Where are the best places to visit in the Algarve?
Whilst there are some incredible cities like Porto and Lisbon that are perennial favourites, there’s so many other places to explore throughout this captivating country with the Algarve region being one of them.
From sun-drenched golden beaches and aquatic adventures to excellent wine and culture-packed towns, it’s never been easier to experience what Portugal has to offer and it goes way beyond its reputation as a fantastic seaside getaway.
The Algarve has it all and the region is full of hidden delights that keep visitors coming back time and time again.
So where are the best places to visit in the Algarve, let’s find out!
Faro
Whilst a lot of travellers simply use the intriguing town of Faro as an arrivals airport into the Algarve, it’s fair to say that they are missing a trick as Faro is not only one of the best places to visit in the Algarve, it’s also the regions capital and is one of the most historic towns in the region.
Wherever you wander in the storied centre of the Old Town, you will feel a real sense of history from the cobbled streets to the walled medieval quarter beneath the neoclassical Arco da Vila which is on the site of a gate that was part of the original Moorish wall.
History aficionados will love admiring attractions like Faro Cathedral & Bell Tower and the Museu Municipal, a domed 16th-century landmark that was once the epicentre of the Jewish quarter.
Cape St Vincent
The Cape of St. Vincent which is not far from the town of Sagres is the most southwestern tip of continental Europe.
The location is reflected in its wild yet magical surroundings and this combined with the area’s historical riches makes it a sure fire contender for one of the best places to visit in the Algarve.
Full of natural beauty, the Cape is perched on the edge of the steep cliffs that offer breathtaking views.
The Cape of St. Vincent is often overlooked by visitors, but whilst it’s not a place to stay, it’s certainly worth a visit to this jaw dropping vista which was historically considered to be sacred ground with the ancient Romans considering it to be a ‘magical place’.
You can pay a visit to the lighthouse that sits atop the cliff top, or why not admire the craggy cliffs of Cape St.Vincent from the sea via a boat tour?
Sagres
Calling all surfers or lovers of water sports! Sagres is the most western town in this region and it’s one of the best places to visit in the Algarve.
You can even take part in one of the surfing competitions and surf camps that take place at one of the many beaches in the town.
Praia da Mareta is one of the busiest beaches in Sagres, but these golden stretches of sands are also ideal for sunbathing and swimming, and the rocky headlands provide shelter from the notorious Sagres winds.
Whilst Sagres is a smidge quieter than other more busier towns in the Algarve, there’s still a fantastic selection of restaurants and bars to enjoy.
Sagres has a lovely laid-back vibe and it’s certainly worthwhile visiting the town’s 15th century fortress – the Fortaleza de Sagres, which is nestled above the rugged headland south of Praia da Mareta. As well as the remains of the fort itself, there’s also a lighthouse, a small church to enjoy.
Olhão
There’s a reason why Olhão is one of the best places to visit in the Algarve!.
It’s not an obvious choice for a tourist destination, but is swiftly becoming less of an under-the-radar town and more of a ‘must-visit’ destination that has a great selection of bars and restaurants.
From it’s Moorish-influenced architecture to its quaint marina where you can jump on a ferry to one of the pretty beaches in the Ria Formosa lagoon,
Olhão is regarded as one of the hidden gems of the Algarve and is one of south Portugal’s most peaceful destinations.
Ria Formosa has been classified as one of Portugal’s natural parks since 1987 and is often regarded as one of Portugal’s ‘Seven Natural Wonders’ and without a doubt it’s a must-visit destination when visiting the Algarve.
This charming harbour town is also a fantastic jumping off point for two of the prettiest islands in the region – Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Armona where you will find some of the area’s most lovely beaches and there’s no doubt that Olhão is a photographer’s dream.
Tavira
For those who love a bit of culture, then why not consider one of the best places to visit in the Algarve for music and art – Tavira?
As well as being one of the best places to visit in the Algarve, Tavira is one of the most captivating towns in the region.
Full of historic riches, Tavira is charming and fascinating in equal measure.
From its medieval-esque old quarter to its delightful hilltop castle and its pretty Old Town, Tavira is an absolute must when visiting the Algarve.
It’s also a fantastic place to visit for music lovers as it’s the heart of Portugal’s deep-rooted music traditions.
Head on over to Fado Com História, where you can hear the renowned music of the region the – live fado which has often been likened to the ‘Portuguese blues’.
Tavira is as renowned for its wine as it is for its music and it would be remiss to not try the local grape whilst visiting Tavira.
Why not book a wine tasting tour where you can learn more about the wine that has been harvested?
Lagos
As well as being regarded as one of the best places to visit in the Algarve, Lagos, the vibrant city is also one of the Algarve’s liveliest destinations.
There’s plenty of things to see and do to be enjoyed both during the day and of course, at night!
Why not start with its historic architecture that is scattered around the city.
From its baroque churches to the city’s old town walls.
There’s an abundance of history and a visit to the 17th-century fortress should definitely be on your itinerary!
Even though there’s lots of cultural things to do, Lagos also offers some of the nicest beaches in the Algarve. Be sure to take some time out to visit Praia de Dona Ana, one of the Algarve’s prettiest beaches.
When it comes to the nightlife, Lagos is one of the best places to visit in the Algarve.
Start your evening with a meal at one of the acclaimed restaurants that cater for every taste and budget.
Whether you favour a cosy candle-lit taverna or want to try one of the area’s Michelin-starred restaurants, you can enjoy incredible food which includes fresh-off-the-boat seafood.
