The Algarve Travelers Recommend

Nestled on the sun-soaked southern shores of Portugal, the Algarve is a haven of hidden coves, beachside bars, and exciting water sports. Around Albufeira, Aljezur, Portimao, and Lagos, here are a few of the top beaches on the Algarve for sun-seekers and adventure-lovers alike.

Praia da Marinha (Marinha Beach)

Tucked in between Armacao de Pera and Carvoeiro, Praia da Marinha is widely considered among the best beaches in Europe. Rocky outcrops soar skyward from the emerald-blue waters and soft sands stretch along the base of the rugged cliffs. The clear and calm waters of Marinha Beach make it an ideal snorkeling spot.

Praia Dona Ana (Dona Ana Beach)

Located near Lagos, Praia Dona Ana surely ranks among the prettiest in Portugal. It’s surrounded by colorful cliffs, with calm waters and golden sands—an ideal spot for families to relax in the sunshine. Good hiking routes can also be found along the cliff tops, with spectacular coastal views.

Meia Praia

Meia Praia is the Lagos region’s largest beach—yet despite its size, it retains a relaxed charm all of its own. Grassy banks give way to soft sand, and the gently shelving shoreline is ideal for swimming in safety. Even in the height of the Algarve tourist season, you’ll still find a spot on the sand to call your own here.

Praia Batata (Batata Beach)

Tucked beneath the mighty stone walls of 17th-century Bandeira Fort, Praia Batata sits within easy walking distance of Lagos. Batata is great for kayaking because there are no strong currents, though the water is not as clear as it is farther along the coast.

Praia do Camilo (Camilo Beach)

Access Praia do Camilo via a sweeping set of steps that lead down the cliff face—and although it’s a long walk, the views make it more than worthwhile. At Praia do Camilo you can explore two beaches in one, because a tunnel in the rock links two stretches of sand. With crystal-clear waters and plenty of marine life, it’s a popular swimming and snorkeling spot—and as such, it gets crowded in peak season.

Three days in Albufeira lets you do it all. You’ll have time to lounge on some of The Algarve’s best beaches, see wild dolphins on a boat trip on the Atlantic Ocean, escape to the country in an all-terrain vehicle, and spend a day exploring further afield on a trip to Lagos or Sagres. Here’s how.

Day 1: Caves, Coastline, and Countryside

Devote day one to the natural attractions of Albufeira, both on land and at sea. Boat tours are a great way to escape the city’s crowds and increase your chances of spotting wild bottlenose dolphins. Tours typically pass secluded beaches such as Praia da Marinha—voted the best beach in The Algarve—and the Bengali Caves, one of Portugal’s most famous sea caves. Alternatively, you can get off the beaten path on a Jeep safari tour, many of which visit a historic castle, fruit plantations, and elevated lookout points—and include tastings of Portuguese delicacies such as medronho, a local spirit, and honey. Get back on a boat for a sunset cruise with live music and open bar, or stay on land to enjoy classic Portuguese dishes at a restaurant in Albufeira Marina.

Day 2: Day Trip in The Algarve

Spend your second day exploring further afield. Albufeira boasts a prime location in the center of the region, making it easy to explore either the western or easter part of The Algarve on a day trip. Head west to see the medieval hilltop castle of Silves, the sea cliffs and crashing waves of Sagres—one of Europe’s surfing capitals—and the glitzy marina of Lagos, or go east to discover the traditional village of Tavira and the historic Old Town of Faro. Tour options from Albufeira are plentiful and allow you to skip the stress of renting a car. Most tours include a traditional Portuguese lunch and round-trip transfers from your hotel.

Day 3: Beaches and Bars

Kick off your final day with adrenaline-fuelled activities, such as parasailing or jet-skiing. If you’re after something a little less extreme, opt for a stand-up paddleboard tour of the coastline, or spend a few hours soaking up the sun on some of the region’s best beaches, which include Praia Gale, Praia dos Salgados, and Armacao de Pera beach—all of these are a short drive from the center of Albufeira. If you’re travelling with kids in tow, spend the day either at Zoomarine, a water theme park with aquarium, or Splash & Slide water park.

