Santa Maria Bay
You cannot miss the enchanting Santa Maria Bay, which is is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Los Cabos. Prepare yourself to be amazed by this beautiful beach!
Relatively secluded, Bahía Santa María is a protected marine sanctuary, representing an excellent place for snorkeling, sunbathing or for simply enjoying the beach activities. Even if you are not looking to swim, you have the opportunity to enjoy unique landscapes in Santa Maria Bay.
The perfect time to enjoy the nature’s beauties is in the morning, for enhanced underwater visibility. This is truly one of the most beautiful places in Los Cabos and it’s definitely worth visiting.

Arco da Vila
Built on one of the medieval gateways to the city, this monumental archway was commissioned by Bishop Francisco Gomes de Avelar in the early 19th century.
The project was carried out by Italian architect Francisco Xavier Fabri and inaugurated in 1812.
On an inner niche, there is an Italian made statue of Saint Thomas of Aquinas, representing one of the finest examples of the Italian neo-classical to be found across the Algarve.
Arco da Vila is considered a unique example of Moorish architecture in Portugal, especially due to its outstanding level of preservation, as well as its place of origin.

Muralhas de Faro
The current urban layout of Faro provides an understanding of where the walls that protected the city used to be. They form a core known as Vila-Adentro (Inner Town), which contains the city´s historical quarter.
The initial idea of defending the settlement belongs to Ben Bekr, a 9th century Muslim prince from the local kingdom. It was then the Porta Árabe (Arab Gateway) was built and which can still be found in the Arco da Vila (Town Archway). After the 12th century Almohade invasion, two watchtowers were built to strengthen the defense.
In the 17th century, following the Restoration of Independence and Portuguese government in 1640, the tower battlements were flattened to keep up with the latest ballistic developments and a second line of walls was built facing the sea.
After the city´s destruction in the 1755 earthquake and their loss of importance for military defence, the walls were progressively integrated into new buildings and there are currently only some defensive features remaining.

Luxurious Pousada Palacio de Estoi
Situated only 10 kms from Faro city centre, the Pousada of Faro is famous for its neo-Baroque and neo-Rococo architecture and Versailles-style gardens.
Finished in 1909, the palace has a rococo-style décor, with frescoes, elaborate carvings, wood paneling, ornate stucco ceilings, and gilded furniture. The gardens are arranged on three levels, all connected by grand staircases decorated in vibrant blue azulejo tiles with hidden grottos below.
In 1977, the palace and its gardens, fountains, and statues were classified as a Property of Public Interest. By the 1980s, the estate had fallen into a state of disrepair and it was eventually acquired by Faro Municipal Council.
The restoration of the palace and grounds was financed by the Portuguese Tourist Office, and the palace was converted into a Pousada (a state-owned hotel in a building of historical interest).

Museu Municipal
For history and old civilizations lovers, the picturesque building of Municipal Museum is the perfect place to discover and to connect with the roots of incipient Portugal.
Located in the Old Town, The Museu Municipal, known also as the Faro Archeological Museum, is housed within the fascinating 16thcentury Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assunção (Our Lady of Assumption Convent).
The highlights include the outstanding mosaic of sea-god Oceanus, the bust of Emperor Hadrian and Agrippina, and 9th- to 13th-century Islamic artifacts.

Come and enjoy this unique adventure in Algarve, always relying on Faro Low Cost Transfers for excellent taxi services with remarkable conditions, for amazing trips and unforgettable moments with your family and friends!

Faro, the capital city of the Algarve, and its international airport is the gateway for many tourists arriving in southern Portugal. Proud of its maritime heritage, Faro remains a busy and colorful port, a charming city that’s definitely worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
It is the Old Town, however, that sightseers will want to visit. Enclosed by solid defensive walls, Faro’s Cidade Velha sits on Roman and Moorish foundations. This is one of the most attractive locations, surrounded by magical old churches including a magnificent cathedral, fascinating little squares and white washed cobbled streets with an impressive range of restaurants and cafes.

