Many people, when hearing the name Algarve, will think of beaches surrounded by impressive rock formations, and perhaps of golf. That is Central and Western Algarve, roughly from Sagres to Faro. Eastern algarve, from Faro to the Spanish border, is quite different.

There are also wonderful beaches, golf and tourism here, but much more low-key. The towns have a more “real” feel to them, and there are many interesting places to discover. Another key difference is the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve that separates land from sea through most of Eastern Algarve.

The coastal towns of the Eastern Algarve (Faro, Olhão, Fuseta, Tavira and Vila Real) are all within easy reach, and the hills of the Algarve (Serra do Caldeirão) with their wonderful spring flowers and spectacular sunsets lie just to the north, 10 minutes away.

Fuseta and Olhão are the ones closest to Casa Flor de Sal and are typical Algarve towns mainly inhabited by locals.