Still a working town with a population of around 18,000 (including various ex-pat communities), the most attractive part is undoubtedly the old town with its narrow, winding streets, churches and pedestrianised area, all of which ooze charm. The town's long history is reflected in many of the older buildings, with the old town itself flanked by the walls of an old Roman fortress. This central hub is surrounded by more modern residential and hotel developments including a large marina.

Suits a wide range of ages and interests from beach-loving families and singles to history buffs, golfers and nature lovers.

Good-value hotels and self-catering accommodation to suit all markets.

The main beach is Meia Praia on the E outskirts of the resort, accessed by road or regular ferry service (June to Oct). A long, wide, curved mixture of sand and pebbles with a water-sports centre and plenty of facilities. Beaches at Dona Ana and Porto de Mos are narrow, sandy and coved, backed by cliffs and reached via steep steps cut into the rocks (Porto de Mos has better access for those with mobility problems). Both have a good range of facilities, although on a much smaller scale than the main resort option.

Fairly large shopping area specialising in handmade lace, ceramics, copperware, traditional dolls, precious metals and hand-painted tiles. Market on the first Sat of the month.

Daytime: exploring the town's monuments, museums, chapels and churches; water sports (windsurfing centres at Meia Praia Beach and Porto de Mos offer canoeing, kayaking and scuba diving); golf; Barao de Sao Joao National Park. Nightlife: 1 nightclub with dinner and dancing; 2 discos; plenty of bars; bowling alley at Golfinho Hotel.

Dozens of restaurants offering traditional and international cuisine. Local specialities include cataplana (clams and sausage), caldeirada (fish stew), homemade soups and charcoal-grilled meat and fish.

Fairly regular bus service to Portimao and Sagres from the town centre. Trains for Lisbon and E Algarve. A tourist train runs from the marina to Ponta da Piedade. Taxis are not that plentiful during peak season; car hire and parking can also be a problem at this time.

Half day: Cape St Vincent; Lagos with its chapel, former slave market, clifftop vantage points and historic fortress; Monchique Mountains; visit to Silves castle and 12th-century cathedral plus high mountain passes; boat trips from both Praia da Rocha and Portimao harbour. Full day: Loule with its market and souvenir shops; driving through mountain villages; jeep safari; Lisbon (1 or 2 days).

In the Municipality of Lagos, 50 mls W of Faro and its airport. 175 mls S of Lisbon. 10 mls W of Portimao.

On the end of a wide bay, built around a deep-water harbour with a hilly residential area to the N.

Post Code: 8600
Website: www.portugalinsite.pt

Airport : Faro
Airport Code: FAO
Flight time from ther U.K.: 2 hrs. 45 mins