Another breathtaking location is Sagres, the southwesternmost town in Portugal, which has two points of interest you can’t miss: Cape St. Vincent and Sagres Fortress. Sagres has a profound history and a unique charm. Since the Middle Ages, this edge of Europe was considered “the end of the world”.
A paradise for nature lovers, Cape St. Vincent is, not surprisingly, a nature reserve since 1988, given the number of species that make this place their home, such as sea otters, herons and Bonelli’s eagles.
The Cape of St. Vincent combines nature, culture and myth. Come and discover this marvelous place, where the green lush exceeds any dreams or expectations, where the nature and naturality reign and where you can feel and almost touch the magnitude of nature. The Cape of St. Vincent and the surrounding area is one of the rare places where the geographical location, a wild but majestic nature, and historical factors combine with a mythical dimension.
Apart from its outstanding wildlife, the area is rich in history with evidence of occupation dating back to prehistoric times. There are also remnants of Roman and Phoenician settlements in the area. Ancient Greek chroniclers described Cabo de São Vicente as ”the end of the inhabited earth”.
The imposing lighthouse from Cape St. Vincent contains the largest warning light in Europe for both marine and air traffic. Here there’s a bird-watching festival every October which will definitely astonish the bird lovers.

Lagos is the western Algarve’s liveliest resort town, as well as a great historical significant location, as prince Henry the Navigator launched Portugal’s Age of Discovery from Lagos in the 15th century.
Lagos is one of the cities in Algarve visitors love the most, which has gracefuly maintained its authenticity. The town has a young, cheerful vibe, as well as a wealth of historic attractions and entertaining things to do.
When you visit Lagos, take some time to lose yourself in the alleys of its historic centre and enjoy the atmosphere of this city.
After visiting the historic centre, discover the Fort of Ponta da Bandeira, built in the 17th century. Here you can admire the small, but beautiful Chapel of Santa Bárbara, covered with glazed tiles and mesmerizing landscapes.
Located near the port city of Lagos, Ponta da Piedade is an exceptional natural place, offering a stunning view over Cape St. Vincent, with beautiful cliffs, arches and caves.
The town’s medieval collection of castle walls and graceful churches always captures the imagination of passers by, but it’s the coastline that enchants the visitors and tourists. In this idyllic place you can enjoy the most beautiful moments with your family and friends!

Associated with the fishing activity for centuries, Alvor flourished in time and, nowadays, most of its economy is dependent of the tourism industry.
In this absolutely enchanting corner of paradise you can admire some places like the Misericórdia Church, the town market (mercado municipal) and Ria de Alvor, a place where you’ll find beautiful different birds’ species.
One of the outstanding places is represented by the vast Alvor Beach, where you can relax and enjoy the warm weather and hikes in the biggest walkway in Algarve.

Considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve region, Carvoeiro is an adventurous and nature embracing postcard for those eager to visit southern Portugal.
Besides from the amazing bubbly beaches like Carvoeiro Beach and Vale Centeanes Beach, you’ll also have other points of interest you won’t want to miss. Surrounded by spectacular natural scenery, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful beaches, this popular resort town has everything you could want when seeking a relaxing getaway.
After enjoying the beautiful landscape, you can enjoy the fascinating wooden walkway that connects the site of the ruins of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação Fort to Algar Seco, a small 570-metre walk. This walkway is definitely one of the most beautiful in Algarve, where you can admire the beautiful bluffs and natural “windows” carved by the sea and wind erosion, especially in the Algar Seco location.
Another place you can’t miss during your visit to Carvoeiro and surrounding areas is the Algar de Benagil. This place is only accessible by sea, but it’s definitely a place you’ll want to explore! Don’t miss the chance to discover one of the most beautiful places in Portugal!

Enjoy the biggest adventure with your family and friends, always counting on Lagos Car Hire, which provides excellent safely car rental conditions for amazing and unforgettable adeventures!

Do you know where the best Portuguese river beaches are? We have gathered a top 10 of guarded beaches to meet you this summer. The hundreds of kilometers of sand on the Portuguese coast attract most tourists. But the interior of the country holds unexpected secrets for visitors seeking to escape the confusion of the coastline – river beaches yet to be discovered.Portugal has hundreds of river beaches, many of them with Blue Flag recognition that guarantees the quality of water, sand and infrastructure to bathers. In addition, there are several beaches, that besides the excellent conditions they offer, are supervised by teams of lifeguards.

