Portugal’s sun-kissed southern area has lengthy lured guests with its golden-cliff-backed seashores, breathtaking bays and laid-back lifestyle. However, as I’ve found through the previous 5 years residing right here – and on many visits earlier than – the most effective locations to go to within the Algarve, Portugal, aren’t solely confined to the coast.
From lounging on idyllic island seashores and exploring castle-crowned cities to mountaineering alongside epic clifftop trails and enjoyable in a mountain spa, there are quite a few issues to do within the Algarve aside from visiting the seashores.
After all, it’s unimaginable to suit each spot and exercise right into a weblog put up – even once I’m writing entire guidebooks for the area, it’s a squeeze. So, on this record of the most effective locations within the Algarve to go to, I’ve targeted on the area’s most important locations, which cowl a lot of the Algarve’s prime experiences for first-time guests or these returning for a second go to – if you need extra concepts, you’ll discover a few of my favorite offbeat Algarve spots right here.
Listed here are the most effective issues to do within the Algarve, damaged down by locations to go to – with a couple of of my ‘native suggestions’ that can assist you plan an epic journey to southern Portugal.
Greatest issues to do within the Algarve FAQs
Earlier than diving into my options of the ten finest locations to go to within the Algarve and what to do there, listed here are a couple of of probably the most steadily requested questions I get about planning a visit to the Algarve.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Path is among the Algarve’s finest experiences
The Seven Hanging Valleys Path and Benagil Cave
To hike the clifftop, kayak into sea caves and calm down on spectacular seashores
When I’ve associates visiting, I at all times advocate mountaineering the Seven Hanging Valleys Path (Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos). For me, it’s arms down the most effective factor to do within the Algarve, as you’ll get to understand the surroundings, cliffs, seashores and caves of this unbelievable European seaside vacation spot.
Among the finest locations to go to within the Algarve may be discovered alongside this stretch of shoreline, such because the award-winning Praia da Marinha – one in all Portugal’s most stunning seashores – the usually crowded Benagil Cave, and plenty of extra smaller sandy bays.
The cliff-top path connects Praia da Marinha to Praia de Vale Centeanes on a six-kilometre linear route of primarily filth terrain with some descents and climbs. Personally, I’d recommend making the path even longer and persevering with to Carvoeiro, the place you possibly can admire the Algar Seco rock formations. Or, to increase the opposite finish, enterprise so far as Nossa Senhora da Rocha, the place a church-capped cliff juts into the ocean between two seaside bays.
Pin it! Benagil Cave (prime) and the Ria Formosa’s Anchor Cemetery (backside)
Alongside the route, you’ll discover be capable to embark on one of the crucial well-known issues to do within the Algarve, a Benagil Cave tour. Whereas there is no such thing as a denying this grotto seaside – full with a sky-light – is breathtaking, the fixed stream of boats in summer time (and even the low season) has taken its toll, which makes this very touristed location more durable to take pleasure in as of late. That stated, you’ll seemingly nonetheless need to go to a method or one other, so these are my suggestions.
IMPORTANT UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2023: This month, a brand new regulation has primarily closed the seaside contained in the Benagil Cave and in addition banned all kayaks, SUPs and canoes from coming into and even utilizing a handful of seashores across the cave – lifeguards and the coastguard are already imposing this decree, punishable by a wonderful. As such, the one approach to ‘see’ contained in the cave is at present on a ship tour, which is able to look inside fairly than cease. This has been brewing for a very long time, partly attributable to erosion, however extra as a result of the variety of guests contained in the cave (plus kayaks) is inflicting harmful blockages – that is by far one of the crucial over-touristed sights in Portugal. A brand new authorized group are engaged on a long-term resolution, however these new laws aren’t anticipated till the top of October or perhaps early 2024. I imagine one thing needed to be carried out because it was turning into crowded and harmful, and the partitions and sand contained in the cave had been being broken by heavy footfall – individuals had additionally died from swimming within the cave and being hit by the boats. Nevertheless, banning the boats from coming near the cave or limiting the variety of kayak guests per day would make extra sense, and I feel, ultimately, this would be the everlasting resolution when it’s introduced. As such, I’m leaving the beneath textual content right here in italics for when the state of affairs modifications once more, however bear in mind present restrictions imply that your choices to see the cave are restricted. Swimming (which has lengthy been discouraged) can be being extra firmly enforced now, and the seaside lifeguards are actively patrolling.
