Trip guides / Algarve
Algarve travel guide
Golden cliffs, sea caves and fishing towns on Portugal’s south coast. 89 guides, written and checked by the team behind our Facebook groups.
The Algarve is Portugal’s south coast, running from the wild cliffs around Sagres to the Spanish border. The west around Lagos is all cliffs and coves, the centre has the big resorts of Albufeira and Vilamoura, and the east around Tavira is calmer, with long sandy islands in the Ria Formosa. Faro airport sits in the middle.
Start with the best Algarve beaches, choose a base with where to stay in the Algarve and read getting around the Algarve: a car makes the most of the coast, but trains and buses link the main towns. Every Algarve guide we have written is below, grouped by topic.
Start here
The Algarve essentials
Algarve
The Best Algarve Beaches, Area by Area
The most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, from Praia da Marinha and Camilo to Ilha de Tavira and the wild west coast, with family and parking tips.
Algarve
Where to Stay in the Algarve: Town-by-Town Guide
Lagos, Carvoeiro, Alvor, Albufeira, Vilamoura, Tavira and more: which Algarve town suits families, couples, nightlife, golf or a quiet stay.
Getting around
Getting Around the Algarve: Car, Train and Bus
Driving the toll-free A22, the Algarve regional train, Vamus buses, taxis and ride-hailing: how to get around the Algarve.
Algarve
Faro Airport to Albufeira, Vilamoura and Lagos: Every Option
Getting from Faro airport to the Algarve resorts: transfers, hire cars, the Aerobus, Uber, Bolt and taxi prices to Albufeira, Vilamoura and Lagos.
Algarve
Algarve Itinerary: 7 Days from Tavira to Sagres
A 7-day Algarve itinerary: Tavira and the islands, Carvoeiro, Benagil and Marinha, Silves and Monchique, Lagos and Sagres, with or without a car.
Algarve
Benagil Cave in 2026: How to Visit Legally (New Rules Explained)
Benagil Cave rules since 2024: no landing, no swimming, guided tours only. How to visit by boat or kayak, the best time to go and the clifftop trail.
Every guide
All our Algarve guides
Sights and things to do
- Armacao de Pera: Long Beach Near BenagilArmacao de Pera, central Algarve: the long beach, boat trips to Benagil from the fishermen's beach, the Senhora da Rocha chapel and coves to the west.
- Monte Gordo: Warm Water Near the Spanish BorderMonte Gordo in the eastern Algarve: a long beach with warm, calm water, pine forest trails, 45 minutes from Faro, plus Vila Real and Cacela Velha nearby.
- Vila Real de Santo Antonio: Pombal's Border TownVila Real de Santo Antonio on the Guadiana: Pombal's 18th-century grid town, its mosaic square, the ferry to Ayamonte in Spain and Monte Gordo's beaches.
- Cacela Velha: The Algarve's Prettiest ViewpointCacela Velha near Tavira: the whitewashed clifftop village above the Ria Formosa, the view, oysters, reaching the sandbar beach at low tide and sunset.
- Quarteira: Promenade, Fish Market and ValueQuarteira beside Vilamoura: the promenade to the marina, the long beach, the morning fish market and good-value seafood, 25 minutes from Faro airport.
- Caldas de Monchique: The Algarve's Spa VillageCaldas de Monchique, 25 minutes north of Portimao: the historic spa village square, spring water, spa treatments, medronho and the drive up to Foia.
- Estoi Palace and the Milreu Roman RuinsEstoi, 15 minutes north of Faro: a pink rococo palace with tiled gardens and the Milreu Roman villa with fish mosaics, an easy 2 to 3 hour half-day trip.
- Odeceixe: River and Ocean Beach on the Wild CoastOdeceixe on the Algarve-Alentejo border: the beach where river meets sea, the windmill, surfing, the Fishermen's Trail and getting there from Lagos.
