Issues to Do and Sights

Portugal’s sun-kissed southern area has lengthy lured guests with its golden-cliff-backed seashores, breathtaking bays and laid-back lifestyle. However, as I’ve found through the previous 5 years residing right here – and on many visits earlier than – one of the best locations to go to within the Algarve, Portugal, aren’t solely confined to the coast.

From lounging on idyllic island seashores and exploring castle-crowned cities to mountaineering alongside epic clifftop trails and enjoyable in a mountain spa, there are quite a few issues to do within the Algarve aside from visiting the seashores. 

In fact, it’s inconceivable to suit each spot and exercise right into a weblog submit – even after I’m writing entire guidebooks for the area, it’s a squeeze. So, on this checklist of one of the best locations within the Algarve to go to, I’ve targeted on the area’s foremost locations, which cowl many of the Algarve’s prime experiences for first-time guests or these returning for a second go to.

Listed below are one of the best issues to do within the Algarve, damaged down by locations to go to – with just a few of my ‘native ideas’ that can assist you plan an epic journey to southern Portugal.

Finest issues to do within the Algarve FAQs

Earlier than diving into my ideas of the ten finest locations to go to within the Algarve and what to do there, listed below are just a few of probably the most often requested questions I get about planning a visit to the Algarve.

The Seven Hanging Valleys Path and Benagil Cave

To hike the clifftop, kayak into sea caves and loosen up on spectacular seashores

When I’ve pals visiting, that is the one factor to do within the Algarve that I all the time advocate – hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Path or the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos, because it’s identified in Portuguese.

A few of the finest locations to go to within the Algarve might be discovered alongside this stretch of shoreline, such because the award-winning Praia da Marinha – one in every of Portugal’s most stunning seashores – the customarily crowded Benagil Cave, and lots of extra smaller sandy bays.

The cliff-top path connects Praia da Marinha to Praia de Vale Centeanes on a six-kilometre linear route of primarily dust terrain with some descents and climbs. Personally, I’d counsel making the path even longer and persevering with to Carvoeiro, the place you’ll be able to admire the Algar Seco rock formations. Or, to increase the opposite finish, enterprise so far as Nossa Senhora da Rocha, the place a church-capped cliff juts into the ocean between two seaside bays.

Alongside the route, you’ll discover one of many Algave’s most well-known sights, the Benagil Cave. Whereas there isn’t a denying this grotto seaside with a sky-light gap is breathtaking, the fixed stream of boats in summer season (and even the low season) has taken its toll, which makes this very touristed location tougher to take pleasure in nowadays. That stated, you’ll seemingly nonetheless need to go to, so these are my ideas.

Firstly, you’ll be able to ebook boat excursions to the cave from numerous spots alongside the coast – which might be perfect should you’re staying additional away. Nevertheless, boats aren’t legally allowed to go on the caves seaside. So, should you want to go into the cave and have entry to the seaside, you’ll need to ebook a kayak tour alongside the coast or, even higher, rent kayaks from the seaside close by once you arrive.

One of the simplest ways to expertise the cave with only a few guests is to return at dawn earlier than the kayak leases, and tour boats begin for the day. For this, nonetheless, you’ll need to have collected your kayak rental the day earlier than or convey your individual. Should you’d choose to discover the coast however see some much less touristy spots, think about an different Algarve sea cave tour.

Ria Formosa: to lounge on the islands

To island hop, lounge on the idyllic seashores, and devour seafood

Spanning some 60 kilometres throughout the central Algarve’s coast, the Ria Formosa, a labyrinth of lagoons, salinas (salt pans), marshes, barrier islands and dunes, is without doubt one of the finest locations within the Algarve to go to.

A well-deserved member of the ‘7 Pure Wonders of Portugal’, this protected pure park can also be a haven for wildlife. Mediterranean Chameleons, hen recognizing – particularly the seasonal flamingos – and loads of seahorses name this a part of the Algarve house, whereas dolphins are sometimes sighted somewhat additional out.

