Praia do Forte Novo

• In the town ofQuarteiraUnlike its purpose-built neighbors, Quarteira is a real Portuguese resort town. Famous for its palm-lined promenade (Calçadão), massive weekly market, and one of the freshest fish markets in the region. It offers a lively, unpretentious atmosphere popular with Portuguese families and long-stay visitors.

Praia do Forte Novo lies just east of Quarteira, a quieter run of sand backed by low sandstone bluffs and scrub rather than seafront buildings. Today it works as the transition between Quarteira's groyned town beach and the dunes running east towards Vale do Lobo, with the low, eroding bluffs behind giving it a rougher, more natural look than its neighbour. Access is on foot from the eastern end of Quarteira or from paths behind the beach. It suits walkers, and families who want Quarteira's convenience within reach but more space and quiet.