15 of the best things to do in the Algarve

Many of Portugal's best beaches are in the Algarve, making this a fine place to do nothing at all. But those same sunny stretches are also the perfect backdrop or launching point for a wide range of incredible experiences.

You can hike along a sea cliff, surf world-class breaks, look for birds and dolphins, and perch on dramatic overlooks to take in the country's prettiest sunsets. Move ever so slightly toward land and there are teeming markets and a maritime museum packed with relics from the past. Even the essentials – eating and drinking – are elevated in the Algarve, where you can savor just-caught seafood and local craft beers.

Start planning your adventures in Portugal's south with our pick of the best things to do in the Algarve.

1. Taste a percebe in Vila do Bispo

Just inland from the west coast, the town of Vila do Bispo is one of the finest spots on the planet to sample the tender crustaceans known as percebes (goose barnacles). Though they’re unsightly in appearance – imagine what the misshapen hoof of some small extraterrestrial creature might look like – consuming a percebe, with its juicy snap, mouthwatering flavor and faintly salty finish, is like getting a kiss from the sea.

Percebes are known throughout Iberia, but the fishers here still harvest them by hand where the small barnacles attach to the wave-beaten cliffs outside of town.

Planning tip: You can sample the fruits of their labors at several Vila do Bispo restaurants, including Solar do Perceve.

2. Watch the sunset from Praia da Marinha

From the lofty headlands of Cabo de São Vicente in the west to the sands of Praia de Santo António in the east, the Algarve has no lack of fabled spots for watching the sunset. For pure drama, it’s hard to top Praia da Marinha. Towering cliffs surround this tiny beach just east of the pretty village of Carvoeiro, and as the daylight dwindles, you’ll see the sky light up with auburn hues behind the striated rock formations.

Planning tip: Praia da Marinha is directly on the Seven Hanging Valleys path, so if you time it right, you can conclude the trail by walking into the sunset.

3. Sip a craft beer at Dos Santos

One of the Algarve’s best microbreweries serves liquid perfection from a brewery and vineyard located a short drive east of Portimão. Dos Santos turns out a tasty range of beers, including pilsner, lager, IPA and stout, all made with the highest-quality ingredients.

In fact, brewers here follow the Reinheitsgebot, or German Purity Law, which means these beers don’t have additives or chemicals, and are made with just four ingredients: water, hops, yeast and malted barley. You can get more insight into the brewery and sip fine beers in the taproom, which has a terrace overlooking the sunny vineyard.

Planning tip: You can also visit the winery next door or have a meal in the restaurant. It's a popular spot, so it's wise to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

4. Surf the waves off Carrapateira

Carrapateira, on the west coast of Portugal, part of the Costa Vicentina, has some of the best surf breaks in the Algarve. If you’ve got skills, there's plenty of variety, with the best waves in winter. Less-experienced surfers can find gentler breaks as well.

Planning tip: You can learn the ropes at places like Amado Surf Camp, which offers everything you need – lessons (private or group), lodging (you can pitch a tent too) and all necessary gear.

5. See flamingoes in Parque Natural da Ria Formosa

Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is a vast park of lagoons, barrier islands and inlets near the town of Faro. This is the Algarve at its most pristine and a vital habitat for migratory birds. You might see flamingos, herons, storks and more on a wildlife tour.

Planning tip: Sustainably minded Formosamar runs excursions by bicycle or motorboat, but we prefer its kayak trips, when you'll glide peacefully over mirrorlike waters while guides share a wealth of knowledge about these biologically rich wetlands.

6. Shop at the market in Olhão

The Algarve is packed with mercados, tall-ceilinged markets where you can browse some of the region’s finest products from field and sea. Olhão has a standout market, spread across two historic red-brick buildings – one dedicated to seafood, the other to fruits and vegetables.

Planning tip: On Saturday mornings the action spills out onto the square in front.

7. Climb the steps at Ponta da Piedade

Just south of Lagos, you can stand on a headland and breathe in the salt-tinged breezes while gazing across the towering sandstone formations lapped by crashing waves. After snapping photos from every angle, walk down the many steps to some equally dramatic vantage points along the water’s edge.

Planning tip: Ponta da Piedade has 182 steps top to bottom, then the same 182 steps from bottom to top. Remember that going down always means coming back up.