End your time in Albufeira on a tour that appreciates the food and wine of the region. The Algarve’s warm climate produces grapes, oranges, and vine tomatoes in abundance. Indulge a love of wine during a tasting tour and discover new flavors during a food-focused experience dedicated to small plates.

With its lively marina, rugged coastline, and golden sand beaches, it’s no wonder that Albufeira is one of Portugal’s top holiday resort cities. Perfect for families, the resort has opportunities for relaxation and exploration in equal measure. Here’s how to spend one day in Albufeira. 

Morning: Caves and Coast

No visit to The Algarve would be complete without a boat trip. Escape the crowds on land and admire the Atlantic coastline from the water on a cruise by speedboat or catamaran. Tours typically cover Benagil Caves and Praia da Marinha, voted one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Some boats use advanced sonar technology to increase your chances of spotting wild bottlenose dolphins along the route. If you’re after something a little more active, opt for a tour that explores the coastline by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. These excursions allow access to caves and grottoes that are unreachable by larger vessels.

Afternoon: Country Escape

Back on dry land, spend the afternoon exploring the rural villages and orange groves of The Algarve on a countryside tour; some will transport you between attractions in an all-terrain Jeep. Tours typically take you to elevated lookout points, fruit plantations, and a historic castle, and include tastings of Portuguese delicacies such as medronho, a local spirit, and honey. For more exhilaration after the tour, get the best views of Albufeira from above during a parasailing session.

Evening: Food, Glorious Food

Devote your evening to the local cuisine of The Algarve, which combines robust flavors with fresh ingredients, such as seafood, thyme, and citrus fruits. Get the inside scoop on the best local food and wine on a tour, options for which are plentiful: Focus on wine during a tasting tour, or experience the breadth of southern Portugal’s culinary influences on a tour that takes you to several different eateries and bars. Toast your day in Albufeira with a cocktail at a bar in the marina after sunset.

Gorgeous beaches, spectacular coast, surf, dolphins, sunshine, plus castles and countryside. What’s not to love about Portugal’s playground, The Algarve? Well, the crowds of tourists for one. In peak season, from July to September, the Portuguese leave and the sunseekers from Northern Europe move in. If you want fun in the sun and cafes and nightclubs after dark, this is the place for you. But even if that’s not your style and you like a quieter, more relaxing holiday, The Algarve has something to offer in its hillsides and smaller towns.

Day 1: Kick Up Your Heels Lagos is the peak tourist spot. In the Western Algarve, its cobbled streets are full of cafes, bars and clubs and its wide golden beaches and secluded coves are perfect for families, couples and backpackers looking to sleep off the night before. But don’t dismiss Lagos as only about superficial fun in the sun – this town has history. During Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, many naval missions were launched from the port in the Rio Bensafrim – visit the Fortaleza da Ponta da Bandeira, a 17th century fortress that is now a museum. And the town’s pretty streets are enclosed by 14th century walls. There are plazas to while away the time in, and picturesque churches to explore (the Igreja de Santa Maria and the Igreja de Santo Antonio), as well as the Castelos dos Governadores, an Arab castle.

Day 2: Head For the Hills Inland from the coast, rise the steep, wooded hills of Serra de Monchique, the Algarve’s mountain range. Visit the small town of Monchique for some respite from the crowds and sun, and go hiking, mountain biking or canoeing. If you prefer to relax, there are spas dotted around including the lovely spa village of Caldas de Monchique. Omega Parque Zoo, on the way to Monchique, specialises in endangered animals such as cheetahs, onyx and bamboo lemurs. Closer to the coast is the town of Silves, once the Moorish capital of the area. Now a market town for the local citrus producers, it’s full of history; explore the castle, the Gothic Cathedral and the 15th century Chapel of Joao do Rego.

