Lisbon and Porto to islands like Madeira, Portugal is a totally stunning country to explore! it’s a country that’s filled with stunning spots, and the Algarve is no different. Perched on the south coast of the country, the region is a gem to visit – especially with all the gorgeous coastal towns, beaches and history. Honestly, you’ll be spoilt for choice when looking for all the best places in the Algarve to visit on your next trip!
Here, you’ll get to explore the castle of Tavira (which is 1,000 years old) or visit the Tavira Museum which houses lots of exhibitions (rather than just historic artefacts). Yes, it’s small and cosy but that’s all part of its charm.
Around 12-km in length, it’s a pretty long trail that’s well worth giving a day to comfortably complete.
Read more: Best things to do in Lisbon
If that sounds a bit sleepy for you, head over to the airfield just shy of the town. Here, they organise skydiving opportunities (with Air Emotions) right over the Algarve. Just make sure you pack your confidence and forget those nerves!
Read more: Best hikes in Portugal
1.) Faro
Of course, you’ve gotta make a pitstop at Alvor Beach which is such a sandy haven! Plus, it’s got a load of trails and boardwalks that make it a great place for a stroll.
The whole coastline here is incredible and the golden sand and rocky cliffs are so iconic.
Not only that, you’ll get to spot the nearby Clock Tower and the Archeological Museum that’s right next to the coast.
Oh, and don’t forget to visit nearby Barreta island. It’s the most southerly point of Portgual’s mainland and has one of the most pristine and unspoilt beaches (Praia da Barreta) that’s totally lovely.
Easily reached by car from Lagos (40-minutes), it’s the perfect place to visit for a stroll around the area and see the Lighthouse of Cape St Vincent, too. In fact, it’s great to partner a trip here at sunset when you’ll get some of the best views across the Ocean. It’s beautiful.
2.) Alvor
With thousands of years of history at the Roman Ruins of Cerro da Vila, it’s the kind of place that’s perfect to explore the wider influences that once controlled this part of Portugal.
Starting around Praia do Vale de Centeanes and ending at Marinha Beach, it’s the perfect hiking route that goes past the iconic Benagil Caves.
You’ve also got the most ornate city gate, Arco da Vila that’s totally picturesque. Plus, the whole neighbourhood around the gate is just lovely to visit.
If the coastline of the Algarve isn’t your thing, head inland to spots like Loulé. You see, Loulé is a traditional Portuguese market town with many different fresh food stalls and interiors that’s well worth seeing.
3.) Tavira
From here, you’ll get to explore some of the Algarve’s best beaches (like Praia da Rocha or Praia do Vau) and stop off at the Museu de Portimão for a lowdown on all things fishing!
Now, there are a number of ways to join one; either with a boat tour from Portimão or Benagil Beach. Though, to be honest, every tour operator sells some version of this boat trip and it’s pretty easy to arrange from lots of places.
Easily one of the most iconic and best places in the Algarve to visit, the Bangali Caves are stunning to see.
It’s a medieval castle with incredible Manueline architecture that’s totally epic to see. Build back in the 7th Century, it’s really easy to visit whilst in the town area.
4.) Cape St Vincent
It’ll probably be your last stop in the country before heading to nearby Seville and it’s totally worth an hour or so to look around.
Around a 30-minute drive from Lagos, Alvor is a coastal area that’s well worth visiting whilst exploring the wider Algarve coastline.
A trip to Olhão won’t take too long (unless you visit Culatra). So, maybe around 2 hours so plan it as part of a wider roadtrip.
Read more: Best things to do in Porto
Lots of times, Faro is seen as the gateway to the Algarve due to its airport; but it’s much more than that. It’s got centuries of history and stunning little spots that might actually surprise you.
Perched within the west of the Algarve, Lagos was one of the last places we explored on our roadtrip down the west coast from Lisbon.
5.) Olhão
Read more: Best places in Portugal to visit
Once here, and near the Algarve end of the park, is Cordoama Beach. It’s a dramatic and rugged coastline beach that’s perfect for the surf and stunning sunsets. You won’t be disappointed!
Pretty close to Portimão, Carvoeiro is a great place to stop whilst exploring the coastline of the Algarve. Although relatively small, it’s totally picturesque and well worth a gander, especially for an afternoon outing.
Not only that, you can easily partner a trip to Vilamoura when you visit Loulé as they’re both close by.
Built back in the 17th century, the church’s interior is so stunning to see. This 17th-century whitewashed church is one of the most important artistic sites in the Algarve and you’ll quickly see why when you visit. The tiles of the church are gorgeous!
A pretty popular spot, Albuferia has become of the best places in the Algarve to visit if you want a good mix of sun, sea and city.
So, to help you get the most out of your time in the Algarve, I wanted to share some of the top places to visit that we totally loved.
6.) Almancil
So, to help you get the most out of your time in the Algarve, I wanted to share some of the top places to visit that we totally loved.
9.) Albufeira
So, to help you get the most out of your time in the Algarve, I wanted to share some of the top places to visit that we totally loved.
13.) Bengali Caves
So, to help you get the most out of your time in the Algarve, I wanted to share some of the top places to visit that we totally loved.
16.) South-West Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park
So, to help you get the most out of your time in the Algarve, I wanted to share some of the top places to visit that we totally loved.
It’s a small little spot with a gorgeous little town to stroll and the most incredible beach (Praia da Ilha da Culatra) that stretches the whole island. Though, don’t expect many amenities around the beach – it’s pretty unspoilt and underdeveloped on the island itself.