17 Awesome Things to Do In The Algarve, Portugal

Discover the Algarve! It is a popular destination for golfers, beach enthusiasts, foodies, and people looking for relaxing retreats. The Algarve is located on Portugal’s southernmost coast and is famous for whitewashed fishing villages, colorful flowers, and restaurants that overlook sandy beaches and the ocean.

If you are looking for things to do in the Algarve for your next adventure, you’ll find some of the best beaches and enchanting small towns in the Algarve.

How did the Algarve Get Its Name?

The Algarve is located along the southern coast of Portugal. The Phoenicians (with roots tracing back to around 2000 BC) first settled the area due to the area’s strategic location for defense and commerce. Today, you can see the influence of Roman rule as the area grew, was conquered, was rebuilt, and survived as a thriving ancient civilization.

Much of what you see today in the area was also influenced by the Moors—the Europeans used the term “Moors” during the Middle Ages to describe North African and Iberian Peninsula Muslim people. The name “the Algarve” comes from the Moors and means: Gharb al-Andalus (shortened to Al-Gharb). This translates to “the West”. The Algarve area was the westernmost possession of their empire.

Helpful Portuguese Words to Know

• Ilha – Island
• Praia – Beach
• Ponte – Bridge
• Igreja – Church
• Obrigado/Obrigada – Thank you (men typically say obrigado, women say obrigada)
• Olá – Hello
• Tchau – Goodbye (pronounced similar to the Italian “ciao”)
• Não – No
• Sim – Yes

Confused by the use of “de”, “do” and “da” in Portuguese? In English, “de” means of or to. “Do” and “da” mean of the or to the. If the noun that follows is masculine, you would use “do”, and if it is feminine, you would use “da”.

Getting to The Algarve

Traveling to discover the Algarve can be arranged in variety of ways.

BY AIRPLANE

On our recent trip, Chris and I were coming from the London Gatwick airport and flew directly into the Faro Airport. Connecting flights from major European airports are also available. We picked up our rental car at the airport as we wanted the freedom to explore many of the small towns in the Algarve.

BY CAR

Planning a road trip? Whether you drive your own car or rent a car, driving gives you the opportunity to explore the Portugal countryside and make stops along the way. Lisbon to Faro is just under three hours if you are planning a weekend getaway. If you are coming from the United States, driving in the Algarve is easy enough as they drive on the right side of the road as well.

There are two main highways to choose from in Portugal that lead directly to the Algarve: A22 (Via do Infante) and A2 (Auto Estrada Lisboa-Algarve). Both options will bring you to Faro. Explore Faro first and then make your way along the coast where you will discover some of the best beaches in the Algarve.

BY BUS

Take the bus and leave the driving to someone else. There are bus and train options for getting around to popular towns in the Algarve if you choose not to rent a car.

BY FERRY

Hop on the ferry from Ayamonte, Spain and enjoy the scenic views and short ferry ride. Chris and I took the ferry for a short 15-minute hop over to Ayamonte from Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal.

BY TRAIN

The train offers comfortable seating as you sit back, relax and watch the charming villages and hillside views pass by. You will likely need to rent a car if you want the freedom to explore the picturesque towns in the Algarve once you arrive.

Note * There are no direct routes to towns in the Algarve if you are coming from outside of Portugal. If you are coming from other European locations, you’ll want to plan your trip with a stop first at the Porto or Lisbon Airports. From either airport, you will take a bus or shuttle to the main railway station that will then connect you to other cities within Portugal: ie., Lisbon, Porto, and Lagos in the Algarve.

Stunning Stops and Towns in The Algarve

1. Albufeira

Discover the Algarve by stopping first in Albufeira!

Albufeira, a former fishing village, has become a popular holiday destination today. You’ll love the sandy beaches, whitewashed homes with colorful flowers, and the waterfront promenade. If you are looking for a hopping nightlife for your vacation, Albufeira is the place to be.

Local fishermen still use the modern marina. You will also find the area is popular for diving, relaxing beach days with the family, spotting dolphins, and taking boat excursions.

Tunnel Beach (shown above) can be reached through a man-made tunnel through the cliffs that links the old town of Albufeira to the beach. You’ll find the 65-foot tunnel near the tourist office. Chris and I followed the boardwalk to the Point and enjoyed the view.

While not technically considered to be one of the nude beaches in the Algarve, we passed a few women sunbathing topless. Just an FYI. It is pretty normal and accepted in Europe.

2. Cabanas

Pronounced “Ca-ban-ish”, Cabanas (meaning fishing huts) is one of the popular resort towns in the Algarve. It was once a sleepy fishing village situated on a lagoon just a short drive from Tavira. Today, it stands as the gateway to the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve.

Walk along the Avenida Ria Formosa promenade along the seafront. It’s a perfect spot to wander through small tourist shops, enjoy an afternoon snack at a cafe, or watch the sunset from the restaurants in the evening.

3. Cacela Velha

Chris and I weren’t quite sure what to expect of Cacela Velha but our vacation rental host suggested that we should stop. The village wasn’t much more than a few whitewashed houses, a fort, a few restaurants, a church, and a cemetery. Sounds like many other of the small towns in the Algarve right?

