The best places to visit in the Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is a destination that you can visit time and time again and never be bored! Stay in a different town, explore new beaches and discover a different side to this vast coastal region every time you return. We did exactly this! In our most recent trip, we spent a whole month touring the best places to visit in the Algarve and we’ve assembled a list so you can do the same.

The Algarve destinations on our list have something for everyone, from amazing beaches and coastal scenery to quaint Portuguese towns, nature parks and lively tourist centres. They span the full length of the coastline, from east to west, so plan carefully. You can visit some of them on the same day.

Read on for inspiration on the best places to visit in the Algarve, Portugal.

Ferragudo

Ferragudo is a small fishing village that’s somewhat overshadowed by neighbouring Portimao and Praia Da Rocha, which are some of the Algarve’s most popular destinations. Visit Ferragudo on a morning and you’ll see fishermen returning with the daily catch. You can then wander into its old town, which is full of whitewashed buildings, narrow, cobbled streets and beautiful arrays of flowers. The small bars and cafes here were some of our favourites in all the places we travelled to on Portugal’s south coast.

Other things to see and do in Ferragudo include a beach-side castle, some excellent hidden beaches and the Old Village of Ferragudo, a residential area with colourful streets and houses.

Farol da Ponta do Altar and Torrado Beach

If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten track place to visit, drive from Ferragudo town to the coastline and park up at the lighthouse. Unknown to many tourists, this area features some of the best coastline in the Algarve. The dramatic golden cliffs, rock stacks and hidden caves of this area will take your breath away! Peer out from the lighthouse, walk along the edge of the cliffside and head down to Torrado Beach. The beach is only accessible by boat or via the cliffside, so it’s often completely empty.

Farol da Ponta do Altar and Torrado Beach is a great place to visit in the Algarve for those that want an adventurous hike.

Faro

Faro is the historic capital of Portugal’s Algarve region. The location of the region’s main airport, it’s a well-connected and central place to visit. White-washed buildings, narrow cobbled street, beautiful churches and authentic restaurants make it one of the most traditional Portuguese towns in the Algarve. It attracts many tourists, but it’s also a key residential and cultural spot for locals.

Faro is a great place to stay for those that want a picturesque Portuguese town with lots going on. Otherwise, you can visit for half a day to see everything it has to offer. A bustling old town centre, marina, fortress and many old, historic buildings are the main sites to see in Faro. It’s also a great place to shop or grab a bite to eat. The shopping centre to the north of town is full of popular high street brands, whilst the old town centre has a plethora of independent shops and restaurants.

Rio Formosa Nature Park

Right next to Faro you’ll find Rio Formosa Nature Park. The park is unlike any of the other places to visit in the Algarve on our list. Filled with an abundance of nature, wildlife and some excellent walking and cycling trails, it’s the perfect place for some exercise with a view. Rio Formosa has a series of wooden walkways that stretch the full length of the park. You’ll get up close to turtles, flamingos and many other birds. You’ll also experience some excellent views of planes taking off and landing in Faro Airport.

Rio Formosa Nature Park is one of our favourite Algarve destinations. It’s unlike anywhere else and we highly recommend adding it to your list.

Vila Real De SantO Antonio

Many people visit the Algarve and venture west, but very few tourists head to the far east. Vila Real De Santo Antonio is the Algarve’s eastern-most town, located right on the border with Spain. It’s a quiet, cultural place to visit, with very few tourists. At its centre, you’ll find a charming old town square with a pretty church, a market, and several cafes, restaurants and independent shops. You’ll also find a marina and long walking promenade. This is where you can catch a ferry to Spain for the day, or simply go for a scenic stroll. If you look out across the mouth of the river, you’ll see the Spanish town of Ayamonte.

Another top thing to do in Vila Real De Santo Antonio is to get a ferry boat up the Guadiana River to the town of Alcoutim. Visiting both destinations in one day is an excellent excursion from the east Algarve.

Silves

Whilst most cities in the Algarve are located on its coastline, Silves is further inland. Surrounded by hills and with a picturesque river stream running through its centre, it’s one of the region’s most historic towns. Narrow streets of cafes and shops, colourful old buildings and some magnificent churches make Silves a nice place for a day of sightseeing.