(see above replace) Firstly, you possibly can guide boat excursions to the cave from numerous spots alongside the coast – which may be excellent in the event you’re staying additional away. Nevertheless, boats aren’t legally allowed to park or cease on the seaside contained in the cave. So, in the event you want to go onto the sand for some chill time or pictures, you’ll need to guide a kayak tour or SUP go to alongside the coast. Higher nonetheless, rent kayaks from the seaside close by ( you possibly can choose these up if you arrive, or ideally, guide them upfront) so you possibly can management your schedule. One of the best ways to expertise the cave with only a few guests is to come back at dawn earlier than the kayak leases and tour boats begin for the day. For this, nonetheless, you’ll need to have collected your kayak rental the day earlier than, deliver your individual, or have booked an early morning pick-up with one of many rental locations at Benagil Seaside. After all, given the space, you would swim – however I (and the authorities) by no means advocate this, partly because of the currents but in addition the typically fixed stream of boats which have, prior to now, tragically collided and killed swimmers alongside the coast right here (mainly, be told and assured with no matter you resolve). For those who’d want to discover the coast however see some much less touristy spots, think about this various Algarve sea cave tour close to Alvor.
A part of the Ria Formosa as seen when touchdown at Faro airport
Ria Formosa’s Island
To island hop, lounge on the idyllic seashores, and devour seafood
Spanning some 60 kilometres throughout the central Algarve’s coast, the Ria Formosa, a labyrinth of lagoons, salinas (salt pans), marshes, barrier islands and dunes, is among the finest locations within the Algarve to go to.
A well-deserved member of the ‘7 Pure Wonders of Portugal’, this protected pure park can be a haven for wildlife. Mediterranean Chameleons, fowl recognizing – particularly the seasonal flamingos – and loads of seahorses name this a part of the Algarve residence, whereas dolphins are sometimes sighted somewhat additional out.
Among the finest issues to do within the Algarve may be discovered throughout the Ria Formosa’s huge space. Hop between the idyllic and exquisite islands to lounge on the comfortable sands, kayak within the tranquil inside lagoon waters, or set off by bike or on foot to the salt pans’ trails.
The crystal-clear waters of Ilha do Farol
There are loads of completely different boat excursions out there to tour the Ria Formosa, though all of them differ in high quality and environmental credentials.
Corporations I often advocate are Ocean Vibes which presents a dolphin and wildlife recognizing tour led by the super-passionate marine biologist Alfredo, and Photo voltaic Boat excursions, that are significantly good for fowl watching, because the boats are near-silent in comparison with conventional motorised vessels.
Nonetheless, you don’t have to take a tour to benefit from the island’s seashores, as public ferries present a extra inexpensive possibility. For Cultura and Farol, embark in Olhao; for Deserta, depart from Faro; and for Ilha de Tavira, board in Tavira. You can too entry some island seashores like Barril by a bridge fairly than by boat, whereas the most effective viewpoint of the Ria Formosa is discovered from above on the tiny village of Cacelha.
For one thing somewhat extra particular, you possibly can even keep on a few of these islands at this bungalow-style lodging, onboard this houseboat, or at Ilha de Tavira’s municipal tenting web site. And don’t miss Ria’s seafood, reminiscent of oysters or octopus, they’re so celebrated throughout the nation you’ll even discover them whereas consuming in Porto’s finest restaurant.