Though the village offers some pretty magnificent views overlooking the Ria Formosa Nature Park, the shifting shapes of the beach, small boats, and the ocean, it may escape your notice as it doesn’t seem like a truly significant dot on the map.

You WILL want to stop at this village on a hill though because it is all about the views. There is parking available a short distance from the promenade behind the church. The views are constantly changing as the winds and the tide create new shapes and streams in the water and sand.

4. Faro

If you are flying to the Algarve, you will likely fly to the Faro Airport. Faro is the capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve region. Similar to many charming European villages, Faro has a delightful Old Town that is characterized by an arched old town gate—Arco da Vila, remains of the old city wall, the waterfront and cobblestone streets. Be sure to discover the Faro Cathedral, Municipal Museum of Faro (housed in a 16th century convent), and don’t overlook the statues in the roundabout before getting to the airport.

TIP * If you have a rental car, there is a gas station next to the roundabout that offers easy access to fill up your car before returning it at the airport.

Some of the best beaches in the Algarve are in Faro:

• Praia de Faro
• Ilha Deserta
• Ilha da Culatra 
• Praia da Quinta do Lago 
• Praia do Ancão

5. Lagos

Chris and I enjoyed exploring Lagos, famous for its walled old town, towering cliffs, beautiful beaches and nature walk.

We found the popular Batata Beach (one of the best beaches in the Algarve) as we followed the Ponta da Piedade path. Follow the boardwalk along the coastline and the cliffs of Ponta de Piedade. Discover not only amazing views, rock arches and outcroppings of rocks but also the lighthouse at the end of the trail.

You won’t go wrong setting Lagos as your homebase and then seeking things to do in the Algarve from there.

6. Loulé

Chris and I visited Loulé on our last day in Portugal . It also happened to be Labor Day, so many of the major tourists sites were closed. BUT, if you are planning a stop in Loulé, these are a few things you should add to your itinerary:

• Visit Quinta da Tôr winery to learn more about the art of wine making.
• Discover the Algarve and the history of a rock salt mine.
• Indulge your senses at Loulé market.
• Search for treasures in the craft and souvenir shops in Loulé.
• Visit an art gallery.
• Explore the castle.
• Visit the ruins of the Islamic baths in Loulé.

7. Ria Formosa Nature Park

The Ria Formosa Nature Park covers an extended area of the coast line in the Algarve. It can be a shifting, changing maze of canals, islands, marshland and sandy beaches connected to the Atlantic ocean,extending 37 miles (60 km) along the Algarve coast from Garrão beach in Faro to Manta Rota (close to Cacela Velha).

The nature park is constantly changing with the winds and tides. Because of the protection of the barrier islands, it is not only a haven for wildlife and some of the best beaches in the Algarve but also an ideal location for salt production.

Looking for things to do in the park:

• Ride your bike along the cycle paths.
• Enjoy the walking trails.
• Take the small train from Saint Luzia to Praia do Barril.
• Book a catamaran tour.
• Take a quick ferry to beautiful island beaches.
• Enjoy horseback riding.
• Try riding a Segway.

8. Santa Luzia

It may be hard to tell where Santa Luzia begins and Tavira ends. Santa Luzia is a quaint fishing village that seems to be untouched by time.

Craving a little octopus? Santa Luzia is famous for its octopus dishes. The restaurants along the waterfront have perfected their techniques of cooking this tricky dish just right. Enjoy the view of the colorful fishing fleet that docks in the lagoon each night.

Santa Luzia also features a small train that takes guests to and from Praia do Barril beyond the Ria Formosa Nature Park.

9. Tavira

Tavira is one of the oldest towns in the Algarve AND Portugal and is located in the east of the Algarve along the southern coast. Because of its strategic location, its roots can be traced back to around 2000 BC when the Phoenicians first settled the area. Even today, you can see the influence of Roman rule as the area grew, was conquered, was rebuilt, and survived as a thriving ancient civilization as you discover the Algarve.

The Moorish influence left a lasting impact on Tavira, even with reference to its name. The Arabic form of Tavira is “Tabira” which means “the hidden.”

Are you looking for things to do in the Algarve? Look no further than Tavira where you’ll love:

• Exploring the Old Town
• Perusing the market
• Visiting one of the 37 churches
• Walking across the Tavira Old Bridge
• Climbing the ramparts of the Tavira Castle.

10. Vilamoura

Chris and I stayed in Vilamoura for a couple of nights at the Hilton Vilamoura. If we hadn’t planned to stay in Tavira, Vilamoura would have been a great “home base” for exploring the amazing things to do in the Algarve.

Vilamoura is considered to be one of the more modern and upscale vacation towns in the Algarve. It draws golfers from around the world who enjoy walking the links during the day and then splurging on fine dining in the evening along the marina. The Marina Complex features restaurants, bars, and views of million dollar yachts in the harbor.

Fancy a day at a waterpark? Vilamoura has those too.

11. Vila Real de Santo António in the Algarve

You can look from the banks of Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal’s southeasternmost city, across the Guadiana River to Ayamonte, Spain. Vila Real de Santo António has a charming old town to explore as you discover the Algarve.