The top attraction to see in Silves is its castle, which stands at the very top of the hillside. The castle has a lot of history and some excellent views of the town below. Other top sites to check out include a nice park area, the old town centre, and an old Roman bridge. We recommend pairing a visit to Silves with a wine tasting tour in the nearby valley.

Sand City

Noted as being the largest sand sculpture park in the world, the Algarve’s Sandy City is a unique place to visit if you fancy a break from the beaches. Just like you’d see on a beach promenade, the sculptures here have been created completely from sand. The quality of the sculpture work here is world-class, and the park is large enough, you could spend an hour or two wondering around looking at the sand creations.

Sand sculptures are split into different themed areas, ranging from Ancient Greece and Egypt, to Asia, European countries and a series of popular TV shows and films. We were surprised to see realistic Star Wars, Simpsons, Marvel Avengers and Harry Potter sculptures, amongst many more.

Armação de Pêra

Armação de Pêra is a buzzing beach town that sometimes slips under the radar as a place to stay and visit in the Algarve. With fewer crowds than the likes of Lagos and Albufeira and a more traditional Portuguese beach town atmosphere, the town is perfect for a beach day. In fact, it’s surrounded by some of the best beaches in the Algarve. The long beach promenade is the star of the show in Armação de Pêra. You can hire a sun lounger for the day or sit back and enjoy a drink with a view in a coastal-view restaurant.

Alongside the beaches, there are several old churches, an old town area, and plenty of bars, shops and restaurants. It’s a great place for dining and we always find restaurant prices to be very affordable.

Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha

Located right next to Armação de Pêra, Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha is a beach you just must visit. It’s surrounded by golden cliffs; a wedding chapel looks down at the sand below and the bay area is shielded from the crashing waves. Look at our pictures and you’ll see how idyllic this beach destination is! We recommend visiting Armação de Pêra in the morning and then venturing to Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha in the afternoon. It’s a great place to relax, swim or hike.

Cape of São Vicente– The end of Europe

Whilst in the Sagres area, you must stop by the Cape of Saint Vincent, also known as the edge of Europe. It’s the western most part of the European continent before heading across the Atlantic to North America. Dramatic cliffs, fierce winds and an old lighthouse make the cape one of the most scenic spots in the Algarve. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see powerful waves crashing against the cliffside. More often than not, the cape is shrouded by sea fog, creating an ominous, mysterious atmosphere.

Praia Da Falesia

Yet another beach on our list but one you can’t miss, Praia Da Falesia is one the Algarve’s finest and longest beaches. It stretches all the way from Vilamoura to Olhos de Água and is pristinely maintained. Some areas of the beach have hundreds of loungers and umbrellas you can hire. There’s also a beach club, restaurant, and toilet and shower facilities. Other areas of Praia Da Falesia are completely untouched, and you’ll need to bring a towel with you.

In our opinion Praia Da Falesia is one of the best beaches for those that want a relaxing beach day with plenty of facilities. It never feels too crowded, and you’ll always get a lounger as there are hundreds to choose from.

Quarteira

Quarteira is a sleepy little fishing village that has evolved into a tourist hotspot. Located just along the road from the larger and livelier Vilamoura, Quarteira is a top place to stay for those that want a quieter beach holiday. It’s also a nice place to visit in the Algarve for a beach day. Stop by Quarteira for a wonder around the shops and market, or to hire a sun lounger and kick back on the beach. There isn’t a lot to see in the town, but the beach, promenade and selection of restaurants make it a nice place for an afternoon of relaxation.

We recommend pairing a visit to Quarteira with the nearby Vilamoura. They’re very different to each other.

Loule

Loule is one of the best places to visit in the Algarve if you want to experience local Portuguese town life, rich history and some excellent cafes. It’s known for its grand castle, which overlooks town from the top of a hill. It also boasts a charming old town full of shops, cafes, restaurants and stalls, a bustling indoor market, and an endless number of colourful, narrow alleyways.

When we visited Loule, we were lucky to stop by on the date of a major festival. Colourful banners lit up the streets, there were a variety of stalls and exhibits, and live bands played throughout town. If you like history and traditional Portuguese towns, you’ll love Loule. It’s excellent for sightseeing!