The Ponte Antiga de Tavira bridge crosses the River
Tavira
To expertise a extra laid-back and charming Algarve, go to museums, and spot flamingos in salt pans
Tavira has lengthy been one in all my favorite locations to go to within the Algarve, and fortunately, it hasn’t modified as a lot as a few of the area’s extra touristy locations.
Set barely again from the coast, Tavira flanks the Gilão River. This physique of water spills out into the Ria Formosa, passing salt pans and seasonal flamingos en route. An inexpensive ferry boat will take you down the river and out to the city’s island seaside.
Tavira’s whitewashed Previous City seen from the citadel ruins
The principle purpose to go to Tavira although – past simply absorbing a barely extra ‘genuine’ Algarve is to see some heritage buildings and go to Tavira museums. Generally known as a city of church buildings – there are 37 of them – there is no such thing as a scarcity of heritage buildings to admire, such because the transformed Convento de Tavira, now a luxurious lodge.
Different issues to do within the Tavira embody visiting the Ponte Velha, an historic bridge typically mistaken for Roman, studying concerning the area’s Moorish historical past on the Núcleo Museológico Islâmico, and taking within the panoramas from the citadel ruins atop the city.
Ponta da Piedade is one in all Portugal’s finest panoramas
Lagos
To observe the cliff path (and new boardwalk) to the awe-inspiring Ponta da Piedade after which get together all night time
If you wish to pattern nearly0 all the finest issues to do within the Algarve in a single place, you possibly can’t go mistaken with a go to (or keep) in Lagos.
The city’s most famed pure attraction is Ponta da Piedade, a dramatic headland of rock formations rising from the ocean. To achieve the most effective viewpoint of this scene level, you possibly can observe a clifftop and highway path from the city. En route, you’ll move a few of the Algarve’s most spectacular seashores, reminiscent of Praia dos Estudantes and Praia do Camilo.
A part of the brand new boardwalk, nonetheless being inbuilt June 2023
In the summertime of 2023, a formidable new boardwalk (Passadiços da Ponta da Piedade) will formally open in full (elements of it are already open), providing a extra accessible route alongside the cliffs. This offers a complete new set of picket walkways from the seashores as much as the lighthouse, complementing the boardwalks on the Porto de Mós aspect, which opened a few years again. I went to see it this week, and it’s coming alongside properly – the little viewing platforms with benches are a very nice contact, and the brand new cycle lane shall be nice – simply count on the highway and parking to be somewhat little bit of a constructing web site this summer time.
On arrival on the headland, the miradouro (viewpoint) – itself among the best locations to go to within the Algarve – a spelling panorama of orange-hued cliffs and glistening waters will spill out earlier than you. Take the staircase in the direction of the fishing boats and descend by means of the rocks to the water beneath for a greater look.
Lagos’ Previous City is fairly by day and a celebration by night time
Alternatively, you possibly can take a ship journey into the Ponta da Piedade – some excursions additionally embody dolphin recognizing past. Nevertheless, I’d personally recommend taking the kayak journey across the headland as I discovered this rather more spectacular as you may get nearer to the cliffs. There are many stands promoting excursions in Lagos, so that you don’t have to guide upfront, but it surely could be advisable in the event you’re coming throughout the principle vacation seasons.
Within the city itself, you’ll discover loads of nice locations to eat, drink and get together contained in the Previous City. There’s additionally some historical past and heritage to find right here, together with the staple church buildings and an totally random assortment within the Museum of Lagos. Most harrowing is the historical past of the Mercado de Escravos, the location of Europe’s first slave market; simply don’t count on the house to share the complete story or horrors of Portugal’s colonial previous; it’s sadly missing in context.
Don’t miss Faro’s Baixa and Cidade Velha (Previous City)
Faro
For historical past, tradition and museums, plus a extra native metropolis life
Travellers typically skip the Algarve’s capital metropolis of Faro because it’s steadily seen as an airport gateway fairly than among the best locations within the Algarve to go to in its personal proper, particularly for a winter metropolis break in Europe.
