36 BEST Places to Visit in Algarve Portugal + Free Map Included!

Where is the Algarve Region Located?

In the very south of Portugal on the Atlantic, you’ll find the Algarve, a beautiful coastal region divided into 16 municipalities. This region is famous for its rugged cliff landscapes and dreamy beaches.
 

 
With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, average high summer temperatures of 28°C (83°F), and average high winter temperatures of 18°C (65°F), the Algarve is the perfect travel destination if you want to relax on the beach and enjoy the warm weather.

The Algarve coastline spans over 2,000km (1,243 miles), full of amazing beaches and hiking trails with spectacular views. But there’s more to see: castles, churches, ruins… The area has it all for a perfect holiday!

If you’re wondering what are the best places to go in Algarve and what to do, then this guide is for you.
 

Where to Stay Near the Best Spots in Algarve

Ready to discover the Algarve? Here are the 3 main locations I recommend for your stay in Algarve:

⭐️ Best Overall – Lagos: It’s THE best place to stay for visiting the Algarve region! I recommend the Cascade Wellness Resort as the perfect home base for further visiting, or the Hotel Lagosmar for a budget option.

❤️ Best for Couples – Tavira: The most romantic town for couples, book the very central Maria Nova Lounge Hotel – Adults Only for the best stay.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families – Albufeira: For the best family vacation, Albufeira is the right pick, especially if you choose this hotel.

Map of the Best Places in the Algarve

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If you want to know more about these best places in Algarve, keep reading below. You’ll find information about each spot, along with photos, so that you can easily decide if you want to visit or not.

The Best Places to Visit in the Algarve

1. Praia da Marinha

Praia da Marinha ranks among the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world, thanks to its exceptional setting and impressive rock formations.

This rock formation in the photo is called “Arco Natural”. It makes for an epic backdrop while you relax on the beach, or you can discover it from above hiking the famous Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

2. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

 
One of the most beautiful walks in the Algarve starts from Marinha Beach: the breathtaking Seven Hanging Valleys trail.

This route covers a total of 6 kilometers each way, taking you through a jaw-dropping landscape that’ll have you in awe the entire time. Honestly, it’s a must-do in the Algarve for me.

The trail runs parallel to cliffs with some of the best views to be seen in the Algarve, with impressive scenery over beautiful crystal-clear pools with turquoise waters, the impressive Praia da Mesquida, and the whole coastline of Lagoa, the Vale de Engenhos and its huge rock formations.

Read more: Complete Guide to Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

3. Benagil Cave

 
The Benagil Cave is probably the most famous place in the Algarve, for a reason: it’s absolutely incredible!

The Benagil Cave looks impressive from above, but it looks even more impressive from down below. You can reach the inside of the cave only by sea, whether you swim to it or use any other floating device (boat, stand-up paddle, kayak, …).

It’s usually called a secret beach, but it’s not so secret now. Benagil Caves still remain fantastic, and I would totally recommend visiting.

Read more: Complete Guide to Visit Benagil Cave

4. Ponta da Piedade

 
Ponta da Piedade is located on the southernmost point of the town of Lagos.

In Ponta da Piedade, you’ll find epic rock formations like the ones you can see in the picture above (did you spot the tiny person? Yeah that’s how massive this place really is!). You’ll also find nice caves that you can explore by foot at low tide.

Read more: Guide to Discover Ponta da Piedade

5. Camilo Beach

 
Camilo Beach, or Praia da Camilo, is one of the most unusual beaches in Algarve.
 
It’s hidden from plain sight by big cliffs. You have to climb down 225 steps to get all the way down to the beach, and that’s what makes its charm. Down on Camilo Beach, you’ll feel isolated from the world.

Read more: Guide to Discover Praia do Camilo

6. Student Beach

 
Are you looking for unusual beaches? Well, then Student Beach is the perfect one for you!

Let’s start with the obvious: there is a badass stone bridge above the beach. That’s pretty cool in itself if you ask me! In addition to that, you also access the beach through a tunnel in the cliffs. The two together make Praia dos Estudantes the perfect beach to soothe your need for unusual places.

7. Tres Irmaos Beach

 
Praia dos Tres Irmaos, or Three Brothers Beach, was named after the 3 massive rocks on the beach. It’s located in the town of Alvor, one of the best day trips from Lagos as it’s only 30 min drive away.

