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Only tents go up on this island, which is car- and caravan-free. There are supermarket and restaurant facilities, and tent hire is possible too. Get there via ferry at Quatro Águas. The site’s hugely popular in summer, so call ahead and ask about special promotions.

The conifer woodland near the site is home to the largest population of Mediterranean chameleon in Portugal. Walks here are superb, and Monte Gordo itself is a thriving little town with an ideal beach for sunbathing and swimming.

It’s not uncommon to see surfboards outside the tents here as the site’s in easy reach of some of the west coast’s finest surfing beaches. Amenities are excellent, and Sagres town is 2 km (1 mile) away.

From its backstreet locations, the light and airy Boémia exudes bonhomie. The top-floor rooms have balconies with views across the town’s maze of whitewashed homes. A simple interior and a very steep staircase.

Some of the rooms here overlook the sweeping River Seixe valley, and this friendlypensão is ideal for the beach at Odeceixe. While secluded, this area is popular in summer so booking is advisable.

The pale pink façade of this solid building stands smartly over Avenida 25 de Abril and the Rua Maria Campina. Some rooms are large and therefore handy for families.

A mere stone’s throw from Faro’s historical quarter, this pensão in the shape of a traditional town house is also handy for shops, restaurants, cafés and the local tourism office.

An ideal five-star base for golfers, with generous discounts offered at a dozen nearby courses, including Pestana’s Pinta and Gramacho layouts at Carvoeiro, home of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. The hotel overlooks Três Irmãos beach and is close to the fishing village of Alvor.

A modern hotel nestling in manicured gardens and ideally situated for golfers, with preferential green fees available for a number of golf courses including Pestana’s own.