Whereas I used to be additionally responsible of this once I began holidaying right here a few years in the past, since residing within the Algarve, I’ve realised what a mistake that was. The town has a stupendous Previous City (Cidade Velha), and you could find a few of the finest issues to do within the Algarve in and across the regional capital. That is additionally among the best locations to base your self in the event you’re planning on getting across the Algarve by public transport.
Faro’s metropolis museum is inside a Sixteenth-century convent
Make sure you discover the Previous City’s cobbled streets. Dip into the Municipal Museum inside a former convent to study extra about Moorish and Roman previous earlier than climbing the cathedral tower to admire the view. A lot of the mediaeval partitions stay, and you’ll circle this on the lagoon-facing waterfront.
A brief drive or bus journey from Faro, you’ll discover loads extra historic sights too, together with the superbly renovated Palace of Estoi – you possibly can truly keep there – and even some Roman villa ruins.
Different issues to do in Faro embody visiting the town’s island seaside, a 20-minute bus journey away, having fun with some glorious bars and eating places – private suggestions embody Los Locos and Epicur wine bar – and heading out on dolphin-watching boat journeys.
The clifftop lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente
Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente
To surf and see the sundown on the ‘finish of Europe’
Portugal has lengthy been a haven for surfers, and Sagres is the place to be on the south coast. Not solely is that this among the best locations within the Algarve to go to to journey the swell, however there are loads extra journey actions, reminiscent of coasteering experiences leaping from close by cliffs.
For those who’re not a surfer, then concern not, there’s an abundance of fantastic surf colleges to study at in and round Sagres. You’ll additionally discover a couple of of the opposite prime issues to do within the Algarve right here, reminiscent of visiting the Fifteenth-century Fortaleza de Sagres (Sagres Fortress) and venturing to the rugged headland the place Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse dutifully overlooks the tough Atlantic waves.
Whereas that is typically mistaken for probably the most westerly level of mainland Europe, that title truly goes to Cabo da Roca, nearer to Lisbon. Nevertheless, even when it doesn’t maintain the accolade, catching the sundown over the cliffs right here continues to be dreamy.
Nearer to the city, the Fort makes for an attention-grabbing sight when you’ve gone past the imposing partitions. There are some previous constructing ruins right here, reminiscent of a small church and oddities, together with a big ground-level compass and a wave-echoing ‘maze’.
A brand new customer centre opened in late 2022 sharing extra particulars on Henry the Navigator and the Age of Discovery – Portugal’s seafaring and colonising years – and the encompassing space.
Get pleasure from a espresso at Foia, the area’s highest peak
Monchique
For verdant-hill mountaineering, waterfalls and thermal-spring spas
Between the Algarve coast and the neighbouring area of Alentejo, hills rise slowly earlier than turning into mountain ranges. The Serra de Monchique is the best and most notable and offers a verdant playground – a far cry from the coastal resort cities.
For those who’re in search of mountaineering trails and serene surroundings, you’ll discover a few of the finest lively actions within the Algarve across the serra (mountain area). The area’s highest peak, Fóia, tops out at simply over 900 metres and may be reached by automobile. If it’s a transparent day you possibly can take pleasure in spectacular panoramas throughout the Algarve and the Atlantic Ocean from right here.
The thermal waters of Caldas de Monchique
You’ll additionally discover some respectable half-day and full-day hikes right here, excellent if you need a day within the mountains. The path to the Barbelote Waterfall is my favorite of the loop routes and begins and ends close to Fóia.
Caldas de Monchique is among the Algarve’s finest locations to go to. Since Roman instances, individuals have retreated right here to utilize the high-alkaline thermal waters for leisure. Villa Termal Spa Resort has a keep or spa bundle, whereas the close by springs make for an excellent strolling and picnicking space.
