages, offering wonderful views over the town and its seven-arched Roman Bridge that crosses the River Gilão is illuminated at night which gives a magical glow to the riverfront. However, Tavira is not just rich with Portuguese culture and history, it has several amazing beaches nearby, all accessible via ferry. The superb Ilha de Tavira is a wonderful, 10 km sandy island that is an area of outstanding beauty and should not be missed.

In recent years Tavira has seen significant growth, but it still retains its charming nature with reasonably priced housing.

OLHÃO

Olhão is the trendy part of Eastern Algarve. This busy fishing port has a vibrant market, mainly pedestrianised centre and its beaches are accessed by boat and aqua taxis. It has a significant Moorish feel and even though the past few years have seen extensive investment into the area, it still retains its traditional feel. It is this mix of old and new that has drawn many artists and creative people to buy, live and work in Olhão. As well as those owning and working in boutique hotel developments or family restaurants, huge white storks from the nearby salt marshes also make Olhão their home nesting on the tops of church towers.

A short ferry ride from Olhão is Culatra Island, the first of the beachy sandbar islands that stretch east all the way to the Spanish border. A little further up the coast is Barril Beach where you will have no problem finding a spot to sunbathe as this beach is 11 kilometres long.

VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO

Set close to the border of Spain, Vila Real has culture and charm in abundance. Full of plazas and fantastic restaurants, tranquil cafés and craft-filled markets Vila Real has a peaceful and unhurried ambience. Situated on the banks of the mighty Guardiana River it has a unique appearance, resembling Lisbon more than its Algarvian neighbours. Along the banks of the river are a marina, fishing harbour and pretty riverside parks.

Golfers should head for the nearby Monte Rei Golf and Country Club just north of Vila Real. It is always ranked highly among golfers, was designed by Jack Nicklaus and has some pretty spectacular views of the Serra do Caldeirao mountains to the north and the ocean to the south.

SANTA BÁRBARA

 If you’re looking for somewhere to escape the stresses of modern life, relax, chill and unwind, then Santa Bárbara is the place for you! It is totally different from the coastal areas of the Algarve - there are no golf courses, pubs, bars or nightclubs on your doorstep, just rolling hills, views to die for and peace and quiet.

For us, Santa Bárbara is the perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the coast, but if you don’t want to give up on that party atmosphere just yet you are still within a 20-minute drive of the beaches, oceans and nightlife. As with many areas of the Algarve, Santa Bábara has a great mix of different nationalities with a strong English community leading the way. The one thing that really ticks the boxes here is the amazing views from most properties. With Santa Bárbara sitting high above sea level the views over the countryside down to the cities of Faro, Olhão, the Ria Formosa and the Atlantic Ocean are phenomenal – especially at night when the lights of Faro glimmer in the distance. This is one of the most sought-after areas for those looking to make the Algarve their home or second home.

The town itself has narrow walkways with essential facilities, as well as typical Portuguese shops, cafés, a chemist, petrol station, banks as well as a number of restaurants and relaxed bars.

In terms of property, there are various options to choose from - apartments and townhouses in the village itself, with quaint quintas dotted between larger villas that can be found on the outskirts and on the surrounding hillsides.

SÃO BRÁS DE ALPORTEL

Sometimes simplicity is best, and the simple charms of the typical Algarve town of São Brás are not to be missed. Its streets of white houses are surrounded by picturesque hills that offer amazing views over the mountains as well as down to the ocean in the distance. Together with the unhurried lifestyle of the locals, we think that São Brás is one of THE places to consider when relocating to Portugal.

For years São Brás was the main cork-producing centre of not just Portugal, but the world and you can still enjoy lazy walks through forests full of cork trees as well as almond, fig, carob and pomegranate trees. Discovering old water mills, springs, and beautiful panoramic views either by foot or mountain bike on the many different trails that have been created are great ways to spend a morning before the heat of the Algarve sun gets too much. The vast open spaces, fab vistas and hamlets of just four or five villas perched on a hilltop give São Brás a magical quality, it is almost a feeling that time has stopped and you are entering into the secret heart of the Algarve.

Rich in cultural events, São Brás has, over the centuries, maintained a wealth of living history and traditions. You can still enjoy the costumes of Carnival, the “Maios” dolls, the festivals of the Popular Saints, folk music, traditions of festive singing and the harmonies of the accordion.