Luz

Welcome to sleepy Algarve beach town of Luz, where you’ll find a scenic promenade, a long sandy beach and a quiet, old tourist centre. Luz, known by many as Praia da Luz, has long been a favourite beach holiday destination for European travellers that want to relax in an affordable apartment and spend their days on the beach. It’s a charming, laid back and relaxing place to be.

Admittedly, there isn’t a great deal to see and do in Luz. However, it’s worth visiting for those that fancy a quieter beach town experience away from the crowds of nearby Lagos. Have a drink in one of the coastal restaurants, hire a sun lounger on the beach or go for a sunset walk along the promenade.

Cacela Velha

We’ve been to many beaches in the Algarve, but none of them are as visually stunning as Cacelha Velha. It’s Algarve raw nature at its very best! The beach is unique in the fact it’s on an island away from the mainland. When the tide is low, you can walk across the bay to the barren white sands of the island’s beach. It can be a bit of a hike and there aren’t any facilities on the beach, but the scenery on the way is stunning.

If you’d prefer to capture the beauty of Cacela Velha from afar, drive to Cacela Velha town and look out at the beach from the church viewpoint. The castle ruins in front of the beach makes for some excellent photos.

Lagos’ amazing beaches

There are many stretches of beaches in the Algarve, but Lagos is known to have the best selection. They typically have a towering cliff faces that descend to small coves. The scenery is simply breath-taking! We recommend a mini tour of some of the best beaches in the area. Here are some of our favourites:

Praia do Camilo – 200 steps lead you down to a sheltered sandy beach. A tall cliff face, arches and caves create a sheltered, small cove that’s great for swimming. This beach is regarded as being one of the best in Europe.

Praia dos Estudantes – Located a short walk from Lagos Old Town, Praia dos Estudantes is surprisingly picturesque for a city beach. Towering golden cliffs surround the sand and there’s always lots going on. Look out for the old Roman Bridge that divides this beach with Praia do Dona Ana.

Praia do Canavial – Praia do Canavial is a much longer beach that’s popular with the locals. It has a beach bar, plenty of space to relax and a couple of secluded coves and caves.

WATCH OUR ALGARVE TRAVEL VIDEO ON THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT

Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is not only one of the best places to visit in the Algarve; it’s a contender for the number one attraction. This intricate complex of caves, small lagoons, archways and cliffs make for some outstanding scenery. It’s a popular tourist spot for those that want epic photos, but it also provides an adventurous day out.

The best way to see Ponta da Piedade is by boat. Kayaks, speed boat tours and other small watercraft allow you to get up close and personal with the cave openings and manoeuvre amongst the rocks. Rather than booking a boat tour from Lagos town, we recommend heading to Ponta da Piedade yourself and paying for a private cave tour at the base of the cliff. It’s a much better experience than the group boat tours and is a similar price.

Alvor

Alvor is a former fishing village that has been transformed into a beach holiday destination. It has all the shops, bars and restaurants you’ll find in other resorts, but the town has a distinctive Portuguese appearance. It has a long promenade with some cool metal sculptures, rows of palm trees and some excellent bakeries.

Confeitaria d’Alvor bakery is an essential stop off point for a sweet treat. Their Pastel de Nata is some of the best you’ll find! Just down the road from the bakery is a beautiful church called Igreja Matriz da Alvor, which was built in the 1520s. Once you’ve finished wandering around town, take a long walk across the Alvor boardwalk. It leads across the river estuary and onward to the beach. Alvor is a beautiful little town with so much to offer and is definitely worth paying a visit!

Benagil Caves

There’s a very good chance you’ve seen a photo of Benagil Cave. It has been featured in every Instagram photo, travel brochure and Algarve visitors’ guide, famous for its wide circular cave opening. This huge cave has been carved out of the rugged cliffs and an opening has formed at its top, causing rays of sunlight to cascade into the cave.

There are two ways to explore Benagil caves. The first is by walking down a short cliffside trail and standing on top of cliff face, peering down into the cave. The second, and the most popular, is by accessing Benagil on a boat tour.

