​While the Algarve in southern Portugal has long been known for its beaches and golf courses, the region also has less well known places foe visitors to discover.

Ria Formosa

The locals in central Algarve tend to head to the island beaches in the Ria Formosa which are on a series of barrier islands just off the coast.

The remote barrier islands are Barreta, Culatra, Armona and Ilha Tavira and they can be easily reached by ferry from Faro, Olhão or Tavira.

The Ria Formosa is also an important breeding ground for many coastal birds such as Oystercatchers, Cranes, and Flamingos.

www.portugaltravel.org/ria-formosa-natural-park

Monchique mountain range

The Monchique mountain range is a chain of mountains found in the western part of the Algarve about 20 km inshore.

The highest point is the peak of Fóia which stands tall at 902 m, with Picota at 774m high.

These peaks can be reached by foot, mountain bike or by jeep with many tourism companies provide routes and services.

Reaching the peak of Fóia provides panoramic views over the Algarve.

Deserta

The aptly named Deserta is a deserted island of has a restaurant Estamine, which serves up fresh fish and seafood, among other genuinely Algarvian specialties from its solar powered kitchen.

www.ilhadeserta.com

Small towns and villages

Inland, there is the chance to visit small villages such as Aljezur on the west coast and Querença near Loulé in the surrounding Algarvian mountains.

Aljezur is in a river valley surrounded by hills with a cascade of zigzagging narrow streets.

On one side of the river stands the old town, which was developed in the tenth century when the Moors first settled there.

The village is dominated by the ruins of a Moorish castle built at that time which sits at the top of a narrow and very steep cobbled hill.

The village of Querença is one of the most 'typical' villages in the Algarve with clear signs of an Arab architectural influence.

It is known for a rich traditional gastronomy, kept alive by local restaurants. The village also distils the arbutus-berry brandy and produces a very popular variety of chorizo sausage.

Alcoutim

Alcoutim on the south-eastern border of Algarve is a river town is set among green hills.

The town is located on the Guadiana River, an international river running the length of Portugal's south-eastern border with Spain.

After meandering its way through picturesque landscapes, the river eventually spills out into the Atlantic Ocean at the border town of Vila Real de Santo António in the Algarve.

Useful links

​ www.visitalgarve.pt