The Algarve, Portugal’s Exquisitely Beautiful Coastline

The Algarve region is known for its exquisitely beautiful coastline and Portugal’s loveliest beaches, white sand, warm waters, hanging cliffs, and caves.

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World’s Leading Beach Destination 2021.

Algarve Travel Tips

How many days in Algarve is enough?

I suppose you can cram everything into 3 days, but my recommendation is nothing short of a week. At least then you’ve had time to settle in properly, enjoy all the places to see and excursions, and relax on the beach. A must-do is a sunset guided tour and the exquisitely beautiful Benagil caves. Oh, and don’t miss out on the Hop on Hop Off City Tour by Tourist Train – it’s great fun! And then there are also parasailing, dolphin watching, and bird watching. To conclude, 7 days will be a good length of stay in the Algarve.

Best time to visit Algarve?

Weather: The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The peak tourist season is during the summer months (June to August) when temperatures are high, often exceeding 30°C (86°F). If you enjoy hot weather and vibrant beach scenes, summer can be the best time for you. However, it can also be crowded, and accommodation prices tend to be higher.
Spring and Autumn: The shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) can be excellent times to visit the Algarve. The weather is generally pleasant, with milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates. You can still enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities without the intense summer heat.
Winter: While winter (December to February) is the off-peak season, the Algarve still has mild and pleasant weather compared to many other European destinations. Although swimming in the sea may not be ideal, you can explore the region’s cultural attractions, enjoy hiking or golfing, and experience a quieter side of the Algarve. Winter is also a good time to find great deals on accommodations.
Events and Festivals: Consider any specific events or festivals you may want to attend. The Algarve hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Loulé Carnival in February, the Portimão Sardine Festival in August, and the Algarve International Jazz Festival in October. Planning your visit around these events can add a unique flavor to your holiday.

ALGARVE WEATHER

Getting There , and Then...

What is the nearest airport to Algarve?

Faro airport. The best way to get to your hotel is to book a transfer ahead of time.

How to get to Algarve?

Fly to centrally located Faro airport. Airlines such as Iberia service Portugal.
Take the train from Lisbon, which will take you between 3 and 3h30m – depending on which train you take.
Drive with your vehicle or rent a car – the signages are well-posted and it’s an easy drive.

What is the nearest city to Algarve?

Lisbon is about a 2h30m drive from the Algarve region.

Suggested Read: Lisbon, A Beautiful City Full Of Surprises.

Do you need a car in Algarve?

If you plan to stay on the beachfront and spend your days in and around your hotel and relax on the beach, then you don’t need a car.

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These Are The Best Places To Explore In Algarve

The Algarve is a slice of paradise with its stunning golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming whitewashed villages. You’ll love exploring the hidden coves, enjoying fresh seafood by the sea, and soaking up the laid-back vibe. Whether you’re into surfing, hiking, or just lounging with a cocktail, there’s something for everyone. The sunsets here are unforgettable, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange that’ll make your heart skip a beat. Plus, the locals are super friendly, making you feel right at home every step of the way!

Faro

The provincial capital of Algarve with a greater concentration of historic monuments!

Faro’s top attractions:

Old Town Faro | Palácio de Estoi | Carmo Church | Faro Cathedral | Forum Algarve (shopping and movies)

Lagoa

Lagoa fishing village is about 15 minutes away from the famous Benagil cave.

Lagoa is the home to SandCity, a Sand Sculpture Park that is usually open from March to December. As of 2021, it is the biggest sand sculpture park in the world, spanning an area of six hectares. Get more information and your tickets here.

Lagoa’s top attractions:

Praia de Benagil | Slide & Splash – Parque Aquatico (Water Slide Park) | Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos | Sand City | Algar de Benagil

Lagos

Lagos is a pleasant beach town, and about 40 minutes away from Benagil beach and the sea cave.

Lagos’ top attractions:

Praia do Porto de Mos (second largest beach in Lagos)
Cave Boat Trip to Ponta da Piedade
Explore Ponta da Piedade headland
Walk Around the Saturday Farmers’ Market
Sunbathe on Praia do Camilo
Meia Praia (beach)
Old Lagos
Visit 17th century fortress Forte Ponta da Bandeira, also known as Forte de Nossa Senhora da Penha Fraça (Address: 8600-563 Lagos)

Praia de Dona Ana
Parque Zoológico de Lagos
Igreja de Santo António (museum and 18th century church)
Explore Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vicente (Europe’s South-western-most point)
Mercado de Escravos (Slave Trade Museum)
Go see indoor and outdoor scientific exhibits at Ciência Viva Center
Go Wine Tasting & Winery Tours
Centro Cultural de Lagos
The Baroque Castelo dos Governadores (a heritage museum on Jardim da Constituição, 8600-563 Lagos)

Tavira

Known as the jewel of the Algarve, Tavira is a popular tourist attraction. You’re about to be enchanted by Tavira’s long, sandy beaches, salt pans with plenty of flamingos, spoonbills, and other wading birds.

