Algarve

Each week, Old Town Albufeira’s main square becomes a bustling marketplace where local handicrafts and delicacies from across the Algarve region are on offer. Locals farmers and craftsmen venture in from the hillsides, selling everything from lavender-scented honey to lavish jewelry and terracotta pottery.

The sandstone walls of the 15th-century Fort of São João do Arade rise above the pine-fringed cliffs of Praia da Angrinha beach and point the way to the crumbling medieval walls of the ancient fishing village of Ferragudo, where white-washed houses cascade down the hillside, overlooking the deep blue line of the horizon. Spend a day exploring the town, then pull up a chair at a café in the picturesque main square and dine on just-caught fish paired with local vinho.

A collection of tidal islands and lagoons on the Algarve’s southern coastline, this nature reserve covers miles of rugged wilderness, open to the public for biking, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife-watching. Birders in particular flock to the reserve’s Quinta de Marim observatory, as some of the world’s rarest bird species stop here as part of their annual migrations.

The Algarve is dotted with picturesque historic towns, but Silves merits a longer visit than most. Originally founded by the Romans along the banks of the Arade river, the town rose to prominence as an 11th-century Moorish capital, and its Moorish castle and abundant architecture from the period are constant reminders of the famously abundant culture that once flourished here. Wander the winding streets and visit the many art galleries, or plan your trip around the town’s medieval festival.

While the Douro Valley has dominated Portugal’s wine exports for decades, the Algarve has come into its own in recent years, drawing acclaim for both traditional and forward-thinking varietals and techniques. Spend a day visiting historic wineries, touring vineyards, meeting winemakers, and tasting some of the region’s best wines along the Rota dos Vinhos do Algarve.