Best things to do in Algarve, Portugal
Algarve is located on the Southern shore of Portugal. With its vast white sandy beaches, precipitous and rudely paved cliffs, and its shallow turquoise ocean, it is an ideal destination for your holiday.
Longtime ago, the Arabs used to call this region “Al Garb” which means “The West”. Although the cultural and scientific center of the lands has gone unnoticed by the splendor of the other regions like the mighty Al-Andalus. Yet, a thousand years later, Algarve has taken its revenge by becoming a must-see tourist region that receives about 9 million visitors each year.
There are so many things you can do and see in Algarve. In this article, I will enumerate some of the best things to do in this Southern part of Portugal.
Summary of top sights :
- Beaches: Praia da Marinha beach, Bordeiro, Do Camilo, Carvalho, Submarino and Joao De Arens, Praia Dona Ana, Portimao
- The town of Villa Real da Santo Antonio
- The seven suspended valleys
- The Benagil Grotto
- The Ponta Da Piedade
- The historical town of Tavira
- The church of San Lorenzo
- The Castelo de Silves
- Sunset view at the lighthouse of Cabo de Sao Vicente
- The natural park Da Ria Formosa
- Sculptures of Amarcao De Pera
Although the beaches of Algarve are its main tourist attraction with 124 miles (200 km) of coastline. However, its historical towns and villages, its countryside, its caves, and mountains are also some of the interesting places not to be missed when you are in Algarve.
Without further ado, discover all the best things you should do while in Algarve.
The beaches
Praia da Marinha is among one the best beaches in Algarve. Once you have parked your car in the parking lot, you will be amazed by the view from above. The highlights of this beach are the golden color of its sand which stands out with the huge cliffs.
Fun fact: One of the cliffs is sculpted in the form of an “m” at the west end of the beach.
Praia do Carvalho is a small beach with rugged cliffs not far from Marinha beach. The landscape gives the beach a magical and romantic atmosphere. It is somewhat in the form of a “V”. According to legends, this beach bears the name of a captain called Carvalho, who would have owned this beach at one time. To reach the beach of Carvalho, one must go through an artificial tunnel in the rocks. There are several fossils in the tunnel. This is the only way to reach the beach. The tunnel has steep and uneven steps, hence, making it difficult to access for seniors or wheelchairs. Also, watch out for the sand on the steps as it can be slippery.
Bordeira beach is beloved by fans of surfing, this beach is part of the coast known as Alentejo. However, because of the proximity to the town, the name of the beach is also known as Carrapateira. Once you arrive, you must leave your vehicle in a public parking lot next to the beach and after that you will come across a series of wooden walkways that I recommend you explore before going down on the sand as they will lead you through rocks and cliffs, and a series of magnificent views.
Praia Do Camilo is a well-known beach on Instagram and a perfect to take some amazing pictures. We can access this beach via a beautiful staircase with a view of crystal clear waters, rock formations up to 82 ft (25 m) high, and three small coves interconnected by tunnels dug into the rock.
Submarino beach can be accessed by the famous beach Tres Irmaos, there is a small staircase that is connected to a path that will lead you to two of the best places to see in the Algarve through a wonderful path between the cliffs. After about 20 to 30 minutes of walking between the cliffs, you finally arrive at the beach of Submarino, which received this name because in front of its shores there is a rock that looks like a submarine.
Not far from Submarino, you can walk to Joao De Arens beach. To descend into this cove, it is necessary to take a narrow path that will lead us to the sand. Be careful when descending. And once you get down there, it’s a little corner of paradise.
Praia Dona Ana is a famous beach in Lagos. It is also ideal for snorkeling, the water is clean and there is plenty of marine wildlife.
Portimao is my least favorite beach as it is surrounded by modern buildings. But you can visit it and make your own conclusions.
Here is an excursion for a day where you can explore the Algarve beaches as a safari.
This town is situated in the eastern part of Algarve next to the Guadiana River. In the south part of the town, you can see a harbor with some ferries.
