The Algarve is Portugal's southernmost region, renowned for its stunning coastline, sandy beaches, and Mediterranean climate. It is the country's primary beach destination and tourist hub.
Browse Algarve campsites Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal Photo by Tim ten Cate on UnsplashThe Algarve was under Moorish rule for nearly 500 years until the Portuguese Reconquista was completed in 1249. The region's name derives from the Arabic 'Al-Gharb', meaning 'the west'. It became an important maritime centre during the Age of Discovery under Prince Henry the Navigator.
Runs along the coast from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António, stopping near Portimão, Silves, Albufeira, Faro and Tavira. A cheap, relaxed way to hop between coastal towns without a car, with glimpses of cork oak countryside and the Ria Formosa lagoon.
A long-distance trail crossing the Algarve from Alcoutim on the Guadiana river to Cabo de São Vicente, passing through inland hills, cork forests and traditional villages far from the coastal resorts.
A clifftop walk between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes near Lagoa/Carvoeiro, with views over cliffs, sea arches and hidden coves - one of the most photographed coastal walks in the region.
The inland route of the Rota Vicentina network passes through Aljezur and Vila do Bispo in the western Algarve, linking villages through cork and eucalyptus countryside before reaching the Vicentine coast.
A signposted cycling route running the length of the Algarve coast from Sagres/Vila do Bispo to Vila Real de Santo António, mixing dedicated cycle paths, quiet roads and boardwalks through the Ria Formosa.
Parts of the Rota Vicentina's coastal path near Aljezur and Vila do Bispo are popular with mountain bikers tackling sandy tracks along dramatic Atlantic cliffs.
A quieter, low-rise riverside town on the eastern Algarve with a Roman bridge, Moorish-era streets and easy boat access to the Ria Formosa's barrier islands and beaches.
Former Moorish capital of the Algarve, dominated by a red sandstone castle overlooking the Arade river; less touristy than the coast and good for a half-day inland trip.
The windswept southwestern tip of Portugal, historically considered the edge of the known world, with dramatic cliffs, a fortress and strong surf conditions.
A hill town in the Serra de Monchique with cooler air, eucalyptus and pine forests, natural hot springs at nearby Caldas de Monchique, and views over the whole southern coast.
A sheltered network of lagoons, marshes and barrier islands protecting beaches like Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra, best explored by boat trip from Faro or Olhão.
Kayak, paddleboard or small boat tours from Benagil or Carvoeiro visit the well-known sea cave with its open skylight roof and sand floor near Lagoa.
Golden limestone cliffs, arches and grottoes near Lagos, reachable on foot along the clifftop path or by kayak/small boat tour through the rock formations.
Beaches like Praia do Amado and Arrifana get consistent Atlantic swell and have long-established surf schools, in contrast to the calmer south-facing beaches.
Small-group boat trips from Faro or Olhão reach barrier-island beaches such as Ilha Deserta, only accessible by water, plus birdwatching among the salt marshes.
Climb the red sandstone walls of the former Moorish fortress and wander the tiled streets below, a good contrast to the beach towns.
Algarve cooking leans heavily on seafood and shellfish, with the cataplana (a copper-clamshell pot used for seafood or pork-and-clam stews like carne de porco à alentejana) as the signature dish. Grilled sardines, cuttlefish, and dishes built around clams, prawns and bream are common along the coast, often paired with local bread. Inland, the Monchique hills produce presunto (cured ham), chestnuts and the strong arbutus-berry spirit medronho. Almonds and figs, grown across the region, turn up in traditional sweets such as Dom Rodrigo and marzipan-based confections, a legacy of the region's Moorish past.
A protected lagoon system of islands, marshes and channels stretching from near Faro to Manta Rota, important for migratory birds and traditional shellfish farming, and best seen by boat.
Covers the wild western Algarve coastline around Aljezur and Vila do Bispo, with high cliffs, undeveloped beaches and the Rota Vicentina trail network.
One of Portugal's biggest carnival celebrations, held in February/March in Loulé with elaborate parade floats and costumes.
A medieval fair held in Silves in August, with the castle and old town turned into a market, jousting and costumed events recalling the Moorish and medieval period.
A music festival held in Faro in summer (typically July), bringing national and international acts to the Algarve's capital.
