Things to do & places to visit in Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve's sunny shores offer perfect escapes for all types, from those seeking the hot nightlife of flashy, energetic Lagos to those desiring secluded stays in rambling Sagres. Portugal's most southerly region offers historical attractions in former Moorish capital Silves and fascinating Tavira, great golf, fabulous beaches from Praia da Luz to Armacao de Pera, thermal springs at Caldas de Monchique, and miles of limestone caves and grottoes, cliffs and bays along its rugged coastline.

Algarve #3 destination in Portugal 2023. The average rating score is 4.55 based on 95.2k traveler reviews, of 35 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Lisbon, current date and time: Wednesday, May 01, 2024, 3:30.

Top things to do (15)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Yellowfish Transfers (6.996 reviews)
- Stress free. It's great to see you again!
Spent < 1 hour Taxis & Shuttles

Yellowfish Transfers is based in the Algarve, Portugal and is in business since January 2010 providing private airport & golf transfers in the region and also to Lisbon, Alentejo and southern Spain areas. We provide private transfers from Faro Airport to all resort in the Algarve. Our fleet consists of 90 comfortable vehicles, all equipped with air-con and free on board Wi-Fi. Child and baby seats provided for free for a secure transport. No hidden costs; the price is final. We are here to drive you there. See more..
5.0 Ponta da Piedade (5.548 reviews)
- Beautiful scenery, fun boat trip
Spent < 1 hour Geologic Formations

Great experience. The scenery is beautiful, nice short hike. Take the steps down to the rocks from which the boats leave, book directly from the guy standing there ($20 for adults, $10 for kids 5 and over; for $70 you get a private boat) and take the 35 min ride sightseeing all the caves and secluded beaches from the water. We as a family with 2 kids (1,5 and 3,5 yrs old) and grandma all very much enjoyed it. See more..
5.0 Sunline Transfers (4.133 reviews)
- Outstanding transfer service
Spent < 1 hour Taxis & Shuttles

Come and experience our services in your Holidays (or on Work) and be transported in Mercedes vans with Air Conditioning, Free Internet Wi-Fi, from Faro International Airport to and from your destination. The best way to start your holidays. See you soon! See more..
5.0 Algarserra Transfers (2.302 reviews)
- Amazing
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Taxis & Shuttles

We are a reliable, experienced company and leading provider of private transfers from Faro Airport to any hotel, resort, villa or holiday accommodation in the Algarve. Door-to-door airport transfer service ideal for all group sizes, carried out by professional chauffeurs and supported by a modern vehicle fleet also suitable for golf transfers or any type of private transport. See more..
5.0 Ttaxi Travel Transfers (1.380 reviews)
- The best transfer company on the Algarve
Spent < 1 hour Taxis & Shuttles

Ttaxi Travel Faro Airport Transfers - is a Travel Agency for Airport transfers from Faro, Lisbon, Beja Airport or Seville airport to all resorts in the Algarve Portugal. We provide a professional and responsible, efficient and friendly service. The best quality for the best price... See more..
5.0 Praia dos Três Irmãos (698 reviews)
- Favourite beach in the Algarve
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

We spent a week in the Algarve and visited quite a few beaches in Alvor, Lagos, portimao, and Ferragudo - and this was by far our fav. We liked the little cove by the three brothers rocks. It was relatively quiet, the sea was beautiful and there was a nice little beach bar selling drinks and food and had a toilet. Gorgeous. See more..
5.0 Golf Integrated Academy (283 reviews)
- First Class
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Sports Camps & Clinics

During this period of closure we can offer coaching at Edge Golf Academy in Troia. Portugal's most advanced coaching environment and our twenty years of experience will make your lesson simple, understandable and enjoyable. We know it is a bold statement, but we will improve your game. "Never be too proud to take a golf lesson, I'm not" - Jack Nicklaus. Get in touch to learn more details. We are open Monday-Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm, and by appointment on Saturday and Sunday. If you would like to pop by outside of these times, give us a call and we would be delighted to ensure the Academy is open to welcome you. Additionally if you would like to go ahead and book a coaching session with us, please contact us and we will be delighted to help. It is advisable to book ahead due to demand. See more..
5.0 Learn2Sail (174 reviews)
- Fantastic experience!
Spent More than 3 hours Ferries

Sailing Boat Day Trips and Sunset Cruises from Albufeira Marina, all year and every day. See more..
5.0 Ponta da Piedade (5.548 reviews)
- Beautiful scenery, fun boat trip
Spent < 1 hour Geologic Formations

Great experience. The scenery is beautiful, nice short hike. Take the steps down to the rocks from which the boats leave, book directly from the guy standing there ($20 for adults, $10 for kids 5 and over; for $70 you get a private boat) and take the 35 min ride sightseeing all the caves and secluded beaches from the water. We as a family with 2 kids (1,5 and 3,5 yrs old) and grandma all very much enjoyed it. See more..
4.5 Zoomarine Algarve (9.016 reviews)
- Busy!
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

