Algarve

Travel Guide

Albufeira showing swimming, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Marinha Beach which includes rocky coastline
Dona Ana Beach which includes general coastal views, rugged coastline and kayaking or canoeing
Tres Irmaos Beach featuring general coastal views, rocky coastline and a beach
Tres Irmaos Beach showing a sandy beach, fishing and a sunset
Portugal’s southernmost region offers a fascinating mix of beaches, golf courses, nature reserves, market towns, fishing villages and Roman ruins.

Castles, golf, watersports, superb cuisine and a pleasant climate draw crowds to the Algarve. Enjoy this tourist-friendly region of Portugal stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to Spain’s western border. Its natural scenery includes breathtaking cliffs, pristine beaches, secluded coves, nature reserves, vineyards and wooded mountains.

The Algarve’s western region is internationally famous for its rocky outcrops and isolated bays. Visit the lively resort towns of Albufeira and Lagos. Investigate the picturesque fishing villages of Burgau and Salema. Go to the region’s southwestern tip to explore the historic peninsula of Sagres. Enjoy great surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing at the villages of Carrapateira and Odeceixe on the wild western coast.

Start your tour of eastern Algarve at Faro, the region’s capital and a former Roman settlement. Enjoy the picturesque gardens and buzzing nightlife in its walled Old Town. Protecting much of Faro’s eastern coast is Parque Natural da Rio Formosa, unspoiled barrier islands with a natural habitat for birds. Experience the traditional Portuguese beach resorts of Cabanas, Fuseta and Tavira. 

Inland, the Algarve combines scenic landscapes with history and relaxation. Admire the Roman ruins of Milreu near Estoi and Moorish-influenced architecture at Silves. Wander the quaint streets of Loulé or relax in the thermal spas of Caldas de Monchique. Bike or hike along the Via Algarviana, a 186-mile (300-kilometer) trail that traverses the flower-filled mountains of the Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão.

The Algarve offers golfers over 35 immaculate courses spread along the region’s 96-mile-long (155-kilometer) coastline. 

Delve into the region’s cuisine, which uses fresh local ingredients such as seafood, almonds, grapes, oranges and figs. Sample traditional dishes, including açorda de mariscos, a bread and seafood stew.

Reach the Algarve by flying to Faro Airport. Get around via rented car, bike or an extensive network of public buses. With around 300 days of sunshine per year, the Algarve is a favored year-round destination for everyone from families and honeymooners to food lovers and sports enthusiasts.

Where to stay in Algarve

Falesia Beach showing a beach, general coastal views and rocky coastline

Vilamoura

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Vilamoura. Make a stop by Falesia Beach or Vilamoura Marina while you're exploring the area.

Vilamoura
Fisherman\'s Beach which includes a coastal town and a sandy beach

Albufeira Old Town

Albufeira Old Town is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, abundant dining options, and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Albufeira Old Town Square or Peneco Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Albufeira Old Town
Rocha Beach which includes a beach and general coastal views

Praia da Rocha

Travelers to Praia da Rocha praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Três Castelos Beach and Algarve Casino.

Praia da Rocha
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Vale do Lobo

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Vale do Lobo. A stop by Vale do Lobo Beach or Garrao Beach might round out your trip.

Vale do Lobo
Faro Cathedral showing heritage elements

Faro City Centre

Faro City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Faro Marina or Faro Cathedral.

Faro City Centre
Albufeira which includes nightlife, a coastal town and a small town or village

Albufeira Center

Travelers to Albufeira Center praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Albufeira Old Town Square and Peneco Beach.

Albufeira Center
Tivoli Carvoeiro
Tivoli Carvoeiro
5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
The price is P22,484 per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
P22,484
P24,099 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
"Absolutely the best view of the ocean in Southern Portugal. Room was excellent and staff was highly accommodating to every request."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Tivoli Carvoeiro
The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Rua Raul Brandão, 2 - Bloco B, Lagos
The price is P14,043 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
P14,043
P14,886 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Camilo Beach and Dona Ana Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (77 reviews)
"Very nice property clean great staff only complaint was there was no milk in the room for our morning coffee we had to down to the bar to get it each day which makes no sense when there is a mini fridge"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
Hotel Algarve Casino
Hotel Algarve Casino
5 out of 5
Avenida Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Faro
The price is P12,171 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P12,171
P13,165 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Just spend a week at Algarve Casino. The property was lovely and ideally located close to the main street and the beach. We had lovely sea views from our room which in itself was spacious. Some parts of the hotel feel a bit dated but that did not take away from the overall impressions. The seawater ..."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Hotel Algarve Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
4 out of 5
Rua Sacadura Cabral 8, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy room service, a health club, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (783 reviews)
"Excellent pool good facility"

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
4 out of 5
Estrada do Porto De Mos, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,215 reviews)
"Excellent apartment, everything we needed was provided, spotlessley clean, quiet, safe. Spa pool was amazing, all staff were helpful and friendly. Would absolutely return, thank you!"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Villa Doris Suites
Villa Doris Suites
4 out of 5
Praia De D. Ana, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Dona Ana Beach and Camilo ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (342 reviews)
Fantastic vill
"Very clean, fantastic custodial staff. Beautiful, well-situated property with ample amenities. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Villa Doris Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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