8. Walk the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Near Praia do Vale Centeanes, just east of Carvoeiro, you can head off on one of the Algarve’s scenic day hikes. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail takes you above serene coves and up to lookouts on rock formations that arch out into the sea. While mostly flat, the trail has a few ups and downs, sometimes leading you to the edge of inviting golden beaches.

Planning tip: Cliff trails are unguarded; wear suitable walking shoes. Sunrise is best for breezy, golden light and calmer scenes around Benagil, though Marinha’s sunsets are undeniably spectacular. Bring plenty of water and don't forget your swimsuit.

9. Look for dolphins off the coast of Sagres

Feel the salt spray as you zip across the water, watching dolphins leap through your wake. The scene is all the more spectacular against the backdrop of Sagres’ soaring cliffs and under seabirds flying overhead.

Planning tip: While dolphin-watching cruises are common across the Algarve, Mar Ilimitado earns high marks for its exceptional guides. The company was founded by two marine biologists with a deep passion for ocean conservation.

10. Indulge in a decadent meal at Vila Joya

One of the best restaurants in Portugal, Vila Joya has two Michelin stars and fans around the world. With three decades at the helm of the kitchen, chef Dieter Koschina serves a changing menu that showcases the freshest of seafood and inland produce, layering on creative accents from Central Europe and Asia. Book a terrace table and watch the sunset over the ocean while lingering over a multicourse meal.

Planning tip: If one evening isn't enough, Vila Joya also has luxurious rooms, some even with a private pool.

11. Gaze at the beauty of the Benagil Caves

One of the Algarve’s most impressive sights is the vast sandstone cavern tucked off a rocky headland east of Carvoeiro. Accessible only by sea on calm days, this space feels like you've crossed into another world, with the sea a rich aquamarine hue and sunlight streaming through the halolike opening high overhead.

Planning tip: Due to concerns over crowding and erosion, authorities introduced new visiting regulations in August 2024, prohibiting swimming in the cave, forbidding unguided kayak tours and banning landing on the grotto's beach. Boat tours are limited to 2 minutes within the cave, which can lead to long waits on the water in the busy summer high season. For a longer in-cave visit of 8 minutes, book a kayak or SUP tour with Benagil-based Clear Emotions.

12. Learn about fishing traditions at the Museu de Portimão

This thoughtfully designed museum in Portimão takes visitors on a journey into Portugal’s seafaring past. Archaeological finds relate to prehistoric communities, the ancient Romans and Islamic times, plus displays from Portimão’s more recent days as a fishing center. The museum is set in a handsomely restored canning factory, which once played a pivotal role in the local economy. Temporary exhibitions explore a mix of maritime themes and works by local artists and designers.

Planning tip: Afterward, stop in the Igreja Matriz, north of Portimão's center. The church's interior is decorated with azulejos (hand-painted tiles), and a lone gargoyle remains from the original 15th-century structure that was otherwise largely destroyed by the 1755 earthquake.

13. Harvest sea salt in Castro Marim

Between Castro Marim and the Guadiana River, the Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim is a tapestry of salt pans and mainland Portugal’s oldest nature reserve. Join Jorge at Salmarim to harvest premium flor de sal by hand, gathering the floating crystals with an ancestral wooden net.

Planning tip: After a morning’s work, visit Agua Mãe for salty souvenirs, from 60g jars to 5kg bags.

14. Take a day trip to a deserted island

Ilha Deserta (meaning “Deserted Island” but also known as Ilha da Barreta) isn’t quite as forlorn as it sounds, with sunseekers making the trip for a relaxing day away from civilization.

Absent of visitors, the island is uninhabited, and you’ll find plenty of space on the sandy beach, which stretches for 7km off the coast of Faro. Reserve ahead for the fresh catch of the day at the island's only restaurant, Estaminé.

Planning tip: Get here from Faro via a ferry operated by Animaris.

15. Cross an international border by zip line

How many international borders and time zones can be crossed by both kayak and zip line? Only one and it’s in Alcoutim in the Algarve. There’s no need to smuggle your way across these days: ferries and kayak trips are available.

The return trip packs an adrenaline rush. On the Spanish side, Limite Zero's seasonal zipline zooms across the border from a nearby hilltop at 70km/h.