19 Wonderful Places to Visit in the Algarve - By a Local
Affiliate disclosure: some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you book using one of them, we’ll earn a small commission. All of our info is free to read and free of ads, so we appreciate it!
As an Algarvian, I had a tough time narrowing down all the places I love in my region into a list of just 19. And, if I'm being honest, I cheated a little bit by naming a single place, but then sometimes including 4 or 5 nearby ones in the description!
But that's really just because when you're talking about beaches that are adjacent to towns or adjacent to other great beaches, there's really no point naming every single one of them. For example, if you go to Carvoeiro, you're obviously also going to go to the Algar Seco cliffs. If you're staying in Portimão, you'd be insane to visit the town, but not walk 10 minutes over to Praia da Rocha!
So, this list combines a mix of cities, towns, beaches, and natural places that I think everyone should visit when coming to my region. As a local, I've tried to include the main highlights as well as plenty of lesser-known spots and the occasional hidden gem. I can't tell you all my secrets, but I've revealed a few!
I hope you enjoy the guide and that you learn about some new places.
Bem-vindos ao Algarve - welcome to the Algarve!
Table of Contents
1. Ferragudo
The charming fishing town of Ferragudo. Photo: Joseolgon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Common
Welcome to my hometown! Ferragudo is a charming 500-year-old fishing village and one of the most authentic places you’ll find along the coastline. Local restaurants offer traditional Algarvian cuisine with the freshest local fish and seafood.
And for a scenic view, go to my favorite place of all: Ponta do Altar. Besides the lighthouse, you’ll see Ferragudo’s beaches, the Arade River, Praia da Rocha, and Portimão, with Monchique mountains as the backdrop.
On a clear and sunny day, you can also see Lagos and Sagres 50 kilometers away.
There are lots of pleasant towns close by (like Carvoeiro, which is next on my list) as well as a whole host of great beaches.
2. Carvoeiro
Carvoiero town. Photo: Dr.G.Schmitz, CC BY-SA 2.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons
The "boneca” rock formation within the Algar Seco cliffs. Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, https://julesvernex2.com, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped.
The Algar Seco cliffs. Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped
At Carvoeiro, you’ll discover a small beach smack in the village center. The first settlers used this beach to deploy their fishing boats. Today, the town is a tourist hotspot that you don’t want to miss.
Walk up the street leading away from the beach and towards the village church (the street is Rampa Sra. da Encarnação) to enjoy Carvoeiro’s absolutely breathtaking views. From there, continue on a wooden boardwalk along the cliffs and contemplate the astonishing view of the ocean. From the end of the boardwalk you arrive at the impressive Algar Seco rock formations.
Here, the are two particulalry striking formations: one is where a massive hole in the cliff forms a natural swimming pool and the other is a formation called "boneca" that has become very famous. The boneca formation is comprised of two giant side-by-side holes that have somehow formed in the face of the cliff and offer a view out into the ocean. Looking at the holes from the sea, they resemble the eyes of a dall, hence the name (Boneca in Portuguese means “Doll").
3. Benagil Cave and Praia da Marinha
Benagil Cave
Praia da Marinha
Benagil Cave, the famous dome-shaped cave with a sandy beach within it, is a must-see while visiting the Algarve! Book a guided tour and enjoy nature’s mind-blowing work.
Right next to it is another unforgettable location, Praia da Marinha. This stunning beach is backed by massive sandy cliffs and has interesting rock formations jutting out of the water. It's no wonder that it was granted the title of “most beautiful beach in the world" by Condé Nast Traveller and CNN.
Enjoy the views while looking for the heart-shaped photo location at Praia da Marinha!
4. Monchique
The view from atop Mount Fóia on a cloudy day
Monchique is a tiny village secluded in the highest mountains in the Algarve. The forest and the altitude create a unique microclimate, making this the chilliest and rainiest location in the region. The town is quite pretty and a pleasant place to visit for a change of scenery.
While there, try the Bolo de Tacho (a local cake), the Medronho Firewater, and the Chouriça (a type of sausage) to taste the local cuisine. You’ll be delighted!
To enjoy the most beautiful sunset around, head up to nearby Mount Fóia. At 902 meters of altitude, this is the highest point south of Lisbon. From there, you’ll see all the south and western coastline. Be sure to have your camera ready!
It's a 10-minute drive from Monchique to the mountain's summit. Once up there, hikers have the option to walk the approximately 7 km "PR3 MCQ” trail that takes in some really nice scenery. You can find the route on Alltrails.
If a little relaxation is in order, the very nice Caldas de Monchique thermal baths are always a great option.
5. Silves
Silves is a historical city marked by centuries of Roman and Moorish occupation. Wander the medieval cobbled streets, visit the city’s castle, and enjoy the astonishing view from the top of the walls. The Cathedral, built on the remains of an old mosque, is another landmark you can’t miss!
Once you find the local museum, you’ll get a glimpse of the past as you feast your eyes on the archeological artifacts found all over the city. While exploring the city, you’ll notice a few Roman remnants and Islamic-influenced architecture.
