The Algarve is one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal: scenic beaches, impressive cliffs, intricate coastline, beautiful inland hills…
Below is my travel guide to help you plan your holidays:
- the best things to do in the Algarve, map,
- the most beautiful beaches,
- the best towns,
- where to stay, how to get around, itinerary ideas…
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Portugal:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Portugal: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Benagil sea cave from Portimao
My favorite excursion from Lisbon: Sintra Pena Palace and Cabo da Roca
My favorite places to stay:
- Lisbon: see best rated hotels – e.g. Santiago de Alfama boutique hotel
- Porto: see best rated hotels – e.g. Descobertas Boutique Hotel
- Lagos: see best rated hotels – e.g. Uma Cas A Beira Sol
15 best things to do in Algarve (including Best Beaches)
The Algarve has it all:
- Long white sandy beach,
- Small hidden coves with tall cliffs,
- Impressive rock formations,
- Sea caves,
- Historical towns and villages,
- …
And great weather!
Before I list in details all my favorite places, and if you don’t want to read the entire article, here are my top 10:
Top 5 best beaches in the Algarve
- Praia da Falesia and its colorful cliff
- Praia dos Tres Irmaos and its double arch
- Praia da Marinha and its many rock formations
- Odeceixe beach for something different
- Praia dos Tres Castelos for the feeling of being small
Absolute top 5 things to do in the Algarve (that are not beaches)
- Watch sunset at Ponta da Piedade
- Take a boat tour to Benagil Sea caves and along the algarve coastline
- Enjoy the charm of the seaside village of Ferrugado
- Visit the Sagres Fort
- Enjoy the white town of Tavira
Map of the best things to do in the Algarve
To help you get oriented, my favorite places to see in the Algarve are identified in this map:
The detailed maps with points for all the scenic locations, as well as their GPS coordinates, are available in my guides to help you plan your Portugal road trip:
Plan your dream trip to Portugal with my guides!
- 13 easy-to-plan maps
- 120+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 200+ large photos
- 8 easy-to-plan maps
- 65+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 110+ large photos
5 Best Algarve activities to enjoy
And if you want to have fun, this is my selection of the best activities not to miss!
- Boat tour from Portimao to discover the amazing coastline from the sea and enter the famous Benagil Sea Cave!!! – Check out program and price
- 4WD exploration of inland Algarve to admire the scenery and taste local producers from Portimao – Check out program and prices
- Kayak exploration of the cliffs and caves near Lagos – relaxing experience close to nature! – Check out program and prices
- Jet Boat – do you love a good thrill? From Albufeira you can go on an exciting Jet Boat ride! – Check out program and prices
- Parasailing – for the best perspectives on the beaches and cliffs – check out details
- Or check out all the activities in Algarve
Video – virtual holiday
Below is a short video to give you a snapshot of what it is like to visit the Algarve region in Portugal: stunning beaches, strong fortresses, impressive cliffs and more… Let’s be inspired:
Extremes in the Algarve
If you like the “most of” or the “best of”
- Cape St Vincent is the Southwestern most point of mainland Europe
- Praia da Marinha is often listed in the most beautiful beaches in the World
- Benagil is part of all lists about the best sea caves in the world
More photos and suggestions down in this article.
Planning tips & Map – The Algarve Region, Portugal
Where is the Algarve?
- South region of Portugal
- The main towns are Lagos, Portimao, Albufeira and Faro
- Lisbon to Albufeira = 2h30 drive
- Porto to Albufeira = 5h drive
- Evora to Albufeira = 2h15 drive
- Below is a simplified Algarve Map with the main destinations. This will help you get a general idea about the region. I included 2 of the most famous Algarve points of interest: Benagil and Sagres.
How to get to the Algarve?
The Algarve is a popular destination. Therefore, it is easy to access:
- By plane – you can land at Faro airport – Compare flight prices on Skyscanner
- By car from Lisbon or Porto or Spain – motorways lead to the Algarve
- By train from Lisbon to Albufeira or Faro via the Alfa Pendular Train
- By Express bus from Lisbon to Albufeira or Faro and other towns
How to get around the Algarve
There is a lot to see in the region: the many incredible beaches and the villages and mountains inland.