There is also a nice cave on the beach that you can see on the left side of the picture above. You can walk through it, and access another beach!

8. Praia de Albandeira

Albandeira Beach is another cool rock formation on the Algarve coast of Portugal.

This natural arch over the sea makes Praia de Albandeira a really cool beach to visit, even if only for the view. In addition to this rock formation, you will also find a nice sand beach and a cave.

Read more: Complete Guide to Visit Albandeira Beach

9. Praia do Vau

 
Unlike all the other beaches listed above, Praia do Vau is a very large beach, with plenty of space. Perfect for a relaxing day at the beach, napping and swimming.

I mean, just looking at the turquoise water… makes me want to jump right in!

And if you want to make sure you won’t walk too long to reach the beach, make sure to book one of these hotels on the beach.

10. Ria Formosa

 
When first seeing pictures of Ria Formosa, I didn’t think it was in Portugal. I didn’t visit when I was in the Algarve, and I’m dying to explore the area when I go back.

I don’t have any pictures from this location, but a quick Google image search will blow you away: click here to see all the images from Ria Formosa.

11. Praia de Odeceixe Mar

 
Praia de Odeceixe Mar on the Costa Vicentina is an absolutely incredible beach. Just have a look at the image below and you’ll be convinced to visit!

Even if there seems to be no one on the beach in the photo above, the location can get pretty crowded during high season, and it’s easy to understand why. Nonetheless, Praia de Odeceixe is a must-visit in the Algarve!

12. Praia da Amoreira

 
Praia da Amoreira is called the Algarve’s best-kept secret, and I didn’t know about this place when visiting the first time!

This beach looks absolutely fantastic, and I will definitely visit the next time I’m in the Algarve!

13. Monte Clérigo Beach

 
Praia do Monte Clérigo has a wilder feel than the other beach in the Algarve, and it’s the perfect beach to visit for a different feel of the Algarve coast.

The little village of Monte Clérigo is made of red & white houses, family-owned for more than 80 years. It’s in danger of demolition so visit while you can!

14. Arrifana Beach

 
Mostly known for being a sweet surf location, Arrifana Beach is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a day adventure. Go to the beach, rent a surfing board, and have a blast trying to catch the perfect waves of the beach.

If you’re looking for epic views, you’ll get one from the top of the cliffs, or from the top of Arrifana fortress.

15. Praia do Amado

 
Since we’re talking about surf, here’s another perfect beach for surfers: Praia do Amado.

Praia do Amado is regarded as one of the best beaches for surfing in Portugal. If you don’t feel like surfing, you can still go to the beach to watch other surfers, try to photograph them, or simply enjoy the view from one of the viewpoints in the area.

16. Cape Saint Vincent

Cape Saint Vincent, or Cabo de Sao Vicente, is the southwesternmost point of Europe. There is a beautiful lighthouse on the edge of the cliffs that makes for a wonderful view, especially at sunset.

Next to the lighthouse, there is a food truck named “Last Sausage before America” which I find funny enough to be mentioned here. Let me know if you end up eating there!

17. Beliche Beach

 
Beliche Beach is a beach located near Sagres, on the West part of the Algarve. It’s an ideal stop on your way to Cape Saint Vincent.

Praia do Beliche is isolated from the winds by high cliffs. It’s also far enough from the main spots, so fewer tourists visit this beach. You should find some peace on this beach (except during the peak season, of course).

18. Fortaleza de Sagres

 
The Sagres fortress is built on the edge of the cliffs in Sagres, and it’s a very unique location.

In addition to visiting the Fortaleza de Sagres, you can also explore the area, go check out Praia do Tonel or enjoy the view over at Cape Sagres viewpoint.

19. Praia Dona Ana

 
Praia Dona Ana is the typical beach you’d think of when thinking about the Algarve. Photos of the beach are often used as promotional material to advertise the Algarve as a travel destination.

The beach is only a 30 minutes walk from Lagos. The sand is a golden color, the water is as clear as it gets, and the cliffs shelter the beach from the wind. Praia Dona Ana is one of the best beaches in Algarve to relax and swim; the only downside is that it gets pretty crowded during summer.