A few of the finest issues to do within the Algarve might be discovered throughout the Ria Formosa’s huge space. Hop between the idyllic and exquisite islands to lounge on the smooth sands, kayak within the tranquil inside lagoon waters, or set off by bike or on foot to the salt pans’ trails.

There are loads of completely different boat excursions accessible to tour the Ria Formosa, though all of them fluctuate in high quality and environmental credentials.

Corporations I often advocate are Ocean Vibes which provides a dolphin and wildlife recognizing tour led by the super-passionate marine biologist Alfredo, and Photo voltaic Boat excursions, that are significantly good for hen watching, because the boats are near-silent in comparison with conventional motorised vessels.

Nonetheless, you don’t have to take a tour to benefit from the island’s seashores, as public ferries present a extra reasonably priced possibility. For Cultura and Farol, embark in Olhao; for Deserta, depart from Faro; and for Ilha de Tavira, board in Tavira. You can too entry some island seashores like Barril by a bridge somewhat than by boat, whereas one of the best viewpoint of the Ria Formosa is discovered from above on the tiny village of Cacelha. 

For one thing somewhat extra particular, you’ll be able to even keep on a few of these islands at this bungalow-style lodging, onboard this houseboat, or at Ilha de Tavira’s municipal tenting web site.

Tavira

To expertise a extra laid-back and charming Algarve, go to museums, and spot flamingos in salt pans

Tavira has lengthy been one in every of my favorite locations to go to within the Algarve, and fortunately, it hasn’t modified as a lot as a few of the area’s extra touristy locations.

Set barely again from the coast, Tavira flanks the Gilão River. This physique of water spills out into the Ria Formosa, passing salt pans and seasonal flamingos en route. An affordable ferry boat will take you down the river and out to the city’s island seaside.

The primary purpose to go to Tavira although – past simply absorbing a barely extra ‘genuine’ Algarve is to see some heritage buildings and go to Tavira museums. Often known as a city of church buildings – there are 37 of them – there isn’t a scarcity of heritage buildings to admire, such because the transformed Convento de Tavira, now a luxurious lodge.

Different issues to do within the Algarve’s city of Tavira embody visiting the Ponte Velha, an historic bridge typically mistaken for Roman, studying concerning the area’s Moorish historical past on the Núcleo Museológico Islâmico, and taking within the panoramas from the citadel ruins atop the city.

Lagos

To comply with the cliff path to the awe-inspiring Ponta de Piedade after which social gathering all night time

If you wish to pattern (practically) all the finest issues to do within the Algarve in a single place, you’ll be able to’t go improper with a go to or keep in Lagos.

The city’s most famed pure attraction is Ponta de Piedade, a dramatic headland of rock formations rising from the ocean. To succeed in one of the best viewpoint of this scene level, you’ll be able to comply with a unfastened clifftop and highway path from the city. En route, you’ll go a few of the Algarve’s most spectacular seashores, similar to Praia dos Estudantes and Praia do Camilo.

On arrival at miradouro (viewpoint), which in itself is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to within the Algarve, a panorama spills out earlier than you. Take the staircase in direction of the fishing boats and descend via the rocks to the water under.

Alternatively, you’ll be able to take a boat journey into the Ponta de Piedade – some excursions additionally embody dolphin recognizing past. Nevertheless, I’d personally counsel taking the kayak journey across the headland as I discovered this way more spectacular as you will get nearer to the cliffs. There are many stands promoting excursions in Lagos, so that you don’t have to ebook prematurely, however it is likely to be advisable should you’re coming throughout the principle vacation seasons.

Within the city itself, you’ll discover loads of nice locations to eat, drink and social gathering contained in the Previous City. There’s additionally some historical past and heritage to find right here, together with the staple church buildings and an completely random assortment within the Museum of Lagos. Most harrowing is the historical past of the Mercado de Escravos, the positioning of Europe’s first slave market; simply don’t anticipate the area to share the complete story or horrors of Portugal’s colonial previous, it’s sadly missing in context.

