The Algarve
 

I am visiting Sagres for three days in December. Can anyone recommend a place to stop for 2 days on the way to Sagres from Cadiz?

I have already been to Lagos and do not want to go back.

Can anyone recommend a place that is off the beaten track? I'm not interested in something extremely touristy or resort-y. I like nature... hiking, mountains, good views, beaches, etc.

What would you recommend?

Try Mertola up in the National Park. It's a really good area for walking and a pleasant little place, though I'm not too sure about accommodation there.

Unknown Algarve: http://www.monchiquetermas.com/

Thanks, Rubicund!

Lobo_mau, that loves absolutely lovely! Although, a little out of my budget for solo travel.

We go to Algarve every year but don't know Spain between the border and Cadiz - - except the border town of Ayamonte, in Spain just over the border from Portugal, it is really pretty, strollable, nice restaurants. Before it, still in Portugal, you could visit the picture-perfect white village of Cacela Velha on the cliff overlooking the sea, and the fortress at Castro Marim on the way.

Also on the way is the lovely city of Tavira - - you could see that too on the way, or overnight there (be sure to walk up to the church and gardens at the top).

There is also a pretty northern arc through the Algarve that you could take (and pass through, or find a place to stay - - or do that and head to Tavira). The best spots are the tiny, spectacularly quaint little town of Alte (you go north from Albufeira through Ferreiras to get there - - the back road north from Paderne is hard to find, but is really pretty), then the moody isolated outpost that is Salir - -from there you could head south into Loule for coffee and a meal or keep going on the northern arc through São Brás de Alportel to Castro Marim; for something really rare there is a parador at the former private Roman-style villa in Estoi (an interesting visit even if you just stop there for tea).

Thank you so much dfourh!! This is exactly the information I was looking for. Tremendously helpful, cheers!