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?Portimão
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...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...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...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...
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 Things to Do in Albufeira When it Rains
Albufeira might be best known for its 300-plus days of sun each year and body-bronzing temperatures, but even this corner of the Algarve gets a spot of rain now and then. Don't despair if the clouds do roll...14 Best Beaches in Albufeira
Beaches in Albufeira come in a great variety and offer different sights and activities, so you’ll want to visit more...10 Places Only Locals Know in Faro
Add a more authentic experience to your trip to Faro by visiting these local places that most tourists never get...9 Best Family Things to Do in Albufeira
These best family things to do in Albufeira show that the town has all the makings of a spectacular holiday...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 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...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Albufeira
Albufeira is an excellent place for a romantic retreat, where you can indulge in precious experiences, propose to your partner...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...13 Things to Do in Lagos When it Rains
Even when it rains in Lagos, this charming coastal town still offers plenty to see and do. Within the walls...
Where & what to eat in Algarve
5 Best Restaurants in Albufeira
Albufeira's menus fuse the bounty of the ocean with the farm-to-table fare of inland Algarve, along with classic traveller favourites. They also come with a hefty dousing of rich Portuguese red and white wines for good measure. The...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...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...
Where to shop & what to buy in Algarve
5 Best Places to Go Shopping in Portimão
Shopping options in Portimão include malls, shopping streets and fancy boutiques. The city has deep roots in fishing and shipbuilding but it has also seen a resurgence as a European retail icon. Situated in the western Algarve, Portimão remains one...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...10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Albufeira
Albufeira’s shopping scene mostly comprises souvenir shops and beach boutiques that dot the older parts of town, closer to the...
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...5 Best Nightlife in Portimão
Portimão attracts sun-chasing holidaymakers each summer, so it’s no wonder this pretty little port city also has an exciting...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...