15 Best Things To Do in the Algarve, Portugal

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If you’ve never been to the Algarve before, it’s easy to think the region is mostly beach resorts, nightlife and tourist bars. But the Algarve has so much more to offer.

Beyond the busy tourist areas, you’ll find gorgeous golden sand beaches, incredible hiking trails and beautiful white-washed villages full of character. It’s a region best explored slowly, especially if you love nature, food and getting slightly off the typical tourist trail.

I’ve visited the Algarve twice myself, exploring both by campervan and hire car, and some of my favourite experiences came from venturing away from the main resorts. From cliffside hikes to quiet beaches and local food spots, the Algarve really surprised me!

Whether you’re travelling solo, visiting with friends or planning your first trip to the Algarve as a couple, this guide covers the best things to do in the Algarve for first-time visitors who want to experience more than just the resort strip.

1. Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Starting at the incredibly beautiful Praia da Marinha beach, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a scenic coastal trail that takes you past famous caves, popular beaches and pretty villages.

Stretching 6 km (3.7 miles one way) from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes, this trek is one of the best things to do in the Algarve.

When I hiked this trail, I noticed a lot of people setting out in flip flops, but as this trail takes you over the top of cliffs and through a lot of rocky ground, I recommend wearing good walking shoes or trainers, taking plenty of water and snacks and avoiding hiking during the midday heat, if possible.

If you don’t fancy walking the full 12 km round trip, you could hike the first part of the trail to Praia de Benagil and turn back at this point. This first part is the most scenic, with the best views between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Benagil.

Don’t underestimate this trail. This hike is arduous, passing over very uneven rocky ground with a lot of elevation. Due to the uneven ground, this hike took a lot longer than I’d originally planned, and I ended up hiking in the midday heat, which was not ideal. I’d recommend setting off early in the morning to avoid the crowds and hottest hours of the day.

If you’re nervous to hike this trail alone, you can book a Seven Hanging Valleys Guided Hike, with transfers from Olhao, Faro, and Albufeira.

2. Take a Boat Trip to See Benagil Cave

If you haven’t heard of Benagil Cave, you’ve probably at least seen pictures of it. Made famous by Instagram, this stunning cave and rock formation is now swamped with tourists every day.

While it is a total tourist trap, I’d argue it’s still worth seeing – it’s famous for a reason, right? We booked a boat trip with Royal Nautic Cruises and they were brilliant. The guides spoke about four different languages and easily conversed with everyone on board, despite there being multiple nationalities.

They were friendly and funny too, with plenty of jokes and humour thrown in. If you’re going to book a boat trip, I’d highly recommend Royal Nautic for great value for money and quality too. The boat was a reasonable size, but not too huge, with perhaps 10-12 people on board.

Of course, the boat trip visits Benagil Cave, but the crew took us into probably a dozen different caves along the way, some of which were more impressive than Benagil.

The scenery along the coastline from Portimao was spectacular. Benagil Cave was, of course, swamped with boats and kayaks and hundreds of people, but that doesn’t detract from its beauty.

3. Wander the Cobbled Streets of Tavira

When you think of the Algarve, you probably think of Lagos or Albufeira. You probably don’t think of a medieval town called Tavira. But Tavira should definitely be on your list of the best things to do in the Algarve.

Tavira is a fishing town with a historical Medieval castle and a Roman bridge. With plenty of old-world charm, Tavira is the perfect place to stay if you fancy a quieter option to the party towns of Albufeira and Lagos.

Labyrinths of cobbled streets, boutique shops, family-run restaurants and plenty of traditional Portuguese heritage make this the unsung hero of the Algarve.

If you don’t feel like exploring on foot, you can also book a Tavira Tuk-Tuk tour!

4. Head to Cabanas de Tavira

While in Tavira, make sure to head to Cabanas de Tavira. Once a fishing village, this tiny town is now more of a gateway for the Ria Formosa National Park and the Ilha de Cabanas, which is an island just off the coast, famous for its long, narrow sandy beach and chilled out vibe.

The beach is about 7 km long and known as one of the best beaches in the area. The island can only be reached by boat, making this one of the less crowded beaches in the Algarve.

5. Get Lost in Lagos’ Old Town

If wandering around a labyrinth of cobbled streets, stopping for the occasional glass of wine and taking hundreds of photos of crumbling, yet beautiful, buildings is your thing, you’re in luck.

Lagos Old Town offers another gorgeous vista around every corner, with some interesting street art and murals thrown in. We spent a couple of hours wandering around Lagos with no destination in mind. I love finding tiny little streets and walking in whichever direction takes your fancy.

