Guide to Praia Do Vau

'Snorkelling, cockle-catching and swimming from the glorious beach – that's the long and short of holidays in Praia do Vau.'

Just next door to Praia Da Rocha, lies Praia do Vau - a very different resort from its exuberant neighbour. The beach is just as fantastic, but there the similarity ends. Praia do Vau is a calm and quiet resort, popular with families and couples - and the odd Portuguese celebrity. Nightlife here revolves around a handful of restaurants, but if you feel like dancing till dawn it's only a short taxi ride or a twenty minute walk into Praia Da Rocha. Evenings aside though, holidays here are all about cramming in as much sand-time as possible. The water is calm and clear, perfect for swimming or for small children to splash around in the shallows. There's a long stretch of sand with some pretty coves and rock formations. And the snorkeling will delight old and young alike. Especially around Tres Irmaos. A few watersports are offered, and there are bars and cafes along the front for drinks and lunch. Walk along to the west end of the beach at low tide. Wriggle your toes in the sand. Pull out any cockles or conquilhas - they'll taste delicious if you fry them with garlic and a little olive oil until they open. Ready to splash some cash? Here in Praia da Vau, you can buy all the essentials and plenty of local souvenirs. But for more exciting shopping, visit the larger town of Portimao or drive twenty kilometres west to Lagos. Bliss.

At the west end of the beach, try your luck catching 'conquilhas' - cockles. At low tide, just wriggle your toes in the sand until you feel one then dig it out! They are delicious fried with garlic and olive oil until they open.

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