The Algarve

Portugal

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Kayaks navigate through the crystal waters of Praia Dona Ana, Lagos.

Overview

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.

Meet your new travel partner

Stay connected in The Algarve

Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.

Get 5% off

Take your Portugal trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

A Portal Through Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, and the Coastal Treasures in Between

10 days / 9 nights

highlights

1Basking in Lisbon’s golden hour scenery during a sunset cruise down the Tagus River
2Time traveling into an era of aristocratic opulence in the coastal idylls of Sintra and Cascais
3Road-tripping to the village of Évora, where preserved monuments meet macabre relics

from $3,120

per person

book this trip see trip details

Explore more trips

Portugal
9 days / 8 nights
Portugal’s Azores: 9 Days of Whale Watching, Nature, and Culture
FROM $2,880
per person
See Trip Details

Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?

start planning

Portugal

9 days / 8 nights

Portugal’s Azores: 9 Days of Whale Watching, Nature, and Culture

FROM $2,880

per person

See Trip Details

Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?

start planning

Must-see attractions

Explore all

Save
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Attraction in Faro
Sé
Save
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Attraction in Faro
Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
Save
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Attraction in Faro
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo & Capela dos Ossos
Save
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Attraction in Lagos
Ponta da Piedade
Save
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Attraction in Silves
Castelo
Save
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Attraction in Carvoeiro
Benagil Caves
Save
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Attraction in Silves
Sé
Save
Save your favorites!
Sign in to save, get inspo & more
Attraction in Portimão
Museu de Portimão

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Dramatic cliffs, deserted islands, dolphin-watching tours, decadent dinners and more will fill your senses in the Algarve.

Read full article

Best Time to Visit

The natural beauty of the Algarve's cliff-backed golden beaches is obvious year-round, but you may experience the region differently in some seasons.

Read full article

Things to Know

Want to make the best of your time in the Algarve? Check out our epic 3-, 5- and 7-day itineraries to plan your unforgettable trip.

Read full article

Transportation

You'll find offbeat beaches, orange groves, flamingos and more in the Algarve. Here's how to get around.

Read full article

Free Things to Do

If you’re looking for the best free things to do in the Algarve in Portugal, start off with these top activities.

Read full article

Best Road Trips

If you’re looking for the best road trips through the Algarve, don’t miss these six top drives, taking in hilltop villages and stunning coastal scenery.

Read full article

Money and Costs

Though some prices have creeped up in the Algarve region in southern Portugal in recent years, you can save money with these 17 tips.

Read full article

Traveling with Kids

The Algarve in southern Portugal draws over 5 million tourists a year to its sublime beaches, scenic hiking trails and reliably sunny weather.

Read full article