- by car – your best option
- by public bus – but you are very limited in terms of timing and destinations
- by organized tours – if you are staying at one of the main towns, many companies organized tours to the best beaches and also inland – see the many options
Need to rent a car in Portugal?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Driving in the Algarve
The best way to visit the Algarve if you want to see as much as possible is to rent a car.
- Driving is overall easy.
- No special requirement in terms of car
- There is motorway A22 – along the length of the region to reduce travel time. In the South, there are tolls without any booth. In that case if you don’t have the V-tag, you have to go to the post office within a couple of days to pay your toll – but then you will be charged for the whole length since you don’t have evidence of where you entered.
- But if you don’t want to pay the tolls, it is very easy to take other roads through the coastal towns
- Don’t forget to choose accommodation with a parking space!
- See my article about driving in Portugal
Algarve destinations and where to stay
You can set up a base really anywhere in the Algarve.
The region is not too big, so you can explore from one town, especially if you stick to the West side Faro.
There are accommodations almost everywhere along the coast. You can choose.
Below are the main towns where you could stay in Algarve:
Lagos Portugal
Small town on the western side of the Algarve (not to be mixed with Lagos Nigeria).
It is known for its old historic center, busy nightlife and stunning beaches for scenery.
It offers a lot but is not so central.
See best rated accommodation
Portimao
Good location, nice beaches for enjoying a day at the beach, large resorts.
Lacks character.
See best rated accommodations
Albufeira
Albuferia is the most popular Algarve destination thanks to its central location and all the facilities of a resort town.
However, it is not for people looking for quiet time.
A short distance to some of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve.
See best rated accommodations
Faro
Faro is often overlooked because further from the most scenic beaches.
It has a scenic old town and this is where the airport is located.
See best rated accommodations
Tavira
Tavira is the main town in the Eastern part of the Algarve Portugal.
Old fort, cathedral, white sand beaches, islands…
Definitively a very different atmosphere than the rest of the Algarve.
See best rated accommodations
Inland
You can also head inland in the hills. The most famous town in Monchique.
Personally, I think it is disappointing compared to the coastline.
But if you want to escape the heat and the crowds, it is a good option.
See best rated accommodations
So where is the best place to stay in the Algarve?
That’s a very difficult question to answer. All areas have interesting beaches and things to do, great restaurants and there are a lot of accommodation choices.
My recommendation is Portimao or a village around – it is quite central to visit all the best beaches, and it is very close to stunning beaches + it has all you might need in terms of restaurant and activities – Check out accommodations around Portimao
Otherwise, have a look below at the top attractions in all regions of the Algarve and pick the area where you prefer the scenery
Find many more tips and suggestions about where to stay in the Algarve in my dedicated article.
Where to stay in the Algarve?
My favorites:
- Lagos, for the charm : see best rated accommodations
- Portimao, central to explore – see best rated accommodations
- Albufeira without a car – see best rated accommodations
- Alvor with kids – see best rated accommodations
- Tavira, for the east side – see best rated accommodations
3 best things to do in Algarve West Coast
Let’s start with the best things to do in the Algarve West Coast:
#1 – Odeceixe Beach
Stunning Beach and Lagoon on the West Coast at the northern limit of the Algarve.
Loved by surfers.
#2 – Cabo da Vincente
Southwestern most point of Mainland Europe.
Beautiful cliffs and a lighthouse.
#3 – Sagres Point
Promontory with a 16th century sea fort and a famous compass rose on the ground.
Stunning views of the cliffs.
Where to stay on the Algarve West End
I recommend staying in Sagres, close to amazing cliffs and beaches – Check out the accommodations around Sagres
Some have amazing sea views such as the Mareta View Boutique B&B – check out photos and prices
5 best things to do in Lagos, Portugal
The first main town now is Lagos Portugal, a vibrant and dynamic place the stay, home to some of the best beaches in Algarve. Discover the things to do in Lagos, Portugal:
#4 – Historic Center of Lagos
Discover the church Santo Antonio, the Castelo dos Governadores and the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira
#5 – Praia Dona Ana Beach
The most famous beach in Lagos with cliffs and pinnacles.