- Carrapateira: Bordeira and Amado BeachesCarrapateira on the Algarve's west coast: the vast Bordeira beach and dunes, surfing at Amado, the Pontal clifftop loop, about 40 minutes from Lagos.
- Salema and Burgau: Fishing Villages Near LagosSalema and Burgau near Lagos: sheltered beaches, dinosaur footprints at low tide, the Forte de Almadena and the clifftop walk to Praia da Luz.
- Aljezur: Castle and Wild West Coast BeachesAljezur on the Algarve's west coast: the Moorish castle, the surf beaches of Arrifana, Monte Clerigo and Amoreira, Rota Vicentina hikes and where to eat.
- Things to Do in Olhao, AlgarveOlhao, 15 minutes from Faro: the waterfront market halls, Saturday farmers' market, the cube-house old town, ferries to Armona and Culatra, and seafood.
- Ferragudo: The Algarve's Prettiest Fishing VillageFerragudo, across the river from Portimao: grilled sardines on the riverside, the old town lanes, Praia Grande and the castle beach, plus where to stay.
- Things to Do in Alvor, AlgarveAlvor near Portimao: a huge beach, the 6km dune boardwalk, the Tres Irmaos rocks, grilled fish by the harbour, the Ria de Alvor and where to stay.
- Loule: The Algarve's Market TownLoule, 20 minutes from Faro: the Moorish-style market hall, the Saturday market, castle walls, craft workshops, Carnival and the hill villages nearby.
- Ponta da Piedade, Lagos: How to See ItPonta da Piedade near Lagos: the clifftop paths to the lighthouse, the staircase to the water, boat and kayak tours through the grottos and the best light.
- Zoomarine Algarve: Tickets, Shows and TipsPlanning a day at Zoomarine in Guia, near Albufeira: ticket prices, opening season, rides, shows, the beach and pool area, and tips for families.
- Things to Do in Albufeira: Old Town, Beaches and Boat TripsThe best things to do in Albufeira: the old town, Peneco lift, beaches, boat trips to Benagil, Zoomarine, water parks, the Strip and the local rules.
- Things to Do in Vilamoura and QuarteiraThe best things to do in Vilamoura: the marina, beaches, golf, boat trips, Cerro da Vila Roman ruins, the Environmental Park and Quarteira's market.
- Things to Do in Carvoeiro and LagoaThe best things to do in Carvoeiro: the boardwalk to Algar Seco, Benagil by kayak, the Seven Hanging Valleys, Slide & Splash, SandCity and Quinta dos Vales.
- Things to Do in Portimao and Praia da RochaThe best things to do in Portimao: Praia da Rocha, Tres Irmaos, grilled sardines, the museum, cheap Benagil boats, the river to Silves and MotoGP and F1.
- The Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal (2026)The best things to do in Lagos: Ponta da Piedade by boat and kayak, Dona Ana and Meia Praia, the old town, dolphin trips and a day trip to Sagres.
- The Prettiest Villages in the AlgarveThe most beautiful villages in the Algarve: Ferragudo, Cacela Velha, Salema, Alte, Salir, Silves, Monchique and Alcoutim with its zipline to Spain.
- Monchique and Silves: Mountains, Spa Village and Moorish CastleA day trip inland from the Algarve coast: Foia viewpoint, Caldas de Monchique, medronho, Silves castle and cathedral, and the Arade river boat.
- Sagres and Cape St Vincent: The End of the WorldVisiting Sagres: the fortress, the Cape St Vincent sunset, the best beaches, surfing, dolphin trips, birdwatching and where to stay.
- Things to Do in Faro: Old Town, Islands and the Chapel of BonesThe best things to do in Faro: the walled old town, cathedral tower, Chapel of Bones, Ilha Deserta and Ria Formosa boats, plus Milreu and Sao Lourenco nearby.
- The Most Instagrammable Spots in the AlgarveBenagil, Marinha, Ponta da Piedade, Algar Seco, Tres Irmaos and more: the Algarve's best photo spots, the 2026 rules and the cliff safety tips that matter.