The Costa Vicentina is filled with epic seashores
Costa Vicentina
To tackle a long-distance mountaineering path or recognize windswept seashores
There’s no denying that the seashores are often the most effective locations to go to within the Algarve. But, whereas the central coast close to Benagil and Albufeira and scenic factors round Lagos get a lot of the eye, the Algarve’s West Coast – the Costa Vicentina – shouldn’t be neglected.
This wild and windswept land is the place you’ll discover me once I need to clear my head or take pleasure in a seaside stroll with fewer footsteps within the sand. By some means it stays one thing of a ‘hidden Europe’ seaside vacation spot.
Climbing by means of Aljezur Fort’s spring wild flowers
It’s additionally a wonderful place to come back for these typical Algarve actions; browsing, topping up your tan and mountaineering. The Rota Vicentina compromises two multi-day mountaineering trails – one coastal and one inland – which traverse the boundaries of the Algarve and the Alentejo area. There are additionally loads of shorter one-day routes you possibly can take. For those who don’t fancy strapping in your boats, the beautiful and secluded bays and seashores make for an excellent highway journey.
There’s additionally some idyllic lodging alongside this stretch. Whereas surf lodges function closely, you’ll additionally discover some ocean-view hostels and loads of rural lodging, reminiscent of this hidden-away reclaimed whitewashed village, which was as soon as left to destroy, however lately saved by a co-op of particular person traders.
Extra serene seashores are discovered on Albufeira’s peripherals
Albufeira
For a vigorous Previous City, late night time antics and extra superior seashores
To be trustworthy, I’m not a large fan of Albufeira itself. Whereas for a lot of, that is the most effective place to go to within the Algarve – therefore there being so many resorts in Albufeira – I discover it somewhat too touristy and overdeveloped as of late. It’s exhausting to think about it was as soon as a fishing village.
That stated, it’s straightforward to see why so many individuals do adore it – and Albufeira stays the ‘tourism capital’ of the area – so it’s unimaginable to exclude it from this record. Primarily as a result of lots of the hottest issues to do within the Algarve, reminiscent of day excursions, boat journeys, and seaside days, may be simply accessed from right here.
Most notable is the Previous City, the place a barely conventional theme stays. Again from the seaside, pleasant family-run tabernas are nonetheless working, whereas a small archaeological museum offers a peek into the previous. On the flip aspect, you will have the Strip – a revelry-heavy run of late-night get together joints – which has oddly made Albufeira a vacation spot for each households and stag events.
Nonetheless, Albufeira hasn’t wholly been misplaced to tourism, and a few of the Algarve’s finest seashores are discovered close by, such because the huge and copper-cliff-backed Praia da Falésia and the picturesque bays round Praia dos Arrifes.
Among the seashores alongside this rugged stretch of coast are solely doable to entry through water. In order for you a extra serene spot of sand, then there are some unbelievable locally-operated SUP excursions you possibly can guide to discover these bays and coves.
Silves is among the most stunning cities on the Algarve
Silves
For the Algarve’s most stunning city and a postcard-perfect citadel
Silves is the place my love for the Algarve began, and now, almost 30 years later, I nonetheless adore this barely inland city. The cliche-ready village, Silves delivers quaint cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings with ochre roofs, and a citadel crowning all of it.
Among the Algarve’s most serene and gratifying experiences are concentrated across the space, reminiscent of crusing alongside the river from Portimão to achieve the city and having fun with wine direct from the supply with a winery tasting (it’s often cheaper to guide direct).
Silves is probably my favorite place to go to within the Algarve’s inside, however sadly many guests don’t make it to the inland cities. So, it’s the primary inclusion on my record of Algarve hidden gems. Give it a learn to find extra of the most effective issues to do within the Algarve, reminiscent of looking out waterfalls, staying in renovated whitewashed villages and palaces, and exploring the stays of Roman villas.
You can too discover extra Portugal journey guides and recommendations on my devoted Portugal web site – Guide2Portugal.com. Get pleasure from exploring this stunning land I’m fortunate sufficient to name residence!
Pin it: Greatest locations to go to within the Algarve