Algarve Travel Guide | South of Portugal
Updated: Oct 22
The Algarve is one of the most beautiful regions in southern Portugal, known for its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming historic towns. Whether you're planning a beach holiday or a road trip along the coast, there's plenty to discover!
In this guide, I'm sharing some of the best towns and beaches in the Algarve, along with practical travel tips and my own two-day road trip itinerary.
The Best Towns in Algarve
The Best Beaches in Algarve
How to Travel to Algarve
Where to Stay in Algarve
Best Time to Visit the Algarve
My 2-Day Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
The Best Towns in Algarve
Many beautiful towns are located in the Algarve, but some stand apart from the rest as must-see destinations.
Vilamoura
Vilamoura is a popular resort town known for its beautiful marina, luxury hotels, and golf courses. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, including boat trips, dolphin-watching tours, and water sports. It's a great choice if you're looking for a relaxing holiday with good restaurants, beach clubs, and entertainment nearby.
Lagos
Lagos is one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve, famous for its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming Old Town. Some of the best beaches nearby include Praia de Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo, and Meia Praia. Don't miss Ponta da Piedade, where you'll find some of the most spectacular coastal views in Portugal. Lagos is also a great place for boat tours, kayaking, and exploring sea caves.
Tavira
Tavira is a lovely historic town in the eastern Algarve, perfect for those looking for a quieter and more traditional Portuguese atmosphere. Wander through its charming streets, visit Tavira Castle, and explore Praça da República and the Gilão River. If you're looking for a beach day, head to Ilha de Tavira, a beautiful island with long sandy beaches accessible by ferry or other local transport.
Portimao
Portimão is a lively coastal city known for its restaurants, marina, boat tours, and beautiful beaches. Its main attraction is Praia da Rocha, a long sandy beach surrounded by impressive cliffs, with plenty of beach bars and restaurants nearby. Portimão is also a great choice if you enjoy beach clubs and nightlife, especially during the summer months.
Albufeira
Albufeira is one of the Algarve's busiest tourist destinations, known for its beaches, nightlife, and large selection of restaurants and bars. Although the coastline is beautiful, I personally wouldn't choose Albufeira for a relaxing holiday, as it can feel very touristy, particularly during summer. However, if you're looking for parties, entertainment, and a lively atmosphere, it might be exactly what you're after.
The Best Beaches In Algarve
The Algarve is famous for its beautiful beaches, golden cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. From small hidden coves to long stretches of sand, there are plenty of incredible beaches to explore. Here are some of the best beaches in the Algarve that I recommend visiting.
Praia de Dona Ana
Praia de Dona Ana is one of the most picturesque beaches in the Algarve, surrounded by impressive golden cliffs and beautiful rock formations. The beach is accessible by a long staircase, but the views are absolutely worth it! It's a lovely spot for swimming and relaxing when the sea is calm, although it can get quite busy during summer.
Praia do Camilo
Praia do Camilo is a small, beautiful beach near Lagos, famous for its long wooden staircase leading down between the cliffs. The beach is divided into two sections connected by a short rock tunnel, making it particularly unique. It's a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the scenery, but because of its small size, I recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds.
Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha is one of the Algarve's most famous beaches, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise water, and incredible rock formations. The views from the cliffs above are just as impressive as the beach itself! It's also located near the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, one of the most beautiful coastal walking routes in Portugal. If you enjoy scenic viewpoints and hiking, this area is definitely worth visiting.
Praia da Falesia
Praia da Falésia is one of the longest beaches in the Algarve, stretching for approximately 6 km between the Albufeira and Vilamoura areas. What makes this beach particularly special are the colourful red and orange cliffs lining the golden sand. Unlike some of the smaller beaches around Lagos, there's plenty of space for long walks along the coastline. You'll also find restaurants, hotels, and several access points nearby.
Praia da Rocha
Located in Portimão, Praia da Rocha is a large sandy beach with impressive cliffs and plenty of facilities nearby. It's one of the Algarve's liveliest beaches, with restaurants, beach bars, and clubs along the waterfront. Although it can get crowded during summer, its wide stretch of sand makes it a great option for sunbathing, swimming when conditions are suitable, and enjoying a full day by the sea.
How To Travel To Algarve
There are several ways to reach the Algarve, including flying, driving, taking a train, or travelling by bus. The best option depends on where you're coming from and whether you're planning to explore different towns and beaches.
Flying to the Algarve
The main airport serving the Algarve is Faro International Airport, located approximately 4 km from Faro city centre. It offers flights to many European destinations, making it the most convenient option for international visitors. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a bus, book a private transfer, or use a taxi or Uber. If you're planning to explore several towns and beaches, I'd recommend renting a car, as some of the Algarve's most beautiful places are difficult to reach by public transport.
Driving to the Algarve
Driving is a great option, especially if you're travelling from southern Spain. Many visitors choose to fly into Seville and drive to the Algarve, following the Spanish A-49 motorway, which connects to Portugal's A22. The drive from Seville to the eastern Algarve takes approximately two hours, while reaching Lagos and other western destinations takes longer.