More photos and info on the Praia Dona Ana Algarve beach article.
#6 – Praia do Camilo
A lot of stairs to reach it, but a scenic small cove with arch and many other rock formations.
More photos and info on the Praia do Camilo Beach article.
#7 – Ponta da Piedade (sunset, boat, kayak…)
A promontory with the most beautiful cliffs in the Algarve coastline: arches, pinnacles…
You can enjoy it for above and walk down during the day or to watch sunset.
Or do a kayaking or boat tour around – See options
More photos and info on the Ponta da Piedade article.
Large sand beach near the Ponta da Piedade promontory.
Where to stay around Lagos
Love what you see above? Lagos is a great city to stay in. It is smaller than the others, with great nightlife and easy walking access to stunning beaches – Check out accommodations in Lagos
I personally stayed in a charming apartment at Uma Casa a Beira Sol – Stunning garden, really enjoyable breakfast. Loved it! – Check out latest prices
7 best things to do in Portimao
And now here is what to do in Algarve in the Portimao area:
#9 – Praia do Alvor Beach
Portimao’s long flat sand beach
#10 – Praia dos Tres Irmaos Beach
One of the best beaches in Algarve with its famous double arch rock formation.
More photos and info on the Tres Irmaos Beach article.
#11 – Praia dos Tres Castelos
Stunning pinnacles near the high cliffs. In line with Praia da Rocha.
#12 – Praia da Rocha
Large flat sand beach and the beginning of a long walk that takes you along Tres Castelos and further.
#13 – Ferragudo
Its reputation come as the most photographed village in the Algarve. Probably because there is a great viewpoint across the water…
#14 – Fort of Sao Jao do Arade
Small medieval sea fort between 2 beaches.
#15 – Praia Grande
Large flat sand beach.
Where to stay around Portimao
Portimao is very central to reach all the most beautiful beaches. Plus close to the city center are some stunning cliffs – Check out the accommodations in Portimao
You can stay in the big tourist hub or try to find a nice resort or apartment closer to your favorite beach.
For example enjoy fantastic views at the Bela Vista Hotel and Spa, right by the Portimao beach – Check out Photos and availability
Or the Encosta da Praia Guesthouse, quieter on the other side of the harbor – Check out Photos and availability
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
9 best things to do around Benagil – Algar Seco
Below are the best places in Algarve around the famous Benagil:
#16 – Alfanzina Cliffs
Around the lighthouse, the cliffs are very impressive especially with the big hole above a sea cave!
#17 – Praia da Albandeira
A small cove with high cliffs and views over the other side, with a stunning arch.
More photos and info in the Praia da Albandeira Beach article.
#18 – Praia da Marinha
Considered by many as the most beautiful beach in Portugal. Visit at low tide!
More photos and info in the Praia da Marinha Beach article.
#19 – Benagil Sea Cave
From the Benagil Beach you can take a boat to explore the coastline including the magnificent Benagil Sea Cave.
More photos and info in the Algarve Sea Cave Boat Tour article.
#20 – Algar Seco Cliffs
Algar Seco is another stunning cliff area with holes, a boardwalk and an impressive pinnacle.
More photos and info in the Algar Seco Algarve article.
#21 – Praia da Senhora Da Rocha
Easily accessible beach.
#22 – Senhora Da Rocha
Small white church on a promontory between Praia da Senhora da Rocha and Praia Nova.
#23 – Praia Nova
Long sand beach with high cliffs.
#24 – Praia do Carvalho Beach
Secluded Beach accessed through a cutting in the cliffs and many many steps. Mostly interesting for the access.
Where to stay around Benagil
Around Algar Seco is the big resort hub if you are looking for all the facilities – check out the accommodations in Carvoeiro
6 best things to do in Albufeira
Now let’s discover the beaches and other things to do in Albufeira Portugal and around. Some of the best places in Algarve.
