Caldas Do Monchique (485m/1590ft above sea level) is a quaint and unspoilt spa town, high in the Monchique hills and is well worth a visit for it's thermal water, delicious traditional Portuguese food and its fascinating ruined convent.

The drive up to Monchique is pretty and gives you an idea of what the “inland Algarve” is like with its fields, farms and small villages. The road gets a bit windy towards to the top but nothing to worry about if you are a comfortable driver.

If you are going to Monchique, you may as well continue up to Foia (902m/2960ft above sea level), the highest point in the Algarve and enjoy a breath-taking view of the South AND west coast of Portugal, only 55 km from your apartment. All in all, a drive up to Monchique and then on up to Foia is a well worth it on a clear day, especially if you combine it with lunch at one of the numerous restaurants near the summit that specialise in “chicken piri-piri”.

Lagos, just 5km away from your accommodation in Praia da Luz, features a picturesque, walled old town with several beautiful churches, a fortress and a dizzying array of narrow, cobbled streets and squares. There is also now a well established marina with restaurants and bars overlooking the boats and old town.

There are many souvenir shops, a local fish and vegetable market, typical Portuguese restaurants as well as museums and many other hidden little gems be discovered on foot as it is virtually impossible to drive through the old part of town.

A visit to Sagres and Cape St Vincent is a must whilst visiting the Algarve. Just 25 minutes drive from the Luz Beach Apartments in Praia da Luz, Cape St. Vincent - the most south-westerly point of mainland Europe - is a stunning visit with vertical cliffs stretching down over 75m to the crashing swell of the Atlantic Ocean and one of the most powerful lighthouses in Europe. Safeguarding one of the world’s most hectic shipping lanes, it hurls a powerful white beam 60 km into the dark expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the second most powerful lighthouse in Europe after Phare du Creach, in Brittanny.

The Wild West Coast and the Vicentina Natural Park:

It would be a crime not to visit the West Coast with its imposing cliffs that are regularly beaten by huge waves that crossed the Atlantic and its deserted beaches. Enjoy unspoilt country side, wilderness and stunning sunsets. Although some beaches are along sometimes difficult dirt tracks, many sites are easily accessed. The villages of Arrifana (25 km) , Aljezur (27 km) and Monte Clerico (29 km) are a great place to visit and to stop for lunch.

Seville. Just 2h from Praia da Luz!

A complete change to say the least. Visit Andalucía, the REAL Spain! Flamenco shows, great tapas restaurants, and a beautiful historical centre make Seville a must for anyone visiting the region. At only a 2-hour drive from you apartment, Seville can even be a day trip.

It is also possible to visit Lisbon which is approximately a 2.5hr journey from Praia da Luz. Car hire or organised excursions can be arranged at reception.