The Algarve is the southernmost part of Portugal, making it the sunniest and warmest part of the country. It's easy to get there with daily flights from Europe to Faro, the area's capital. There is so much to do in the Algarve that it's hard to know where to start. Lucky for you, we've put together a guide to some of the best things to do in the Algarve.
Table of Contents
Top Attractions
1. Explore the Coastline
The Algarve's coastline is beautiful and diverse. As you move from east to west, the coast changes from long sandy beaches and dunes to dramatic cliffs, fascinating caves, and hollowed-out features.
If you are so inclined, you can even do some amazing fishing here. Exploring couldn't be easier, and you can access all the beaches by car.
One of the best tours is based in Lagos. Hop on a boat, drive past the stunning cliffs, explore secluded beaches, and see some of the coastline's fantastic features.
If you're into exploring the coast, then the cliffs of Sagres are hugely dramatic, and a drive to Praia Do Castelejo is a must. You'll cruise down a windy cliff face to find an idyllic beach and a little beachside restaurant with great seafood.
2. Surfing
Portugal is renowned worldwide for its waves; some of the best are found in the Algarve. A prime area for surfing is located around the southwestern tip, near Sagres and Arrifana.
Here, the Atlantic swell hits the rugged coastline on the west and can create some huge waves, but it will also wrap around to the south, meaning you can find smaller waves, too. It's perfect for every level of surfer, whether you're learning or a pro.
The coastline is dotted with surf schools where you can book lessons and hire the needed gear. If you have never tried surfing, Portugal is an excellent place to start.
3. Golfing
If you enjoy hitting the links with your favorite Sunday golf bag, the Algarve is one of the best places in the world to do so. Portugal is one of the most popular European golf destinations and was named the world's best golfing destination in 2014.
Two of the country's top five courses are in the Algarve: San Lorenzo and Monte Rei. The courses are beautiful, with the ocean to the south and mountains to the north; you couldn't ask for better scenery.
There are over forty courses along the coast, each with its own challenges and features. Most of the courses are found near Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, and Vilamoura, and there are more inland if you want to play somewhere more sheltered than by the sea.
4. Go Diving
The Algarve is home to the most extensive artificial reef in the world, aptly named The Ocean Revival Underwater Park. The site was designed by divers who purposely cut routes and paths through four sunken ships. This means you can swim through and explore all four boats, seeing the extraordinary life that now inhabits them.
Conditions in the Algarve provide divers with 300 good days a year, and several dive centers will take you out to the reef. They also offer courses for those who wish to learn or improve their skills.
A good one to support is called SubNauta, based in Portimão. They played a significant role in establishing the Ocean Revival Underwater Park.
5. Explore the Islands Around Faro
The Ria Formosa Natural Park is just outside Faro. It is a series of saltwater waterways, lagoons, and islands that begin in Faro and extend to Tavira in the east.
If you need a car to reach Faro, consider checking Enjoy Travel for car hire; they often offer affordable prices. The park was designed to protect the small, traditional fishing communities and their surrounding wildlife. It is full of birdlife, and the underwater world is alive too.
The best way to explore the waterways is on a boat tour that departs from Faro and costs approximately 30 euros for a four-hour duration. The tour will take you to all the islands and through the beautiful waters and lagoons.
Some of the highlights are relaxing on the beach of Ilha Deserta, the Algarve's quietest and most isolated beach. If you like birds, you'll have the opportunity to see egrets, storks, and pochards all year round, and if you are lucky, migratory birds like flamingos, spoonbills, and wigeons can also be seen.
The tour will also take you to the charming fishing village of Ilha da Culatra, where there are no roads or cars, and you can snorkel in the calm lagoons and see the world's highest concentration of seahorses.
6. Visit Lagos
Lagos is the liveliest town in the western Algarve, home to winding streets of whitewashed houses. Many little shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, and fun nightlife exist. It's a great place to enjoy and experience Portuguese life, but it's also rich in history and boasts stunning beaches.
The town boasts numerous castle walls, historic churches, and museums to explore, as well as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Algarve. The waters are blue and crystal clear, and there are caves, colorful cliffs, and some of the most scenic beaches in the Algarve.
7. Go Sailing
From Vilamoura, you can book a sailing cruise up the Algarve's coast. It's a fantastic way to see the coastline, and there is nothing quite like the feeling of sailing out at sea with the wind in your hair. A few options include a half-day sail or a sunset cruise.
All the options allow you to hop in the sea, relax, and see the famous beaches of Praia da Falésia, Praia de Santa Eulália, and Praia da Oura. The cruises usually last around three hours, and some include drinks. The prices range from € 30 to € 50 per person.
8. Visit a Vineyard
If you didn't already know, Portugal is home to some fantastic wines, and some of the best vineyards are found in the Algarve. Quinta dos Vales is in the western Algarve near Estombar, between Portimão and Lagoa. It is in a stunning rural setting and is an excellent break from the beach.
Quinta dos Vales has an award-winning wine cellar, gorgeous gardens featuring sculptures, and a panoramic terrace. The vineyard grows fifteen different varieties of grapes, which produce a diverse range of red, white, and rosé wines.
A wine-tasting tour allows enthusiasts to taste three of the leading wines from the vineyard or some of the award-winning wines from the Grace Vineyard. Experts are on hand to provide information about the wines and help anyone new to wine tasting. Quinta dos Vales also offers excellent accommodation, a large outdoor pool, and fun cycling and hiking tours.
