ALGARVE
A guide to the Portuguese Algarve with information on beaches, towns, accommodation, nightlife, where to eat and water sports
16
Towns and resorts
150
km of coast
300
days of sun a year
The independent guide to the Algarve: towns, beaches, boat trips, Faro Airport and where to stay.
The Algarve is the Portuguese paradise: 150 kilometres of golden cliffs, sheltered coves and long open beaches, whitewashed towns that still smell of grilled sardines, and more sunny days than almost anywhere else in Europe.
This guide is written by people who live here. Every page is practical: what to see, where to stay, how to get there, and what it costs.
Where to stay in the Algarve
Albufeira for nightlife and family resorts, Lagos for beaches and a lively old town, Tavira and the east for calm. Start with our guide to Algarve hotels by area or browse apartments, then read the town pages below.
The beaches
The western Algarve has the postcard cliffs, the east has warm lagoon water and island beaches. See all the Algarve beaches or jump to our ten favourites.
Things to do
The Benagil Cave boat trip is the one everybody wants. Add a Ria Formosa boat tour, a day at Zoomarine or a water park, and an evening in a good fish restaurant.
Getting there and around
Almost everyone lands at Faro Airport. From there it is car hire, a transfer or bus, or the coastal train. Coming from the capital? Here is Lisbon to the Algarve by car and by train.
Towns and resorts
Albufeira
Albufeira is one of those Portuguese towns that always stands out for having the most Blue Flag beaches
Aljezur
The farming town of Aljezur, with its Moorish castle and barely explored beaches, is the unspoilt side of the Algarve…
Armação de Pêra
Armação de Pêra is a small fishing village in the Silves area of the Algarve, with a calm-water beach and some big…
Castro Marim
Castro Marim is home to some of the loveliest beaches in the eastern Algarve: Alagoa beach, Praia Verde and Praia do…
Faro
Faro, in the Algarve, is a cosmopolitan centre with entertainment, shops and restaurants. See which beaches Faro has…
Lagoa and Carvoeiro
Lagoa is famous for the beauty of its beaches, its major hotels and several golf courses. Carvoeiro for its lovely…
Lagos
The best thing about Lagos is undoubtedly its beaches, some of the finest in the Algarve. This is where you'll find…
Loulé
The town of Loulé sits 12 kilometres inland from the coast, and its stretch of shoreline is known as the “Triângulo…
Beaches
The 10 best beaches
Our pick of the ten most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, from Praia Dona Ana in Lagos to Cacela Velha and Culatra…
Praia da Rocha
Praia da Rocha, or "Rock Beach", in the Algarve is one of the most popular and most visited beaches around. Its clear…
Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha sits in the part of the Algarve known as Lagoa, and thanks to the staircase that separates it from the…
Praia Dona Ana
Praia Dona Ana is one of the prettiest beaches in the Algarve, and indeed the world. Take a look at the photo, find out…
Things to do
Benagil Cave boat trip
Along the way you can spot dolphins, take a dip in the sea, explore sea caves or simply relax: cave and dolphin boat…
Albufeira boat trips
Pirate ship trips in the Algarve. Two options, leaving in the morning or the afternoon from Albufeira Marina. A great…
Ria Formosa boat tour
The best way to explore the Ria Formosa is on a boat trip. We went out from Olhão with Natura Algarve and liked it so…
Paddleboarding
Where to hire paddleboards or SUPs in the Algarve. Have fun and make the most of summer with this brilliant activity in…
Getting there and around
See all getting there and around
Faro Airport
Faro Airport, the Algarve: how to get there, nearby hotels, information and location
Flights to Faro
Find and compare thousands of fares to the Algarve
Car hire at Faro Airport
Discover all the beaches and natural areas of the Algarve. Hire a low-cost car with this search engine
Lisbon to the Algarve by car
Driving from Lisbon to the Algarve is easy, with roads in good condition all the way. Here's what you need to know…
Where to stay
Golden Clube Cabanas
Hotel with all-inclusive options beside the lagoon and Cabanas beach in Tavira, the Algarve
Ozadi Tavira Hotel
We stayed at the Ozadi, and we can hardly believe what we found. Read on for the details.