The Algarve, Portugal’s Exquisitely Beautiful Coastline

The Algarve is known for its exquisitely beautiful coastline and Portugal’s loveliest beaches, white sand, warm waters, hanging cliffs, and caves.

With so many things to do and such an immense variety too, the Algarve coastline is well worth a visit.

This southernmost region of Portugal is an amazing variety of fishing villages, golf resorts, sandy coves, villas, hotels, restaurants, bars, spectacular cliffs, and much more.

Since the Algarve is known for its beaches, it will be best to travel to the Algarve during summertime. The summers are usually dry and hot.

I suppose you can cram everything into 3 days, but my recommendation is nothing short of a week. At least then you’ve had time to settle in properly, enjoy all the places to see and excursions, and relax on the beach. A must-do is a sunset guided tour and the exquisitely beautiful Benagil caves. Oh, and don’t miss out on the Hop on Hop Off City Tour by Tourist Train – it’s great fun! And then there are also parasailing, dolphin watching, and bird watching. To conclude, 7 days will be a good length of stay in the Algarve.

Faro is the provincial capital and here you’ll have a greater concentration of historic monuments.

Faro’s top attractions:

Old Town Faro | Palácio de Estoi | Carmo Church | Faro Cathedral | Forum Algarve (shopping and movies)

Lagoa fishing village is about 15 minutes away from the famous Benagil cave.

Lagoa is the home to SandCity, a Sand Sculpture Park that is usually open from March to December. As of 2021, it is the biggest sand sculpture park in the world, spanning an area of six hectares. Get more information and your tickets here.

Lagoa’s top attractions:

Praia de Benagil | Slide & Splash – Parque Aquatico (Water Slide Park) | Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos | Sand City | Algar de Benagil

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Lagos is a pleasant beach town, and about 40 minutes away from Benagil beach and the sea cave.

Lagos’ top attractions:

Praia do Porto de Mos (second largest beach in Lagos)
Cave Boat Trip to Ponta da Piedade
Explore Ponta da Piedade headland
Walk Around the Saturday Farmers’ Market
Sunbathe on Praia do Camilo
Meia Praia (beach)
Old Lagos
Visit 17th century fortress Forte Ponta da Bandeira, also known as Forte de Nossa Senhora da Penha Fraça (Address: 8600-563 Lagos)

Praia de Dona Ana
Parque Zoológico de Lagos
Igreja de Santo António (museum and 18th century church)
Explore Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vicente (Europe’s South-western-most point)
Mercado de Escravos (Slave Trade Museum)
Go see indoor and outdoor scientific exhibits at Ciência Viva Center
Go Wine Tasting & Winery Tours
Centro Cultural de Lagos
The Baroque Castelo dos Governadores (a heritage museum on Jardim da Constituição, 8600-563 Lagos)

Known as the jewel of the Algarve, Tavira is a popular tourist attraction. You’re about to be enchanted by Tavira’s long, sandy beaches, salt pans with plenty of flamingos, spoonbills, and other wading birds.

Pre-book a private transfer from/to Faro Airport (or Faro city center) to Tavira for a hassle-free arrival.

Tavira’s top attractions:

Hop-On Hop-Off Tourist Train (discover the city and its varied sights, history, and scenic landmarks) | Half-day boat tour from Cabanas de Tavira

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Do you love sardines? We know where you’re going…

Portimão is a great choice for shopping and eating sardines.

Portimão’s top attractions:

The charming city of Loulé is the most traditional and authentic side of the Algarve.

The Mercado Municipal de Loulé – You’re going to love Loulé if you’re into leather, lace, and copper – make your way to the most emblematic market of the Algarve, the municipal Saturday market on R. José Fernandes Guerreiro 34. It’s also the largest covered market in southern Portugal.
Stroll through the winding lanes of Loulé’s historic district.
Visit the Gothic Church, the Igreja Matriz de São Clemente. The bell tower was originally a minaret and is the only mosque construction from the Moorish era (8 – 12th century) that is still standing in Portugal.

Visit the medieval convent of Do Espirito Santo (Holy Spirit), now housing the Municipal Art Gallery. It was constructed in the early 1800s, but following the earthquake of 1755, it required extensive renovations.
Set foot inside the 16th-century Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Conceiço, a beautiful little church with stunning gold decor and eye-catching blue and white tile details.
Go to the local museum to observe the Islamic influence across the area.

Best hotel stays in Loulé

Situated in Downtown Loulé only 400 m from the market, the Downtown Loulé Boutique Hotel is well placed for the keen explorer.

Where and what to eat in Loulé

Above: The colorful José Fernandes Guerreiro Street near the famous market.

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Bargains and promos from across the globe.

Above: If you’re looking for seafood, hop in at Restaurant O Pescador.

Above: For the best pizzas head on over to Daje Pizzeria Artigianale on R. Ascensão Guimarães 84.

This gorgeous fishing village is only 2 km from Portimão.

By foot, it’s 3.5 km which will take you about 45 minutes, and worth every step. You can always catch a bus (9 minutes ride) or a taxi (5 minutes’ drive) back!

Sagres is one of the hidden gems with a working harbor and a fabulous coastline that is ideal for beach adventures.

Top attractions in Sagres include:

Beautiful lighthouses: Cape Saint Vincent, Farol do Cabo Sao Vicente.
Beaches: Martinhal Beach, Mareta Beach.
Historic Sites: Fortaleza de Sagres, Fort of Santo António de Belixe.

Piers & Boardwalks: Porto da Baleeira.
Churches & Cathedrals: Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça.
On the Water: Sea Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Boat cruises, Dolphin and whale watching, Eco tours.

If you plan to stay on the beachfront and spend your days in and around your hotel and relax on the beach, then you don’t need a car.

Fly to centrally located Faro airport
Take the train from Lisbon, which will take you between 3 and 3h30m – depending on which train you take.
Drive with your vehicle or rent a car – the signages are well-posted and it’s an easy drive.