Day 3: Relax in Elegance Head east along the Algarve, stopping at the midpoint in the town of Albufeira. From here you can take a boat trip exploring the caves along the spectacular coastline – you might even spot some dolphins. Further east along the coast is Faro, the capital of the region, but keep going to the small, fishing port of Taviras. It’s a little ways in from the coast on the banks of the Rio Gilao and has a more relaxed elegance than the rest of The Algarve. A ruined castle tops the hill, there’s an old Roman bridge, Gothic and Renaissance churches, and the usual lovely cobbled streets to explore. Make sure you visit a patisserie for the yummy specialty: Portuguese tarts. Just off the coast and reachable by ferry is the island Ilha de Tavira, with lovely peaceful beaches.

A 2-day stay in Albufeira gives you time to discover the caves and coves of The Algarve coastline, dance the night away at a bar in the marina, and go off the beaten path during a countryside tour. Here’s how best to spend 48 hours in one of Portugal’s most popular holiday resort cities.

Day 1: Coastlines and Countryside

**Morning:**Devote your first morning to getting out on the water. Boat trips typically last just a few hours and reveal the sandstone rock formations and caves for which The Algarve coast is famous. With luck, you’ll also spot some of the bottlenose dolphins that call the Atlantic Ocean home.

**Afternoon:**Back on dry land, head out to the countryside to see a different side of The Algarve. Safaris by jeep let you tackle all different types of terrain and reveal the small villages and fruit plantations that most first-time visitors miss.

**Night:**After the sun sets, Albufeira Marina comes to life. Sample Portuguese classics such as piri piri roasted chicken or cataplana de marisco before toasting your first day with a cocktail at one of the many bars surrounding the marina.

Day 2: Food and Family Fun

**Morning:**Satisfy an appetite for adventure on your second morning either by going parasailing or renting a Jet Ski. Both of these extreme sports offer a different perspective of the coastline and come with the guidance of an expert instructor. 

**Afternoon:**Spend the afternoon enjoying some family fun at one of two nearby waterparks; choose between visiting Zoomarine, a waterpark home to marine mammals, such as dolphins and sea lions, or Slide & Splash, which features more than twenty slides and rides.

**Night:**Dedicate your final evening to the food and wine of The Algarve on a culinary tour. Depending on your preferences choose an experience that focuses on wine tasting or local specialties, such as seafood, fruit, cheese, and chocolate.

A holiday hot spot in Portugal’s western Algarve, Portimao sits on the Arade River and offers something for everyone: beaches, marine caves, dolphin-watching cruises, local wines, and more. Here’s how to spend three days in this picturesque port city.

Day 1: Classic Portimao

Get acquainted with Portimao, from its plaza-dotted old town to its riverfronts, beaches, and sea caves. A Segway tour is a quick way to get around, covering signature sights such as the lighthouse and Praia da Rocha beach. 

After lunch, take to the ocean on a catamaran, stand-up paddleboard, or private cruise to see the nearby Benagil Caves, burrowed into cliffs east of Portimao. Trips leave regularly from Portimao’s marina, and usually include swim stops.

End the day with a drive west to the Algarve’s most scenic clifftops. Tours with round-trip transport typically visit Cape St. Vincent (Europe’s southwesternmost point) and Ponta da Piedade, renowned for their sunset views.

Day 2: Out and about

Cast your sightseeing net wider today. Head out on a private tour of western Algarve vineyards without worrying about tasting and driving. Alternatively, explore the countryside on a Jeep tour, bumping along off-road trails past old-school villages.

For a change of tempo, take a leisurely eco-boat ride along the Arade River, watching birds and wandering around the medieval town of Silves en route. Or for a fun twist, travel in the sidecar of a chauffeured vintage motorbike to see the surrounding coast, stopping by the resort town of Alvor and the whitewashed fishing village of Ferragudo.

Day 3: Beach and sports time

Finally, relax on Praia da Rocha or Praia do Vau, perhaps interrupting your idyll for a dolphin-spotting cruise. You’ll also find a myriad of water sports options along the shoreline to the east, from parasailing to Jet Ski rides. For maximum thrills, book a tandem skydive—you’ll be treated to sweeping views over the Algarve’s cliffs as you descend to the sands of Portimao.

