Hire a Car or a van with a man and Explore

Hire a car, or if you’re not up for driving, hire a van with a man from a company like A22 to take you to one of the local towns that are worth a visit and get to see some of the interior of Portugal. Head off to local towns, pop to Monchique, and stop off at the town of Caldas. The mountain town of Monchique steps back to the past or goes on to the very top of Foia. There are a number of restaurants with spectacular mountain views, and the featured dish is Chicken piri-piri.

 

Monchique

Tucked high in the Serra de Monchique mountains, this charming town offers a refreshing change from the Algarve’s coastal heat. Winding roads lead up through forests of cork oak and eucalyptus to Monchique, a hillside village known for its cool air, scenic views and traditional way of life.

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At its heart, cobbled lanes climb past stone houses, flower-filled balconies and craft shops selling handmade soaps, textiles and wooden toys. The town’s main square is a peaceful spot to pause for a coffee or sample the local medronho, a potent fruit spirit distilled from the berries that grow in the surrounding hills.

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Just a short drive away, Caldas de Monchique is a historic spa village famed for its natural spring water and leafy thermal park — perfect for a quiet afternoon of wellness. For sweeping panoramas, head to Foia, the Algarve’s highest peak, where the view stretches all the way to the Atlantic. Monchique’s tranquil charm makes it an ideal retreat, rain or shine.

 

Lagos

Lagos is one of the Algarve’s most captivating towns, where golden cliffs, turquoise waters, and centuries of history come together. The coastline is breathtaking, especially at Ponta da Piedade, where dramatic sea arches and grottoes can be explored on foot or by boat from the marina.

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In the old town, cobbled streets lead past whitewashed buildings, artisan boutiques, and lively cafés — perfect for a relaxed wander on any day. History is ever-present here: the Fort of Ponta da Bandeira still stands at the harbour mouth, once guarding the bay against pirates, while the nearby Mercado de Escravos offers a poignant look at Europe’s early slave trade and Lagos’s complex maritime past.

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Beyond the town walls, beaches such as Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo are framed by striking ochre cliffs and calm, clear water — some of the most photographed in Portugal. Lagos blends natural beauty, cultural depth, and an easy-going spirit that keeps visitors coming back.

 

Silves

Once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, Silves is a town where history feels alive at every turn. Its red-sandstone castle, perched high above the rooftops, dominates the skyline and offers sweeping views across the Arade River valley. Walking through its ramparts, you can almost imagine the days when Silves was a thriving medieval centre of culture and trade.

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Below the castle, the narrow-cobbled streets lead past whitewashed houses, terracotta roofs and the striking Gothic cathedral, built on the site of a former mosque. Small museums and art galleries reveal more of the town’s layered past, while cafés spill out onto sun-dappled squares — perfect for sampling fresh orange juice from the nearby groves.

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A stroll along the riverfront adds a gentler pace, with its charming bridge, relaxed restaurants and glimpses of local life. Silves combines history, atmosphere and authenticity, offering a quieter yet deeply rewarding alternative to the Algarve’s coastal bustle.