#25 – Gale Beach
Beach with a very different style and rounded rocks.
More photos and info in the Gale Beach article
#26 – Praia do Evaristo Beach
Not really famous, it is best seen at high tide when the waves crash on the rocks.
More photos and info in the Praia do Evaristo Beach article.
#27 – Praia Sao Rafael Beach
Another beautiful beach with pinnacles and rock formations… (there are so many!)
#28 – Praia dos Arrifes Beach
Great small beach with many huge rock formations.
More photos and info in the Praia dos Arrifes beach article.
#29 – Praia de Falesia Beach
My favorite beach in Portugal with its huge colored cliff!
More photos and info in the Praia da Falesia beach article.
#30 – Vale do Lobo Beach
Located in a high-end resort and living area, Vale do Lobo beach has red rock formations that will make you think you are in the desert.
Where to stay around Albufeira
Albufeira is a big touristic town. It was not my favorite but it is close to some of my favorite beaches so… – Check out accommodations in Albufeira
You can stay right in front of the beach at ‘Inn the Beach Apartments’ – Check out photos and availability
Or you could stay near the amazing view of Falesia beach at the amazing PortoBay Falesia – Check out photos and availability
5 best things to do in Faro and East Algarve
Now let’s head East and discover the things to do in Faro and in East Algarve. This area has a very different atmosphere to that of the West coast.
#31 – Faro and Parque Natural Ria Formosa
Faro has a charming old town and boat tours to discover the protected nature (especially birds) in the Ria Formosa National Park.
#32 – Tavira
Small town with white and colorful houses. Visit the cathedral and fort on top of the hill.
Boat tours and ferries to the Island and more flat white sand beaches…
#33 – Praia da Manta Rota Beach
East Algarve has only flat white sand beaches such as Manta Rota.
#34 – Castro Marim
At the border with Spain is Castro Marim and its fortifications.
Where to stay in East Algarve
The main places to stay are:
- Faro, central near the airport – check out accommodations in Faro
- Tavira, the charming town of East Algarve – check out accommodations in Tavira
I personally stayed in Tavira for one night at the Taah Billa Guesthouse. Well located, spacious, simple, clean, good price, nice welcome – Check out latest prices
Need to rent a car in Portugal?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
4 best things to do in Inland Algarve
Now let’s go inland and discover the other things to do in Algarve.
#35 – Lake Odeleite
Many dams have been built in the hills of the Algarve creating stunning lakes.
#36 – Silves
Algarve inland town with the red Silves Castle at the top, first established here in the 8th century. Walls are made of red sandstones.
#37 – Monchique
The main town in the hills of the Algarve region. Old center with narrow alleys. Monchique is also famous for its liqueur: Medronho.
#38 – Lake Odiaxere
Another lake created by a dam.
And other lakes and hills…
Half day or full day 4WD tours are available for the main towns.
3 things to enjoy everywhere in the Algarve
#39 – Watch sunset
The coastline of the Algarve faces the South. Therefore there are many places to enjoy Sunset.
Some of the best locations are:
- Ponta da Piedade
- Odeceixe beach
- Sagres point
#40 – Enjoy fresh fish and fresh fruits
Lots of great fishing in the area.
And most hotels and restaurants propose fresh fruits.
You can also enjoy freshly squeezed orange juices almost everywhere!
#41 – Shop for local artisanal items
Lots of artists and artisans enjoy the Algarve regions.
You can find painting, ceramics and other crafts.
2 unusual things to do in the Algarve
#42 – Zipline across the border
If you are looking for something unique and exciting, there is a state-of-the-art zip line that makes you fly over the Guadiana river and the Spanish-Portuguese border.
The Limit Zero zipline starts in from Sanlucar de Guadiana, Spain and finishes at Alcoutim, Portugal. It is 720m long.
Learn more
#43 – Visit a salt mine
You may have visited mines before. And maybe also salt pans.