Faro

For historical past, tradition and museums, plus a extra native metropolis life

Travellers typically skip the Algarve’s capital metropolis of Faro because it’s often seen as an airport gateway somewhat than among the best locations within the Algarve to go to in its personal proper, particularly for a winter metropolis break in Europe.

Whereas I used to be additionally responsible of this after I began holidaying right here a few years in the past, since residing within the Algarve, I’ve realised what a mistake that was. The town now solely has a gorgeous Previous City (Cidade Velha), however you will discover a few of the finest issues to do within the Algarve in and across the regional capital.

You should definitely discover the Previous City’s cobbled streets. Dip into the Municipal Museum inside a former convent to study extra about Moorish and Roman previous earlier than climbing the cathedral tower to admire the view. A lot of the mediaeval partitions stay, and you’ll circle this on the lagoon-facing waterfront.

A brief drive or bus journey from Faro, you’ll discover loads extra historic sights too, together with the superbly renovated Palace of Estoi – you’ll be able to truly keep there – and even some Roman villa ruins.

Different issues to do in Faro embody visiting town’s island seaside, a 20-minute bus journey away, having fun with some wonderful bars and eating places – private ideas embody Los Locos and Epicur wine bar – and heading out on dolphin-watching boat journeys.

Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente

To surf and see the sundown on the ‘finish of Europe’

Portugal has lengthy been a haven for surfers, and Sagres is the place to be on the south coast. Not solely is that this among the best locations within the Algarve to go to to journey the swell, however there are loads extra journey actions, similar to coasteering experiences leaping from close by cliffs.

Should you’re not a surfer, then worry not, there may be an abundance of fantastic surf faculties to study at in and round Sagres. You’ll additionally discover just a few of the opposite finest issues to do within the Algarve right here, similar to visiting the Fifteenth-century Fortaleza de Sagres (Sagres Fortress) and venturing to the rugged headland the place Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse dutifully overlooks the tough Atlantic waves. 

Whereas that is typically mistaken for probably the most westerly level of mainland Europe, that title truly goes to Cabo da Roca, nearer to Lisbon. Nevertheless, even when it doesn’t maintain the accolade, catching the sundown over the cliffs right here remains to be one of many prime issues to do within the Algarve.

Nearer to the city, the Fort makes for an attention-grabbing sight when you’ve gone past the imposing partitions. There are some outdated constructing ruins right here, similar to a small church and oddities, together with a big ground-level compass and a wave-echoing ‘maze’.
A brand new customer centre opened in late 2022 sharing extra particulars on Henry the Navigator and the Age of Discovery – Portugal’s seafaring and colonising years – and the encircling space.

Monchique

For verdant-hill mountaineering, waterfalls and thermal-spring spas

Between the Algarve coast and the neighbouring area of Alentejo, hills rise slowly earlier than turning into mountain ranges. The Serra de Monchique is the very best and most notable and offers a verdant playground – a far cry from the coastal resort cities.

Should you’re in search of mountaineering trails and serene surroundings, then you definately’ll discover a few of the most lively issues to do within the Algarve in these elements. The area’s highest peak, Fóia, tops out at simply over 900 metres and might be reached by automobile. You’ll have spectacular panoramas throughout the Algarve and the Atlantic Ocean on a transparent day.

You’ll additionally discover some first rate half-day and full-day hikes right here, perfect in order for you a day within the mountains. The path to the Barbelote Waterfall is my favorite of the loop routes and begins and ends close to Fóia.

Caldas de Monchique is without doubt one of the Algarve’s finest locations to go to. Since Roman occasions, folks have retreated right here to utilize the high-alkaline thermal waters for rest. Villa Termal Spa Resort has a keep or spa bundle, whereas the close by springs make for an excellent strolling and picnicking space.

