The southern Algarve is Portugal’s jewel, with a breathtaking coastline, epic caves and arches, a pleasant year-round climate and waves that make it a surfer’s paradise. The surrounding nature is sure to captivate you, and the charming whitewashed villages are no exception. Discover our list of things to do in the Algarve.
Discover Albufeira: a must-see fishing village in the Algarve
Albufeira is one of the many whitewashed fishing villages on the Algarve coast. Situated at the top of a low cliff, it offers magnificent views over a wide beach and splendid waters, making it one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s where party-goers and beach-goers especially like to spend their vacations. But there’s much more to do in Albufeira.
Spend some time in Albufeira’s old town. You’ll find pretty cobbled streets, whitewashed and tiled houses, a few museums, picturesque churches and plenty of restaurants, stores and bars.
What to see in the Algarve : Lagos, a pleasant seaside resort
Some of the best things to do in Portugal’s Algarve can be found in the town of Lagos. With several magnificent beaches and picturesque sites such as Ponta da Piedade within walking distance, the town attracts visitors from all over the world.
The historic center of the old town is a labyrinth of narrow streets punctuated by whitewashed houses. There are still monuments dedicated to the darkest period in Lagos’ history, when it was home to a large slave market.
Visit the Igreja de Santo Antonio, a Portuguese national monument easily recognized by its two bell towers.
Centro Cienca Viva de Lagos is a science and technology museum housed in a mansion in the old town of Lagos. With many interactive exhibits dedicated to scientific breakthroughs and the age of discovery. You can spend a fun and educational day here for all ages, and the place is ideal to visit on a cloudy day.
A must-see during your stay in the Algarve : Ria Formosa
The Ria Formosa is a lagoon running 60 km along Portugal’s southern coast, from Faro to Tavira. It’s a natural park with picturesque white sandy beaches, providing a protected habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. It’s a must-see on any Algarve itinerary. Nature lovers and birdwatchers alike will love this region. It’s not for nothing that it was named one of the country’s 7 Natural Wonders in 2010.
The easiest way to visit the park is on foot or by boat. It’s possible to visit the park on your own, but if you’d like to learn more about the area, we recommend booking a guided tour.
Faro: visit the Algarve and soak up the local music
If you’re looking for things to do around Faro, why not add a fado music experience to your vacation itinerary! Dating back to the early 1800s, Portuguese fado music originated in the capital, Lisbon. This cultural pastime combines singing and Portuguese guitar in an intimate setting.
The songs are often melancholy, telling tales of sailors, nostalgia and everyday challenges. While this may sound a little depressing, the tunes and lyrics easily captivate the audience and, in the right environment, such as a traditional restaurant or bar, the experience can be completely spellbinding.
In Faro, you can listen to Fado at Restaurante Centenario. This charming cave-style restaurant, with its arcades and old photographs on the walls, is the ideal place to enjoy authentic Algarvian cuisine and a great show.
In 2011, Fado was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, making it one of the main things to discover in the Algarve during your stay.
Visit the most beautiful beaches, Praia da Dona Ana…
The main reason to visit the Algarve is the infinite number of magnificent beaches. There’s something for everyone, from protected coves with limestone caves to long bays of white sand. The beaches near Lagos are ideal for swimming and relaxing, but for surfing, you’ll need to go a little further away from the city.
Praia de Dona Ana, one of the closest beaches to the town of Lagos, is very popular with locals and travellers alike. It’s a medium-sized beach of yellow sand, with beautiful calm turquoise waters, shaded by the limestone cliffs typical of the Algarve.
As the beach is sheltered and the water calm, it’s perfect for snorkeling and swimming. What’s more, it’s considered one of the best beaches in the Algarve!
In the eastern Algarve, close to the Spanish border, Praia do Barril lies along a kilometer-long sandbar and is home to a huge “anchor cemetery”. Dozens of giant rusty anchors are sunk into the sand, a reminder of the tuna fishing practiced in the region.
Near the village of Cacela Velha, a beach of the same name nestles on the edge of the Rio Formosa nature park, a haven for rare bird species.
If you like to combine the history of the Algarve with the pleasures of the beach, Praia Nova, located beneath the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha, accessed via a troglodyte tunnel, ticks all the boxes. The tiny white chapel on the rocky promontory has a rich history to discover and offers excellent photo opportunities.
What to do in the Algarve: a must-see with the Benagil cave
The strange Benagil cave is one of the Algarve’s most unique places. The cave was created by natural erosion. You’ll see it when you look up and admire the circle carved into the ceiling, offering a uniquely luminous opening. A visit to the cave is only recommended if you rent a SUP (stand-up paddle) on the beach or take part in a boat trip. Although only a short distance from Benagil beach, swimming is not recommended due to the rapidly changing tides.
Ponta da Piedade
The cliffs of Cap de Ponta da Piedade are among the Algarve’s best-known attractions. These rocky cliffs offer breathtaking views of both sides of the coast, all the way to Sagres. Admire the view or climb down the many steep steps to the water’s edge. However, the best way to admire the rock formations and caves is from the water, on a boat or kayak trip.