Follow up your dining experience with a few drinks at the many bars that dot the narrow streets, why not admire the view of the city from the rooftop terrace of Bon Vivant as the sun goes down on another thrilling day in the Algarve?
Faro
Whilst a lot of travellers simply use the intriguing town of Faro as an arrivals airport into the Algarve, it’s fair to say that they are missing a trick as Faro is not only one of the best places to visit in the Algarve, it’s also the regions capital and is one of the most historic towns in the region.
Wherever you wander in the storied centre of the Old Town, you will feel a real sense of history from the cobbled streets to the walled medieval quarter beneath the neoclassical Arco da Vila which is on the site of a gate that was part of the original Moorish wall.
History aficionados will love admiring attractions like Faro Cathedral & Bell Tower and the Museu Municipal, a domed 16th-century landmark that was once the epicentre of the Jewish quarter.
Cape St Vincent
The Cape of St. Vincent which is not far from the town of Sagres is the most southwestern tip of continental Europe.
The location is reflected in its wild yet magical surroundings and this combined with the area’s historical riches makes it a sure fire contender for one of the best places to visit in the Algarve.
Full of natural beauty, the Cape is perched on the edge of the steep cliffs that offer breathtaking views.
The Cape of St. Vincent is often overlooked by visitors, but whilst it’s not a place to stay, it’s certainly worth a visit to this jaw dropping vista which was historically considered to be sacred ground with the ancient Romans considering it to be a ‘magical place’.
You can pay a visit to the lighthouse that sits atop the cliff top, or why not admire the craggy cliffs of Cape St.Vincent from the sea via a boat tour?
Sagres
Calling all surfers or lovers of water sports! Sagres is the most western town in this region and it’s one of the best places to visit in the Algarve.
You can even take part in one of the surfing competitions and surf camps that take place at one of the many beaches in the town.
Praia da Mareta is one of the busiest beaches in Sagres, but these golden stretches of sands are also ideal for sunbathing and swimming, and the rocky headlands provide shelter from the notorious Sagres winds.
Whilst Sagres is a smidge quieter than other more busier towns in the Algarve, there’s still a fantastic selection of restaurants and bars to enjoy.
Sagres has a lovely laid-back vibe and it’s certainly worthwhile visiting the town’s 15th century fortress – the Fortaleza de Sagres, which is nestled above the rugged headland south of Praia da Mareta.
As well as the remains of the fort itself, there’s also a lighthouse, a small church to enjoy.
Olhão
There’s a reason why Olhão is one of the best places to visit in the Algarve!.
It’s not an obvious choice for a tourist destination, but is swiftly becoming less of an under-the-radar town and more of a ‘must-visit’ destination that has a great selection of bars and restaurants.
From it’s Moorish-influenced architecture to its quaint marina where you can jump on a ferry to one of the pretty beaches in the Ria Formosa lagoon, Olhão is regarded as one of the hidden gems of the Algarve and is one of south Portugal’s most peaceful destinations.
Ria Formosa has been classified as one of Portugal’s natural parks since 1987 and is often regarded as one of Portugal’s ‘Seven Natural Wonders’ and without a doubt it’s a must-visit destination when visiting the Algarve.
This charming harbour town is also a fantastic jumping off point for two of the prettiest islands in the region – Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Armona where you will find some of the area’s most lovely beaches and there’s no doubt that Olhão is a photographer’s dream.
Tavira
For those who love a bit of culture, then why not consider one of the best places to visit in the Algarve for music and art – Tavira?
As well as being one of the best places to visit in the Algarve, Tavira is one of the most captivating towns in the region.
Full of historic riches, Tavira is charming and fascinating in equal measure.
From its medieval-esque old quarter to its delightful hilltop castle and its pretty Old Town, Tavira is an absolute must when visiting the Algarve. It’s also a fantastic place to visit for music lovers as it’s the heart of Portugal’s deep-rooted music traditions.
Head on over to Fado Com História, where you can hear the renowned music of the region the – live fado which has often been likened to the ‘Portuguese blues’.
Tavira is as renowned for its wine as it is for its music and it would be remiss to not try the local grape whilst visiting Tavira.
Why not book a wine tasting tour where you can learn more about the wine that has been harvested?
Lagos
As well as being regarded as one of the best places to visit in the Algarve, Lagos, the vibrant city is also one of the Algarve’s liveliest destinations.
There’s plenty of things to see and do to be enjoyed both during the day and of course, at night!
Why not start with its historic architecture that is scattered around the city. From its baroque churches to the city’s old town walls.
There’s an abundance of history and a visit to the 17th-century fortress should definitely be on your itinerary!
Even though there’s lots of cultural things to do, Lagos also offers some of the nicest beaches in the Algarve.
Be sure to take some time out to visit Praia de Dona Ana, one of the Algarve’s prettiest beaches.
When it comes to the nightlife, Lagos is one of the best places to visit in the Algarve.
Start your evening with a meal at one of the acclaimed restaurants that cater for every taste and budget.
Whether you favour a cosy candle-lit taverna or want to try one of the area’s Michelin-starred restaurants, you can enjoy incredible food which includes fresh-off-the-boat seafood.
Follow up your dining experience with a few drinks at the many bars that dot the narrow streets, why not admire the view of the city from the rooftop terrace of Bon Vivant as the sun goes down on another thrilling day in the Algarve?