Praia da Marinha Beach

Just down the road from Benagil Cave is Praia da Marinha. It’s a beach that’s widely regarded as one of the best in Portugal and has topped many ‘world’s best beaches’ lists. You’ll need a car to get here, and we found the beach to be a lot less crowded than others. Just arrive early as there’s limited parking.

Walk down the wooden staircase to a secluded golden cove. Here you’ll find a small beach bar and perfectly golden sands. Go for a swim in the sea, relax in the sun, or explore the cliffside caves and coves.

Carvoeiro

If you’re still not done with adventure after a day exploring Bengail Caves and Praia da Marinha, drive further west to the quaint beach town of Carvoeiro. As a growing expat town, Carvoeiro has a lot to offer! Start your visit with a scenic coastal walk along Algor Seco boardwalk. The views of the sea are something special.

Inside town, you’ll find white-washed and colourful buildings, all looking out at Carvoeiro Beach. The town has a good selection of bars, restaurants and independent shops and has a typical beach resort atmosphere.

Costa Vicente National Park – Aljezur and Odeceixe

We were shocked to hear that Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano, also known as Costa Vicente, is one of the least visited areas of the Algarve. Although it can be quite a drive to get there from a lot of Algarve towns, we encourage anyone reading this to make the trip. The West-Algarve Costa Vicente coastline is much unlike the rest of the region. As a protected national park, you won’t find many built up towns and structures. It’s mainly made up of vast cliffsides, sand dunes and empty beaches.

One of the main differences with the beaches here are how wild the waves are compared to the calmer south coast. Aggressive waves pound the shorelines, creating some cool scenery, but also a surfer’s paradise. It’s a popular place for sports competitions and wellness retreats.

Whilst you can visit anywhere in the national park and experience its beauty, we recommend exploring the town of Aljezur, with its picturesque castle. Next, drive onward to the beach town of Odeceixe to see one of the area’s best beaches.

Monchique

Monchique is one of the best places to visit in the Algarve if you like quaint towns that give you a feel of local life. It’s one of the few destinations on our list that’s located inland, deep within the mountains. Miradouro viewpoint is the place to start any visit to Monchique. It provides panoramic views over the elevated town and mountain backdrop.

The town itself is best explored on foot. Wander the colourful streets browsing gift shops, cafes, historic churches, and even a working convent. It feels very different to elsewhere in the Algarve; so much so that English isn’t very widely spoken. Just outside of Monchique is a challenging hiking route and several walking trails, so bring along some sturdy trainers.

Tavira

Tavira is one of the most charming places to visit in the Algarve. It has retained its traditional Portuguese façade, with white-washed stone buildings, colourful doors and window shutters and several old bridges. The river setting of Tavira makes it one of the region’s most romantic destinations.

The top things to see and do on a daytrip to Tavira include several historic churches, a towering castle that overlooks town. There’s also the old town centre, which is full of corner cafes and bakeries. Visit on a weekend you may be lucky to catch a festival or live music. There’s always something going on in the summer months.

Olhão

Just down the road from Tavira and very close to Faro is Olhao, a bustling fishing town that doesn’t feel very touristic at all. See how the locals live and take in the atmosphere of this surprisingly active town. There’s a lot going on for its size! Take a stroll along the promenade to the marina, sample fresh food at the market or get lost amongst the narrow streets. There are some amazing restaurants, cafes and bakeries to check out. We had some of our best meals here!

Plan to spend a few hours wandering around Olhao at your leisure. We recommend combining your visit with Tavira and exploring both towns in one full day.

Sagres

Sagres is one of Portugal’s top surfing destinations. Located at the far west of the Algarve, the town is the perfect place to experience a laid-back surf culture, featuring some excellent coffee shops and beachwear boutiques. The top attraction here is Sagres Fortress, which is perched on top of the cliffside, looking out at the ocean. This magnificent 16^th fortress has built up fortifications that you can walk around, a series of cannon batteries and some excellent viewpoints of the coastline.

The Sagres area has many great beaches, but our recommendation is Praia do Beliche, which is extremely popular with surfers. The waves are powerful, and the bay area is secluded from Sagres’ harsh wind.

