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36+ Things to do in Algarve (Portugal) – Beaches + Tips + Photos

Last updated on December 30, 2020 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

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...

Algarve things to do - best beaches in Algarve Portugal Algarve must see
Quick Navigation
Why visit the Algarve region? Video 
Top things to do in Algarve (including Best Beaches in Algarve)
Introduction to the Algarve - Map & Destinations
Things to do in Algarve West Coast
Things to do in Lagos, Portugal
Things to do in Portimao
Things to do around Benagil - Algar Seco
Things to do in Albufeira
Things to do in Faro and East Algarve
Inland Algarve things to do
PLANNING TIPS - The Algarve Portugal

Navigate back to the complete Travel Portugal Guide

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Why visit the Algarve region? 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 fortresses, impressive cliffs and more... Let's be inspired:


Top things to do in Algarve (including 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 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

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

So, here is my personal list of the Top Algarve must see in terms of what I think are the most scenic places to admire:

  1. Ponta da Piedade
  2. Boat Tour from Benagil Beach including Benagil Sea Cave
  3. Praia da Falesia Beach
  4. Tres Irmaos Beach
  5. Praia da Marinha Beach
  6. Odeceixe Beach
  7. Praia dos Tres Castelos
  8. Praia do Camilo
  9. Ferrugado
Top Things to do in Algarve Portugal Algarve Beach

More photos and suggestions down in this article.


Introduction to the Algarve - Map & Destinations

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.

Portugal Algarve Map Algarve destinations

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:

Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!

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The best Algarve destinations - 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 accommodations
  • Portimao
    Good location, nice beaches for enjoying a day at the beach, large resorts - 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
Where to stay in Algarve - Lagos Accommodation

Uma Casa a Beira Sol - Accommodation in Lagos

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:

  • 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

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 experiences you could have in Algarve:

  • 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 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
Fun Algarve activities

Things to do in Algarve West Coast

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

Odeceixe Beach

Stunning Beach and Lagoon on the West Coast at the northern limit of the Algarve.
Loved by surfers.

Odexeice beach

Cabo da Vincente

Southwestern most point of Mainland Europe.
Beautiful Cliffs and a lighthouse

Cabo da Vincente Algarve

Sagres Point

Promontory with a 16th century sea fort and a famous compass rose on the ground.
Stunning views of the cliffs.

Sagres Point Algarve things to do

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


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:

Historic Center of Lagos

Discover the church Santo Antonio, the Castelo dos Governadores and the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira

Things to do in Lagos Algarve

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

Praia Dona Ana beach Algarve must see

Praia do Camilo Beach

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

Praia do Camilo beach Algarve must see

Ponta da Piedade

A promontory with the most beautiful cliffs in the Algarve coastline: arches, pinnacles...
More photos and info on the Ponta da Piedade Article

Ponta da Piedade Algarve must see

Praia do Canavial Beach

Large sand beach near the Ponta da Piedade Promontory

Praia do Canavial Beach Algarve things to do

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

Lagos Algarve Accommodations Portugal

Uma Casa a Beira Sol, Lagos, Portugal


Things to do in Portimao

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

Praia do Alvor Beach

Portimao's long flat sand beach

Praia do Alvor Beach

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

Praiao dos Tres Irmaos Beach algarve portugal

Praia dos Tres Castelos Beach

Stunning pinnacles near the high cliffs. In line with Praia da Rocha.

Things to do in Algarve - Praia dos Tres Castelos Beach

Praia da Rocha Beach

Large flat sand beach and the beginning of a long walk that takes you along Tres Castelos and further.

Things to do in Algarve - Praia da Rocha Beach

Ferragudo

Its reputation come as the most photographed village in the Algarve. Probably because there is a great viewpoint across the water...

Ferrugado Algarve POrtugal

Fort of Sao Jao do Arade

Small medieval sea fort between 2 beaches. 

Fort of Sao Jao do Arade

Praia Grande

Large flat sand beach

Praia Grande

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 


Things to do around Benagil - Algar Seco

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

Alfanzina Cliffs

Around the lighthouse, the cliffs are very impressive especially with the big hole above a sea cave!

Best places in Algarve - Lafanzina

Praia da Albandeira Beach

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

Praia da Albandeira Beach

Praia da Marinha Beach

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

Praia da Marinha Beach

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

Benagil Sea Cave

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

Algar Seco Cliffs

Praia da Senhora Da Rocha

Easily accessible beach

Praia da Senhora Da Rocha

Senhora Da Rocha

Small white church on a promontory between Praia da Senhora da Rocha and Praia Nova.

Senhora Da Rocha

Praia Nova

Long sand beach with high cliffs

Praia Nova

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


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.

Gale Beach

Beach with a very different style and rounded rocks.
More photos and info in the Gale Beach article

Things to do in Albufeira - Gale

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

Things to do in Albufeira - Evaristo

Praia Sao Rafael Beach

Another beautiful beach with pinnacles and rock formations... (there are so many!)

Things to do in Albufeira - Sao Rafael

Praia dos Arrifes Beach

Great small beach with many huge rock formations.
More photos and info in the Praia dos Arrifes beach article

Things to do in Albufeira - Arrifes

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

Things to do in Albufeira - Falesia

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.

Things to do in Albufeira - Vale do Lobo

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


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.

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.

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...

Tavira

Praia da Manta Rota Beach

East Algarve has only flat white sand beaches such as Manta Rota.

Praia da Manta Rota Beach

Castro Marim

At the border with Spain is Castro Marim and its fortifications.

Castro marim

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

Tavira Accommodations Portugal

Taah Billa Guethouse, Tavira, Algarve


Inland Algarve things to do

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

Lake Odeleite

Many dams have been built in the hills of the Algarve creating stunning lakes.

Algarve things to do - Odeleite

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.

Algarve things to do - Silves

Monchique

The main town in the hills of the Algarve region. Old center with narrow alleys. Monchique is also famous for its liqueur: Medronho.

Algarve things to do - Monchique

Lake Odiaxere

Another lake created by a dam.

Algarve things to do - Odiaxere

And other lakes and hills...

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


PLANNING TIPS - The Algarve Portugal

How to get to the Algarve

  • Flight to Faro
  • Motorway or small roads from Lisbon of from the East and Evora
  • Lisbon to Albufeira: 2h30 via Motorway
  • Evora to Tavira: 2h35

How long to stay in the Algarve

  • Plan at least 3 days to see the highlights, but spending a whole week is worth it
  • Lagos to Tavira: 1h15 via Motorway

How to get around

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

Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!

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13 easy-to-plan maps, 200+ photos
200+ pre-selected locations
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Cover Ring Road travel guide Iceland

8 easy-to-plan maps, 65+ photos
110+ pre-selected locations
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Want to see more of PORTUGAL?

PREVIOUS: 

PRAIA DO MAGOITO BEACH

NEXT: 

PRAIA DA FALESIA BEACH ALGARVE

Portugal Travel Guide - Portugal destinations

Which ones don't you want to miss?

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