For those wanting to stay away from the touristy places and see some of the rural Algarve, try Aljezur at the Vincentine Coast.
Situated 20 miles north of Lagos and 90 minutes from Faro Airport, it still is a jewel when it comes to unspoiled beaches. A stunning coast line, known by the worlds best surfers. Not many hotels to find, but excellent holiday houses like Quintas de Moledos or a great hostel Amazigh Design Hostel are two of the many pretty and clean places to stay. So much to do! Surfing, hiking, bird watching, climbing, culture. The area is famous for sweet potaoes and fish dishes. Most of the local restaurants serve these local treats. Aljezur is a small town, with an old Moorish castle. Surfcamportugal is one of the Portuguese surf camp/lesson providers for the area, chillandsurf another. Interesting is also Algarvissimo Surf Packs
Aljezur is still unspoiled, still a part of the hidden path.