Come August, you'll find most of Portugal's population concentrated along its southern coast. Most of Lisbon, including its jet set, politicians, celebrities, artists, and beach-lovers in general, moves to the Algarve--the hundred-mile stretch from Sagres in the west to Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the east--to enjoy the Atlantic coast during the day and a vibrant nightlife after sundown.

But the savviest Portuguese travelers save their holidays until September and beyond, when the water and weather remain warm and the crowds have dispersed.

Following are some tips to help you plan a trip here:

Surfers, hone your skills on magnificent waves at Carrapateira Beach. Boaters, Vilamoura offers excellent boating facilities, and the marina of Lagos is one of the region's most vibrant towns. Nature-lovers, head to the Serra de Monchique hill to experience one of the country's most beautiful landscapes.

To escape the world of cell phones and sun lotion, drive a few miles north to Alentejo. This area boasts the inland historic towns of Mertola and Evora, where you'll see people riding horses, drawing their ploughs, and living life at a more traditional pace.

For a truly cultural experience, visit the historical town of Silves, the capital of the Algarve during Arab rule. Most words in Portuguese that begin with "Al" reveal the historical influence of the Arabs ("Algarve" is no exception), and remnants of this past are everywhere in the whitewashed architecture with rounded chimneys and simple yet elegant houses with blue trim.

If you're interested in classical history, you'll find Roman villae at Cerro da Villa (Vilamoura), Abicada (Portimao), and Milreu (Faro), and there are interesting museums on the subject in Faro, Silves, and Lagos.

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First Published: Oct 02, 2005