Mikki's Place To Stay

Say ‘Algarve’ to most folk and the first thing that springs to mind is ‘beaches’. And with good reason, for there are several fine specimens around the area; it’s an area that often crops up on lists of the world’s best. The nearest sandy stretch here is at Armação de Pêra (10 minutes’ drive), but the sandy cove at Praia da Coelha and the nature reserve around Praia do Salgados (both 15 minutes) are also worth seeking out. Those sandy beaches are clearly a source of inspiration for many, judging by the spectacular sculptures constructed every year for the FIESA international sand sculpture festival. A new display is developed every year at a park 15 minutes’ walk from Mikki’s and is generally open from spring through to the end of autumn. It’s not all about the sands though – the coast also has some super sea caves to seek out; head over to the beach at Benagil (25 minutes) to join a paddleboarding tour to nearby Benagil caves. For other days out, zoom down the waterslides at Aqualand (10 minutes) or walk to the Zoomarine park (20 minutes) to feed the rays and gawp at the dolphins’ antics.