1. Loriga – Seia

Exactly in the Natural Park of the Serra da Estrela, there is a sanctuary for nature lovers. A place of impressive beauty, the Loriga River Beach is located in the Loriga Glacier Valley.With the promise of offering pure and crystalline waters in a preserved environment, it has good support infrastructures and enables the practice of various adventure activities and walks.

2. Estorãos – Lima Bridge

Next to the Roman bridge over the river Estorãos, in the heart of a charming village of Minho, thereis the Estorãos River Beach. Watched by the Serra de Arga, this beach invites you to enjoy a romantic place, in the middle of nature, on a bank of clear waters.

3. Adaúfe

On the banks of the Rio Cávado, the Adaúfe River Beach has an extension of about 200 meters, which includes a sandy area and a wide ridge, with accessible pedestrian paths.On the beach there are excellent conditions for the practice of activities such as volleyball, canoeingor extreme sports. It has support infrastructure that includes jumping board, fitness park and snack park, with tables and barbecues.In Adaúfe it is also possible to rent seagulls, which will help to create unforgettable memories.

4. Alamal Beach – Gavião

Situated in a stunning setting on the banks of the Tejo River, there is the River Beach of Quinta do Alamal. The beach is part of a leisure complex that, in addition to the infrastructures to support the bathing area, also includes an Adventure Center.The Center offers activities such as rappel, slide, boat trips and canoe. There is also a wooden walkway that runs along the river, between the beach and the Belver bridge, with excellent points for observing flora and fauna.From Belver Castle, at the top of the hill, you can observe Alamal beach and, who is enjoying sunbathing, can also indulge in the charms of the green hill, which contrasts perfectly with the waters of the Tagus.

5. Vimieiro – Penacova

In the middle of the River Alva, there is the Fluvial Beach of Vimieiro, which provides tranquility and rest for those looking for it.It is located in the complex of the schist villages and it is possible, on the hillside, to observe the schist houses, a water mill and a river wheel, offering a picturesque touch to the surrounding area.In addition to having surveillance, it is a river beach of the Blue Flag. It also allows you to rent sunbeds, awnings and boats without a motor, for a walk on the river.

6. Fraga da Pena – Arganil

Inserted in the Protected Area of Serra do Açor, in the heart of Mata da Margaraça, there is an idyllic panorama, where the water makes its way through the vegetation, up to a magnificent waterfall over 20 meters high.The River Beach of Fraga da Pena comes from a geological accident, which is noted by the sound of water falling. It is the portrait of an encounter with nature, which remains untouched by man.

7. Ribeira da Venda – Gavião

Located about 1 kilometer from the village of Comenda, 70 kilometers from Spain, the Ribeira da Venda River Beach surprises with the freshness and green spaces, both of grass and trees.There are several bridges that cross the site, such as an old Roman arch bridge, overlapping its spring waters.The beach offers several infrastructures, such as the picnic area with barbecue grills, the snack bar and restaurant with terrace, the children’s playground, a children’s pool, a fitness circuit, a skate park and changing rooms.

8. Pego das Pias

Between S. Luís and Odemira, the Pego de Pias River Beach is located to the north of the parish of S. Salvador, between S. Luís and Odemira. This place invites nature lovers in, attracting them to a place of extreme beauty, untouchable by the hand of man.Located in isolation between rocks, it finds the origin of its name in the circular cavities of these. The cavities were formed by swirls that existed when the water level was higher than the current one. This force gave rise to cavities called sinks.It promises tranquility and calm to anyone looking for this nook, which seems lost among the beauties of Portugal.

9. Portagem – Marvão

Within the Leisure Center is the Fluvial Beach of Portagem, with its swimming pools that attract notonly Portuguese, but Spanish, especially on hot summer days.It offers several outdoor pools, one of which is for children and the other is fluvial, on the River Sever. This offers unqualified views of Castelo do Marvão, one of the region’s ex-libris.The river beach has recently been refurbished and offers, on one of its banks, a lawn and an area with tables and benches.The Portagem Leisure Center also has an amphitheater, a sports center, a playground, a restaurant / bar, space for exercising, among others.

