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If you want a holiday in the sun-soaked region of the Algarve but want to steer clear of the numerous tourist resorts for which the area is famous then you should be able to find the perfect break in one of its less-known fishing villages. Holidays in Portugal can offer far more than a week spent soaking up the sun on the beach and although the Algarve is renowned for its beautiful stretches of sand, there is plenty of history and culture to keep you occupied too. Planning tailor made holidays is the best way to ensure that you can get off the beaten track and discover some of the area's heritage. If you are looking for a place with a fascinating history then you should head to Sagres on the south-western coast. This fishing village is home to several interesting buildings - including its lighthouse and the Fortaleza de Sagres - and was made famous by Prince Henry the Navigator, who set up his school of navigation in the area. Another place that you should visit during your stay here is the headland, Cabo de Sao Vincente, which became a pilgrimage destination after the body of Saint Vincent was taken there to protect it from the invading Moors centuries ago. The coastline here faces the western Atlantic Ocean, which makes it a great spot for surfing if you fancy jumping in the water. But the eastern Algarve is also home to various towns and villages that are worth visiting, including Tavira, which developed into one of the region's most important ports between the 16th and 18th centuries. Tavira not only boasts the beautiful Algarve coastline but also the river Gilao, which flows through the town and provides many picturesque locations for visitors to enjoy. One such place is the seven-arch bridge that spans the river and is said to date back to Roman times, although its current design is from the 17th century. If you enjoy seeking out religious architecture then you will find that Tavira is a great place to spend your holiday as there are more than 20 churches in and around the town, with some from as far back as the 13th century. But if you only visit one church, it should be the 16th-century Igreja da Misericordia, which is home to numerous carvings and pieces of art depicting the life of Christ.
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