Praia da Bordeira is well-known for its winds and waves and that’s why it is so popular with wind and surf sports enthusiasts. So much so that not many actually go into the little village itself really, especially since the main road that goes into the village is rather new and people have not grown yet accustomed to it. The road is however, wide and planted with rows of palms and flowerbeds.

The small church cannot be missed and it is said that it has been standing since before the major earthquake that shook the entire region centuries ago. The inside of the church is quite stunning featuring a heavily carved and gilded wooden centre piece, the church being dedicated to the patron, our Lady of Incarnation.

The village of Bordeira is located in a basin that is surrounded by green countryside that is protected by the government.

As opposed to most other small villages in the region, which are whitewashed, Bordeira has many buildings that are painted with vibrant colours which accent the building’s features. The many small and stone cobbled roads are planted with orange and lemon trees thus giving the place a very traditional village feel, some of the houses sitting staggered high above one another.

The village is quite small so there’s just a café/bar and another restaurant used by the locals, as well as a shop. The village is a thriving little community with not many ruins because even what was once the communal bake oven/house has been converted into living accommodation.

Getting to Bordeira can be made that much easier with some Algarve car hire services.

Estoi

This small town is located at only about ten kilometers from Faro, so easily reachable on any day of your holiday, and it is filled with many examples of traditional Algarvean country architecture.

This is a great place for those who are interested in historical sites and Estoi will not disappoint in this regard. You’ll find an old palace with an amazing façade which also features some very picturesque old-style gardens.

Nearby you will find some Roman ruins dating from the first century, a very interesting place however make sure you don’t go there on a public holiday because it will be closed.

Sao Bras de Alportel

This is the definition of a market town, very well to do, located at about ten kilometers from Estoi, set in a wonderful almond growing area. In order to enjoy the area to its maximum you should try to visit from December to early March because that’s when the trees blossom.

The town has a very quaint 15^th century parish Church, featuring a wonderful façade and a great bell tower – featuring some great carving on their inside. The panoramic view from the terrace is quite stunning indeed. The building near the church used to be the bishops’ palace and it features a domed pavilion and a rather elaborate fountain.

Loule

Yet another market town – you’ll find quite a few of these while exploring the Algarve – this is a quite busy place, especially on Saturday mornings. However don’t be mislead by the town’s outskirts, which are very modern, you need to head into the centre to see the old town.

One of the main points of interest should be the picturesque cobbled street of Rua 9 de Abril where you will find crafts workshops where traditional artisans make all sorts of useful things.

You should also check out the Rua Garcia de Horta and if you’re visiting on a hot day, the Jardim dos Amuados.

These are just three of the several lesser known Algarve destinations which you can reach with something as simple as our Algarve car rental services.