Algarve Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Albufeira featuring a coastal town, swimming and a sandy beach
Marinha Beach featuring rocky coastline
Dona Ana Beach which includes general coastal views, rocky coastline and kayaking or canoeing
Tres Irmaos Beach which includes rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sunset
Tres Irmaos Beach featuring general coastal views, a sunset and fishing

Portugal’s southernmost region offers a fascinating mix of beaches, golf courses, nature reserves, market towns, fishing villages and Roman ruins.

Castles, golf, watersports, superb cuisine and a pleasant climate draw crowds to the Algarve. Enjoy this tourist-friendly region of Portugal stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to Spain’s western border. Its natural scenery includes breathtaking cliffs, pristine beaches, secluded coves, nature reserves, vineyards and wooded mountains.

The Algarve’s western region is internationally famous for its rocky outcrops and isolated bays. Visit the lively resort towns of Albufeira and Lagos. Investigate the picturesque fishing villages of Burgau and Salema. Go to the region’s southwestern tip to explore the historic peninsula of Sagres. Enjoy great surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing at the villages of Carrapateira and Odeceixe on the wild western coast.

Start your tour of eastern Algarve at Faro, the region’s capital and a former Roman settlement. Enjoy the picturesque gardens and buzzing nightlife in its walled Old Town. Protecting much of Faro’s eastern coast is Parque Natural da Rio Formosa, unspoiled barrier islands with a natural habitat for birds. Experience the traditional Portuguese beach resorts of Cabanas, Fuseta and Tavira.

Inland, the Algarve combines scenic landscapes with history and relaxation. Admire the Roman ruins of Milreu near Estoi and Moorish-influenced architecture at Silves. Wander the quaint streets of Loulé or relax in the thermal spas of Caldas de Monchique. Bike or hike along the Via Algarviana, a 186-mile (300-kilometer) trail that traverses the flower-filled mountains of the Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão.

The Algarve offers golfers over 35 immaculate courses spread along the region’s 96-mile-long (155-kilometer) coastline.

Delve into the region’s cuisine, which uses fresh local ingredients such as seafood, almonds, grapes, oranges and figs. Sample traditional dishes, including açorda de mariscos, a bread and seafood stew.

Reach the Algarve by flying to Faro Airport. Get around via rented car, bike or an extensive network of public buses. With around 300 days of sunshine per year, the Algarve is a favored year-round destination for everyone from families and honeymooners to food lovers and sports enthusiasts.

Where to stay in Algarve

Falesia Beach featuring rocky coastline, general coastal views and a beach

Vilamoura

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Vilamoura. Make a stop by Falesia Beach or Vilamoura Marina while you're exploring the area.

Vilamoura
Rocha Beach featuring a sandy beach and general coastal views

Praia da Rocha

Travellers to Praia da Rocha praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Três Castelos Beach and Algarve Casino.

Praia da Rocha
Fisherman\'s Beach which includes a coastal town and a beach

Albufeira Old Town

4.5/5(76 area reviews)

Albufeira Old Town is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Albufeira Old Town Square or Peneco Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Albufeira Old Town
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Vale do Lobo

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Vale do Lobo. A stop by Vale do Lobo Beach or Garrao Beach might round out your trip.

Vale do Lobo
Faro Cathedral showing heritage elements

Faro City Centre

Faro City Centre is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Faro Marina and A Companhia de Teatro do Algarve while in the area.

Faro City Centre
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Quinta do Lago

Beaches, golf courses and restaurants are some highlights of Quinta do Lago. Make a stop by Quinta do Lago Golf or Quinta do Lago Beach while you're exploring.

Quinta do Lago
Hotel Algarve Casino

Hotel Algarve Casino

5 out of 5
Avenida Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Faro
The price is ฿7,919 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
฿7,919
฿8,546 total
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Fantastic service from staff at time of check-in. Went above and beyond to get us set up with early check-in."

Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025

Hotel Algarve Casino
Tivoli Carvoeiro

Tivoli Carvoeiro

5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
The price is ฿10,987 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
฿10,987
฿11,798 total
9 Sept - 10 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"The hotel location was beautiful. The room was large and very clean, but the hotel halls themselves were being worked on at the time of our stay and were not that clean. The food at the hotel bar was mediocre, but the breakfast was very good. It was unfortunate you could no longer access the beach ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Tivoli Carvoeiro
The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel

The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Rua Raul Brandão, 2 - Bloco B, Lagos
The price is ฿8,869 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
฿8,869
฿9,401 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Camilo Beach and Dona Ana Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (121 reviews)
"Fabulous property. Location is great. Staff and service was wonderful. Breakfast was great. Highly recommended staying here.!!"

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Clube Albufeira Garden Village

Clube Albufeira Garden Village

4 out of 5
Estrada de Ferreiras-Alpouvar, Albufeira
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free parking, 4 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Albufeira ...
8/10 Very Good! (212 reviews)
Perfect for 3 night getaway with teens
"Perfect place for family three nights away with teenagers.We spent most of the days at the pool by the Casa Azul, lovely breeze, never busy, and handy snack bar for drinks and food right there. Its a little hilly so prob not the best for anyone with mobility issues. Ate breakfast both mornings at ..."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Clube Albufeira Garden Village
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

4 out of 5
Estrada do Porto De Mos, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,246 reviews)
"Loved everything about this property. Views and property were beautiful, rooms were spacious, modern, and quiet, easily walkable to a great beach (Praia do Porto de Mos), multiple pool options, and 10 min walk to access the boardwalk that runs to the lighthouse and then the string of beautiful beaches ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory

Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory

4 out of 5
Rua Sacadura Cabral 8, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy room service, a health club and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (812 reviews)
"Staff, particularly the day manager was extremely helpful and accommodating."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Algarve