36+ Things to do in Algarve with most Stunning Beaches (Photos + Video)

The Algarve Region is definitively one of the most beautiful in Portugal: scenic beaches, impressive cliffs, intricate coastline, beautiful inland hills. and so much more. Below is my Travel Guide to help you plan your holidays in the Algarve - including the best things to do in Algarve, the most beautiful beaches, where to stay, how to get around...

This article contains affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.

Visit Algarve in Video

Before we talk maps and Algarve must see, let's start with a short video that will show you what it is like to visit the Algarve region in Portugal: stunning Beaches, strong fortress, impressive cliffs and more... Let's be inspired:

Destination in Algarve Map

Algarve Map

Below is a simplified Algarve Map with the main destinations. This will help you get a general idea about the land. I included 2 of the most famous Algarve points of interest : Benagil and Sagres.

The DETAILED MAPS with points for all the scenic locations, as well as their GPS coordinates are available in the eBooks: The Road Trip Guide - Portugal and The Road Trip Guide: Lisbon-Sintra-Algarve.

Algarve Destinations

You can settle 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 town 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 know of its old historic center, busy nightlife and stunning beaches for scenery. It offers a lot but is not so central.

Portimao

Good location, nice beaches for enjoying the day at the beach, big resorts.

Albufeira

Albuferia is the most popular Algarve destinations 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 fo the most beautiful beaches in Algarve.

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.

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.

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.

That's a very difficult question to answer. All areas have interesting beaches and things to do, great restaurant and there are a lot of accommodation choices.

My recommendation:

• 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

Top Algarve Must See + Best Beaches in Algarve

In terms of Algarve Must see it really differs from one person to the others:

If you like the "most of" or "best of"

• Cape St Vincent is the SouthWesternmost 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

If you like long white sand flat beachs head to the East and Tavira Island. If you like old structure: Sagres and Silves offer some of the best but this is not so fascinating compared to the beaches.

Fun Algarve activities

From the next section, I am listing for you all the best sites to visit in the Algarve : the best beaches, villages, castle, cliffs... If you are renting a car, you won't get bored.

But if you want something different in between have a look at those​ unforgettable experience you could have in Algarve:

• Boat tour from Portimao to discover the amazing coastline from the sea and enter the famous Benagil sea caves!!! - Check out program and price
• 4WD exploration of inland Algarve to admire the scenery and taste local produces 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
• Or check out all the activities in Algarve

Things to do in Algarve West Coast

Let's start with the best things to do in the Algarve West Coast:

Torre de Aspa

More cliffs...

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

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 :

Meia Praia Beach

Lagos' long flat sand beach

Love what you see above? Lagos is a great city to stay in. It is smaller that 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

Things to do in Portimao

And now here is what to do in Algarve in the Portimao area:

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 prices

Or the Encosta da Praia Guesthouse, quieter on the other side of the harbour - Check out Photos and prices

Things to do around Benagil - Algar Seco

Below are the best places in Algarve around the famous Benagil:

Praia do Carvalho Beach

Secluded Beach access through a cutting in the cliffs and many many steps. Mostly interesting for the access.

Around Algar Seco is the big resort hub if you a relooking for all the facilities - check out the accommodations in Carvoeiro

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.

Albufeira is a big touristic town. It was not y 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 prices

Or you could stay near the amazing view of Falesia beach at the amazin PortoBay Falesia - Check out photos and prices

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 than the west coast.

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.

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

Inland Algarve things to do

Now let's go inland and discover the others things to do in Algarve.

And other lakes and hills...

Half day or full day 4WD tours are available for the main towns.

INFO & PLANNING TIPS - The Algarve Portugal

How to get around

Without a car, you won't be able to do much except go to the nearby beaches.
Check our car rental deals on Autoeurope.com

Be aware that the motorway between all the main towns in Algarve is not free. You need a via verde tag to pay.
If you don't want to spend money on it, take the smaller roads. it will be a little bit longer, but sometimes not that much.

Want to see more of PORTUGAL?

Discover more things to do & places to see in my Travel Portugal Destination Guide.

Which ones don't you want to miss?

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

And if you love pinning, below is another pin for you: