As one of Portugal’s most magical regions, there are a ton of amazing things to do in the Algarve. From exploring the old towns to swimming in the ocean to going on adventures, the Algarve is a place packed with beauty and excitement just waiting to be discovered.
The Algarve is an area located in Southern Portugal, situated right along the stunning coastline. In this area, you will find plenty of towns, cities, villages, and municipalities all with an idyllic coastal charm.
This region is also known for its unique rock formations, with the towering, jagged orange rocks that make up the coast.
The Algarve is the perfect place to escape to for sun, sand, and a beachy vacation. It is also one of the best places to visit in Europe in November for an off season visit someplace warmer!
If you are heading to Portugal and looking for the best things to do in the Algarve then you are in luck! This post is home to 10 of the BEST things to do in the Algarve to make your visit unforgettable.
Explore Lagos Old Town
One of the top things to do in the Algarve is to explore the old town of Lagos. Lagos is one of the most popular places to visit along the Algarve Strip, and for good reason.
The town is full of whitewashed buildings, beautiful beaches, and some of the most beautiful lookouts in the world. Amongst all the amazing things to do in Lagos a walk and exploration of the old town near the top of the list.
The old town of Lagos is full of bright white buildings, cobblestone streets, and a maze of alleyways. It feels so romantic walking around the quiet streets while the warm sun touches your skin.
Plus, there are a ton of restaurants and cafes in the old town for you to stop at to grab a drink or bite to eat. This is the perfect place to wander around to get an idea of the beauty the Algarve holds.
Admire Ponta da Piedade
Sitting at the tip of the coast of Lagos is the infamous Ponta da Piedade. This is a viewpoint that offers some of the most magical views of the unique rock formations and the vivid blue water. A visit here is one of the most amazing things to do in the Algarve that needs to be on everyone’s to-do list.
Ponta da Piedade can be explored by foot, boat, or kayak. Visitors can walk to this lookout and admire the spectacular views from above and then descend down the hundreds of stairs to view it from sea level. Or they can join a tour to view it from a boat or with a kayak crew!
Go Dolphin Watching
The Algarve is located along the Atlantic Ocean which means there is a plethora of Marine life living and thriving in the water. As a result, there are plenty of tours that bring you out to admire and watch the majestic animals in an ethical way.
Heading out onto the ocean to admire the dolphins and other marine animals in their natural habitat is one of the best things to do in the Algarve.
Find the Rainbow in Albufeira Marina
A short distance from Albufeira’s old town sits the stunning and very unique marina filled with multi-colored buildings. These buildings look like 80’s retro architecture and offer an interesting and unique sight to see.
In addition to viewing these buildings in the marina, this area is also a great place for restaurants and activities. Making it the perfect place to walk around to enjoy the warm sun and ocean breeze.
Relax on a Beach
There is no better place to relax on a beach than in the Algarve. Since the entire region is located along the coastline, there are a ton of beaches to choose from, so much so that choosing the one you’d like to spend the day with is a challenge.
The best beaches in the Algarve are located in Albufeira and Lagos. There are a ton of different options here with sandy beaches and blue waters.
The beach you choose to relax on will likely depend on your desires. Such that Albufeira’s main beach has sunbeds for rent and restaurants lining the shores.
If you are looking for a day with an umbrella and comfortable sunbed, with the option to skip off for a bite to eat – this is the place for you. While the beaches in Lagos are a little more rugged and interesting. For a unique beach day, experience head to Praia do Camilo!
Discover the Benagil Cave
The Benagil Cave is a must-see when visiting the Algarve. This huge cave has gained popularity in recent years and is quickly becoming one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Algarve.
The size of this seaside cave is not even slightly captured by a camera and has to be experienced in person.
This cave can only be reached by sea and to get here you must either take a boat tour, kayak or paddleboard. You can also swim, however, the water is pretty rough and even the most experienced swimmers need to be careful.
The best way, out of all these options, to get here and explore it all in its glory is by kayak or paddleboard. This is because it is now said to be forbidden to get off a boat and walk around the caves (although some people still do it).
Indulge in Delicious Food
No matter where you travel to, food is a focal point of travel. This is why enjoying the delicious and local foods of Portugal is one of the top things to do in the Algarve.
Due to its seaside location, much of the traditional foods and dishes served in this region are made with fish and meat. Some of the most popular dishes are Conquilhas à Algarvia, Cataplana de marisco and Frango da Guia.
However, these dishes are all meat-focused which can be challenging for a vegetarian. But despite this, there are plenty of vegetarian-based meals and foods to eat that are more than enjoyable!
Head to Coffee and Waves in Lagos for Bali-inspired dishes, or get some fresh gelato that tastes scary similar to the scoops in Italy.
Night Out in Albufeira
Albufeira is the best place in the Algarve for a night out full of fun, drinks, and a lively environment. The nightlife here is always “on” making it the ideal place to head to for fun nights in the warm outdoor air. You can hear the laughs and music all around the Old Town and the exciting atmosphere is almost magnetic.
Albufeira is home to a street called Candido dos Reis which is the hub of all the nightlife excitement. Here you will find a ton of bars, pubs, and clubs that are always packed with people enjoying the music and drinking lots of cheap and tasty drinks.
Venturing to Albufeira to enjoy the lively and magical nightlife is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in the Algarve.
While on the way from Lagos to Faro make a pit stop in Carvoeiro and enjoy one of the many amazing things to do in Carvoerio.
Visit the Bone Chapel in Faro
Faro is the city most people fly into when arriving at the Algarve and is a place worth some exploration. From the old town and beyond there are a lot of exciting things to do and see in Faro, however, none are as amazing as the Bone Chapel.
It is the most famous monument in Faro and is known for its unique interior walls as they are decorated with human skulls and bones.
Go on an Adventure Tour
Adventure is common in the Algarve. Embarking on an exciting adventure tour is one of the best things to do in the Algarve. An adventure tour will not only get your adrenaline pumping but will also show you some of the most unique and interesting parts of this amazing region. Below are some of the top adventure tours in the Algarve.
There are so many amazing things to do in the Algarve! This region is one of Europe’s most unique and underrated places that will wow you at every turn. If you are planning your Algarve adventures be sure to add some of these BEST things to do in the Algarve to your to-do list.
There are so many amazing things to do in the Algarve! This region is one of Europe’s most unique and underrated places that will wow you at every turn. If you are planning your Algarve adventures be sure to add some of these BEST things to do in the Algarve to your to-do list.
This post was written by Samantha Karen.
Samantha Karen is the owner and author of the travel blog Sam Sees World, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the world’s most beautiful and unique travel destinations. As a full time traveller she has visited over 50 countries with more on the way.
Continue Reading:
- Lisbon to Porto Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Things To Do In Evora
- Portugal’s Most Portuguese Town (And House of The Dragons Filming Location!)
- Is Portugal Dog Friendly?
- Things To Do In Sintra