Costa Vicentina

To tackle a long-distance mountaineering path or recognize windswept seashores

There’s no denying that the seashores are often one of the best locations to go to within the Algarve. But, whereas the central coast close to Benagil and Albufeira and scenic factors round Lagos get a lot of the eye, the Algarve’s West Coast – the Costa Vicentina – shouldn’t be missed.

This wild and windswept land is the place you’ll discover me after I need to clear my head or take pleasure in a seaside stroll with fewer footsteps within the sand. In some way it stays one thing of a ‘hidden Europe’ seaside vacation spot.

It’s additionally a wonderful place to return for these typical issues to do within the Algarve; browsing, topping up your tan and mountaineering. The Rota Vicentina compromises two multi-day mountaineering trails – one coastal and one inland – which traverse the boundaries of the Algarve and the Alentejo area. There are additionally loads of shorter one-day routes you’ll be able to take. Should you don’t fancy strapping in your boats, the attractive and secluded bays and seashores make for an excellent highway journey.

There’s additionally some idyllic lodging alongside this stretch. Whereas surf lodges characteristic closely, you’ll additionally discover some ocean-view hostels and loads of rural lodging, similar to this hidden-away reclaimed whitewashed village, which was as soon as left to break, however lately saved by a co-op of particular person buyers.

Albufeira

For a energetic Previous City, late night time antics and extra superior seashores

To be sincere, I’m not an enormous fan of Albufeira itself. Whereas for a lot of, that is one of the best place to go to within the Algarve – therefore there being so many resorts in Albufeira – I discover it somewhat too touristy and overdeveloped nowadays. It’s arduous to think about it was as soon as a fishing village.

That stated, it’s straightforward to see why so many individuals do adore it – and Albufeira stays the ‘tourism capital’ of the area – so it’s inconceivable to exclude it from this checklist. Primarily as a result of most of the hottest issues to do within the Algarve, similar to day excursions, boat journeys, and seaside days, might be simply accessed from right here.

Most notable is the Previous City, the place a barely conventional theme stays. Again from the seaside, pleasant family-run tabernas are nonetheless working, whereas a small archaeological museum offers a peek into the previous. On the flip aspect, you might have the Strip – a revelry-heavy run of late-night social gathering joints – which has oddly made Albufeira a vacation spot for each households and stag events.

Nonetheless, Albufeira hasn’t wholly been misplaced to tourism, and a few of the Algarve’s finest seashores are discovered close by, such because the huge and copper-cliff-backed Praia da Falésia and the picturesque bays round Praia dos Arrifes.

A few of the seashores alongside this rugged stretch of coast are solely doable to entry by way of water. If you’d like a extra serene spot of sand, then there are some implausible locally-operated SUP excursions you’ll be able to ebook to discover these bays and coves.

Silves

For the Algarve’s most stunning city and a postcard-perfect citadel

Silves is the place my love for the Algarve began, and now, practically 30 years later, I nonetheless adore this barely inland city. The cliche-ready village, Silves delivers quaint cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings with ochre roofs, and a citadel crowning all of it.

A few of the finest issues to do within the Algarve are concentrated across the space, similar to crusing alongside the river from Portimão to achieve the city and having fun with wine direct from the supply with a winery tasting (it’s often cheaper to ebook direct).

Whereas Silves is probably my favorite place to go to within the Algarve’s inland, however many guests don’t make it to the inland cities. So, it’s the primary inclusion on my checklist of Algarve hidden gems. Give it a learn to find extra of one of the best issues to do within the Algarve, similar to searching out waterfalls, staying in renovated whitewashed villages and palaces, and exploring the stays of Roman villas.

You can too discover extra Portugal journey guides and tips about my devoted Portugal web site – Guide2Portugal.com. Get pleasure from exploring this stunning land I’m fortunate sufficient to name house!