19 BEST Things to Do in The Algarve, Portugal

For anyone seeking out things to do in the Algarve, I have you covered right here! This is one of my favorite places in the world, and I’m stoked to share it with you…

It’s so gorgeous, and I’m humbled to have actually spent nearly a year collectively in the Algarve! *pinch me*

There are tons of things to do in the Algarve area, and all of them offer up some jaw-dropping scenery as a little bonus.

You can spend your time hiking, surfing or beach bumming… The cliffsides are where the hikers are, and just below the cliffs are the beach bums and surfers.

Life is good in the Algarve! Here are a few ideas (and some inspiration) for your Algarve adventure.

Things to Do in the Algarve

Hiking, beach bumming, and surfing… Oh, my! Between these three things, trust me, you’ll be more than booked up on your Algarve itinerary.

These are the main things to do in the Algarve, but I have plenty of other ideas to fill your time between beach days. Here’s the low down on everything…

Spoiler alert: They are all super beautiful and worth it!

1. Trek the Coast Above Dramatic Cliff Edges

The Algarve doesn’t do hiking like anywhere else. Miles and miles of coastline trails hugging rocky cliff edges, leading to hidden beaches tucked into coves below, I can’t think of many places in the world that can match it.

The jagged, sun-baked cliffs make for an incredible wander, and the trail network here goes on for what seems like forever. Most trails hug the coastline, and those are absolutely the best ones.

When you’ve had enough, just find your way down to the beach below, cool off, and dig your toes into the sand.

Some beaches are hidden in coves or require a bit of rock-hopping to reach and some are only accessible by boat or kayak. Half the fun is the scramble to find them.

The Best Hikes in The Algarve

• My absolute favorite is the Sete Vales (Seven Hanging Valleys) trail – 5.7km, 2–3 hours point to point.
• Telheiro Beach trail
• Ponta de Piedade trail
• Carrapateira trail

2. Sun Your Bums on Some of the Best Beaches in the World

The Algarve beaches are STUNNERS. Golden sand, deep blue water, and dramatic golden cliffs rising up on all sides — it genuinely doesn’t get old. I’ve never seen beaches quite this beautiful anywhere else in the world.

I have an entire post dedicated to the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches, check that out to figure out which ones to prioritize. But honestly? It’s hard to make a bad choice here.

READ MORE: 23 Algarve Beaches You Have to Visit (Portugal)

6. Chill Out in Sagres

When you’re ready to slow down, head to Sagres on the Algarve’s western tip.

It’s remote, a little sleepy (very sleepy in the off-season), and honestly, that’s the whole appeal. Beautiful beaches, dramatic landscapes, solid surf spots, and good food, all the ingredients of a great base, if you’re the laidback type.

I tend to base in Sagres when I’m in the Algarve, but I’ll be honest, if you only have a few days and want to be close to the action, it’s better as a day trip than a base. It picks up in summer but is still on the quieter end compared to Lagos or Albufeira.

READ MORE: Sagres, Portugal Guide: What to Do at The “End of The World”

7. Laze on the Laidback Shores of Luz

Praia da Luz — Beach of Light — is a beautiful little beach town near Lagos that deserves more attention than it gets.

Fine golden sand, a long palm-lined esplanade, and a handful of charming beach cafes make it one of the most pleasant spots to just… be.

It’s small, slightly under-the-radar, and has that perfect resort-town-but-still-chill vibe. My cup of tea!

Resources for Your Trip:

8. Discover the Magic of Carvoeiro

If you want to pick one base and stay put, make it Carvoeiro. The main beach sits right next to the town center, so you can go from sand to gelato to boutique shopping without even trying.

The cliff-top boardwalk here offers sweeping views of the coastline, and just below it is Algar Seco — a wild rock formation of caves, underwater pools, and tunnels carved into the cliff by the sea.

You can walk right to it from the boardwalk or take a kayak tour for a different angle.