6. Lagos
Praça Luís de Camões in Lagos’ old town. Photo: Tibor Kovacs, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Praia da Dona Ana near to Lagos
Lagos is a charismatic coastal town celebrated for its historical significance during the Portuguese maritime expansion. It's a busy place with a pleasant city center that is full of shops, restaurants, and bars.
I often recommend it as a decent place to base yourself in while visitng the region because it has enough going on in town and nearby that you won't get bored.
Although much of the city is fairly modern, it has a very nice old town where you’ll find historical buildings, such as the Santa Maria Church, pretty squares, a good museum, and the ancient city walls.
Some of the Algarve's best beaches are on both sides of the town, like Praia da Dona Ana which is an absolute must-visit.
I've gone into more detail on the city in my guide to Lagos.
7. Ponta da Piedade
A few kilometers away from Lagos is Ponta da Piedade, a towering limestone cliff formation that is like no other. From the top, you have views over the Portimão and Carvoeiro coastline as well as the town of Sagres.
Although you can visit its sea pillars and natural arches from land, the best way to enjoy this dramatic coastline is really on a kayak tour.
8. Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St. Vincent) and Sagres
Cabo de São Vicente and its lighthouse. Matthias Süßen , CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sagres’ fortress. Photo: Bextrel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Praia do Beliche. Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cabo de São Vicente - Cape St. Vincent - is the southwesternmost point of Portugal, and therefore mainland Europe. A lighthouse sits atop the imposing cliffs, from which you have terrific views over the ocean where the deep blue water contrasts brilliantly with the limestone cliffs and golden-sand beaches. The seascape here is a sight to behold.
Right nearby, Sagres is a tiny fishing village deeply connected to the Portuguese Discoveries in the 15th century. After all, this is where the caravels departed to the New World. At Fortaleza de Sagres, you can visit the actual spot from where they departed.
The beaches surrounding the area are also extremely impressive. Praia do Beliche is one of my favorites.
9. Carrapateira and its beaches
Praia da Bordeira outside of Carrapateira
The wonderful Praia do Amado. Photo: Aires Almeida from Portimão, Portugal, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Carrapateira is a tiny fishing village on a splendid stretch of coast in the “Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina” park. The entire park is splendid, with some of the best beaches in Portugal, but the area around Carrapateira is particularly beautiful.
The main appeal of visiting the town is to go to the fantastic nearby beaches, but it also has some really excellent restaurants (especially for seafood).
Praia da Bordeira and Praia do Amado are two of the best beaches, both with incredibly impressive locations. They sea can be a bit rough, which is why they are famous with surfers and bodyboarders.
While you're here, I also recommend visiting Arrifana, another small fishing village to the west of Carrapateira. Here, the sea is even rougher, and only the most courageous go in! Again, it's popular with surfers.
10. Odeceixe
Odeceixe town. Photo: Lolo7303, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Odeceixe beach. Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Like Carrapateira, Odeceixe sits within the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. It's a charismatic little village right on the banks of the Seixe River, which forms the border between the Algarve and the neighboring Alentejo region.
The town's traditional white-washed houses pile on top of the hills in a really lovely way, attracting travelers from all over the world.
A few kilometers away, there’s Odeceixe Beach, considered one of Portugal’s 7 wonders. On one side, the beach faces the mouth of the Seixe River, and on the other, it faces the Atlantic Ocean.
This unique feature attracts both surfers and families with small children looking for the perfect day at the beach.
11. Faro
Faro's main square. Photo: Abrget47j, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ilha do Farol near to Faro. Photo: Otávio Nogueira from Fortaleza, BR, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Faro is the Algarve’s regional capital and the largest city in the region. It's also home to the main airport.
Lots of people will tell you that Faro isn't worth visiting at all and that you should just arrive and depart straight away. I very much disagree. It certainly isn't the prettiest town in the region, but it has lots going on, good transport connections, and it has a pleasant old town, and a nice riverfront esplanade that affords good views of the Ria Formosa lagoon. It's worth visiting.
Besides just wandering around, you should check out the Santa Maria Church, the town's very good municipal museum, the Chapel of Bones, and take a water taxi to Ilha do Farol, an island with a fabulous beach.
You can find more info in my guide to Faro.
12. Loulé
Moorish architecture in Loulé
Loulé is the perfect place if you’re looking to explore Algarve’s culture. Visiting the medieval Castle and the local museum will help you understand how the city changed over the centuries.
Another landmark you can’t miss is the Moorish-styled Loulé Market. Inside you’ll find the freshest local produce, fish, seafood, and traditional handicrafts. I recommend visiting on Saturday, early in the morning. That’s the busiest day of the week at the market and when you’ll have more vendors.
For a remarkable experience, join a guided tour of the Rock Salt Mine, 200 meters deep into the earth. You’ll discover unique geological formations and the mine’s history.
If you're interested in visiting, here's my guide to Loulé.
13. Tavira
Tavira
Ilha de Tavira beach. Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tavira is a sleepy town in the Algarve's less-visited eastern half and its quiet atmosphere makes for a perfect break for the more heavily touristed towns of the western Algarve.
