Algarve
What you need to know before you go
The Algarve region, at the southern end of Portugal, is famous for its amazing coastline and beautiful beaches. Its natural wonders are the star attractions, including great surfing spots, towering cliffs, hidden bays and bird-filled lagoons.
The cities along the Algarve coastline are no less remarkable, with top destinations including Faro, Portimão and Lagos. Each has a charming old town, with plenty of historical landmarks. Each also has its own unique attractions, whether it's a busy nightlife, fantastic beach resorts or some of Europe's best golf courses.
Top destinations in Algarve
Where will you go next?Albufeira
Albufeira is a fishing village-turned-beach resort on Portugal’s southernmost edge of the Algarve. It’s the place to be for taking in some of the best Portugal’s coastal beauty. This seaside town is home to some of the Algarve’s...Portimao
Portimao has some of the best beaches on the Algarve’s west coast, but you'll also find a rich vein of history beneath the sun, sea and sangria. Dominating the seafront is the impressive Santa Catarina fort, which dates back to...Faro
Faro, one of the most charming (and largest) coastal cities in the Algarve, is popular among daytrippers from neighbouring holiday resorts such as Albufeira and Vilamoura. Compared to these more prominent towns, Faro offers a more relaxed vibe. With that...Lagos
Lagos is an idyllic seaside town on the southwestern coast of Portugal that’s big on coastal beauty. Right on its doorstep are golden stretches of sand with rugged limestone cliffs, which meet the light and deep-blue shades of the...
What to see & do in Algarve
Featured stories & fun stuffThings to do in Algarve include exploring endless stretches of white and gold sand beaches with beautiful, crystal-clear turquoise waters, teeing up at golf courses, and relaxing at resorts and scenic retreats. The central coast is lined with villas, bars, hotels and restaurants, while the western Atlantic coast and interior are more wild, less developed, and an ideal place for outdoor adventures. For scenic photo ops, check out Ponta... Read more
10 Best Things to Do in Lagos, Portugal
The best things to do in Lagos take full advantage of the town's idyllic seaside setting on the southwestern coast of Portugal. The Atlantic Ocean skirts rugged limestone cliffs, red earth meets golden beaches and fertile hills prove ideal for...12 Best Algarve Towns and Resorts
The best Algarve towns and resorts often follow a similar pattern – usually by a beach and combining historical charm with...10 Best Things to Do in Portimão
Many of the best things to do in Portimão naturally centre around the sea. This is a port city in...11 Best Beaches in Lagos
There are plenty of pristine beaches in Lagos, all of which bring many holidaymakers back time and time again. Backed...6 Best Beaches in Portimão
The port city of Portimão is one of the best beach destinations in the Algarve, with beautiful balmy weather and...10 Best Beaches in Faro
The best beaches in Faro include long stretches of soft, golden sand surrounded by warm blue waters. The resort town...10 Best Beaches in Algarve
The Algarve's beaches are surely among the best in all of Portugal. The southern coast ranges from the Spanish border...10 Best Things to Do in Faro
The best things to do in Faro usually take place on its expansive beaches or around its cultural landmarks. You...10 Best Things to Do in Albufeira
You will find plenty of things to do in Albufeira, the salt-washed and vibrant holidaying mecca of the Algarve...
Where & what to eat in Algarve
5 Best Dining Experiences in Lagos
Great dining experiences in Lagos await you thanks to the town’s thriving food scene that takes full advantage of the Algarve’s natural resources. Often overlooked as a European foodie destination, Lagos treats its visitors to authentic Portuguese cuisine combined with...10 Best Local Restaurants in Faro
Faro has a great variety of local restaurants with delicious Portuguese food. Some are very humble and simple when it...10 Great Restaurants in the Algarve
Some of these great restaurants in the Algarve have been critically acclaimed (and rightfully so). Portugal’s sunny southern coast on...
Where to shop & what to buy in Algarve
5 Best Places to Go Shopping in Lagos
Shopping in Lagos is one of the most enjoyable things you could do during your trip to the Algarve. The town’s seaside traditions have inspired local artisans for generations, and you’ll find masterful creations throughout its shops. Imaginative boutiques show...5 Lagos Souvenirs Your Family Actually Want
The right Lagos souvenirs can be a wonderful reminder of sunny beach days, scrumptious seafood dishes and the chill vibes...10 Best Places to Go Shopping in the Algarve
The best places to go shopping in the Algarve range from modern malls with designer outlets to traditional markets offering...
Where to go & what to do at night in Algarve
5 Best Nightlife Experiences in Lagos
The Lagos nightlife scene is truly one for the ages as the coastal town has a distinct charm and it’s easy to immerse yourself in the relaxed pace. But look further and you’ll discover there’s more to it, with lots...10 Best Beach Clubs and Bars in the Algarve
The best beach clubs and bars in the Algarve are found in popular resort towns like Albufeira and Almancil. The...10 Best Nightlife in Faro
Faro's nightlife is rich and diverse, with this picturesque Portuguese university city proving a popular spot for bars, eateries, and...
Useful information
10 Money Saving Tips in Lagos
Our money-saving tips in Lagos might help you in planning your travels to this part of the Algarve. Lagos is ripe for exploration, with a smorgasbord of sandy coves, ochre grottos, and historic buildings to explore. But the Algarve region is indeed arguably among the most expensive places to visit in Portugal. So, what can a budget traveller do...
