The Algarve is one of Portugal’s most popular and beautiful destinations. It’s famous for its coastline, golden beaches, and little towns. Stretching over 200 km along the southern edge of Portugal, the Algarve attracts many holidaygoers each year. With almost 300 days of sunshine annually, there are plenty of things to do in Portugal, Algarve all year round.
Must-visit beaches in the Algarve
The Algarve has some of the most stunning beaches in Europe. Known for their turquoise waters, and hidden caves. Among the must-see spots is Praia da Marinha, often referred to as one of the best beaches in Europe. It’s perfect for snorkelling and great for families with young children.
Nearby, you’ll find the famous Benagil Cave (Algar de Benagil). There is no beach access to the cave, however, you can get here by boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Benagil Beach. We truly recommend coming here to see the sea cave and enjoy a swim.
If you prefer a more lively atmosphere, Praia da Rocha is your spot! It’s one of the Algarve’s most famous beaches and has a wide stretch of sand with a surrounding promenade. You will find many restaurants, beach bars and shops along the boardwalk. During the summer, this area is buzzing from morning to night as many clubs and bars are located here.
For water sports lovers, our suggestion is Meia Praia in Lagos. It’s one of the Algarve’s longest beaches and is great for windsurfing, kitesurfing and jet skiing. There are many beachfront bars and restaurants to enjoy here, as well as loungers and umbrellas for rent.
Did You Know?
The Algarve is home to over 87 Blue Flag beaches. This means that these beaches meet a high standard for water quality, safety and amenities.
Outdoor activities and nature spots
The Algarve has so much more to offer than just beaches. It’s the ideal holiday spot for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers.
Hiking and nature walks
Hiking in the Algarve is one of the best ways to see the coastline. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a must-do, stretching between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes. It’s been voted one of Europe’s best hikes, and for good reason. You will see incredible cliffs, hidden coves and rock formations.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
This area is perfect for a relaxing expereince in nature. The park has lagoons, marshes and barrier islands. It spans over 60 km and is a protected area, perfect for bird watching. You can explore the area by kayak or join a guided boat tour for a more in-depth expereince.
Boat Tours
There are many amazing boat tours along the Algarve coast. Most of them depart from Lagos, Albufeira, and Vilamoura, often including dolphin-watching excursions. This is a great activity for families.
Surfing
The Algarve is also a top surfing destination in Portugal. You’ll find surf schools and rental shops at many of the beaches.
World-Class Golf Courses
If you prefer something more laid-back, the Algarve is home to over 30 award-winning golf courses. Many have amazing ocean views and are beautifully designed. Top courses include Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, both internationally recognised for their world-class facilities.
Cultural and historical attractions in the Algarve
With so many things to do in the Algarve, we’ve accumulated a checklist of options to help you along the way:
- Silves Castle: A Moorish fortress that dates back to the 8th century.
- Loulé Market: Inside a beautiful neo-Arabic building, this market is the place to find local crafts, fresh produce, and cheeses.
- Faro’s Old Town (Cidade Velha): Stroll through the cobbled streets, walk under the Arco da Vila, and visit the 13th-century Faro Cathedral to see the city’s historic architecture.
- Museu Municipal de Tavira: Located in a 16th-century palace, this museum has exhibits on archaeology, art, and local history.
The best towns to explore in the Algarve
The Algarve is made up of many different towns. Each is unique and perfect for exploring.
Lagos is a popular town that has lots of historical sights, unbelievable beaches and lively nightlife. Albufeira is a better option for families or groups of friends. It has plenty of beaches and bustling bars. The capital of the Algarve is Faro, and it perfectly mixes a historical old town with access to Ria Formosa Natural Park.
If you prefer something quieter and more relaxed, our suggestion is Tavira. This town has charming cobbled streets and an iconic Roman bridge. Finally, Portimão is the spot for luxury shopping, strolling the marina and enjoying great food.
Our top travel tips and recommendations
Visiting the Algarve is an unforgettable experience, and with our helpful tips, you will make the most of your trip.
The best time to visit
The Algarve is a year-round destination, but in our opinion, the best times to visit are April to June and September to October. During these months, you’ll find warm, sunny weather, but without the large summer crowds.
Transport tips
Getting around the Algarve is simple, we recommend renting a car. This way, you can explore little towns and hidden beaches and coves at your own speed. Buses and trains do connect major towns like Faro, Lagos, and Albufeira, but a car gives you the freedom to visit hard-to-reach destinations.
Budget tips
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Local dishes to try
Of course, you must try authentic Portuguese dishes while in the Algarve. Start with Cataplana, a seafood stew cooked in a traditional copper pot. This usually has clams, fish, and prawns. You’ll also find sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines) along the beach and pastéis de nata, the famous Portuguese custard tarts.
Family-friendly activities
If you’re travelling with kids, the Algarve offers plenty of family-friendly attractions. Places like Zoomarine, in Guia, is a marine theme park with dolphin shows, an aquarium, and water slides. Another fun family spot is Slide & Splash Water Park in Lagoa, one of the largest water parks in Portugal.
Why visit the Algarve?
With its beautiful beaches, towns, and rich culture, the Algarve is the perfect holiday destination. Find your ideal place to stay with Homing and start planning your Algarve getaway today.
