If you came here looking for ideas of things to see and do in the Algarve you are in the right place: in the past we were lucky enough to enjoy a housesitting in the Algarve , the southernmost region of Portugal , full of coves, wild beaches and white villages dotted with churches and tiled houses.
Over the month we spent there we explored the area very well and although there are thousands of wonderful places to visit in this part of Portugal, we are aware that time will probably be limited so we have focused the article on travelers who have at least 10-15 days to enjoy this southern region of Portugal in peace. Of course you can visit most of the places in 7 days/a week (although more quickly).
10 things to see and do in the Algarve
Before you start exploring the Algarve, even virtually, let us tell you two things:
- The positive : the Algarve is a surprising region, quite low cost and with many interesting places to visit.
- The negative : it was our first trip there so we don't know what it was like a few years ago but nowadays it is VERY touristy. Especially if you visit it in the middle of summer. This inevitably takes away some of its charm. So be prepared psychologically to share many corners with quite a few other tourists.
Now, let's go with the best places to see in the Algarve .
1. Ponta da Piedade
Ponta da Piedade, a collection of cliffs, caves and coves with crystal-clear water , is possibly the place that impressed us the most in the whole of the Algarve. Take your time to explore it and enjoy it to the fullest. There is also a beautiful lighthouse here. Don't miss it.
2. Tavira
We decided to stop in Tavira on our way back to Spain and it was a great idea. The city turned out to be nice, clean and beautiful, so don't forget to put it on your Portuguese wishlist. Walk along Rua da Libertade and the Jardim Publico , visit the churches of Misericordia and Carmo , climb the castle walls and enjoy the views over the city and cross its famous Roman bridge . We didn't have time to enjoy its beaches... we'll be back!
⭐ Tip: If you have time, take a tour of the Ria Formosa Natural Park .
3. Benagil Beach
Benagil was one of the first beaches we visited and it was love at first sight, as for us it is one of the places that cannot be missed on a trip to the Algarve. One of the most spectacular beaches in the area, and famous for housing the Benagil Caves , so popular for their "eyeglasses on the ceiling", which you have seen so many times in photographs and videos.
The ideal thing is to sign up for a boat trip from different points, which will take you to discover the nearby Benagil cave and a few more caves, spread throughout the coast ( you can book them here ).
But if you don't have the time, desire or money to go on an excursion, don't worry: relaxing on this beach, swimming in its waters or walking around the area is a great idea!
⭐ Here we tell you which are the best beaches in the Algarve
4. Silves, another wonderful town to see in the Algarve
Our housesitting hosts were adamant: you have to go to Silves, one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve. No sooner said than done: we went to this medieval citadel where, in one morning, we walked around the historic centre, joined in for a few minutes at the mass in the Cathedral, went up to the castle and fell in love with a few facades of pink, blue and white tiles. Without a doubt, Silves is one of the places to see in the Algarve, no matter what.
To top off a great trip we went to eat grilled sardines and piri piri chicken at Monchiqueiro , between the municipal market and the river. The menu of the day cost us less than €10 and is highly recommended. It tends to fill up quickly, so eat early… or late!
However, if you feel like treating yourself, you can eat at Mariscaria Rui (R. Comendador Vilarinho 27), which was recommended to us by our friends María and Francesco.
⭐ These are the typical dishes to eat in the Algarve
5. Lagos, a must-do in the Algarve
We have mixed feelings about Lagos: on the one hand we can't deny its appeal, but on the other, ugh, how overwhelming! We visited it on a Sunday in July (BAD) and all the other tourists thought the same as us XD… Even so, we think it's an essential stop and here we tell you everything to see and do in Lagos.
We had intended to go to the famous Casinha do Petiscos for lunch , but after waiting for more than 45 minutes and seeing that things were going to be long, we decided to throw in the towel and eat a cataplana at the nearby Bar Inna . Here, the cataplana for two cost us about €25, it was good although as it was the only one we ate we have no references to compare it with. It was not a dish that made us cry with emotion so we recommend you go to Casinha do Petisco, where they say they have the best cataplana in Lagos (calculate about €30 for two people). However, considering the queue, it is best to go to eat around 12 or 3 pm.
6. Cape St. Vincent
Murphy's law meant that the day we wanted to go to Lagos, Sagres and Cape St. Vincent was the only day it rained, so halfway there, in Lagos, we decided not to continue with the initial plan. I don't know if we did well or not, but the good thing is that we have one more reason to return and that is that Cape St. Vincent is another of the places to visit in the Algarve no matter what. We were told wonderful things about its sunset, so we have it noted down for a future trip.
Remember to bring your Revolut card and/or N26 card so that you are not charged commissions when paying and withdrawing money abroad.
7. Carvoeiro, the most beautiful village in the Algarve
A fishing village that has managed to make a place for itself in the hearts of tourists: Carvoeiro is picturesque and pretty and although it is one of the most visited towns, it still maintains a strong personality 🙂 we like it a lot.
Its beach is a must-see stop, as is walking along the wooden path that connects the town to the Gruta Boneca , from where you will have impressive views through the two 'eyes' of the cave. Don't miss it, Carvoeiro is an essential stop in this area of Portugal and one of the best places to visit in the Algarve.
→ Here we tell you everything to see and do in Carvoeiro .
8. Marina Beach
It is one of the most typical postcards of all Portugal , and although the Algarve is dotted with impressive beaches, we choose it. Praia da Marinha is one of those places that leave you speechless thanks to its cliffs, rocks and its transparent waters (and cold, brr!). Without a doubt, coming here is another of the essential things to see and do in the Algarve!
→ If you fancy getting to know it from the water, there's nothing better than this boat ride .
9. Visit a small town "off the map"
They are not the most beautiful and impressive places in the Algarve, but its little villages, those that do not appear on any list, those that are not visited by anyone other than their inhabitants, hide a pleasant surprise: authenticity . They show themselves as they are and do not pretend to make the visitor fall in love with them, and that is a real gift.
We stayed in Algoz , visited Alcantarilha (where, by the way, there is a chapel full of bones and skulls), Olhao (full of graffiti and street art) and had one of the best meals in Guia . Get off the beaten track and let your instinct guide you!
Take out IATI travel insurance with a 5% discount here . Whatever your destination
10. Explore local cuisine
For us, gastronomy plays an important role in every trip and in the Algarve you can enjoy fresh, tasty and also fairly cheap dishes. Portugal is synonymous with bacalhau ( you can try the one with cream or the bacalhau a bras) and the Algarve is no exception, although we will remember it above all for the grilled sardines , the piri piri chicken , that rice with duck that we ate in Guía, for the fish cataplana and the seafood rice broth .
Prices vary depending on the type of restaurant and the area (obviously in tourist places the prices go up), but you can easily find daily specials for €5-8 or menus with drinks, bread and dessert for around €7-10.
Note: if you don't want the bill to go up a couple of euros, be careful with the starters (bread, olives, pâtés): the waiters will serve them to you at the table but they are not free.
More things to do and see in the Algarve
Inevitably, as in any list, there are places left out that perhaps deserve a place... this is the case of Faro (here you have a good free tour ), Sagres , Albufeira , the famous Praia da Rocha or other of the best beaches in the Algarve .
The plans are almost endless, so it will depend especially on the time available. If you have a week or 10 days, the points we suggest in the post seem perfect to us.
That's it for our list of 10 things to see and do in the Algarve, although we're sure there are still plenty of places to explore: this area is a marvel and there's always, always, always something left to do. The good thing is that you have one excuse after another to come back. Do you know this area? What did you like the most?
