Although facing the Atlantic, Algarve’s prettiest town has a distinctly Mediterranean feel — a heritage of the Phoenician, Roman and Arab settlers who once made Tavira home. From the hilltop castle, gaze down on medieval lanes, whitewashed mansions and a riverside garden. Treasures include Renaissance churches filled with gilt carvings and azulejos, Portugal’s distinctive blue-hued ceramic tiles. Ferries and taxi-boats flit across the lagoon to beach islands lapped by placid waters. Boutiques and local restaurants abound, particularly in the neighboring fishing village of Luzia.

Whether you’re seated beneath the restaurant’s golden lights or on the veranda overlooking palms, prepare for a unique culinary experience at Gusto by Heinz Beck. Under the guidance of the stellar German chef, Conrad Algarve’s Michelin-starred restaurant fuses the finest Portuguese and international ingredients into a feast of Mediterranean flavors. Seafood takes center stage: Scarlet prawn with marinated carrots and galanga and scallops with artichoke and black truffle are tasting menu standouts. Meanwhile, the Gusto Bar is celebrated for its Champagne selection and distinctive cocktails.

Starting from the town of Albufeira, explore the western half of Algarve, where the picturesque coastline is formed by a string of sandy coves linked by honeycomb rock formations. Praia da Marinha (Marinha Beach) is particularly gorgeous. Beyond the historic walled town of Lagos, the landscape changes abruptly when you reach the Costa Vincentina Natural Park, a remote coastal reserve just outside of the Algarve region with towering cliffs and wild beaches. It’s a magnet for surfers and birdwatchers, especially during the fall raptor migration. History buffs will enjoy the dramatic clifftop fortress at Sagres.

Golfers are spoiled for choice in Algarve. Among the region’s 33 courses are some of Europe’s most prestigious, blessed with all-season sunshine and stunning ocean views. At Conrad Algarve, the hotel’s golf concierge can guide you to a perfect day on the greens at the six courses on the resort grounds. The Quinta do Lago South course, which has repeatedly hosted championship events, is an excellent option, while Quinta do Lago North offers notoriously challenging long fairways. No matter which course you choose, consider enhancing the experience with lessons from Conrad Algarve’s PGA-certified golf pro.

Seafood flourishes off the Algarve coast, where cool Atlantic waters meet warm currents from north Africa. Check out Olhão’s quayside market to feast your eyes on the diversity of offerings from tiny clams to torpedo-sized swordfish. Local cuisine abounds with delights like squid stuffed with peppery sausage or braised tuna with cilantro. Guests at Conrad Algarve can explore local cuisine through exclusive experiences, including a visit to a traditional Algarvian market with one of the hotel’s chefs followed by the preparation of your own cataplana with the hotel’s culinary team as you enjoy a glass of local wine.

Conrad Algarve is a premier wellness destination. There’s a 24-hour gym stocked with state-of-the-art equipment and personal trainers on hand to guide your workout. A different kind of wellness experience awaits at the award-winning Conrad Spa. Glide between the mosaic-floored indoor pool, sauna and steam room before indulging in more pampering. An extensive treatment menu includes signature massages featuring gold body oil or crushed caviar. For the ultimate self-care experience, try one of the multiday wellness programs focused on detox, yoga or fitness.

Algarve is best-known for fabulous beaches, but it’s well-worth getting off the beaten track to explore the interior hill country. Inland towns include Silves, where a mighty castle recalls its prime as a Moorish stronghold. The quaint town of Monchique boasts thermal spring water, hearty pork-based cuisine and stunning views from Fóia, Algarve’s highest peak. Hiking trails crisscross the forests, with the longest route, Via Algarviana, winding 186 miles (300 kilometers) from the Spanish border to Cape St. Vincent on the Atlantic coast.

It’s a short hop on the complimentary shuttle service to Conrad Algarve’s exclusive concession on Vale do Lobo beach, an endless strip of golden sand backed by flame-colored cliffs. Plentiful excursions are also available farther afield. Fancy picking clams from a traditional fishermen’s boat? Cycling along lagoon-side trails or tasting the nectars of a local winery? Exploring a vineyard, blending and bottling your own wine? The hotel concierge at Conrad Algarve can arrange it all.

The regional capital is often overlooked by travelers jumping from airport to resort. However, Faro’s charm includes a medieval core packed with whitewashed palazzos, storied churches and traditional restaurants. The city walls (and rooftop bars) deliver stunning views over the Ria Formosa. There’s also the Carmo church, home to an eerie chapel decorated with human skulls and a museum in a 16th-century convent tracing Algarve history to Roman times. The museum hosts regular performances of Portugal’s bluesy fado music, and you can catch big name acts in Faro’s performing arts theaters.

With its Michelin-starred restaurant and glamorous spa, Conrad Algarve packs a sophisticated adult-orientated vibe, but kids will find plenty to keep them amused, too. The outdoor kid’s Dado Pool is designed with families in mind, with private cabanas, a nearby restaurant and a tropical island ambiance. Youngsters can let loose at the playground or join the kids’ club, where three-to-12-year-olds can participate in activities ranging from painting to cooking classes and pool games. The family friendly Louro restaurant satisfies hungry children with a kids’ menu featuring pizza, burgers and banana splits.