Cape of São Vicente – The end of Europe

Whilst in the Sagres area, you must stop by the Cape of Saint Vincent, also known as the edge of Europe. It’s the western most part of the European continent before heading across the Atlantic to North America. Dramatic cliffs, fierce winds and an old lighthouse make the cape one of the most scenic spots in the Algarve. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see powerful waves crashing against the cliffside. More often than not, the cape is shrouded by sea fog, creating an ominous, mysterious atmosphere.

Lagos Town

We spent 4 months in Lagos, and it became a second home. It’s one of the bigger towns in the Algarve, with a local population of 30,000. Therefore, you can visit year-round and still have plenty going on. Lagos Old Town is the heart of the action, made up of bustling squares, old churches and a colourful collection of houses, cafes and bars. The variety of shops is also very good, ranging from high-street fashion to local gift shops.

Alongside the old town, you have the remnants of a 1000+ year-old castle and a long promenade that leads to a medieval fortress. Walk to the other side of the promenade and you’ll reach Lagos Marina, which is large marina that’s full of luxury yachts and tourist excursion boats.

Lagos is well worth seeing any day of the week and you’re spoilt for choice at the number of restaurants and bar options. It particularly comes alive on an evening! Check out our guide to Lagos here for more tips on the best places to stay, eat, drink and visit.

Portimão

Portimão is the second largest town in the Algarve and its centre is a compact collection of working locals, with fewer tourists compared to other destinations. Most visitors simply pass-through town on their way to its beach area, Praia da Rocha. Whilst the old centre of Portimão doesn’t have a huge amount to see and do, it’s still worth visiting if you want to experience a less touristic town.

Take a stroll along the promenade and admire the boasts, enjoy an ice cream on a park bench or wander the old streets. The churches, houses and small shops are just as pretty as anywhere else in the Algarve. Wall art, cool sculptures and flower arrangements all add to its charm.

Another reason to visit Portimão is for its shopping mall. Aqua Portimão Shopping Centre has plenty of international fashion brands to outfit you with new holiday clothes.

Praia da Rocha

We’ve already mentioned a lot of amazing beaches in our guide, but the list isn’t complete without Praia da Rocha. It’s one of the Algarve’s most well-known beach destinations and is the location of several music festivals. It’s one of the most developed beaches in the Algarve, with a sprawling boardwalk of restaurants and bars. Visit Praia Da Rocha during the day for a comfortable afternoon relaxing on the beach. Visit on an evening for a lively nightlife scene.

You may also be interested in the area’s signature beach club, No Solo Agua. DJ events, great food and drinks, and a swimming pool by the beach make it a hotspot for sun seekers.

Albufeira Old Town

Albufeira needs no introduction! It’s the most popular Algarve destination for holiday seekers and has an abundance of hotels, restaurants, bars and activities. If you’re not already staying in Albufeira, it could be worth a visit. Sure, it’s packed with tourists in the summer months, but its old town is still charming and there’s a lot to see and do.

Dive deep into Albufeira Old Town and wander the streets at your own pace. Enjoy a drink in a small café, browse the shops and visit the beachfront. Often, the back-street restaurants and bars in Albufeira are cheaper and better than those in the main square. Our favourite part of Albufeira is the long coastal walk to Albufeira marina. It’s slightly outside of town so it provides a good morning or sunset walk. Once the sun goes down, Albufeira becomes one of the Algarve’s biggest nightlife spots. It’s a lot livelier than other resort towns.

Vilamoura Marina

As a purpose-built tourist town, Vilamoura has an abundance of luxury hotels, brunch restaurants and super-yachts. It has a higher-end resort vibe and many Brits flock to the town for a lavish holiday. Whilst it feels rather touristic and lacks Portuguese tradition, it has a stunning marina, the largest in the Algarve. A walk around the marina is the highlight of any visit. You can also enjoy a drink or lunch with a view. Countless bars and restaurants overlook the docked-up yachts.

Another reason to visit Vilamoura is for a game of golf. The outskirts of town are surrounded by award winning golf courses and spa retreats. We recommend allocating at least half a day to see everything Vilamoura has to offer. It’s a great place to visit in the Algarve for lunch or dinner.

That concludes our list of the best places to visit in the Algarve. We hope we inspired you with daytrip ideas for an upcoming visit and you can now experience the best of what the south of Portugal has to offer. If you have any questions about any of the places we’ve featured, be sure to post a comment below.