From attractive cities like Lisbon and Porto to islands like Madeira, Portugal is a completely beautiful nation to discover! it’s a rustic that’s stuffed with beautiful spots, and the Algarve isn’t any totally different. Perched on the south coast of the nation, the area is a gem to go to – particularly with all of the attractive coastal cities, seashores and historical past. Truthfully, you’ll be spoilt for selection when on the lookout for all the very best locations within the Algarve to go to in your subsequent journey!
Through the years, we’ve popped over to Portgual fairly a bit! It’s a rustic that’s so numerous and has essentially the most unimaginable tradition and meals that make it an ideal vacation spot.
Not solely that, being a extra standard vacation area in Europe implies that it’s well-equipped for guests. From native airports, loads of eating places and facilities that make all of it too straightforward to go to.
So, that will help you get essentially the most out of your time within the Algarve, I needed to share a number of the prime locations to go to that we completely cherished.
Have a look, beneath, at the very best locations within the Algarve to go to. Have an epic journey once you go to Portugal.
1.) Faro
Plenty of occasions, Faro is seen because the gateway to the Algarve as a result of its airport; but it surely’s rather more than that. It’s received centuries of historical past and beautiful little spots that may truly shock you.
As soon as right here, don’t neglect to spend a while exploring the Outdated City. It’s top-of-the-line locations within the Algarve to go to, particularly for its historical past.
With its fairly museums, little outlets, the Cathedral of Santa Maria and Roman and Moorish partitions, it’s a spot with tons to see and do.
You’ve additionally received essentially the most ornate metropolis gate, Arco da Vila that’s completely picturesque. Plus, the entire neighbourhood across the gate is simply beautiful to go to.
Oh, and don’t neglect to go to close by Barreta island. It’s essentially the most southerly level of Portgual’s mainland and has one of the pristine and unspoilt seashores (Praia da Barreta) that’s completely beautiful.
It’s fairly distant and underdeveloped (which is gorgeous if you’d like fewer crowds) but it surely does imply you need to convey all you want with you.
Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit
2.) Alvor
Round a 30-minute drive from Lagos, Alvor is a coastal space that’s effectively price visiting while exploring the broader Algarve shoreline.
In fact, you’ve gotta make a pitstop at Alvor Seashore which is such a sandy haven! Plus, it’s received a load of trails and boardwalks that make it an incredible place for a stroll.
Afterwards, spend a while visiting the historic citadel of Alvor.
It’s a medieval citadel with unimaginable Manueline structure that’s completely epic to see. Construct again within the seventh Century, it’s very easy to go to while within the city space.
If that sounds a bit sleepy for you, head over to the airfield simply shy of the city. Right here, they organise skydiving alternatives (with Air Emotions) proper over the Algarve. Simply ensure you pack your confidence and neglect these nerves!
Read more: Best things to do in Lisbon
3.) Tavira
For me, Tavira is likely one of the finest locations within the Algarve to go to and is completely picturesque. Normally forgotten by plenty of guests to the area, Tavira is an ideal little spot for a stroll while exploring the Algarve within the automobile.
Right here, you’ll get to discover the citadel of Tavira (which is 1,000 years previous) or go to the Tavira Museum which homes plenty of exhibitions (somewhat than simply historic artefacts). Sure, it’s small and cosy however that’s all a part of its appeal.
Oh, and don’t neglect to go throughout the Roman Bridge that was based effectively over 2000 years in the past!
Read more: Best things to do in Porto
4.) Cape St Vincent
One of the vital westerly factors within the Algarve, Cape St Vincent is a completely dramatic pure spot to go to when within the west of the area.
Simply reached by automobile from Lagos (40-minutes), it’s the proper place to go to for a stroll across the space and see the Lighthouse of Cape St Vincent, too. Actually, it’s nice to associate a visit right here at sundown once you’ll get a number of the finest views throughout the Ocean. It’s lovely.
If it’s historical past you’re after, head into the fort of Santo António de Belixe that’s shut by. It’s been round for hundreds of years (effectively over half a millennia) and is steeped in historical past.
Lastly, you’ll get top-of-the-line seashores within the Algarve from Beliche Seashore (Praia do Beliche). The sand is so pristine and delightful, plus the rocky cliffs are unimaginable too. It’s simply all so picturesque.
