Here, in this enchantingly antiquated world of fishermen’s cottages, you can dreamily wander between the small blue-trimmed white houses, with their kaleidoscope flower boxes and occasional bird cages, through an array of intriguing, maze-like streets before arriving at the old quayside and the morning fish market.
Moored close-by you will see rows of brightly coloured traditional Algarvian fishing boats, many displaying the famous ‘protective-eye’ motif on their prows (said to be a tradition beginning with ancient Phoenician sailors and handed down over thousands of years).
Try taking your morning coffee at one of the outside tables at a quayside café and watch the day unfold. The Saturday fish-market on Avenida 5 de Outubro is famed throughout the region.
There are regular boat trips to the nearby islands of Armona, Culatra and Farol with their gorgeous beaches.