9 Best Things to Do in the Algarve, Portugal

Are you looking for the top things to do in the Algarve? The Algarve is one of the best places in Europe and the perfect place to end your Portugal Itinerary.

Wondering what to do in the Algarve? Visit the Benagil Cave, explore the picturesque villages, take a boat trip, enjoy the magical sunsets, and chill out on the best beaches in the Algarve.

This ultimate guide to visiting the Algarve includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in the Algarve.

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Where is the Algarve?

Algarve is located in the southernmost region of Portugal, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

Best Time to Visit the Algarve

Portugal is the perfect all year round destination, with beautiful and sunny weather. During the day, temperatures can be between 12-25°C.

The best time to visit the Algarve is in autumn (September and October) or spring (April and May).

Alternatively, you can visit the Algarve in winter if you have a low budget or want to avoid crowds.

As the Algarve is a popular holiday destination, we recommend booking your accommodation and tours in advance!

The summer months are the peak season in Portugal when hotel prices are higher and attractions are busier.

Good to know
In Portugal, the water is cold almost all year round, but if you visit the Algarve when the weather is warm, you’ll enjoy a refreshing swim.

Recommended post → Ultimate Portugal Itinerary

How to Get to the Algarve, Portugal

You can easily get to the Algarve by plane, train, bus, or car. Lisbon is the perfect place to start your trip to Portugal, and from there, you can take a short 45-minute domestic flight to Faro.

One of the cheapest ways to travel within Europe is by FlixBus or a low-cost airline. The nearest airport to Algarve is Faro International Airport (airport code FAO), which is the largest city in the region.

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Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Portugal.

The best way to get around the country and see the most popular attractions is to rent a car and explore it at your own pace. Once you arrive at Lisbon or Faro Airport, you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car. Book your car in advance to get the best price!

Check car rental prices and availability.

Lisbon to Lagos

You can get from Lisbon to the Algarve in around 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on whether you travel by public transport or car.

Alternatively, book a private full-day trip to the Algarve and visit the Benagil Cave, Carvoeiro, and Lagos.

The cheapest bus ticket starts from 5 EUR per person. The bus ride from Lisbon to Lagos takes 4 hours and costs around 8-15 EUR per person in high season.

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Get bus tickets via 12Go or Bookaway.

Read our → Lisbon Guide

How to Get Around the Algarve

The easiest way to get around the Algarve is to rent a car or camper van and visit the charming villages and beaches at your own pace. There are two main roads: the free N125 and the A22 highway (the fastest toll road).

Check car rental prices and availability.

Discovering the Algarve without a car is difficult, but buses connect the major towns. Another alternative is to hire a scooter or take a taxi and travel by Uber.

Rent a motorbike for more days and visit the most beautiful places. It costs around 20-25 EUR per day to rent a scooter.

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We rented a scooter from Sidecar32 in Lagos!

Is it Safe to Travel to the Algarve?

Yes, it is one of the safest tourist destinations in Portugal. But small thefts and pickpockets may happen in tourist areas or beaches. So always take care of your valuables!

Always lock your car, and don’t leave your belongings out of sight!

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! Travel insurance is the best way to avoid extra expenses due to unexpected accidents, cancellations, delays, loss of personal items, and emergencies.

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Hungariandreamers readers get a 5% discount on Heymondo.

Where to Stay in the Algarve

You can stay almost anywhere in the region, with plenty of options, even if you have a camper van. The accommodation options are available for all budgets.

The best places to stay in the Algarve are Lagos, Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, Sagres, Portimão, and Faro. These are our recommendations.

Best things to do in the Algarve, Portugal

1. Catch the Magical Sunrise

Start the day early and enjoy the most beautiful sunrise in the Algarve at Praia do Camilo. Camilo Beach is just a 10-minute drive from the center of Lagos.

From the free parking lot, it’s about a 10-minute walk down the gorgeous 200 wooden steps to the beach.

Allow enough time to take creative content! Because the Golden Hour is a favorite time for photographers, you’ll probably have to wait a few minutes to take photos on the wooden steps.

See also → Best Lisbon Instagram Spots

Then, enjoy the stunning view of incredible rock formations surrounding the beach and crystal clear emerald water.

Good to know
It’s no problem if you’re not an early riser, as Portugal offers stunning sunsets.

2. Take a Cliff Walk at Praia da Marinha

Praia da Marinha is the most famous tourist attraction in the Algarve, located between Portimão and Albufeira in Caramujeira.

One of the best things to do in the Algarve is to take a cliff walk along Praia da Marinha, which leads to the beautiful Arco Natural heart-shaped rock viewpoint.

Join a Benagil Cave and Praia de Marinha Boat Tour.

Afterward, walk down the steep stairs to the picturesque Marinha Beach. You can easily spend a few hours wandering around and then visit the nearby Benagil Beach.

