Algarve

Travel Guide

Albufeira showing a sandy beach, swimming and a coastal town
Marinha Beach showing rugged coastline
Dona Ana Beach showing rocky coastline, general coastal views and kayaking or canoeing
Tres Irmaos Beach showing rugged coastline, a beach and general coastal views
Tres Irmaos Beach which includes fishing, a beach and general coastal views

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 featuring general coastal views, rocky coastline and a beach

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
Rocha Beach featuring general coastal views and a beach

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
Fisherman\'s Beach featuring a coastal town and a sandy beach

Albufeira Old Town

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

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
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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 A Companhia de Teatro do Algarve.

Faro City Centre
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Quinta do Lago

Beaches, golf courses, and restaurants are some highlights of Quinta do Lago. Make a stop by Quinta do Lago Golf or Quinta do Lago Beach while you're exploring.

Quinta do Lago
Hotel Algarve Casino

Hotel Algarve Casino

5 out of 5
Avenida Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Faro
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $337 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
CA $337
CA $363 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Fantastic service from staff at time of check-in. Went above and beyond to get us set up with early check-in."

Reviewed on Aug. 10, 2025

Hotel Algarve Casino
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 CA $377 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
CA $377
CA $400 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Camilo Beach and Dona Ana Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (123 reviews)
"The property is great. Other than a few staffing issues I won’t get into, because I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt, we had a nice stay."

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2025

The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
Tivoli Carvoeiro

Tivoli Carvoeiro

5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
The price is CA $467 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
CA $467
CA $502 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
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! (1,005 reviews)
"This was the most breathtaking hotel with a view I have ever seen! The staff was great upon arrival. We arrived 1 1/2 hours early and were able to spend some time at the bar and take in the view till our room was ready. We were also able to leave our luggage at the front while we went to cliff jumping ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2025

Tivoli Carvoeiro
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.
Clube Albufeira Garden Village

Clube Albufeira Garden Village

4 out of 5
Estrada de Ferreiras-Alpouvar, Albufeira
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free parking, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Albufeira ...
8/10 Very Good! (214 reviews)
"lovely grounds"

Reviewed on Aug. 16, 2025

Clube Albufeira Garden Village
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! (1,248 reviews)
"Great spacious and clean apartment. Lovely people, good facilities. We loved our stay."

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
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! (817 reviews)
"We had a great stay at this hotel as a family of 5 including children. It was a good location and family friendly. We had an issue with air conditioning our first day and they took care of us by changing our room. The staff was very friendly and responsive. Good food options and drinks. Would ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2025

Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
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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Cities near Algarve