Where to eat in Villa Da Santo Antonio?
- Seafood and Meditteranean food at Restaurant 2000
- Green Buddha is known as a “classic Algarve food with an eastern twist”
- Best Italian food at Restaurant Ernesto
- For vegetarian, vegan, and no-gluten options you should head to Di Vino
- For halal food: Kebab Villa Da Santo Antonio, Honorato’s, Real Taste & Doner Shawarma
The Seven Suspended Valleys
One of the most beautiful hikes to do in the Algarve starts from the beach of Marinha: the beautiful trail of seven suspended valleys (Siete Valles Colgantes). This itinerary consists of a total of 3 miles (6 km) forth and back, through a delightful itinerary that will leave you speechless.
The Benagil Grotto
To access this magnificent cave you have two alternatives:
- By sea: you can rent a kayak or paddle on the beach, this was my option, even though it was scary because of the cold waves but it reminds one of the best experiences. Now, if you are scared to swim due to the cold Atlantic ocean I will recommend you book a boat tour to the cave. Book your kayak here or boat here.
- By car: the cave is 10 min by car from Praia Da Marinha. You will be on the top of the cave and not inside the cave because it can only be accessed by the sea.
For years, this was one of the best-hidden gems in the region. No one knew about it except the local fishermen. With the rise of tourism, these same fishermen showed the cave to the travelers who came there, and over the years, the photos of this cave ran like wildfire until it was what it is.
Ponta Da Piedade
If you didn’t visit Ponta de Piedade it is as if you didn’t visit Algarve! If you are in search of spectacular landscapes for your stay, this is where you should come. The Ponta da Piedade is a treasure amongst the rocks and definitely one of the most beautiful things to see in the Algarve. You can discover from its top views, but also at the seaside.
A must-see place in the Algarve is Tavira, perhaps the most charming city in the entire south of Portugal. Tavira is one of the cities with the greatest historical and cultural heritage in the entire region.
Tavira is a city full of charm with its narrow streets. The city is nice, clean and pretty. You should add this city to your bucket list.
Walk along the Rua da Libertade and the Jardim Publico, visit the Misericordia and do Carmo churches, climb the castle walls and enjoy the view of the city, and do not forget to cross the famous Roman Bridge.
The church of San Lorenzo
Many churches can be found in the Algarve. But if there is one that should not be missed in the south of Portugal, it is the church of San Lorenzo. It is located in Almancil, not far from Faro.
Its immaculate white exterior hardly lets us imagine what is hidden inside: a chapel whose walls, vault, and dome are decorated with blue in which the story of San Lorenzo is told. With its gilded baroque altarpiece, the interior of this small temple is undoubtedly one of the treasures of the Algarve.
Castelo Da Silves
Silves is a city with a historic center whose layout recalls its medieval past, as well as the city’s museums and some wall paintings that testify to its important Arabic past. A walk in the city allows you to enjoy the characteristic calm of the villages of the interior of the Algarve, often forgotten in favor of the beaches of the region.
To visit the Castle of Da Silves takes about 3 hours. Book your ticket here. with Albufeira tour included.
Sunset View at the Cabo Vicente lighthouse
The sunsets in Cabo de Sao Vicente are the most beautiful ones in the Algarve. My advice, you should arrive 1 hour before sunset, the perfect time to catch a good spot, walk around the area, admire the view of the lighthouse from the nearest area of Sagres and watch the sunset looking towards Pedra das Gaivotas and its magnificent cliffs.
Natural Park Da Ria Formosa
The Ria Formosa region has been designated a Nature Park since 1987. It was chosen as one of the natural wonders of Portugal and there is no doubt that it is one of the places to see in the Algarve. You can visit this place on the leeward coast of this Portuguese region, from the municipality Da Villa Real Santo Antonio to Loulé.
Such a great article, will definitely be helpful for planning a trip to Algarve 🙂