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This delightful rural ensemble of local costumes, papier-mâché dolls, decorated carriages and traditional handicraft is aptly housed in a wonderful country mansion. Particularly poignant is a child’s faded tunic and breeches displayed next to a photograph of one José Maria Féria wearing the same costume in 1929.

A museum showcasing the work of Portugal’s greatest wood engraver of the 20th century, Manuel Cabanas (1902–95). A truly dynamic volume of work is exhibited: ink-relief images of politicians, statesmen, writers and musicians, plus views of everyday rural life.

Carlos Porfirio’s dramatic oil painting of wild-eyed fishermen drawing a huge net over a shoal of desperate, thrashing tuna overlooks this spirited exhibition of nautical paraphernalia. The scale models of caravels, galleons and steamboats are wonderful.

Loulé’s archaeological heritage is admirably chronicled with displays of Stone Age, Bronze Age and Roman artifacts. Upstairs, history is closer to the present day, with a reconstruction of a traditional Algarve kitchen, replete with 19th-century crockery and a wornxarém , or maize wheel.

This highly entertaining ethnographic museum brings together a fantastic collection of oddities, rarities and priceless treasures. See Highlights of Lagos Museu Municipal.

Specialist guides can help you appreciate fully places such as the Parque Natural do Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a beautiful and rugged landscape of cliffs, isolated beaches and undulating hills.

With dishes liketamboril “Lady Curzon” (monkfish, prawn and mushrooms in a curry and white wine sauce) it’s no wonder the Danish owner/chef is regarded as a master saucier. In summer, diners can enjoy the patio.

The chef here is a master saucier. See Restaurants.

Discreetly wedged in between a row of cottages, this homely eatery radiates warmth and relaxed hospitality. Excellent regional fare and a generous wine list.