- Costa Vicentina: Wild Beaches and the Fishermen's TrailPortugal's wild southwest coast: the best beaches from Castelejo to Porto Covo, the Rota Vicentina walking trails, surfing, where to stay and safety.
- Tavira and the Eastern Algarve: Islands, Ria Formosa and Cacela VelhaTavira, Ilha de Tavira, the anchor cemetery at Praia do Barril, Cacela Velha, Olhao and the Ria Formosa islands, and the ferry to Spain.
- Lagos and the Western Algarve: Ponta da Piedade and SagresA guide to Lagos and the western Algarve: Ponta da Piedade, the best beaches, fishing villages like Salema, Sagres, Cape St Vincent and the Costa Vicentina.
Itineraries and planning
- The Best Time to Visit the AlgarveWhen to visit the Algarve: June to September for the warmest sea, May or September for fewer crowds, October to April for hiking and golf, month by month.
- Lagos vs Albufeira: Which Is Better?Lagos vs Albufeira: Lagos for coves, boat trips and a historic town, Albufeira for big resorts, sandy beaches, nightlife and a shorter Faro transfer.
- Lagos vs Tavira: West or East Algarve?Lagos or Tavira in the Algarve: cliffs, coves and nightlife in the west versus lagoons, island beaches and a calmer sea in the east, compared side by side.
- East vs West Algarve: Which Part to ChooseEast vs west Algarve: golden cliffs, coves and boat trips around Lagos, big resorts in the centre, or calmer water, island beaches and Tavira in the east.
- Porto vs the Algarve: Which to Choose?Porto or the Algarve? A city break and a beach holiday compared side by side on weather, beaches, food, costs and getting around, plus how to combine both.
- The Algarve with Kids: Beaches, Water Parks and Days OutThe best things to do in the Algarve with kids: calm beaches, Zoomarine and water parks, dolphin trips, SandCity and tips from parents.
- The Algarve on a BudgetHow to enjoy the Algarve for less: when to go, where to stay, free beaches and walks, cheap Benagil boats, eating out and getting around.
- 3 Days in the Algarve: Benagil, Lagos and SagresA 3-day Algarve itinerary: Benagil and Praia da Marinha, the Seven Hanging Valleys, Lagos and Ponta da Piedade, and the Sagres sunset.
- Portugal in August: Peak Summer, Festivals and TipsPortugal in August: the hottest month, warmest seas, village festivals, Silves Medieval Fair, Viana Romaria, crowds, prices and heat safety.
- Algarve vs Madeira: Which Is Better for Winter Sun and Beaches?The Algarve or Madeira? Weather by season, beaches, hiking, families and getting around compared, so you can pick the right one.
- Lisbon or the Algarve? How to Choose (or Do Both)Lisbon or the Algarve for your Portugal trip? What each is best for, costs, seasons and how to combine a city break with a beach holiday.
- The Algarve in Winter: Weather, Things to Do and What's ClosedWhat the Algarve is like from December to February: weather and sea temperatures, walks, golf, almond blossom, festivals, what closes and where to stay.
Where to stay
- Where to Stay in Lagos, AlgarveThe best areas to stay in Lagos: the old town, Dona Ana and Porto de Mos, Meia Praia and Praia da Luz, with hotel picks.
- Where to Stay in AlbufeiraWhere to stay in Albufeira: the old town, the Strip and Praia da Oura, Santa Eulalia and Falesia for families, Olhos de Agua, Gale and Salgados.
- Where to Stay in TaviraWhere to stay in Tavira: the old town for charm, resort hotels on the edge of town, Cabanas and Santa Luzia by the beach, and countryside quintas.
- Where to Stay in VilamouraVilamoura's best areas to stay: the marina, Falesia beach, Quarteira, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, which suits families or golfers, and getting around.
- The Best Hotels in the AlgarveBest Algarve hotels by type and area: luxury resorts like Vila Vita Parc, family stays like Pine Cliffs, adults-only picks and hotels in Lagos and Tavira.