20. Lagos

 
Lagos, situated not far from Portimão, is a must-see destination in the Algarve. Boasting a quaint and charming historic center, as well as stunning rocky beaches, it offers an unforgettable experience.

If you have a car, make sure to hit up the top spots like Ponta do Piedade, Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo (mentioned earlier), Praia da Balança, Cao Raivoso and Praia dos Pinheiros. Trust me, these beaches are the real deal and totally worth checking out.

Lagos deserves a whole day of your time. Picture this: charming streets paved with those classic Portuguese mosaics, a charming fortress right by the ocean, and relaxing strolls leading from the sea to the marina.

See 19 more best cities to visit in Portugal

21. Portimão

 
Portimão is the Algarve’s second most populated city and one of its most important business centers.

The city was once the region’s main fishing center and famous for its canning factories. But it has gradually developed as a tourist destination, largely thanks to the fantastic Praia da Rocha and its marina.

It’s also a best place to go in Algarve for nightlife. In the evening, the waterfront turns into a party with seafood restaurants and bars adding to the good vibes.

22. Meia Beach

 
Meia Praia, or Meia Beach, is the longest beach in Algarve.

Are you looking for a beach with extra room, without a crowd of people right around you? Chances are that you might find a spot for yourself on this 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long beach.

23. Carvoeiro

 
West of the Benagil Caves, you’ll find the town of Carvoeiro. Why would you go there? Well first off, just look at how beautiful the beach is: golden sand and turquoise waters!

On top of the beauty of its beach, you can explore the Nossa Senhora da Encarnaco Fort, located on top of the cliff: it’s the white building on the edge of the cliff in the image above. The original fort was mainly destroyed by an earthquake in 1755, but you can still visit the fort that was rebuilt in 1825.

24. Algar Seco Caves

 
If you’re around Carvoeiro (the location above), I suggest you go on the Carvoeiro boardwalk. This walk will take you along the cliffs, with pretty views all along, all the way to Algar Seco.

In Algar Seco, you’ll find crazy rock formations, and the most famous location in the area, the A Boneca cave (pictured above). Through the cave, you’ll end up with this view over the blue water.

25. Fort of Nossa Senhora da Rocha

 
On the edge of Nossa Senhora da Rocha cliffs stands the Chapel of the same name. It was built in the 8th century and has been well-preserved since then.

The Chapel was a point of pilgrimage back in the days. In the 13th century, a fort was built around the Chapel to protect the heritage site.
 

26. The Red Cliffs of Praia da Falésia

 
The name gives it away: Praia da Falésia, literally “Beach of Cliffs”. This beach is so unique, with the red cliffs, giving it a Grand Canyon feel.

Praia da Falésia is ranked as the best beach in Portugal, 3rd best beach in Europe, and the 6th best beach in the world in 2023 according to TripAdvisor.

27. Faro

 
Of course, no trip to the Algarve would be complete without a visit to Faro, the capital city of the region. The city has a more authentic atmosphere than most other cities crowded with tourists.

It boasts a lovely marina, parks, pretty squares, and a historic old town full of pedestrian lanes and terraces. Make sure to check out cool spots like the Igreja do Carmo and the Chapel of Bones – they’re total must-sees!

When the sun goes down, the city comes alive with a vibrant vibe, perfect for those seeking to party all night long.

28. Palace of Estoi

 
The Estoi Palace, located in the village of Estoi not far from Faro, is a remarkable 19th-century palace known for its Rococo and romantic architectural styles. Originally built as a private residence for a noble family, it was later transformed into a hotel.

The palace and its gardens are renowned for their ornate decorations, including azulejos (Portuguese-painted tiles), stuccos, statues, fountains, and charming walkways.

29. Tavira

 
Tavira is considered the most beautiful town in the Algarve. And understandably so!

With its rich architecture reflecting its Arab heritage, the Gilão River flowing through town into the Ria Formosa, its historic buildings, and pretty cobbled streets, Tavira is indeed a charming town well worth a visit. Plus, you’ll soak in that real Portuguese culture without the tourist hustle.

Don’t skip out on checking the church of Santa Maria do Castelo, exploring the Castelo de Tavira ruins, and crossing that Roman Bridge.