Fancy a quick day trip to Spain? Purchase your ferry tickets and climb aboard for a 15-minute ride. Access is also available by car over the bridge.

Chris and I took the ferry to Ayamonte and returned one hour later. We arrived during siesta so very little was open. You’ll set your watch ahead one hour. Let me just help you out by saying that it may be fun to take the ferry to Ayamonte, but there isn’t much to do there. You’ll be glad to gain that hour back by returning to Portugal!

Beaches in the Algarve

Enjoy some of the best beaches in the Algarve. Beyond the amazing things to in the Algarve, spending a relaxing day at the beach is probably one of the most popular. If you plan ahead, you can be sure to find all kinds of fun things to do for your beach days.

And just a reminder, be sure to check out the clothing options or requirements before you arrive so that you won’t be surprised. There are a number of nude beaches in the Algarve.

12. Praia da Batata

As Chris and I walked along the beach, it was around 5 pm in the afternoon and families began filling up the beach. It is one of the popular beaches in Lagos due to its close proximity to the city center. In the summer months, it is always busy due to its sheltering by the cliffs, safe seawater, closeness to restaurants and cafes, and lifeguard supervision (in the summer).

13. Praia de Tavira

Praia da Ilha de Tavira is considered to be one of the loveliest white sandy beaches in the Algarve. The only way to get from Tavira to Praia de Tavira is by ferry (Quatro Aguas) on the Gilão River (water taxis are also available at certain times of the year.

You’ll find camping facilities as well as basic facilities such as restaurants and toilets on the island; the beach is supervised during the summer season. Plus, there is usually plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a day of fun at the beach. You can rent wicker parasols, sunshades and loungers for rent, enjoy a massage, and have a little fun playing soccer and volleyball.

If you keep walking to the right or to the west (when facing the sea) the beach is fairly deserted except for a few naturist sunbathers (one of the nude beaches in the Algarve). Continue walking west and you’ll reach Terra Estreita (20 minutes) and then Praia do Barril (about 40 minutes walking from Praia de Tavira).

14. Praia de Cabanas

Enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal clear water of this often deserted beach. While the beach is long, it is not very wide. The white sand is soft and backs to sand dunes.

You can reach the island by water taxi. If you are looking for a quiet beach without many visitors, Cabanas Beach is the one for you. The island features a wooden boardwalk. Once you disembark from the water taxi, walk along the boardwalk to the restaurant/bar and the beach. The boardwalk is intended to protect the nature on the island.

15. Praia de Cacela Velha

Cacela Velha is a small village with a fort, a church, a cemetery, and a fantastic view of the beach. The water here is perfect for a day at the beach. It is possible to reach this beach by walking from Manta Rota but you will find it is a bit of a hike along the sand. The white sands of Praia de Cacela Velha are often shifting and changing due to the winds and the waves.

There are no lifeguards, toilets, cafes or facilities at this beach.

16. Praia do Barril

Getting to Praia do Barril takes some time. Start on the footpath from Santa Luzia, cross a small bridge over the estuary, and take the small tourist train departing from Pedras d’El Rei. You can also walk through the Ria Formosa Nature Park for less than a mile (1.3 km) or even take a ferry from Ilha de Tavira in the summer months.

It is a popular beach for families where you can enjoy restaurants, cafes, restroom facilities, umbrella and lounge rentals (you may need to prebook in the summer months as they go quickly), and the Anchor Cemetery.

This is a great beach for families as it features:

• A white sandy beach backing to sand dunes.
• A boardwalk.
• Clean restrooms.
• Calm sea water.
• Lifeguard supervision in the summer.

If you keep walking to the west (or to the right on the boardwalk when facing the sea) for about 15 to 20 minutes, the beach becomes Praia do Homem Nu or “Naked Man Beach”.

17. Praia do Túnel

Also known as Praia do Peneco, this city beach connects to Albufeira via a tunnel. The beach is sheltered by stunning cliffs and makes a great place to watch the sunset. It is often crowded with tourists and locals in the summer months as it is one of the best beaches in the Algarve for locals and tourists. On some days, the waves are strong enough for surfing which means swimming at this beach may be more of a challenge.

Chris and I found the sand to be more of a golden, red color. We walked along the boardwalk past the stairs up the side of the cliff to the point and enjoyed the views and sunshine.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Final Thoughts on 17 Awesome Things to Do in the Algarve, Portugal

If you plan to explore and discover the Algarve for the first time, these are few helpful tips to know:

• The Algarve, or the west of Portugal, covers an area of 1,930 square miles (5,000 square kilometers).
• If you are flying, you will likely fly into Faro International Airport.
• Uber is an option in the Algarve.
• The area is renowned for its sun-drenched coastline and some of the best beaches in the Algarve!
• There is a high-speed train that operates between Lisbon and Albufeira and Faro.
• You may wish to rent a car to discover the charming villages, resort towns, and stunning coastline.
• The most popular towns in the Algarve are Albufeira, Faro, Lagos, Portimão, and Vilamoura.

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