From Lagos’ Old Town, we also wandered down to the Marina and the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, a fortress complex from the 17th century. Nearby, you’ll also find the beautiful white-washed church of Igreja de Santo António, as well as the beautiful square it sits in.

My advice for first-time visitors to the Algarve would be to skip Albufeira’s Old Town and head straight for Lagos. I wish someone had told me this before I spent an afternoon wandering around the tourist-packed streets of Albufeira, dodging waiters offering full English breakfasts and burgers! If you want charm and culture, skip Albufeira and head straight to Lagos.

6. Visit Praia da Marinha Beach

The Algarve boasts some of the best beaches in the world. And Praia da Marinha Beach is the quintessential Algarvian postcard. Golden limestone pillars rise from golden sand, framing a turquoise ocean that appears unreal.

Praia da Marinha Beach marks the start of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, but it is also worth a visit in its own right.

At Praia da Marinha Beach, you’ll also find the ‘Heart of the Algarve’ – a famous, natural double-sea arch, as well as multiple caves in the cliffs that flank the beach.

7. Visit Praia da Falesia

Praia da Falesia is my favourite beach in the Algarve because of its unique rock formations that make a stunning backdrop to the golden sand.

Despite being close to the most developed part of the Algarve, between Faro and Albufeira, Praia da Falesia feels a million miles away from the busy tourist areas and remains relatively unscathed from development.

At Praia da Falesia, you’ll find a small beach bar at the top of the steps, as well as a hotel and a couple of campsites within walking distance of the beach. During our 7-day Algarve road trip, we stayed at Parque Caravanas Açoteias, which was just walking distance from the beach.

Other beaches to visit in the Algarve include:

• Praia do Vale Centeanes
• Praia de Dona Ana
• Praia do Camilo
• Praia do São Rafael
• Praia da Rocha
• Praia do Carvalho

Whether you choose to beach hop or spend an entire day enjoying these beautiful natural spots, each beach offers something unique.

8. Watch the Sunset From Praia da Falesia Cliffs

If you’re looking for an epic sunset spot, the cliffs above Praia da Falesia are the perfect location. As the spot was only a 5-minute walk from our campsite, we took a bottle of wine and some plastic cups and enjoyed a drink while watching the sunset on the horizon.

As well as unlimited views of the sunset over the ocean, you’ll also enjoy the incredible cliff structures below, and the coastline stretching into the distance along the 8km stretch of golden sand.

9. Surf in Sagres

Sagres sits at the western tip of the Algarve and is a prime surfing spot. With a distinctly chilled-out vibe, Sagres is more windswept and rugged in nature than other locations in the Algarve.

Due to the shape of the coast here, you’re sure to find a sheltered beach for sunbathing out of the wind or a beach with perfect waves for a spot of surfing. Tonel Beach is the most popular for surfers in Sagres. Be sure to pay a visit to Tonel Beach Bar for smoothies, juices, lunches and surfer vibes.

And if you’re not a surfer yet, you can become one with a Sagres surf lesson!

While you’re in Sagres, be sure to enjoy a cliff-top walk and watch the surfers tackling the waves below. It’s absolutely mesmerising. You can also pay a visit to the Fortress of Sagres. I didn’t go in myself because I felt the €10 entrance fee was too high for a fortress with relatively little inside!

10. Spend an Afternoon in Burgau

Burgau is a quaint whitewashed village close to Sagres and the west coast. If you’re heading to Sagres, it makes sense to stop in Burgau on your way there, or back.

As well as a nice little beach, there are some lovely places to eat, and plenty of cute white-washed houses with colourful bougainvillaea and shutters to take photos of!

Burgau is just one of many whitewashed villages in the Algarve. Some others to visit include Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, and Salema.

11. Hike in the Serra de Monchique Mountains

When you’ve had your fill of pristine beaches, grab your hiking shoes and head to the rolling hills of the Serra de Monchique mountain range. The Serra de Monchique mountains offer an abundance of hiking trails, even one that takes you to the top of the highest peak.

The hike to the summit of Fóia, at an altitude of 902m, is around 7km long. While in the area, don’t miss a visit to Monchique itself, a calm but attractive town with stunning views.

Also, don’t miss the Caldas de Monchique – a historic, Roman spa village located just 5 miles south of the main town, known for its healing thermal waters and spa retreats.

13. Go on an Algarve Campervan Road Trip

I spent a week travelling around the Algarve and the west coast of Portugal in a campervan with Indie Campers. I had a blast, got to see some off-the-beaten-track places that I wouldn’t have typically visited and generally fell in love with Portugal.

