The sweat of the people who for centuries were sacrificed to the sea, their cries, their appeals for strength, the songs of the women who waited for their sons and husbands to return from the sea: these still ring out in the old fishermen’s settlements all over the Ria.

The elegance of this new golf course designed by Severiano Ballesteros, and the singular beauty of the surrounding area, together with the immediate attractiveness of its 18 holes, make Quinta do Vale a paradise for golf enthusiastic.

Leave home first thing in the morning and take a wander through the streets to visit the traditional shops in the historical cities and towns. While you’re there, buy a cane basket, typical of so many East Algarve counties.

What would you say to an activity that combines sport with one of the most relaxing ways to get to know the loveliest parts of the East Algarve? A bicycle ride along the Ecovia will let you do just that.

Life in the countryside, a peaceful setting where you can hide away, the pure air and the unending green of the surrounding fields that are covered with brightly coloured flowers in spring, the fruit trees speckled with white and pink – the colour of the almond blossom – and also the welcoming, family atmosphere: these are all good reasons for getting to know this type of holiday setting.

The blend of produce from the sea, the Serra and the Barrocal is a gastronomic treasure whose flavours and aromas are different from any other. Tradition requires that dishes are prepared with very fresh shellfish, freshly caught fish and vegetables that still smell of the countryside. The herbs from the country combined with spices such as cloves and saffron add a special flavour to dishes.