Algarve Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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 which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and rocky coastline

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
Fisherman\'s Beach showing a beach and a coastal town

Albufeira Old Town

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
Faro Cathedral featuring 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
Rocha Beach featuring general coastal views and a beach

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
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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
Albufeira featuring a small town or village, a coastal town and street scenes

Albufeira Center

A noteworthy feature of Albufeira Center is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Albufeira Old Town Square and Peneco Beach.

Albufeira Center
Vila Vita Parc

Vila Vita Parc

5 out of 5
Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos, Porches, Lagoa, Algarve
The price is AU$535 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$535
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (666 reviews)
"Fifth stay here and never fails to impress, the staff are so friendly and nothing is to much trouble. Great location and facilities"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Vila Vita Parc
Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto

3 out of 5
Caixa Postal 409-A, Estrada Nacional 125-10, Faro
The price is AU$135 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$135
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Uber from Rail station to the hotel, perfect, the staff very helpful (young girl)."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto
Tivoli Carvoeiro

Tivoli Carvoeiro

5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
The price is AU$238 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$238
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"What a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the weather"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Tivoli Carvoeiro
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.
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 WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,291 reviews)
"Close to a beautiful beach, has a good restaurant and lovely pools and spa area. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Agua Hotels Vila Branca

Agua Hotels Vila Branca

3 out of 5
Rua Santa Casa da Misericordia, Torraltinha, Lagos
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (332 reviews)
"The pool was clean. I prefer a warmer pool, I found the water too cold for me."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Agua Hotels Vila Branca
Marina Club Suite Hotel

Marina Club Suite Hotel

4 out of 5
Marina de Lagos, Lote 20, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (611 reviews)
"The rooms were spacious and the balcony was great. We expected a coffee maker and pods. The beds were too firm but pillows were great."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Marina Club Suite 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Algarve