Important: Since January 2025, the A22 motorway in the Algarve has been toll-free. However, other motorways in Portugal may still charge tolls. Spain and Portugal are both part of the Schengen Area, so there are normally no routine border checks, although temporary checks are possible. Also, remember that Portugal is one hour behind mainland Spain!
Travelling by Train or Bus
If you prefer not to drive, you can also reach the Algarve by train or bus. Portugal's railway network connects Faro with Lisbon and other major cities. Regional trains also connect several Algarve towns, including Tavira, Portimão, and Lagos.
Long-distance buses are another convenient option, with connections from Lisbon, Seville, and other destinations.
However, if you're planning to visit several beaches and coastal viewpoints, having a car will make your trip much easier, as public transport doesn't reach every location.
Using the World-Famous Zipline
Looking for something a little different? The Limite Zero zipline lets you cross from Spain into Portugal while flying over the Guadiana River! The zipline is approximately 720 metres long, starting in Sanlúcar de Guadiana, Spain, and finishing in Alcoutim, Portugal. One of the coolest details is that you cross into a different time zone, meaning you technically arrive one hour earlier than you departed! Although both countries belong to the Schengen Area, you should still carry valid travel identification. Check the operator's current opening dates, booking requirements, and return transport arrangements before visiting.
Where to Stay in the Algarve
The best place to stay in the Algarve depends on the type of holiday you're planning. Personally, I think Lagos is a fantastic choice for exploring beautiful beaches and coastal scenery, while Tavira is lovely if you prefer somewhere quieter and more traditional.
Area | Best for |
Beautiful beaches, coastal walks, and sightseeing | |
Historic charm, quieter holidays, and exploring the eastern Algarve | |
Beach clubs, restaurants, and lively beach holidays | |
Resorts, marina, golf, and luxury accommodation | |
Nightlife, entertainment, and busy tourist areas |
Best Time to Visit the Algarve
The Algarve is a great destination for much of the year, but I would particularly recommend May, June, September, and early October. The weather is generally pleasant, and the beaches are less crowded than during peak summer.
July and August are the busiest months, with hot weather, higher accommodation prices, and more tourists.
If you're mainly interested in sightseeing, hiking, and exploring the towns, spring and autumn are excellent choices.
Winter is usually mild compared with much of Europe, although you can expect more rain and cooler temperatures, and some seasonal beach businesses may be closed.
My 2-Day Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
If you only have a couple of days to explore the Algarve, a road trip is a great way to see some of its beautiful towns and beaches. Here's how I spent my weekend in southern Portugal!
Day 1: Tavira & Portimão
I travelled by car from Spain into Portugal, with Tavira as my first stop. I spent some time exploring the charming town, sightseeing, and enjoying lunch before continuing west towards Portimão.
In the afternoon, I headed to the beach to enjoy some sunshine. I stayed overnight in Portimão and visited NoSoloÁgua Portimão, a lively beach club.
Day 2: Lagos, Ponta da Piedade & Beautiful Beaches
The next morning, I drove to Lagos, one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the Algarve. My first stop was Ponta da Piedade, where you can enjoy incredible views of the golden cliffs, rock formations, and turquoise water. It's definitely one of the highlights of the Algarve!
Afterwards, I visited two beautiful beaches: Praia do Camilo, near Lagos, and Praia da Marinha, farther east along the coast. Both are absolutely stunning and worth including in your itinerary.
Of course, I couldn't leave Portugal without trying some traditional Portuguese custard tarts, pastéis de nata! After enjoying the beaches and some delicious local treats, it was time to head back home.
It was a busy weekend, but a wonderful way to experience some of the Algarve's most beautiful places. If you have more time, I'd recommend spending at least another day or two exploring the coastline at a more relaxed pace.
If you are thinking of visiitng other destinations in Portugal, I highlt recommend Porto and Lisbon! Also, Ericeira is great for surfing!
FAQ: Visiting the Algarve, Portugal
How many days do you need in the Algarve?
I'd recommend at least 3 - 5 days to explore the Algarve's main towns and beaches without rushing. However, if you're short on time, you can still see some beautiful places on a two-day road trip, as I did!
Is Lagos or Albufeira better to stay in?
It depends on what you're looking for. I'd personally choose Lagos for its beautiful beaches, cliffs, and charming historic centre. Albufeira is a better option if you prefer nightlife, entertainment, and a busier holiday atmosphere.
Do you need a car to explore the Algarve?
Not necessarily, but having a car makes it much easier to explore different beaches, viewpoints, and smaller towns. Public transport connects the main destinations, although some coastal attractions are harder to reach without a car.
What is the best time to visit the Algarve?
May, June, September, and early October are excellent months for visiting the Algarve, especially if you want pleasant weather and fewer crowds. July and August are ideal for a lively summer holiday but are also the busiest months.
Can you visit the Algarve from Seville?
Yes! The Algarve is an easy road trip from Seville, with the eastern Algarve approximately two hours away by car. Destinations such as Lagos take longer, so I'd recommend staying overnight if you want to explore the western coastline.
Which part of the Algarve has the best beaches?
The western and central Algarve are particularly famous for their dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches, including Praia do Camilo, Praia de Dona Ana, and Praia da Marinha. For longer sandy beaches, Praia da Falésia and the eastern Algarve are also great choices.
