Algarve Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Marinha Beach which includes rocky coastline
Portugal’s southernmost region offers a fascinating mix of beaches, golf courses, nature reserves, market towns, fishing villages and Roman ruins.

Castles, golf, watersports, superb cuisine and a pleasant climate draw crowds to the Algarve. Enjoy this tourist-friendly region of Portugal stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to Spain’s western border. Its natural scenery includes breathtaking cliffs, pristine beaches, secluded coves, nature reserves, vineyards and wooded mountains.

The Algarve’s western region is internationally famous for its rocky outcrops and isolated bays. Visit the lively resort towns of Albufeira and Lagos. Investigate the picturesque fishing villages of Burgau and Salema. Go to the region’s southwestern tip to explore the historic peninsula of Sagres. Enjoy great surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing at the villages of Carrapateira and Odeceixe on the wild western coast.

Start your tour of eastern Algarve at Faro, the region’s capital and a former Roman settlement. Enjoy the picturesque gardens and buzzing nightlife in its walled Old Town. Protecting much of Faro’s eastern coast is Parque Natural da Rio Formosa, unspoiled barrier islands with a natural habitat for birds. Experience the traditional Portuguese beach resorts of Cabanas, Fuseta and Tavira.

Inland, the Algarve combines scenic landscapes with history and relaxation. Admire the Roman ruins of Milreu near Estoi and Moorish-influenced architecture at Silves. Wander the quaint streets of Loulé or relax in the thermal spas of Caldas de Monchique. Bike or hike along the Via Algarviana, a 186-mile (300-kilometer) trail that traverses the flower-filled mountains of the Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão.

The Algarve offers golfers over 35 immaculate courses spread along the region’s 96-mile-long (155-kilometer) coastline.

Delve into the region’s cuisine, which uses fresh local ingredients such as seafood, almonds, grapes, oranges and figs. Sample traditional dishes, including açorda de mariscos, a bread and seafood stew.

Reach the Algarve by flying to Faro Airport. Get around via rented car, bike or an extensive network of public buses. With around 300 days of sunshine per year, the Algarve is a favored year-round destination for everyone from families and honeymooners to food lovers and sports enthusiasts.

Where to stay in Algarve

Fisherman\'s Beach which includes a coastal town and a beach

Albufeira Old Town

Albufeira Old Town is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Albufeira Old Town Square or Peneco beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Albufeira Old Town
Albufeira featuring street scenes, a small town or village and night scenes

Albufeira Center

A noteworthy feature of Albufeira Center is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Albufeira Old Town Square and Peneco beach.

Albufeira Center
Santo Antonio Church showing a city and a sunset

Lagos City Center

5/5(4 area reviews)

Lagos City Center is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like First European Slave Market and Santo Antonio Church.

Lagos City Center
Faro Cathedral showing heritage elements

Faro City Centre

Faro City Centre is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Faro Marina and Faro Cathedral while in the area.

Faro City Centre
Dona Ana Beach showing rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Ameijeira

4/5(6 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Ameijeira, Pinhao Beach and Dona Ana Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Ameijeira
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Santa Eulália

If you're spending some time in Santa Eulália, Santa Eulalia Beach and Oura Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Santa Eulália
AP Eva Senses
AP Eva Senses
4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1, Faro
The price is NZ$279 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
NZ$279
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"Staff service was very good, and the food, both at breakfast and dinner, were delicious!"

Reviewed on 6 Mar. 2024

AP Eva Senses
Vila Vita Parc
Vila Vita Parc
5 out of 5
Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos, Porches, Lagoa, Algarve
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$713 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
NZ$713
per night
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (520 reviews)
"Everything was absolutely wonderful!"

Reviewed on 16 Feb. 2024

Vila Vita Parc
Tivoli Carvoeiro
Tivoli Carvoeiro
5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
The price is NZ$357 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
NZ$357
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Nice property. Great rooms. Beautiful view, if you get a beach/water view room. We had reserved a non-water view. Asked for upgrade at check in. Got the upgrade but had to pay more money, thought that was a perk with Expedia VIP, but wasn't. Nice bar area with good views and decent food. The upscale ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Tivoli Carvoeiro
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Marina Club Suite Hotel
Marina Club Suite Hotel
4 out of 5
Marina de Lagos, Lote 20, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (428 reviews)
"Beautiful property, friendly staff. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Marina Club Suite Hotel
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
4 out of 5
Estrada do Porto De Mos, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 beach bars. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (950 reviews)
"Like the different pool areas"

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2024

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
NAU Salema Beach Village
NAU Salema Beach Village
4 out of 5
Praia da Salema, Vila do Bispo
Stay at this 4-star golf villa in Vila do Bispo. Enjoy free WiFi, private spa tubs, and a free beach shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (552 reviews)
"Villas are immaculate, spacious and very well equipped. Balconies are a wonderful bonus and staff were friendly / accommodating in every regard. A wonderful experience (especially for families with young children)."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

NAU Salema Beach Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Algarve