With Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto regaining popularity, the Algarve coast is also doing well. Portugal’s southernmost region has served as an alternative to Spain’s busy beaches for decades, beloved for both its stunning views and affordability.
Sun, sand and scenery make the Algarve the perfect holiday destination. If you’re planning your first trip to the Algarve, make the most of your stay with these helpful Algarve travel tips.
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Let’s go to the beach
One of the main reasons why the Algarve is such a great summer destination is the sheer number of beaches it has. If you search for Algarve travel tips, most roundups will tell you a list of recommended beaches. That’s because there are countless beaches here, each with their own look and benefits.
If you’re staying in one of the major cities in this part of Portugal, you’ll have easy access to at least some of the beaches – Praia da Rocha, for example, is just a 20-minute walk from Portimão and offers one beautiful stretch of sandy beach after another – while beaches like Praia da Marinha aren’t close to the main city but still attract visitors.
Explore the city behind the beach
Many tourists who visit the Algarve have only the beaches in mind – after all, the region is known for its spectacular beaches set below rocky cliffs. But if you spend all your time on the sand, you’ll miss out on the beauty and culture that lies just a few blocks away. The historic centres of Faro and Lagos are home to some key cultural landmarks, from Arco da Vila and Faro Cathedral to the sights around Jardim da Constitución in Lagos.
Venture Inland
Of course, you can still have a great time away from the coast completely, and one of the best ways to travel in the Algarve is to head inland. This rustic part of Portugal is just as charming as its seaside cousin, with beaches replacing castles and countryside.
Add in the cities of Silves and Loule, both of which have impressive castles in their historic centres and quaint streets to wander around, and Faro, home to the beautiful Estoi Palace with its ornate tilework and nearby Roman ruins, and it’s clear there’s another side to the Algarve that shouldn’t be missed.
View of the seaside coast
Most visitors to the Algarve aim for the coastline, but the beaches are not the only attraction here. This part of Portugal’s coastline is characterized by crumbling limestone cliffs that divide beaches from Albufeira to Praia da Rocha to Sagres. One of his most famous coastal spots is Ponta da Piedade, which is full of arches and caves. Another is the iconic Benazir Cave, which is popular on Instagram.
The best way to see these sights is usually from the water—and in the case of the Benagil Caves, it’s the only way to get there. You can go on your own, but it involves safety risks, so most people take a boat tour instead. It’s nice to take part in a tourist activity every now and then to experience a view, especially one like this.
Here are some popular boat tours from the Algarve.
Note: Be sure to book boat tours early as they often sell out, especially in high season.
Don’t be fooled by the size
If you’re content with seeing one town and sitting on one beach, you’re better off seeing more of the Algarve. You might think that since the Algarve is a small region, it would be easy to get around, but unfortunately, the Algarve is surprisingly large.
The coastline stretches for around 150 kilometres and it will take some time to get from one end to the other, especially with so many places to stop off, so take this into consideration when planning your trip to the Algarve to make sure you don’t miss any special places.
Using public transport
You can take a guided tour of the Algarve or drive yourself, but the cheapest and easiest way is to take advantage of the region’s trains and buses. Rental car prices increase during peak seasons, but train ticket prices remain the same.
Running from Lagos to Faro, with stops in Portimao and Albufeira, the coastal railway connects many of the Algarve’s most popular destinations. If you plan to travel by train frequently, save money with a Tourist Travelcard. There are also fairly frequent buses connecting major destinations from these big cities to smaller, more remote places.
Stay in a small town
People visiting the Algarve often choose to stay in larger cities such as Faro or Lagos. Of course, there’s some practicality to it, but it’s not the only option. Smaller towns like Sagres, Tavira, and Carvoeiro offer a completely different experience than these cities. There may be some flashy hotels, but most are unique accommodations that can only be found in the Algarve, rather than beach resorts like those found elsewhere in Europe.
If you’re still looking for a place to stay, check out Booking.com. This site always offers the best rates and has great customer service.
Please come in the off season
Because the Algarve is primarily a beach resort, you might think it’s only worth visiting in summer, when hot, sunny days are perfect for sunbathing and swimming, but summer isn’t your only option. The Algarve is really pleasant in the off-season, especially May and June, and there are still nice days to be had in October and April.
The shoulder seasons also have the added benefit of being much quieter as you avoid the summer school holidays, which means the beaches are less crowded, tours aren’t sold out and accommodation prices are cheaper – this is one of the most underrated Algarve travel tips.
Eat at a local restaurant
When you’re in a place like the Algarve, it’s easy to get used to eating familiar foods. The Algarve region has been used to receiving tourists for decades, so it’s very easy to find shops such as Irish pubs and pizzerias. However, if you stick to these places, you will miss out on the opportunity to taste great Portuguese cuisine, especially seafood.
My suggestion is to look for smaller restaurants further away from the coast, which have a more intimate atmosphere, friendly staff and cheaper prices – you’ll likely find these more easily in Portimão than in Praia da Rocha, for example.
Have fun and relax
At the end of the day you will come to the Algarve for your vacation. Relax, laze around on the beach and enjoy delicious seafood. We hope these travel tips for visiting the Algarve will make it all that much easier.