There are a few local vendors around the car park if you get hungry or need a refreshing cold drink.

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If you have a drone, bring it with you because the views from above are stunningly beautiful.

3. Explore the Picturesque Village of Ferragudo

One of the most beautiful places to visit in the Algarve is the small fishing village of Ferragudo. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the sights.

Stroll through the charming narrow streets, visit the beautiful Fort of São João do Arade (Ferragudo Castle), and try the delicious seafood.

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From Ferragudo, you can take a 30-minute drive to Albufeira, one of the most pretty towns in Portugal.

More about Portugal → Porto

4. Chill Out on the Best Beaches

One of the best things to do in the Algarve is to visit the stunning beaches. Algarve is a popular beach destination with beautiful white sandy beaches, incredible rock formations, crystal clear turquoise waters, and exciting water activities.

All beaches in the Algarve are free to visit, so another great reason to add Portugal to your bucket list.

We’ve put together a list of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve.

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Parking is usually free near most beaches, but you should arrive early for the popular spots as parking spaces run out quickly during the day.

5. See Ponta da Piedade

A must-see attraction in the Algarve is Ponta da Piedade, a natural treasure with beautiful limestone cliffs.

Ponta da Piedade is just a 10-minute drive from Lagos or a 15-minute walk from Praia do Camilo. This is the best place to see the sunset in Lagos. Enjoy the best views and descend the many steps stairs to the waterfront.

Book a boat trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos via Viator or GetYourGuide.

6. Take a Day Trip to Carvoeiro

Looking for more top things to do in the Algarve? Every Algarve Itinerary should include a visit to the charming Carvoeiro, just a 40-minute drive from Lagos.

Spend a few hours exploring the sights, walk along the Carvoeiro Boardwalk, and enjoy the views from Algar Seco.

Praia do Carvoeiro was one of our favorite beaches in the Algarve, the perfect place to watch the sunset.

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You can easily combine a visit to Carvoeiro with other nearby great places, such as Ferragudo, Portimão, and Alvor.

7. Visit Benagil Sea Cave

One of the most popular attractions in the Algarve is the Benagil Cave, which has a unique hole at the top. You can rent a kayak or SUP, join a boat trip, or swim to the Benagil Cave.

Due to high waves and a changing tide, we don’t recommend swimming to the Benagil Cave! If you’ve already been to the Benagil Cave, you can chill out on the Praia de Benagil Beach.

Good to know
You can see the sea cave from above, but we think it’s worth exploring the inside of the cave.

Book a Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour through Viator or GetYourGuide.

8. Discover the Old Town of Lagos

Lagos is a popular destination in Portugal, well known for its spectacular beaches and dramatic rock formations.

In our opinion, Lagos is the best base to explore the Algarve coastline as it will be close to gorgeous beaches such as Praia do Camilo, Praia de Dona Ana, and Praia dos Estudantes.

In Lagos, you can easily rent a scooter and then explore the beautiful places at your own pace. We loved exploring the Old Town of Lagos, walking the cobbled streets, shopping around the harbor, and eating seafood in the fantastic restaurants.

Here are all your hotel options in Lagos.

9. Join a Boat Trip

You can’t leave Portugal without taking a cruise or a sailing trip. One of the best things to do in the Algarve is to join a boat tour to enjoy the breathtaking views.

You can easily book cruise or sailing trips at the marina or online.

Good to know
The Algarve is famous for its water activities. You can rent snorkel gear, SUP, or kayak and get surfing or diving lessons.

Book a Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour from Albufeira via Viator or GetYourGuide.

Where to Eat in the Algarve

In the Algarve, you can find many local restaurants, vegan options, national foods, or trendy restaurants with all budgets. There are a lot of good places to eat, and these are our recommendations.

Best restaurants in the Algarve

The Coffee Studio (The best coffee in Lagos)
Luca’s Rooftop Restaurant (Perfect view with fantastic foods, Lagos)
Organic (Delicious lunch, Carvoeiro)
Alfarroba Café (Vegan restaurant in Albuferia)
A Paleta (Perfect place for dinner, Lagoa)
Restaurante Rei das Praias (Best seafood in Ferragudo)
Paesano (Italian food, Alvor)
A Venda (Delicious desserts and vegan options, Faro)

Join a food tour in Lagos.

How many Days do you Need in the Algarve, Portugal?

We recommend you spend at least 3-4 days in the Algarve and enjoy the magical sunrises and sunsets, swim in the crystal clear waters, snorkel, or relax on the stunning beaches.

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If you have more time in Portugal, you can easily spend 5-7 days exploring hidden gems and underrated destinations.

We hope our list of the best things to do in the Algarve will help you plan your next trip to Portugal. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM: – Airalo
Travel Insurance – Heymondo
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

9 Best Things to Do in the Algarve, Portugal