Algarve

Travel Guide

Albufeira showing swimming, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Marinha Beach which includes rocky coastline
Dona Ana Beach which includes general coastal views, rugged coastline and kayaking or canoeing
Tres Irmaos Beach featuring general coastal views, rocky coastline and a beach
Tres Irmaos Beach showing a sandy beach, fishing and a sunset
Portugal’s southernmost region offers a fascinating mix of beaches, golf courses, nature reserves, market towns, fishing villages and Roman ruins.

Castles, golf, watersports, superb cuisine and a pleasant climate draw crowds to the Algarve. Enjoy this tourist-friendly region of Portugal stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to Spain’s western border. Its natural scenery includes breathtaking cliffs, pristine beaches, secluded coves, nature reserves, vineyards and wooded mountains.

The Algarve’s western region is internationally famous for its rocky outcrops and isolated bays. Visit the lively resort towns of Albufeira and Lagos. Investigate the picturesque fishing villages of Burgau and Salema. Go to the region’s southwestern tip to explore the historic peninsula of Sagres. Enjoy great surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing at the villages of Carrapateira and Odeceixe on the wild western coast.

Start your tour of eastern Algarve at Faro, the region’s capital and a former Roman settlement. Enjoy the picturesque gardens and buzzing nightlife in its walled Old Town. Protecting much of Faro’s eastern coast is Parque Natural da Rio Formosa, unspoiled barrier islands with a natural habitat for birds. Experience the traditional Portuguese beach resorts of Cabanas, Fuseta and Tavira. 

Inland, the Algarve combines scenic landscapes with history and relaxation. Admire the Roman ruins of Milreu near Estoi and Moorish-influenced architecture at Silves. Wander the quaint streets of Loulé or relax in the thermal spas of Caldas de Monchique. Bike or hike along the Via Algarviana, a 186-mile (300-kilometer) trail that traverses the flower-filled mountains of the Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão.

The Algarve offers golfers over 35 immaculate courses spread along the region’s 96-mile-long (155-kilometer) coastline. 

Delve into the region’s cuisine, which uses fresh local ingredients such as seafood, almonds, grapes, oranges and figs. Sample traditional dishes, including açorda de mariscos, a bread and seafood stew.

Reach the Algarve by flying to Faro Airport. Get around via rented car, bike or an extensive network of public buses. With around 300 days of sunshine per year, the Algarve is a favored year-round destination for everyone from families and honeymooners to food lovers and sports enthusiasts.

Where to stay in Algarve

Falesia Beach featuring a sandy beach, rocky coastline and general coastal views

Vilamoura

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Vilamoura. Make a stop by Falesia Beach or Vilamoura Marina while you're exploring the area.

Vilamoura
Fisherman\'s Beach which includes a sandy beach and a coastal town

Albufeira Old Town

Albufeira Old Town is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, abundant dining options, and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Albufeira Old Town Square or Peneco Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Albufeira Old Town
Rocha Beach showing a sandy beach and general coastal views

Praia da Rocha

Travelers to Praia da Rocha praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Três Castelos Beach and Algarve Casino.

Praia da Rocha
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Vale do Lobo

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Vale do Lobo. A stop by Vale do Lobo Beach or Garrao Beach might round out your trip.

Vale do Lobo
Faro Cathedral which includes heritage elements

Faro City Centre

Faro City Centre is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Faro Marina or A Companhia de Teatro do Algarve.

Faro City Centre
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Quinta do Lago

Beaches, golf courses, and restaurants are some highlights of Quinta do Lago. Make a stop by Quinta do Lago Golf or Quinta do Lago Beach while you're exploring.

Quinta do Lago
Tivoli Carvoeiro

Tivoli Carvoeiro

5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
The price is P22,798 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P22,798
P24,435 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,013 reviews)
"Incredible and the staff was wonderful!"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Tivoli Carvoeiro
Stay Hotel Faro Centro

Stay Hotel Faro Centro

3 out of 5
Rua de Portugal 17, Faro
The price is P7,066 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P7,066
P7,760 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (993 reviews)
"Super convenient. Would like to see an option of a mini fridge in the rooms; however the staff were extremely accommodating and kept a few things in a staff fridge for us."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Stay Hotel Faro Centro
The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel

The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Rua Raul Brandão, 2 - Bloco B, Lagos
The price is P21,615 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P21,615
P22,912 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Camilo Beach and Dona Ana Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (114 reviews)
"First Class service"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

4 out of 5
Estrada do Porto De Mos, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,239 reviews)
"Excellent place in a great location wonderful amenities beautiful rooms highly recommend"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory

Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory

4 out of 5
Rua Sacadura Cabral 8, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy room service, a health club, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (799 reviews)
"Beautiful pool area, amazing buffet breakfast included with good coffee! Walking distance to old town, safe area. Nice balcony facing pool, good towel service. Helpful front desk staff. Very pleasant. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Aqualuz Lagos by The Editory
Clube Albufeira Garden Village

Clube Albufeira Garden Village

4 out of 5
Estrada de Ferreiras-Alpouvar, Albufeira
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free parking, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Albufeira ...
8/10 Very Good! (209 reviews)
"Really enjoyed my visit, lovely place and lovely people!"

Reviewed on May 21, 2025

Clube Albufeira Garden Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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