The pretty village of Figueira in the Western Algarve, is situated just eight miles along the coast from Lagos. The village has retained its original charm and character, with typically brightly painted Algarvian homes lining narrow, cobbled streets and local life relatively unaffected by modern life. There are just a couple of restaurants, small general stores and one or two bars for those who want the simple life mixing with the locals. The surrounding area is generally acknowledged to be some of most beautiful scenery in the Algarve, with a conservation area a sanctuary for many species of birds, wild flowers and butterflies. The unspoilt Western Algarve coastline is truly magnificent, with small, sandy coves lying under the cliffs. Figueira has its own beach just under a mile away and, as it is not accessible by car, does not attract the crowds, even in the height of summer.