Read more: Best castles to visit in Portugal
5.) Olhão
Simply shy of town of Faro, Olhão is effectively price a bit gander in case you’re seeking to discover lesser-visited spots within the Algarve.
As soon as right here, discover the Museum of Olhão, stroll the gardens across the waterfront and take the boat to close by Culatra Island.
It’s a small little spot with a stunning little city to walk and essentially the most unimaginable seaside (Praia da Ilha da Culatra) that stretches the entire island. Although, don’t count on many facilities across the seaside – it’s fairly unspoilt and underdeveloped on the island itself.
Oh, and be sure you gorge in a number of the family-run eating places, too. This space is understood for its fishing and seafood, so make certain to seize a chunk. Additionally, you may even catch the Olhão Seafood Pageant, too. It’s the biggest in all of Portugal and occurs each August.
A visit to Olhão gained’t take too lengthy (except you go to Culatra). So, possibly round 2 hours so plan it as a part of a wider roadtrip.
Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit
6.) Almancil
Often called being one of many extra high-end stops to make within the Algarve, Almancil is a spot that’s nice to go to for a chunk to eat. You see, Almancil has quite a lot of Michelin-Star spots that you simply actually can’t miss.
Earlier than visiting, e-book a desk at Henrique Leis. They’ve a yummy tasting menu and their lobster is caught domestically at Sagres. Alternatively, seize a spot at Pequeno Mundo. The restaurant is located inside a stunning and historic villa and the meals is simply unimaginable. It’s an ideal night meal type of spot.
Afterwards, pop into São Lourenço Church, one of the lovely and baroque-inspired church buildings in all of the Algarve.
Constructed again within the Seventeenth century, the church’s inside is so beautiful to see. This Seventeenth-century whitewashed church is likely one of the most necessary creative websites within the Algarve and also you’ll shortly see why once you go to. The tiles of the church are attractive!
7.) Vila Actual de Santo António
Proper on the border with Spain, Vila Actual de Santo António is effectively price a cease earlier than heading past the Algarve and into Spain.
It’ll in all probability be your final cease within the nation earlier than heading to close by Seville and it’s completely price an hour or so to go searching.
As you wander the city, be sure you spot the Vila Actual de Santo António Lighthouse and the little museum on fishing (Arquivo Histórico Municipal António Rosa Mendes), too. Plus, you’ll discover plenty of cafes and family-run outlets lining the streets right here.
Oh, and simply out of the city is the seafront restaurant of Dom Petisco. It’s the proper place for lunch and so they have a number of the finest seafood within the area.
8.) Loulé
If the shoreline of the Algarve isn’t your factor, head inland to spots like Loulé. You see, Loulé is a conventional Portuguese market city with many alternative contemporary meals stalls and interiors that’s effectively price seeing.
Plus, you’ve received the unimaginable Fort of Loulé that’s been round for nearly 2000 years! It’s proper within the coronary heart of Loulé and you may’t miss it.
Afterwards, take a drive as much as the Quinta da Tôr Vineyard that’s round a 10-minute drive north of Loulé itself. They’ve some unimaginable wines which might be nice to takeaway.
Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit
9.) Albufeira
A fairly standard spot, Albuferia has develop into of the very best locations within the Algarve to go to if you’d like a great mixture of solar, sea and metropolis.
Inside the Outdated City of Albufeira itself, you’ve received essentially the most unimaginable little streets and cobbled walkways which might be unimaginable to discover. Each has heaps of cafes, little eateries and outlets which might be so beautiful.
Not solely that, you’ll get to identify the close by Clock Tower and the Archeological Museum that’s proper subsequent to the coast.
Searching for a seaside? Head throughout to Praia Sao Rafael a way more secluded seaside that’s hugged by essentially the most dramatic of cliffs.
This seaside is the go-to place in the summertime and you may even hop on a number of the dolphin cruises or cave excursions close by.
The entire shoreline right here is unimaginable and the golden sand and rocky cliffs are so iconic.
Searching for extra seashores close to Albufeira? Pop over to the close by Praia dos Arrifes, Praia da Ponta Grande or Praia da Coelha which might be all close by.
10.) Vale de Centianes (Seven Hanging Valleys Path)
Need to get out and discover the very best of Algarve’s shoreline on foot? Then head over to affix the Seven Hanging Valleys Path that takes in some beautiful surroundings.
Round 12-km in size, it’s a reasonably lengthy path that’s effectively price giving a day to comfortably full.
