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The Algarve
Soaring cliffs, sea caves, golden beaches, scalloped bays and sandy islands draw over four million visitors to the Algarve each year. Surrounded on two sides by the Atlantic, it's a paradise for surfers, especially along the refreshingly undeveloped west coast.
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Must-see attractions
Carvoeiro
One of the Algarve's – and Portugal's – most emblematic sights, this huge natural seaside cave has a hole in its ceiling through which streaming sunlit…
Faro
The centrepiece of the Cidade Velha, the sé was completed in 1251 but heavily damaged in the 1755 earthquake. What you see now is a variety of Renaissance…
Faro
Encompassing 18,000 hectares, this sizeable system of lagoons and islands stretches for 60km along the Algarve coastline from west of Faro to Cacela Velha…
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo & Capela dos Ossos
Faro
One of the Algarve's most dazzling churches, this twin-towered baroque masterpiece was completed in 1719 under João V. After the 1755 earthquake, its…
Silves
This russet-coloured, Lego-like castle – originally occupied in the Visigothic period – has great views over the town and surrounding countryside. What…
Igreja de São Lourenço de Matos
The Algarve
This baroque masterpiece was built on the site of a ruined chapel after locals, while digging a well, implored Saint Lawrence for help and then struck…
Lagos
Protruding 2.5km south of Lagos, Ponta da Piedade is a dramatic wedge of headland with contorted, polychrome sandstone cliffs and towers, complete with a…
Silves
Just below the castle is the sé, built in 1189 on the site of an earlier mosque, then rebuilt after the 1249 Reconquista and subsequently restored several…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Lagos
Protruding 2.5km south of Lagos, Ponta da Piedade is a dramatic wedge of headland with contorted, polychrome sandstone cliffs and towers, complete with a…
Faro
Encompassing 18,000 hectares, this sizeable system of lagoons and islands stretches for 60km along the Algarve coastline from west of Faro to Cacela Velha…
Sagres
Europe’s southwesternmost point is a barren headland 6km northwest of Sagres' town centre that was the last piece of home that Portuguese sailors once saw…
Faro
Built to look like a crab when viewed from above, this remote restaurant rises up on boardwalks from the Ilha da Barreta as its sole building. It's an…
Tavira
Tavira's ruined castle rises high and mighty above the town. Possibly dating back to Neolithic times, the structure was rebuilt by Phoenicians and later…
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo & Capela dos Ossos
Faro
One of the Algarve's most dazzling churches, this twin-towered baroque masterpiece was completed in 1719 under João V. After the 1755 earthquake, its…
Sagres
Europe’s southwesternmost point is a barren headland 6km northwest of Sagres' town centre that was the last piece of home that Portuguese sailors once saw…
Monchique
The 902m Fóia peak, 5.5km west of Monchique, is the Algarve’s highest. The road to the summit climbs through eucalyptus and pine trees and opens up views…
The Algarve
This huge white-sand beach at the island's eastern end, opposite Tavira, has operators for water sports (such as windsurfing and kitesurfing), beach bars…
Faro
On the Ilha de Faro, 9km west of the centre, the town's beach has sweeping sand, windsurfing and kitesurfing operators, and a handful of cafes. It's…
Lagos
Protruding 2.5km south of Lagos, Ponta da Piedade is a dramatic wedge of headland with contorted, polychrome sandstone cliffs and towers, complete with a…
Faro
Encompassing 18,000 hectares, this sizeable system of lagoons and islands stretches for 60km along the Algarve coastline from west of Faro to Cacela Velha…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
Fill up your senses in the Algarve. Incredible beaches, world-class restaurants and scenic walks are among our top things to do in the Algarve.
Read articleThings to Know
Make the most of your visit to Portugal’s Algarve with these local tips, ideal for first-timers.
Read articleMoney and Costs
When planning a trip to the Algarve region in southern Portugal, you can save money with these top 10 tips.
Read articleBest Road Trips
If you’re looking for the best road trips through the Algarve, don’t miss these five top drives, taking in hilltop villages and stunning coastal scenery.
Read articlePlan with a local
Articles
Latest stories from The Algarve
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Destination Practicalities
10 things locals want you to know before visiting the AlgarveMar 3, 2024 • 6 min read
- Beaches10 of the best beaches in the Algarve: from secluded coastlines to party towns
Jul 12, 2023 • 6 min read
- Festivals & EventsThe best time to visit the Algarve, Portugal's golden coast
Jul 4, 2023 • 5 min read
National Parks5 of the best nature reserves in the Algarve: beaches, wetlands and wonderful wildlifeJun 28, 2022 • 7 min read
Guidebooks
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