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Destination guide
The Algarve: golden cliffs, hidden coves and Portugal's sunniest south
Picture climbing down a stairway carved into the rock to a fine-sand cove wedged between ochre walls, the Atlantic breaking gently and a grotto opening at the far end. The Algarve is that coast of constant light, where fishing towns, golf courses and clifftop trails share barely 150 kilometres. This guide walks you through its corners and where to stay to enjoy them.
Destination guide
What to see and do
The destination's essentials, hand-picked to spark your trip.
Praia da Marinha and the golden cliffs
Rated one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, Marinha sums up the Algarve: ochre limestone arches, turquoise water and the Seven Hanging Valleys trail tracing the cliff edge above the sea.
The Benagil sea cave
Algar de Benagil is a sea grotto with a huge natural skylight open in its roof, spilling light onto a hidden inner beach. You reach it by boat, kayak or paddleboard from the neighbouring beaches.
Cape St. Vincent at Sagres
The south-western tip of mainland Europe: a lighthouse on cliffs nearly seventy metres high, where the Atlantic opens up vast. From Sagres, Portugal's navigators once charted their routes into the unknown.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
A lagoon of marshes, channels and sandy islands shielding the coast between Faro and Tavira. A haven for flamingos and seabirds, it is explored by boat and hides some of the south's calmest island beaches.
Towns with history: Silves, Lagos and Tavira
Silves' red-sandstone castle recalls the region's Moorish past; Lagos keeps its walled old town and seafaring story; Tavira charms with its churches, its bridge and the salt pans beside the Gilão river.
Atlantic flavours: cataplana and grilled fish
Algarve cooking lives off the sea: fresh grilled sardines and fish, clams à Bulhão Pato and the cataplana, a stew cooked in a copper pan. For dessert, sweets of fig and almond.
When to go
The Algarve enjoys the mildest climate in Portugal, with dry summers, gentle winters and generous light almost all year. Spring and autumn offer the best balance of fine weather and calm.
Spring (March-May)
Mild days, fields in bloom and coastal trails at their best. The sea is still cool for an early swim, but crowds are low and the coast looks green and peaceful. Ideal for walking and discovering the towns.
Summer (June-August)
High season: dry heat, clear skies and the sea at its warmest. Coastal towns buzz with life and nightlife, especially in July and August. Book ahead and get to the famous beaches early.
Autumn and winter (September-February)
September and October keep the water warm and the light golden, with fewer people and better value. Winter is mild and calm, great for golf and walks, though some rain arrives and swimming turns chilly.
Destination guide
Where to stay
The neighbourhoods and areas with the most charm to stay in.
Albufeira
The tourist heart of the central Algarve: broad beaches, a huge choice of hotels and resorts, and the liveliest nightlife in the region. Its old town keeps its charm and it makes a handy base for touring the whole coast.
Lagos
In the western Algarve, it blends history and nature: a walled old town, a young atmosphere and the finest coves and cliffs, with Ponta da Piedade a step away. Perfect for spectacular beaches and boat trips.
Vilamoura
The Algarve's most polished side: a large yacht marina, restaurants and some of Europe's best golf courses. Ideal for a calm, stylish stay, right beside the long Falésia beach.
Tavira and the eastern Algarve
The calmest, most authentic side, of whitewashed houses, salt pans and sandy islands reached by boat. Tavira charms with its unhurried pace; a great choice for couples and families seeking quiet.
Destination guide
Featured hotels
Our selection: rating, location and that special something.
Destination guide
Practical tips
The small details that make travelling easier.
Rent a car to explore
The Algarve stretches along the coast and its prettiest spots lie far apart; a car is the easiest way to explore. The A22 motorway uses electronic tolls, so check that your rental car has the transponder activated.
Protect yourself from the sun
Southern Portugal has intense light and very hot summers. Bring sun cream, a hat and water, and seek shade during the midday hours, especially on beaches at the foot of the cliffs.
Book the boat trips
Tours to Benagil and Ponta da Piedade fill up in high season. Book ahead and choose the first departures of the day, when the sea is calmer and the caves less crowded.
Card plus some cash
You can pay by card almost everywhere, but keep some cash for markets, small tascas and inland villages. ATMs are easy to find in the tourist towns.
A few words of Portuguese
A “bom dia”, “obrigado” or “obrigada” and “por favor” open many doors. English is spoken confidently along the coast, but the gesture is always appreciated.
Gallery
Glimpses of the destination to whet your appetite.
Frequently asked questions
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October) offer the best balance: fine weather, a pleasant sea and fewer people than in high summer. July and August are the warmest and liveliest months, but also the busiest.
