This wild and beautiful side of Algarve reveals itself to be a land of orange tree groves, quiet gold-sand beaches, and a pervading sense of history with ancient forts and tales of famous wayfarers. Located near the historic harbour town of Lagos, your acclaimed accommodation is a delightfully converted farmhouse or quinta, well positioned for exploring both westwards along the unspoiled coastline of the natural park and into the hills of the little-known interior. During autumn, winter and early spring, surprisingly few visitors come to the area and its exquisite coast. Even fewer explore the interior, despite it being such great walking country, so you can see the timeless villages and rugged hillsides in all their glory.

In spring, the fields and headlands are lit up with masses of flowers, creating swathes of coloured meadows, but no matter what the month, there is no shortage of colour: the chestnut woods of the Monchique hills look arguably at their best in autumn, while the orange trees that coat the lower altitudes hang heavy with glistening fruit in December, and February sees the almond groves seemingly covered in a blanket of snow, so dense in the blossom. There is no shortage of walking routes either, and we suggest several walks that can be combined with visits to Algarve’s historic towns and villages.