Beginning round Praia do Vale de Centeanes and ending at Marinha Beach, it’s the proper mountain climbing route that goes previous the enduring Benagil Caves.
Plus, Marinha Seashore is beautiful in its personal proper!
You’ll be able to see the total mountain climbing route, here. Simply be sure you begin your hike at dawn. This fashion, you’ll keep away from the extreme warmth at noon.
Read more: Best hikes in Portugal
11.) Vilamoura
Most likely finest recognized for its {golfing} spots, Vilamoura can be top-of-the-line locations within the Algarve to go to for Roman historical past.
With 1000’s of years of historical past on the Roman Ruins of Cerro da Vila, it’s the type of place that’s good to discover the broader influences that when managed this a part of Portugal.
Though in ruins, you possibly can nonetheless get a great sense of the buildings and there’s additionally a museum to take a gander and be taught extra.
If that’s not your factor, take a stroll right down to the marina and cease by a number of the bars and eating places that line the streets right here. Oh, and for a seaside, head to Vilamoura Seashore that’s completely beautiful. Sure, it’s fairly standard however with good purpose!
Not solely that, you possibly can simply associate a visit to Vilamoura once you go to Loulé as they’re each shut by.
12.) Carvoeiro
Fairly near Portimão, Carvoeiro is a superb place to cease while exploring the shoreline of the Algarve. Though comparatively small, it’s completely picturesque and effectively price a gander, particularly for a day outing.
It’s received heaps of little eateries and you can even see the little fortress (Fort of Our Girl of the Incarnation) that’s received some spectacular coastal views.
Fancy a stroll? Head out on the Carvoeiro Boardwalk and absorb a shorter journey to see a number of the viewpoints across the Algar Seco Cliffs.
Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit
13.) Bengali Caves
Simply one of the iconic and finest locations within the Algarve to go to, the Bangali Caves are beautiful to see.
Carved by 1000’s of years of oceanfront erosion, it’s completely straightforward to go to by boat journey.
Now, there are a selection of how to affix one; both with a ship tour from Portimão or Benagil Seashore. Although, to be sincere, each tour operator sells some model of this boat journey and it’s fairly straightforward to rearrange from plenty of locations.
It’s completely unimaginable to see and effectively well worth the boat journey. Simply be sure you go to very first thing within the morning if you wish to keep away from nearly all of the crowds. That being stated, you get the very best mild round 1 pm. Although, count on this to be a lot busier!
14.) Portimão
One of many bigger spots to go to within the Algarve, Portimão is a superb cease to make for a day journey.
From right here, you’ll get to discover a number of the Algarve’s finest seashores (like Praia da Rocha or Praia do Vau) and cease off on the Museu de Portimão for a lowdown on all issues fishing!
If that’s not your jam, head over to Fortaleza de Santa Catarina which was constructed to safe the Algarve from hoarding pirates!
Afterwards, take a bit gander across the space at Praia da Angrinha. It’s simply throughout the water and also you’ll get to discover a number of the wider areas of Ferragudo and see the Fort of São João do Arade.
15.) Lagos
Perched inside the west of the Algarve, Lagos was one of many final locations we explored on our roadtrip down the west coast from Lisbon.
After parking up, make certain to go to the Fort of Ponta da Bandeira and the Fort of Lagos. For a tasty supper, e-book a desk at Dom Sebastião. They’ve a seasonal fish menu that’s so scrumptious.
Additionally, don’t neglect to go to Ponta da Piedade which’s simply exterior Lagos. The towering stacks and the jagged shoreline is attractive.
Oh, and for a seaside, head to Praia do Camilo. It’s lovely, although you will want to stroll down a couple of hundred steps from the cliffs above.
Not solely that, the seaside at Praia dos Estudantes (With the Lagos Roman Bridge) is effectively price a go to. It’s a seaside haven!
Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit
16.) South-West Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Pure Park
Stretching far past the Algarve (from Burgau), the pure park is completely tranquil to go to and considered one of our favorite spots to discover by automobile.
Sure, you will want a couple of days to completely drive and discover all of the spots but it surely’s effectively price doing in case you’re fancying a quieter journey.
As soon as right here, and close to the Algarve finish of the park, is Cordoama Seashore. It’s a dramatic and rugged shoreline seaside that’s good for the surf and beautiful sunsets. You gained’t be dissatisfied!
Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit
