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...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...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...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...10 Most Instagrammable Spots in Albufeira
Albufeira is easily one of the most Instagrammable places in the Algarve, partly thanks to it being home to some...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...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...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...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 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...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...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...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...5 Best Places to Go Shopping in Faro
Faro's shopping scene is modest yet surprisingly interesting. The relatively small city has a bustling commercial heart as well as...
Where to go & what to do at night in Algarve
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 region is famous for its gorgeous Atlantic coastline, with miles of fines beaches and golden cliffs. You can see for...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...5 Best Nightlife in Albufeira
Albufeira is one of the most bustling towns in the Algarve, especially at night. By day, crowds hit the shimmering...
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...