But here you can visit Sal Gema, a rocksalt mine, in Loulé.
A 1.3km route underground to see 230 million years old formations and to learn how the mine operated.
Learn more
Algarve itineraries – 1 day, 2 days, 5 days, one week…
1 day in the Algarve
If you are just driving through the Algarve and want to get a snapshot, I would focus on the cliffs and choose:
- Falesia beach (at least from above)
- Marinha beach (at least from above)
- Walk down at Tres Castelos beach – as this is where I find the walls of cliffs the most impressive
- And finish the day at Ponta da Piedade
- Sleep in Lagos near Ponta da Piedade – see best rated accommodations
2 days in the Algarve
With 2 days, I would:
Day 1
- Visit Sagres fort and point
- Go see the double arch at Praia dos Tres Irmaos
- Walk at the bottom of the cliffs at Tres Castelos
- And finish the day at Ponta da Piedade, watch sunset
- Sleep in Lagos near Ponta da Piedade – see best rated accommodations
Day 2
- Organize a boat tour including Benagil sea cave
- Walk around the Algar Seco
- Admire Marinha beach (at least from above)
- Enjoy Falesia beach
5 days in the Algarve
With 5 days, I would:
- Day 1 – Lagos area – Sagres point, Lagos historical center, Dona Ana Beach and Ponta da Piedade…
- Day 2 – Portimao area – Tres Irmaos, Tres Castelos, Ferrugado…
- Day 3 – Benagil area – Boat tour including Benagil cave, Algar Seco, Alfanzina, Praia da Marinha
- Day 4 – Albufeira / Faro area – Falesia beach, Vale do Lobo, Faro historical town… and if you enjoy bird watching the nature area around Faro
- Day 5 – Tarifa Area – One of the long Sandy beaches (e.g. Praia da Manta Rota), exploring Tarifa, driving inland to see the mountains and lakes.
You can easily include the Algarve in a Portugal 2 week itinerary (3 options) (see my examples)
1 week in the Algarve
All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, map of location and planning info) in my travel guide eBooks that help you easily plan your Portugal road trip:
Plan your dream trip to Portugal with my guides!
- 13 easy-to-plan maps
- 120+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 200+ large photos
- 8 easy-to-plan maps
- 65+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 110+ large photos
Need to rent a car in Portugal?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
FAQs Algarve
How long to stay in the Algarve?
Plan at least 3 days to see the highlights of the region.
With one week, you can enjoy most of the best things the Algarve has to offer.
With 2 weeks, you can explore the region in depth.
Lagos to Tavira = 1h15 via Motorway
What is the nicest town in the Algarve?
If you are looking for nice building and historical vibe than Faro and Tavira are your best options.
If you are looking for easy access to impressive beaches and all the facilities, then Portimao.
For a mix of both, choose Lagos.
What is the Algarve known for?
The Algarve is known for its magnificent beaches with impressive cliffs. The coastline is full of caves, sinkhole, rock formations, seastacks and more.
Is the Algarve expensive?
Back in 2017, the Algarve was considered a very cheap destination.
It has increased in popularity, and buying a property is increasingly more expensive. However holidays in the Algarve are still on the lower-medium end of Europe.
Good to know
- Tap water – It is generally safe to drink tap water in the Algarve and in Portugal.
- Language – locals speak Portuguese but English is widely spoken as it is a touristic area
- Mosquitoes – as everywhere, mosquitoes are seasonal. They will appear mostly in the evening. The inland lakes will be the worst areas.
- Tipping – in Portugal, you tip for excellent service but it is not mandatory
Want to see more of the best Portugal has to offer?
- 30 Most beautiful landscapes in Portugal – read article
- Best things to do in Portugal – read article
- The best beaches in Portugal – read article
- The best villages in Portugal – read article
- Lisbon vs Porto – where to go? – read article
- Driving in Portugal – read article
- The highlights of Sintra and the Sintra-Cascais Nature park – read article
Planning a trip to Portugal?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Portugal thanks to my guide
- 13 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 120+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 200+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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