- Where to Stay in SagresWhere to stay in Sagres: Memmo Baleeira, the Pousada de Sagres, Martinhal family resort and surf houses, with tips on areas.
- The Best Hotels in TaviraThe best hotels in Tavira: the convent pousada, Vila Gale Albacora, adults-only AP Maria Nova, OZADI, Pedras d'El Rei and Quinta da Lua.
- The Best Hotels in Albufeira (Every Budget)The best hotels in Albufeira for families, couples and every budget: Jupiter all-inclusive, adults-only Sol e Mar and Rocamar, Hotel Indigo and Baltum.
- The Best Hotels in Lagos, Portugal (Every Budget)The best hotels in Lagos for every budget: Cascade, Iberostar, Casa Mae, Lagos Avenida, Tivoli and great-value stays near the old town and beaches.
- The Best Family Resorts in the AlgarveMartinhal, Pine Cliffs, Vila Vita Parc and more family resorts in the Algarve, plus water parks and tips from parents who live in Portugal.
- 5 Best Luxury Hotels in AlbufeiraPine Cliffs, EPIC SANA, W Algarve, Kimpton Atlantico and Anantara: the best five-star stays in and around Albufeira, and who each suits.
Getting there and around
- Porto to the Algarve: Train, Bus, Car or FlightHow to get from Porto to Faro, Lagos or Albufeira: the direct Alfa Pendular, buses, driving times and tolls, and flights, with 2026 prices and journey times.
- Lisbon to the Algarve: Train, Bus or Drive?How to get from Lisbon to Faro, Lagos and Albufeira: trains via Tunes, direct buses, driving the A2 and its tolls, and which option suits you.
Food and drink
- The Best Markets in the AlgarveAlgarve markets: Loule's Moorish-style hall and Saturday market, Olhao's waterfront halls, covered municipal markets, monthly fairs and what to buy.
- Piri-Piri Chicken in the AlgarvePiri-piri chicken in the Algarve: frango da Guia near Albufeira, charcoal-grilled with chilli oil, how to order, where to eat it and making it at home.
- Cataplana: The Algarve's Signature DishCataplana, the Algarve's copper-pan dish: how it is made, seafood, fish and pork with clams versions, how to order it (usually for two) and where to eat.
- What to Eat in the Algarve: Dishes, Desserts and DrinksAlgarve food: cataplana, grilled sardines, piri-piri chicken, octopus, Ria Formosa clams and oysters, almond and fig sweets, medronho, and ordering tips.
- Algarve Nightlife: Albufeira, Lagos, Praia da Rocha and MoreWhere to go out in the Algarve: the Albufeira Strip and its rules, Lagos old town, Praia da Rocha, Vilamoura, beach bars and seasons.
- The Best Beach Restaurants and Bars in the AlgarveGigi, 2 Passos, Izzy's, Bahia and more: the best beach restaurants and bars in the Algarve, plus tips on ordering fish and the couvert.
- Best Restaurants in Lagos, PortugalWhere to eat in Lagos, Algarve, area by area: clifftop seafood at Ponta da Piedade, old town tascas and petiscos, Michelin picks, brunch and casual spots.
Tours, cruises and experiences
- Algarve Water Parks: Zoomarine, Slide and Splash and MoreAlgarve water parks compared: Zoomarine in Guia, Slide and Splash in Lagoa, Aquashow in Quarteira and Aqualand, with seasons, how to choose and a day plan.
- The Best Tours in the AlgarveAlgarve tours worth booking: Benagil cave boat and kayak trips, dolphin watching, Ria Formosa boats, jeep safaris, wine tasting and Seville day trips.
- The Best Golf Courses in the Algarve (2026 Green Fees)Monte Rei, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, San Lorenzo, Palmares and value courses: the best Algarve golf courses with 2026 green fees and tips.
