There are so many reasons why you should plan a trip to the Algarve. The sun, beaches, coast and activities make the Algarve one of the most amazing destinations in Europe.
When you’re in this magnificent region, you can take the opportunity to see spectacular locations, see popular tourist attractions, and relax and take a break from normal life.
If the idea of spending your next break in southern Portugal appeals to you, check out our tips and guide to the best destinations in and around the Algarve to plan your perfect holiday today.
Algarve Travel Essentials
If you are looking to book a trip to the Algarve check out these websites:
• Find cheap flights to the Algarve on Skyscanner
• Search hotels on Booking.com
• Book sightseeing tours & activities on GetYourGuide
Accommodation in the Algarve
The Algarve is one of the best destinations in Portugal and it is one of the most affordable places to take a summer holiday in Europe.
You don’t have to break the bank spending thousands as the Algarve has budget-friendly accommodation perfect for travellers, couples and families.
There are lots of hotels, resorts and apartment complexes, but one of the most popular options is to rent a villa. Villas offer privacy, fantastic modern facilities and most in this region even have swimming pools.
The Algarve is quite a large area, so where is best to go and stay?
Most Popular Destinations in the Algarve
Our list includes the most popular towns, beautiful beaches and lesser known locations which are off the main tourist trail.
1. Faro
Faro is the capital of the Algarve and generally the first destination when tourists arrive when flying to the region.
Faro really is overlooked with foreign visitors, most people fly here then get transported to some of the more popular tourist hotspots like Lagos and Albufeira. But if you do spend time exploring Faro, or choose to stay here, you will be rewarded with a culturally rich city surrounded by beaches and the stunning Ria Formosa nature reserve.
Faro is a great place to stay and explore more of the region. If you are putting together an Algarve travel itinerary we recommend staying here for at least 1/2 days. Faro has so many shops, bars, cafes, nightlife and beaches. You can also sample some of the tastiest food in the Algarve here at one of the many top rated local restaurants.
Some of the best things to do in Faro include walking around the Old Town, seeing the Arco da Vila and the Sé Cathedral, learning more about Faro’s history at the Museu Municipal, visiting Igreja de NossaSenhora do Carbo, checking out Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve, going shopping or relaxing at the beach.
2. Lagos
Lagos is one of the Algarve’s finest holiday destinations and it is easy to see why, here you can find some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe!
Despite its popularity, it’s not as crowded as other places in Portugal, making it a perfect destination. There is a picturesque coast, stunning beaches, lots of outdoor activities and tasty local restaurants. The atmosphere and nightlife here is bustling as well and its easy to see why Lagos is so popular with backpacker and young travellers.
Be sure to spend a day or more at Ponta De Piedade which offers some of the most stunning views in the whole of the Algarve. Here you can see huge limestone cliffs and pretty hidden beaches.
Ponta De Piedade is also an excellent starting point for other tours and water activities to and from other towns and cities in the Algarve. You could take a day tour on a motorboat from Ponta De Piedade, and bask in the beauty of the emerald seas.
Due to the popularity of Lagos, hotels are expensive and so renting out a villa is a popular choice. Affinity Villas are recommended, whether you’re booking for a small group of two or three, up to a maximum of twenty people. There are lots of villas available for types of families which offer great value for money.
3. Praia Da Rocha
Praia Da Rocha is one of the most beautiful resort towns in Algarve. This quaint little town will make you feel so relaxed compared to the hustle and bustle or normal life. Local people are very friendly and there are so many magical places to see. In Praia De Rocha, the locals endeavor to give you fantastic Portuguese hospitality and there are lots of amazing cafes and restaurants here.
Praia Da Rocha is a great destination for families as it isn’t too big and the beach is beautiful and one of the main draws of town. There are also lots of places nearby worth checking out too like Praia dos Tres Castelos beach which has dramatic limestone rock formations that stand along the water – perfect for pictures.
As well as lounging at your hotel or villa, you will enjoy exploring the town and for children, there’s a waterpark and a theme park nearby. For teenagers and young adults, there are themed bars and watersports including surfing. There are also a diverse selection of villas and accommodation here so prices are competative.
4. Estói
If you’re up for a historical trip, Estói is one of the best towns you can visit—as well as if you need that break from all the white sandy beaches.
Estói is a small and tranquil municipality in the Algarve area. Albeit often overlooked vis-a-vis the coastal area in the Algarve, it’s also here that you get to experience some of the friendliest and most hospitable local people. Although most locals in the touristy areas speak English, you might want to learn some basic Portuguese phrases for visiting Portugal to impress the natives.
One of the most magical places you can visit is the Estói Palace, the grandeur will amaze you. Becasue Estói is lesser known than some of the other destinations on our list, it is also one of the cheapest places to stay. A good place to start your search is through Affinity Villas where you can find lots of cheap places to stay perfect for families. Be sure to also visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park which is stunning and located nearby.
5. Praia Da Luz
Praia Da Luz is a small resort town, making it one of the most peaceful places for you to stay in the Algarve region. Originally a fishing village, there are not lots of international resorts and villas.
Praia Da Luz is popular holiday destination for families in the Algarve, especially for those who are traveling with young children.
By staying in Praia Da Luz you will get to experience some of the best Portuguese hospitality and also sample the food at one of the fantastic great value local family restaurants.
In terms of accommodation, you’ve got lots of hotel complexes and villas to choose from. Whether it’s going to the countryside through the outskirts, secluded family villas, or luxury resorts, there’s places available for every type of budget.
6. Villamoura
Villamoura holds some of the best villa options if you wish to be by the beach, with elegance and luxury at that. It’s one of the more modern areas of the Algarve. It also holds some of the best beach areas, hence the demand for exclusivity, privacy, and luxury in the area.
In the 1980s, Villamoura was a travel destination for the elite and it is still upmarket. Here you can find gourmet restaurants, expensive yachts docked in the marina, golf courses, a marina and also swanky locals.
If price isn’t an issue for you, then Villamoura is somewhere you really should consider staying in Villamoura. For many, the touch of class experienced at Villamoura isn’t one that you can easily get from any other place around Portugal.
7. Salema
Historically, Salema was a small quiet fishing village, but it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern Portugal.
It is easy to see why Salema appeals, it is smaller than other tourist destinations in the Algarve with spectacular sea views, gardens and beaches.
If you would like to bask in the Mediterranean sunshine with the best beaches, wine and relaxation and with less crowds, a perfect holiday awaits in Salema.
There are lots of affordable villa complexes in this area, making it perfect for families traveling with young children. Salema offers some of the best value for money for summer stays.
8. Santa Barbara De Nexe
Santa Barbara is home to one of the most important and most beautiful churches in the Algarve, the Igreja Matriz. If you’re in the area, you shouldn’t miss out on this church. Santa Barbara is also rich in history, wherein temples of late medieval origin and other historical landmarks dominate the area. If you’re a music enthusiast, this is a place to visit as well. The locals are known for its long history of playing and producing accordions, which can be an educational experience for your children.
Most Beautiful Beaches in the Algarve
The Algarve has some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, these are some of the best to try to visit:
• Praia de Dona Ana
• Praia do Camilo
• Praia da Marinha
• Praia da Falesia
• Praia da Rocha
These really are some of the best beaches in Europe with white sand and spectacular sea views.
If you’re looking to plan your next holiday in Europe, the Algarve should be near the top of the list of places to go. Hopefully our guide to the top places to stay has given you some ideas for places to visit. This region really is one of the most beautiful locations even during winter, you really won’t regret visiting. You also might like to check out some basic Portuguese phrases for tourists and impress the locals.