If you didn’t visit the Benagil Caves earlier, swap a boat trip for something different. Board a scooter or convertible car with a guide at the helm, and zip by beaches before getting out and making the short swim to the caves. Then, conclude your stay in true Portimao fashion: feast on grilled sardines at a riverside restaurant before a final dose of nightlife in the old town or marina.

Fringing the Arade River and Praia da Rocha beach, scenic Portimao is a hub of the western Algarve. From flopping on golden sands to riding boats and touring local wineries, it’s easy to fill a day in this port city. Here’s how to get the maximum from 24 hours in Portimao.

Morning: Adventure

Start in adventure mode with one of Portimao’s most popular activities: a trip to the Benagil Caves. Home to secret beaches, these wave-sculpted sea caves are Instagram-heaven and reachable only via the water—so a boat trip is your best option. Alternatively, widen your horizons with an extended cruise that takes in more of the beauty spots along the coast, from other grottos and rock formations to Algar Seco’s sea pools. If you prefer staying on land, join a Jeep tour along the Arade River and nearby Praia da Marinha, considered one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.

Afternoon: Fun and exploration

You’ll find countless ways to enjoy Portimao’s shores: bounce across the waves on a Jet Ski, spot dolphins in their natural habitat, or simply lounge on the beach. Those interested in the Algarve’s gastronomic scene might opt for a food or vineyard tour—or up the fun factor on a motorbike sidecar tour with stops to taste tapas and wine.

Night: Sailing and sunset views

With the fading sun glinting on the sea, dusk in Portimao is a wonderful time to explore. Save your feet on a Segway ride around the marina and Praia da Rocha, or head for Cape St. Vincent, Europe’s southwesternmost point, to watch the sunset—join a tour to skip the hassle of arranging your own transport. If you missed a boat trip earlier, conclude your Portimao stay in style, with an early-evening cruise to the Benagil Caves that includes snorkeling and Champagne to toast the sunset from the deck.

Situated in the heart of the western Algarve along the Arade River, the port city of Portimao offers historic sights, a restaurant-lined riverfront, and a modern marina—alongside stunning sandy beaches and sea caves. Here’s how to spend two days in this picturesque Portuguese hot spot.

Day 1: The must-sees

**Morning:**Get your bearings by checking out Portimao’s main sights. Wander the quaint old quarter on foot, or zip around on a Segway tour that covers the lighthouse, marina, and Praia da Rocha beach. Alternatively, discover Portimao’s surroundings on a Jeep tour that showcases some of west Algarve’s most photogenic beaches and vantage points.

**Afternoon:**Take to the waves on a trip to the Benagil Caves, a cluster of postcard-perfect grottos accessible only from the ocean. Join a guided cruise for ease, or up the adventure on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour.

**Night:**Savor Portimao’s famous grilled sardines at a river-view restaurant, or hit the marina to dine by the sea. You might also opt for a tour to Cape St. Vincent, Europe’s southwesternmost point—a hassle-free way to experience this rocky promontory’s stellar sunset views.

Day 2: Sand, sports, and more sightseeing

**Morning:**Relax on Praia da Rocha or other beaches, all of which boast turquoise waters and gently shelving sands. When you need a break, book one of the water sports options along the coast.

**Afternoon:**Cap your beach time with a laid-back afternoon activity—maybe a dolphin-spotting cruise, a rural horseback trek, or a stand-up paddleboard session on the Arade River. Alternatively, taste some of the Algarve’s excellent wines during a vineyard tour, or take an eco-boat river cruise to medieval Silves.

**Night:**Mark your last evening with a cruise along Portimao’s cave-dotted coast, complete with a glass of bubbly and a snorkeling stop. Or, simply soak up Portimao’s lively evening atmosphere, and watch the sunset from a restaurant-bar at the marina or riverside.