43+ best things to do in the Algarve (Portugal)

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...

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

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:

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:

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:

Planning tips & Map - The Algarve Region, Portugal

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

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.

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

#8 - Praia do Canavial Beach

Large sand beach near the Ponta da Piedade Promontory

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

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 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

#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.

#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 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:

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