The town's Roman bridge and the remains of a medieval castle are the most visited landmarks, but you also shouldn’t miss the Igreja da Nossa Senhora das Ondas or the Convento da Nossa Senhora da Graça.
I'd recommend timing your visit right so that you can enjoy an unforgettable sunset at the beach on Tavira Island.
Near to town, you can also take a boat across the Ria Formosa lagoon, getting out to various barrier islands which have really fantastic beaches.
For more info on the city and surroundings, have a look at my guide to Tavira.
14. Cacela Velha
Cacela Velha beach. Photo: Vitor Oliveira, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Cacela Velha is a stunning small village overlooking the Ria Formosa. Due to its size, you can easily explore it in one afternoon. While strolling the streets, you’ll see typical Algarvian houses showing details of medieval and Moorish architecture.
At Cacela Velha Fortress, you’ll be baffled by the astonishing views.
Cavelha Velha Beach is one of the most famous in the Algarve due to its warm waters and lagoons. However, getting there isn’t that smooth! On a low tide, you can walk to the beach. Yet, when the tide is high, you must get on a taxi boat.
One piece of advice: always check the tide timing for your return. Otherwise, you might get stranded.
15. Portimão
Portimão and its wonderful coastline
The João d’Arens cliffs. Photo: Aires Almeida from Portimão, Portugal, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Praia da Rocha. Photo: Steven Fruitsmaak, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Portimão is a historic fishing town dating back to pre-Roman times, but the town was largely destroyed in an earthquake in the 1700’s, so little of its historic buildings remain. It’s also now a stop on many cruise ships’ itineraries, so it gets packed during the day as day trippers head into the city or nearby areas.
The riverfront area is a pleasant place to spend an hour or two though, and it makes sense to stop here if you’re heading east from Lagos or the western coast.
Nearby, you have the Benagil Cave, Praia da Marinha, Praia da Rocha, and the gorgeous João d’Arens cliff formations.
You can also go skydiving here or rent a race car and drive on the city's race tracks. There's a lot to do…
Learn more in my guide to Portimão.
16. Aljezur (and its nearby beaches)
Praia de Monte Clerigo near to Aljezur
The riverside town of Aljezur, which boasts a 10th century hilltop castle, makes for a very pleasant quick stop while road tripping the Algarve.
There’s not much to see in town, but nearby are the seaside villages and beaches of Monte Clérigo and Arrifana, both of which are absolutely spectacular.
There are also lots of other little towns and beaches to visit between here and Lagos.
17. Alcoutim
Alocutim on the left and Sanlucar de Guadiana (in Spain) on the right, separated by the Guadiana River. Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Alcoutim is a traditional Algarvian village in the countryside near the border with Spain. It's built along the banks of the Guadiana River and you can relax at the fluvial beach of Pego Fundo, explore the views from the town's castle, and marvel at the Renaissance architecture of the Igreja Matriz Church.
If you're up for a shot of adrenaline, get on a zipline and fly over the river, which will take you across the border and into Spain!
18. Salir and Alte
Fonte Grande canal in the village of Alte. Photo: Husond, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking for authentic villages in the countryside, the towns of Salir and Alte will make your day! Located in the mountains about 30 minutes from Albufeira, they're both quite off the beaten path and provide a very welcome break from the busier and more touristy coastal towns.
Wander the cobbled streets of Salir and marvel at the remains of the 12th-century Moorish castle and the traditional whitewashed houses. Close by, there’s Fonte Benémola, a nature reserve filled with water springs all year round. There are a number of good hiking trails.
In Alte, you’ll find a well-preserved 13th-century Church, the oldest building in the village. Close by you’ll find the famous Cascata do Vigário, a stunning waterfall surrounded by grassland. Due to the low rainfall levels, know that sometimes the waterfall dries up over the summer.
Right in Alte town you also have Fonte Grand and Fonte Pequena, two natural swimming "canals” fed by freshwater springs. Locals like to come here to swim and barbecue and they're perfect for a hot summer day.
19. Reserva Natural da Ria Formosa
An aerial photo showing a section of the lagoon and barrier islands. Photo: Nicotappero, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The expansive Reserva Natural da Ria Formosa is a protected reserve that covers a huge swath of the eastern Algarve and has severly restricted development. Within the reserve are barrier islands whose fantastic sandy beaches can only be reached by boat and are therefore comparatively uncrowded.
Frequent boat tours depart from many of the towns in the area (Faro, Olhao, Fusesta, Cabanas, etc.), so you can use any of them as a base if a few days on these relatively secluded beaches sounds appealing to you.
Making your way out to the lagoon and this part of the Algarve provides a totally different feel from the rest of the region. The towns feel different, the beaches are totally different (no big cliffs), and you'll see far fewer people.
More Algarve travel info
For more advice on planning your trip to the Algarve, have a look at some of our other guides and itineraries!
- 1 hour planning session
- Chat with a local expert
- Perfect your itinerary
- Get pro tips & hidden gems
Connect with a local expert
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
_(cropped).jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
_(Portugal)_(42490219631).jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