30. Albufeira

 
Albufeira is Algarve’s most popular destination among tourists. Families and couples flock here for the fancy hotels, dreamy resorts, and incredible beaches like Praia da Galé. And guess what? The nightlife is buzzing too!

In Albufeira’s old town, dive into seafood restaurants dishing out Portuguese specialties, hit up the shops, and get ready to vibe in the bars. It’s the whole package, but you’ll have to put up with the tourists!!

31. Roman Ruins of Milreu

Carole Raddato under CC BY SA 2.0

If you have an interest in history and architecture, you can visit the Roman Ruins of Milreu.

The ruins are what remains of a massive Roman villa, dating from the 1st century.

32. The desert island Ilha da Barreta

 
Are you looking to escape the crowds of the Algarve beach? Then the desert island Ilha da Barreta is the perfect place for you!

You can reach the island by ferry from Faro, for a small fee of 10€. It takes 35 minutes to reach the island, and departures/returns are at a set time. Make sure to check the times before going:

• Departures: 10am ; 1:15pm ; 4:45pm
• Returns: 12:45pm ; 2:30pm ; 4pm ; 5:30pm

Times changes often so make sure to check the time at the information booth on the spot.

33. Silves

Silves stands out as one of the region’s most historic towns. It’s mainly famous for having one of the very few castles in Algarve, Castillo de Silves.

It’s an imposing Moorish-style castle perched on a hill and offering nice panoramic views from its ramparts. A Gothic cathedral of great charm and numerous vestiges of the medieval era complete this captivating picture.

The town itself is lovely and you’ll love wandering through its cobbled streets to discover craft stores and local produce.
 

34. The classic Portuguese town of Loulé

 
Far from the coast, Loulé is located in central Algarve. It’s a classical Portuguese market town, and you’ll get a feel for how the locals live, far from the crowds of the coast.

There are plenty of things to visit in Loulé: many churches (Igreja de Sao Francisco), the market, Loulé Castle, …
 

35. Igreja Sao Lourenço

Marc Ryckaert under CC BY 3.0

If you visit Loulé, you need to visit the Igreja Sao Lourenco, an 18th-century Baroque church.

The church looks great from the outside, but it’s even more stunning inside! Traditional azulejos (blue and white tiles) cover the walls and ceiling inside the church, and it’s absolutely beautiful.

36. Monchique and the Serra de Monchique

 
If you follow the Algarve best places on this list, you will have visited beaches, islands, and central Algarve. The last thing you can experience is the Algarve mountains.

Monchique is a mountain town nestled in the Serra de Monchique, north of Lagos. You’ll find beautiful landscapes with mountains completely different from the rest of the region, and also hot springs and SPA!

Tips & Info to Travel Algarve

☀️ Best time to visit Algarve: The best time to visit the Algarve is between April and October, with July and August being the peak tourist season. To sidestep the scorching summer temperatures and the crowds, plan your trip during the quieter months of April to June or from September to October. Keep in mind, however, that the Atlantic Ocean is cold and rarely exceeds 19°C (66.2°F), even in midsummer!

📆 How long should you stay: The ideal time to discover the Algarve and all its secrets is to spend a week here. This will allow you to visit many beaches, go hiking, and discover beautiful towns. But if the Algarve is part of an itinerary through Portugal, then you can devote 3 to 4 days to it. 

🚗 How to get around Algarve: Although many buses are crisscrossing the region (especially in summer), the best way to get around Algarve is by car. Public transport doesn’t reach the smaller, tucked-away beaches and coves, and the journeys are much longer. Renting a car not only provides greater freedom but also allows you more time to explore and make the most of your trip.

🧳 What to pack: Packing for the Algarve depends on the season you’re traveling. But what you’d always need whatever the season is sun protection, sturdy walking shoes, swimwear, sunglasses, and a sweater. If you’re visiting during the winter, make sure to have warm clothes and a raincoat as the wind is strong.

Get my favorite travel gear here to make sure you pack well for Algarve! 

So there you have them, the 36 best places Algarve has to offer. There are just so many things to see in Algarve: whether you’re going for a weekend, or for longer, you now have a full list of things to see and it will be a while before you run out of spots to discover 🙂

✋ Before you go, make sure to check out my best Algarve photos here to get more inspiration for your trip.

What is your favorite spot in Algarve? Let me know in the comments below!