Foreign visitors are slowly discovering the allure of Vila Nova de Milfontes and the western Alentejo region, but it is still one of the least visited coastlines of Portugal; with vast stretches of wild and deserted beaches. The town of Vila Nova de Milfontes is delightfully Portuguese, filled with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and scenic views across the Mira River.

Being the most south-westerly point in mainland Europe, this rugged and forbidding Cape has long been considered sacred ground – ancient Greeks called it the ‘Land of Serpents’, but the pugnacious Romans oddly preferred a meeker designation: Promontorium Sacrum (‘Holy Promontory’), the Latin origin of the name ‘Sagres’ (from Sacrum). For them, terra firma-loving citizens of Rome, Cape St. Vincent was the ‘Edge of the World’, a supernatural vortex where the setting sun was dramatically submerged by the immense, unknown ocean (still today, the fading solar disk occasionally seems bigger and brighter at Cape St. Vincent). The myth persisted throughout the Middle Ages until a man decided to end all that crazy nonsense and – in the process – put an end to the Age of Darkness: Prince Henry the Navigator

The cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade headland is one of the finest natural features of the Algarve. This dramatic limestone coastline is formed of sea pillars, fragile rock arches and hidden grottos, all of which have been chiselled-out by savage winter storms.

Lagos is a historic and characterful city that is situated on the beautiful Western Algarve. It is a city that boasts a rich seafaring heritage and a coastline of dramatic natural scenery, and today is one of the Algarve’s finest holiday destinations. Thankfully, Lagos has not succumbed to mass tourism, and the city still retains its distinctive character and charm. Found within the historic centre is a proud Portuguese city, with cobbled streets, authentic restaurants, and an atmosphere which is relaxed and welcoming.