It’s also a great way to travel the Algarve, as you get to spend tons of time outside, enjoying the beaches and beautiful landscapes.

I recommend you spend a couple of days on the Algarve and then head to the west coast, where you’ll find wild, undeveloped beaches and a more local vibe. One of my favourite spots is Bordeira Beach.

14. Book One of the Algarve’s Best Adventure Activities

From golfing to watersports, paragliding to kayaking, vineyard tours to surf lessons, there’s something for everyone in the Algarve, with a new golf course and stunning beach around every corner. Some of the best activities to book include:

Benagil Caves Kayaking Experience – When I visited Benagil Cave on our Royal Nautic boat trip, we only spent a few minutes inside the cave due to other boats queuing. If you want to take your time and spend a little longer enjoying this beautiful spot, book a kayaking tour.

Off-Road Quad Biking Tour – Head off the beaten track on this exhilarating quad bike tour. You’ll ride your quad on gravel roads, mountain tracks and rocky paths in the Algarve countryside.

Jeep Safari with Distillery Visit & Lunch – You’ll traverse hills, cross streams, and drive through lush meadows, before tasting a local drink and savouring a tasty lunch at a local restaurant. Drinks and lunch included.

Dolphin-watching with a Marine Biologist – Combine dolphin-watching with a trip to several caves, including Benagil Cave, accompanied by an experienced marine biologist.

15. Explore Silves and Silves Castle

If you’re looking to explore beyond the Algarve’s beach resorts, spending a day in Silves is well worth adding to your itinerary.

Best known for its striking red sandstone castle, Silves Castle is one of the best-preserved Moorish castles in Portugal and offers lovely views across the surrounding countryside and rooftops of the town below.

You can easily spend an hour exploring inside the castle walls before wandering through the old town, stopping for lunch or drinks at one of the many bars and restaurants nearby.

With its slower pace, historic streets and more traditional feel, Silves makes a great half-day trip from the Algarve coast, especially if you want a break from the busier resort towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Places to Stay in the Algarve

Best Area for First-Time Visitors: If you want to be close to most attractions, stay in Lagos or Portimão. If you’re happy to spend some extra time driving in exchange for a more laid-back traditional experience, stay in Tavira.

Best Area for Beaches: Lagos and Portimao offer close access to some of the best beaches in the Algarve. If you’re looking for a small town vibe, rather than a bustling tourist resort, you could opt for accommodation in a small village like Burgau or Carvoeiro, which are still close to the beaches but outside the busy areas.

Best Area for Nightlife: If you’re visiting the Algarve for nightlife, the best areas are Albufiera and Lagos, where you’ll find the majority of tourist bars and clubs.

Best Area for a Quiet Algarve Escape: I loved staying in Tavira for its pretty town and traditional feel. There’s plenty to see in the area, but it is a bit of a drive to reach some of the main beaches and towns of the Algarve. I’d also recommend Burgau, Ferragudo, Sagres and Carvoeiro if you’re looking for a quiet Algarve escape.

Best Area for Solo Travellers: As a solo traveller, I’d feel comfortable staying in Tavira. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes to visit, but it’s a small enough town not to feel overwhelming or unsafe. I’d also recommend smaller towns such as Burgau, Ferragudo, Sagres and Carvoeiro.

How to Get Around the Algarve

By rental car: To travel around the Algarve easily and maximise your time, I’d recommend hiring a car to get around easily and on your own terms. I use Discover Cars whenever I hire a car as it makes comparing prices across various rental companies very easy.

By campervan: I’ve travelled around the Algarve in a campervan with Indie Campers and had the best time! The Algarve is a great destination for a campervan road trip and this makes it easy to get between destinations. The only thing to consider is that a large campervan can be difficult to drive around and park in the small streets of some of the smaller towns.

Public transport: If you’re staying in a major town or city such as Lagos, Albufeira or Faro, you can take advantage of public transport networks. However, public transport is more limited and less reliable in smaller towns. You can find more information on trainlines in the Algarve here. Or if you’re looking to take a bus, you can find more information on buses here. Be aware that contactless payments are generally not accepted, so it’s good to have cash.

Bolt Ridesaring App: I’ve also used Bolt and Uber in the Algarve. When I arrived at Faro Airport, there was a huge sign with a discount code for Bolt. I used that and managed to get out on my first Bolt ride at 80% off. It’s worth checking the signage in the airport for any discount codes when you travel. I found Bolt to be reliable and useful for getting around cheaply.

If you have any questions about the best things to do in the Algarve, please contact me via the contact form. I always love to hear from readers, and I’ll do my best to answer your questions.