- The Best Algarve Boat Trips: Benagil, Dolphins and GrottosBenagil boat and kayak tours, Ponta da Piedade grottos, dolphin watching, catamaran cruises and Ria Formosa island hopping, with 2026 prices and rules.
Day trips from Algarve
- Mertola: The Museum Town on the GuadianaMertola in the southern Alentejo: the mosque-church, the castle, the Islamic Art museum and the Guadiana riverside, plus getting there from Faro or Lisbon.
- Seville Day Trip from the AlgarveSeville day trip from the Algarve: tour or drive (2 to 2.5 hours from Faro), crossing into Spain, and the Cathedral, Alcazar and Plaza de Espana in a day.
- The Best Day Trips from the Algarve (Including Seville)Seville, Sagres and Cape St Vincent, Monchique, Silves, Tavira, Mertola and more: the best day trips from the Algarve and how to do them.
Beaches and the coast
- Praia da Falesia: The Algarve's Red-Cliff BeachPraia da Falesia east of Albufeira: about 6km of sand below red and ochre cliffs, access points from Olhos de Agua to Vilamoura, parking and nearby hotels.
- Ilha Deserta: Faro's Desert IslandIlha Deserta, Faro's car-free island in the Ria Formosa: the ferry from Faro, the boardwalk, empty beaches, lunch at the restaurant and what to bring.
- The Best Kid-Friendly Beaches in the AlgarveKid-friendly Algarve beaches: calm, shallow water at Ilha de Tavira, Barril and the Ria Formosa, easy sand at Meia Praia, Alvor and Praia da Luz, and tips.
- The Best Beaches in LagosLagos beaches: the coves of Dona Ana, Pinhao and Camilo, Batata and Estudantes by the old town, Meia Praia and Porto de Mos for space, and getting there.
- The Best Beaches in AlbufeiraAlbufeira beaches: Falesia under red cliffs, Pescadores and Peneco in town, the coves of Sao Rafael, Coelha and Castelo, and family-friendly Oura and Gale.
- Praia da Luz: A Quiet Base Near LagosPraia da Luz near Lagos: the beach, the climb up Rocha Negra, the clifftop walk to Burgau, food on the seafront and why it suits families and couples.
- Praia da Marinha: Visiting the Algarve's Famous BeachPraia da Marinha near Carvoeiro: parking, the path down, the arches and clifftop viewpoint, swimming and snorkelling, and the Seven Hanging Valleys trail.
- Praia da Rocha, Portimao: Beach Guide and TipsPraia da Rocha in Portimao: 1.5km of sand below cliffs, the Tres Castelos viewpoint, the fortress and marina, boat trips, nightlife, parking and hotels.
- Arrifana Beach: Surf, Viewpoints and How to VisitArrifana beach near Aljezur on the Costa Vicentina: surf lessons, the fort viewpoint at sunset, the steep walk down, parking, lifeguards and where to eat.
- Culatra Island: Ferries, Beaches and TipsCulatra Island from Olhao: the 30 to 45 minute public ferry and fares, ocean beaches, the fishing village and lighthouse, food, and Culatra vs Armona.
- Ilha de Tavira: Ferries, Beaches and TipsIlha de Tavira: the year-round ferry from Quatro Aguas, summer boats from town, Praia do Barril and its anchor cemetery, facilities and the last boat back.
Walks, gardens and nature
- The Ria Formosa Natural ParkRia Formosa Natural Park: boat tours from Faro and Olhao, ferries to Deserta, Culatra, Armona and Tavira islands, flamingos, kayaking, clams and oysters.
- The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: Complete GuideSeven Hanging Valleys Trail in the Algarve: the 5.7km route from Praia da Marinha to Vale Centeanes, 2 to 3 hours one way, getting there and when to go.
- The Best Hikes in the AlgarveAlgarve hikes: the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, Ponta da Piedade clifftops, the Fishermen's Trail, Carvoeiro to Algar Seco and Foia, plus when to walk.
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