Pre-book a private transfer from/to Faro Airport (or Faro city center) to Tavira for a hassle-free arrival.

Tavira’s top attractions:

Hop-On Hop-Off Tourist Train (discover the city and its varied sights, history, and scenic landmarks) | Half-day boat tour from Cabanas de Tavira

Portimão

Do you love sardines? Portimão is a great choice for shopping and eating sardines.

The Algarve Accordion Festival!

It’s a real gem. It’s one of those festivals that just captures the heart of Portugal.

They actually started it to honor a local musician named João César, who was a big deal in the area. He was a fantastic accordion player, and they wanted to keep his memory alive. So, they started this festival in his name.

It usually happens in the summer, around the end of August. I think it’s the perfect time to celebrate music and enjoy the Algarve’s beautiful weather. It’s a really lively town with a great atmosphere.

If you ever find yourself in the Algarve around that time, you should definitely check it out. It’s a fantastic way to experience the local culture and hear some amazing accordion music.

Portimão’s top attractions:

Loulé

The charming city of Loulé is the most traditional and authentic side of the Algarve.

The Mercado Municipal de Loulé – You’re going to love Loulé if you’re into leather, lace, and copper – make your way to the most emblematic market of the Algarve, the municipal Saturday market on R. José Fernandes Guerreiro 34. It’s also the largest covered market in southern Portugal.
Stroll through the winding lanes of Loulé’s historic district.
Visit the Gothic Church, the Igreja Matriz de São Clemente. The bell tower was originally a minaret and is the only mosque construction from the Moorish era (8 – 12th century) that is still standing in Portugal.

Visit the medieval convent of Do Espirito Santo (Holy Spirit), now housing the Municipal Art Gallery. It was constructed in the early 1800s, but following the earthquake of 1755, it required extensive renovations.
Set foot inside the 16th-century Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Conceiço, a beautiful little church with stunning gold decor and eye-catching blue and white tile details.
Go to the local museum to observe the Islamic influence across the area.

Best hotel stays in Loulé

Situated in Downtown Loulé only 400 m from the market, the Downtown Loulé Boutique Hotel is well placed for the keen explorer.

Where and what to eat in Loulé

Above: The colorful José Fernandes Guerreiro Street near the famous market.

Above: If you’re looking for seafood, hop in at Restaurant O Pescador.

Above: For the best pizzas head on over to Daje Pizzeria Artigianale on R. Ascensão Guimarães 84.

Ferragudo

This gorgeous fishing village is only 2 km from Portimão.

By foot, it’s 3.5 km which will take you about 45 minutes, and worth every step. You can always catch a bus (9 minutes ride) or a taxi (5 minutes’ drive) back!

Sagres

Sagres is one of the hidden gems with a working harbor and a fabulous coastline that is ideal for beach adventures.

Top attractions in Sagres include:

Beautiful lighthouses: Cape Saint Vincent, Farol do Cabo Sao Vicente.
Beaches: Martinhal Beach, Mareta Beach.
Historic Sites: Fortaleza de Sagres, Fort of Santo António de Belixe.

Piers & Boardwalks: Porto da Baleeira.
Churches & Cathedrals: Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça.
On the Water: Sea Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Boat cruises, Dolphin and whale watching, Eco tours.

Algarve Activities, Cruises, Day Trips

Mind-blowingly beautiful Benagil Caves in Portugal's Algarve

(About 2h30m from Lisbon)

The Benagil Cave is more than 20 million years old. It’s about 200 m during low tide, starting from Praia de Benagil.

Access rules for the Benagil Caves, Algarve

It’s official! The access rules are all about protecting the caves and ensuring everyone stays safe.

No more hopping onto the sand inside the Benagil cave, whether you’re on your own or with a tour. And swimming or floating around in the caves is a big no-no too. Plus, you can’t rent a kayak to explore the caves by yourself anymore – you need a guide.

They’re also limiting the number of boats and kayaks that can be in the caves at once, and how long you can hang out there. And, there has to be one kayak with a guide for every six kayaks with regular people on tours.

With so many things to do and such an immense variety too, the Algarve coastline is well worth a visit. This southernmost region of Portugal is an amazing variety of fishing villages, golf resorts, sandy coves, villas, hotels, restaurants, bars, spectacular cliffs, and much more.