9. See What Makes Marinha Beach So Popular

Marinha Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve — possibly all of Portugal — and yes, it actually lives up to the hype. I usually shy away from the “most popular” spots, but this one earns it.

Yes, it gets crowded in summer but the beach is big enough to find your own spot. Walk to the right side and you’ll find the two famous rock arches that put Marinha on the map.

TIP: Go at low tide and you can walk out for a much better view of the arches. High tide? Enjoy them from above on the trail.

10. Learn to Surf at Amado Beach

Big waves, soft sand, renowned surf schools, and incredible views — Praia do Amado is THE place to get in the water. This is actually one of the beaches where I learned to surf! Check out this surf school and go for it.

READ MORE: 11 Adventurous Algarve Tours Worth Taking

13. Gorge Yourself on Seafood

Did you really go to the Algarve if you didn’t eat your body weight in fresh seafood? The region is flush with it, and the quality is exceptional.

Just step a little off the main drag to find the more authentic spots — you’ll be glad you did.

Not sure where to start? A food tour is a great way to get an overview of Portuguese food culture while tasting a bunch of local dishes in one go.

14. Get Lost in the Old Town Centers

Yes, the beaches are the main event — but the old town centers here are genuinely worth your time. Cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, tucked-away cafes, trinket shops, and little churches around every corner.

I’m partial to Lagos and Albufeira, but most towns in the Algarve have a charming old town worth a wander.

RELATED: 19 Best Things To Do in Lagos, Portugal!

16. Discover a Totally Different Algarve at Ria Formosa Natural Park

Most people spend their whole trip chasing cliffs and caves on the west side — guilty. But the eastern Algarve has its own magic, and Ria Formosa is it.

One of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal, this 60km coastal lagoon system of barrier islands, salt marshes, and wildlife-filled channels is a completely different vibe from the rest of the region.

Flamingos, herons, seahorses, deserted island beaches — the best way to experience it is by boat or kayak from Faro or Olhão. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and seriously underrated.

TIP: Don’t try to cover the whole park — pick one section and take a tour. Morning departures are best for wildlife sightings.

17. Step Back in Time in Tavira

Tavira is the eastern Algarve’s best kept secret, charming, unhurried, and genuinely Portuguese in a way that the busier western towns sometimes aren’t.

Beautiful Moorish architecture, a Roman bridge, a river running through the center, and a pace of life that invites you to slow right down.

It’s also the gateway to some gorgeous barrier island beaches via Ria Formosa.

Hop a ferry to Ilha de Tavira for a wonderfully peaceful beach day. And while you’re there, eat the octopus. The eastern Algarve is known for it and you won’t regret it.

18. Get a History Fix at Silves Castle

The Algarve isn’t all beaches, Silves is proof of that. Once the Moorish capital of the region, this gorgeous inland town is dominated by a striking 8th-century red sandstone castle that’s remarkably well-preserved.

Walk the ramparts, explore the towers, and soak in sweeping views over orange groves below. There’s also a beautiful Gothic cathedral right next door.

It’s only about 20 minutes inland from Portimão — easy day trip territory, and a welcome change of scenery from the coast.

TIP: Pair it with a drive up to Monchique and Mount Foia — the highest point in the Algarve at 902m — for a full inland day with completely different landscapes.

19. Don’t Just Pass Through Faro

Most people fly in, grab their rental car, and drive straight past Faro without a second look. Guilty.

But the Old Town (Cidade Velha) is a genuinely lovely couple of hours, medieval walls, cobbled squares, a beautiful cathedral, and a refreshingly local atmosphere.

The standout is the Igreja dos Ossos, a small chapel decorated entirely with the bones of over 1,000 monks. Morbid? A little. Fascinating? Absolutely.

It’s unlike anything else in the Algarve and absolutely worth a peek. Faro is also the main gateway to Ria Formosa boat tours, so the two pair together perfectly for a great eastern Algarve day.

More Algarve

Which things to do in the Algarve are you most looking forward to? I hope this helped you plan your trip!

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