Gold-flecked shorefronts, amber-hued cliffs, year-round warmth... That’s the classic Algarve for you. And you’re bound to be familiar with this part of southern Portugal’s big-sibling resorts like party-ready Albufeira or great-for-golfers Vilamoura. But if you’re seeking somewhere slower-paced, why not go a bit more off the grid?

We’ve rounded up a quartet of towns that sing from the same happy holiday hymn sheet, yet they’re just lesser-known than some of the traditional Algarvian bunch. So see if these float your boat...

Montegordo

The once sleepy fishing village of Montegordo now has bragging rights to one of the Algarve’s largest beaches, with the warmest waters. Split into patches where you can laze freely or hire parasols and loungers, it’s got choice written all over it, but you can rest assured it’s well-looked-after. And there’s a real presence of safety thanks to lifeguards too. Straddling the connecting boardwalk, you’ll find seafood restaurants as well, so pull up a pew and dine with a view. Into your sports? They’re not just of the nautical kind here – the area’s super for cyclists. Bonus!

Quarteira

Nestled between Faro and Albufeira, Quarteira’s a staggering 2km expanse of beachfront. Its pride-of-place promenade is dappled with palm trees, so you can expect a sunny stroll or bike ride along there. But if you do fancy roaming further afield, you won’t be far from Vilamoura and its swankier side. After all, why not mix things up? But for great value for money across the many characterful eateries and markets – including ones that specialise in fruit and fish on Wednesdays – don’t move a muscle. Quietly-does-it Quarteira is your match.

Armacao De Pera

Looking for beach bliss with everything you could need from a classic holiday in the sun? Hello there, Armacao De Pera. From sunrise, you’ll spy boats rocking up with their fresh catches, so you can bank on just-netted, sumptuous seafood being on the main menus of all the local restaurants. Yum! When you aren’t wining and dining, you could be out hitting waterparks or even making the most of the coast. Benagil Cave, which is arguably the most famous of its sort in the Algarve, is all yours from here, so who’s for setting sail to see it? Epic pictures pending. And with a pretty, whitewashed fort to tick off and nearby golf courses to tee off on, there are so many ways to write your itinerary.

Vila Real de Santo Antonio

Right on the east of the Algarve along the Spanish border, with the Guadiana River twinkling beside, is Vila Real de Santo Antonio. For a taste of all things traditional, this is where you need to be. Between the shops and the watering holes, it’s as authentic as it gets. And how about a boat cruise? You’re not far from Ayamonte in Spain, so you could always enjoy the best of both worlds by hopping on the ferry for 20 minutes there. It couldn’t be more of a doddle. When you’re back on Portuguese soil, admire the classic architecture – it's well worth your snaps as it’s more like something out of a Lisbon postcard than the Algarve itself. Go on – get settled in.

It’s time you unearthed the Algarve’s under-the-radar resorts...