10. Fragas de São Simão – Figueiró dos Vinhos

A 15-minute walk from the Village of Casal de São Simão, lies the River Beach Fragas de São Simão. Bathed by the water of the Alge stream, on the way to Zêzere, it offers an unforgettable fragrance thanks to the presence of laurels and cork oaks around.The water is so clear that you can see the rocks at the bottom and the landscapes of the area take anyone to a magnificent setting, of undeniable beauty.The river beach is between two imposing fragas where climbing, abseiling and slide are practiced. The smaller stones are used as a place for sunbathing or as diving boards.

From August 1 to 31, there is, as a rule, a free transport that takes the route from Figueiró dos Vinhos to the river beach, inthe afternoon.

Come and visit these beautiful places, you will definitely fall in love with them!

Faro is a municipality and the southernmost city and seat of the district of the same name, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.

Once you have arrived in the sunny Faro, you cannot miss Cidade Velha (the Old City), where you can admire the splendid architectural styles, result of numerous earthquakes and British bombardments, the fascinating cobbled streets, as well as the picturesque atmosphere whom you will fall in love with. You’ll also find a sprinkling of cafes and bars, within O’Castelo. This is not just a bar, café and restaurant, they also stage a range of cultural events and club nights in their courtyard.

For history lovers, the Faro Municipal Museum is the perfect corner to be delighted with many interesting stories, unique exhibits and marvellous collections. The Faro Municipal Museum was established in 1894 and it resides in a 16th century building of the former Convent of Our Lady of the Assumption. A collection of 17th and 19th century artwork from Portuguese, Italian and Spanish painters are on display along with sacred artifacts from churches in the region.

Definitely one of the most beautiful places to go to is Ria Formosa Natural Park, described as one of the Portugal’s ”Seven Wonders”, formed of salt pans, lagoons and barrier islands. These islands protect the region from the powerful seas, while also providing some of the quietest and most scenic beaches of the Algarve. A boat tour is a great way to discover the region, with its thriving marine ecosystem, unspoilt beaches, and rich fishing heritage.

Previously known as Pousada de Faro, the famous Palace of Estoi was built in the 19th century by the Viscount of Estoi, a wealthy and tasteful man who created a beautiful neo-rococo family home with superb French style gardens resembling to Versailles, including statues and exotic flora. The interior is now a luxury hotel, but non-residents are free to wander the grounds and enjoy a coffee with a view on the balcony of the restaurant.

Last, but not the least, the Arco da Vila is Faro’s fine neo-classical archway entrance to the Algarve city’s old quarter  (Cidade Velha). Some of its walls are Moorish in foundation but the structure has an Italianate, Neo-Classical appearance, thanks to a project led by Bishop Francisco Gomes in the 19th century.

You cannot miss these beautiful places, surrounded by charm and history, so wonderfully preserved!

Enjoy the most beautiful moments of your holidays with your family and friends, always counting on Faro Low Cost Transfers, which guarantee high services transfers in the best conditions!

Going to the beach in October just might sound like a crazy idea for most parts in the world, but it is a sweet reality for the Portuguese, who enjoy a long, warm and mild autumn with temperatures well above the average European ones.

So you can actually still enjoy a few days basking in the mild sun and walking on the lukewarm sand of the Algarve.

The Algarve, the southern part of Portugal, is the seaside spot of the country and one of the greatest seaside attractions in the world in recent years, having attained prominence as a welcoming, accessible and beautiful international destination.

You will definitely fall in love with the Algarve as soon as you arrive to see its dramatic landscape, huge rocks emerging majestically from the sea, the sun reflecting on the crisp cerulean waters of the ocean… plus there is a feeling that you are welcome and at home, a most inviting sense of lack of pretentiousness and natural appeal which you will surely adore.

We thought you might find some practical travel information practical at this point, so here it goes:

• Transport in Portugal is quite an accessible aspect, so you can rent a car in Algarve or get Faro airport transfers at very accessible and fair rates, especially if you book online in advance and enjoy the promotions.
• There are plenty of seaside resorts to choose from if the Algarve wins the place of best destination for you and your family or you and your group of friends.

Here are some of those great options:

Faro is the capital city of the Algarve. With a vibrant nightlife and cultural and economic activity, this can be a perfect choice if you want to spend a week at the seaside.

Albufeira is more than a seaside resort, it is a place where you can both experience the authentic Portuguese life and enjoy golf and water sports.

Portimao is a lovely seaside resort that can cater for all your travel needs.