Museums:

Museu Arqueologia, Silves - Partly set in the old town walls, Silves archaeological museum explores Portugal's history with a diverse range of exhibits. Silves.

Museu Cerro da Vila- A modern museum and historic Roman site houses a superb display of Roman, Visigoth and Moorish artifacts. Cerro da Vila.

Museu Etnografico do Trajo Algarvio- Neatly preserved agricultural equipment, and historical costumes can be found in one of the Algarve's most engaging cultural museusm. Sao Bras de Alportel.

Museu Maritimo- A spirited exhibition of nautical artifacts including scale models of caravells, galleons and steamboats. Faro.

Museu Arqueologia, Loule- Set within the town's castle, this tiny museum boosts foundations of a Moorish house and allows visitors access to the castle walls. Loule.

Museu Arqueologico- The view from this modern, but modest museum looks out to the ocean. Inside is a fascinating collection of Stone Age, Roman and Moorish artifacts. English and Portuguese translations provide a rich information about each exhibit. Albufeira.

Museu Regional- A treasure store shop of a museum, with a little bit of everything. Lagos.

Museu da Cortica- Silves' Cork Museum and factory highlights the abundant and versatile bark has had on the town through photographic panels, themed exhibitions and displays of early 20th-century machinery housed in converted workshops. Silves.

Museu Arqueologia, Faro- Housed in an ancient convent, Faro's main museum displays Moorish lamps, Roman mosaics and some fine modern paintings. Faro.

Museu Manuel Cabanas- A museum showcasing the work of Portugal's greatest wood engraver of the 20th century, Manuel Cabanas. A truly dynamic volume of work is exhibited. Vila Real de Santo Antonio.

Castles:

Paderne - Apart from the nearby highway, Paderne's ruined Moorish castle sits in splendid rural isolation. Paderne.

Alcoutim- This castle commands gorgeous views across the River Guadiana and the Spanish town of Sanlucar. Built in the 14th century, it was here that the short-lived treaty between Fernado I and Henrique of Castile was signed in 1371. Lago do Castelo.

Ferragudo - Although not open to the public, this sixteenth century Castelo de Sao Joao do Arade is situated on the beach and can make a gorgeous photograph. Ferragudo.

Loule - These immaculately restored battleemnts are an integral part of the town's historical make up and a wondeful little museum has been built into the castle walls. Loule.

Aljezur - The remains of a tenth-century Moorish castle sit on a hilltop overlooking this pretty town. Aljezur.

Fortaleza de Sagres - Huge walls and bastions date from 1793 and an 18th centry sundial is fashioned into the wall aligned with the famous wind compass.

Castro Marim - Facing the Spanish border, this thirteenth-century castle was the former headquarters of the Order of Christ, an order who protected Portuga's remoate areas for the Church and King. Vila Real.

Silves - One of the most impressive fortifications in the region. Silves.

Churches:

Igreja Matriz - A sixteenth-century church embellished with the distinctive Manueline architectural style, all twisted pillars and ornate carved doors. Alvor.

Se Velha - Faro's cathedral is the most important church in the Algarve, much of it dating from the thirteenth century. Faro.

Nossa Senhora de Piedade - One of the most distinctive of the region's modern churches. Loule.

Igreja de Santo Antonio - This fantastically embellished, barrel-vaulted, eighteenth-century church is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.

Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe - Local folklore maintains that Henry the Navigator was a frequent visitor to this thirteenth-century church set in a lonely field.

Other Must-See Sights:

Milreu- The area's most important Roman site, complete with fish mosaics, a bath house and the remains of one of the earliest Christian churches in the world.

Rosa dos Ventos- An extraordinary wind compass dating back to the time of Henry the Navigator. Sagres.

Capela dos Ossos- A bizarre chapel completely decorated with human bones. Faro.