We decide to venture towards the Western Algarve despite its reputation of high-rise and hamburger joints. Yes, there’s most definitely a change of feel to this place – prostitutes on the highway towards Lagoa, light industry straggling the countryside, and litter… Carvoeira, though, is a pretty enough place in the winter nestled into a sandy cove with its high cliffs and cheerful pottery shops…

We drive around some more before heading back to Faro, where we think of stopping until two men dive out in front of us in the car park ready to demand money from us for looking after our van. We don’t think so! We’ll come again by train…