REOPENSING 06.03.2020 Discover the mysteries of the oceans at the Algarve best family theme park. Located in Guia, just a few kilometers from Albufeira. A magical place that has grown to be the greatest and most innovative educational entertainment offer in the country. The newest attraction: "Jurassic River" will transport kids and adults alike to a fantastic journey to the time of these pre-historic giants. The "Pirate Bay" performance of heroes with swords and eye patch will delight the public with it's perils and stunts. The array of aquatic amusements and mechanical rides include a mini-roller coaster, carousel, giant wheel and so much more. The day will not be complete until you take a dip in the biggest artificial wave beach in the country, watch the 4D Cinema, and visit the diverse habitats and the aquarium. Unique sensations on a journey through a world of knowledge and adventure where you will discover the mysteries of marine life in a day full of surprises and emotions. See more..
4.5 Praia da Falésia (5.860 reviews)
- Beautiful beach worth visiting
Beaches

Beautiful long beach, where you can take long walks. It is also very photogenic. The only disadvantage is the accessibility. You either have to take the stairs, or by a car, but there is not a lot of parking spots. But the beach is clean, not too crowded. You can rent a sun bed, costs 20€ - two sunbeds and an umbrella. I totally recommend this beach. See more..
4.5 Praia Da Rocha (5.474 reviews)
- A winter retreat
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

Praia de rocha is a wonderful location for winter break especially for mature people who like long walks on almost deserted beaches and can walk the strip at night without boom boom music from every pub and club. Walk from Praia de rocha along the beach to Alvor about 30minutes at your leisure and enjoy a brandy and coffee for less than €3.00 .use local train and bus to see the Algarve at unbelievable prices and a visit to the many gipsy market's is a must. See more..
4.5 Praia Dona Ana (3.882 reviews)
- Spectacular beach - brilliant for tanning and swimming
Beaches

The other day we visited the picturesque Marinha beach - which is incredibly pretty, but with quite a few sharp stones in the water. Praia Dona Ana - 15 minutes walk fra Lagos city - is just as spectacular as the famous Marinha, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and turquoise water and covered with soft sand. The good thing about Dona Ana is that there are no sharp objects in the water, just lovely sand. You (and your kids?) are gonna love this beach. There are easy steps down from road level to the beach. Not dangerous at all. See more..
4.5 Marina de Vilamoura (3.855 reviews)
- first time visitors
Spent More than 3 hours Marinas

my wife and i stayed at the marina last march 2020 before the lockdown, we found the whole experience wonderful, this was my first time in portugal and i was not dissappointed. we were warned it was an expensive place to eat however i found the contary, the choices were wide ranging there were shops and bars with reasonable prices for both alcohol and food. there was even the obigatory irish bar. i would highly recommned it. we ate almost in a different place every evening we went out. we had a wonderful view over the marina and watched the sunset every night. there are several places in the marins to get tickets for the local sights both on land and at sea again reasonable prices. we found staff at all of the shops and restaurant we visited very friendly and helpful. we would definitely return. See more..
4.5 Cape Saint Vincent (3.792 reviews)
- Elemental
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses

This is a special and elemental place to visit. For the first time while visiting the Cabo it was warm and sunny, usually it it wild and cold. It's worth the extra trouble to visit this place and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere. See more..
4.5 Alvor Boardwalk (3.143 reviews)
- Relaxed nature trail straddled between restaurant heaven and seaside bliss
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Piers & Boardwalks

Alvor Adviser See more..
4.5 Praia do Camilo (2.824 reviews)
- Beautiful and worth the walk down the stairs!
Beaches

This place is gorgeous and I"m so glad we got the chance to visit it, especially when it was virtually empty! We went on a Monday morning during April and the place was nearly deserted. Our Uber driver told us that it typcially is very crowded, so we picked a good day to go. By the time we left, around 11am or so, it was already starting to get more crowded. There were 163 steps to get down to the beach, so keep in mind you need to climb those back up to get out! Parking seems like it would be a pain in the butt because it's so popular. A must see! See more..
4.5 Praia da Marinha (2.590 reviews)
- Oh wow!
Beaches

This has to be one of my top 5 favourite beaches ever! So worth the 40 min drive from our resort, we went every day! This made the holiday for me. Turquoise waters, lovely sand, not too busy. Beach bar restaurant sold loads of freshly made food, ice lollies and drinks. Toilet there too. It’s just stunning. Waves were variable- a little rough one day, quite gentle the next. A lovely swimming spot though, and those views! See more..
4.5 Tavira Island (2.575 reviews)
- Very peaceful Island with good golden sandy beaches
Islands

We visited this island in early April 2022. It was still classed as "low" season and was quiet. This was good as we had no problem getting spaces on the ferry which was very efficient and only 2 Euros 20 cents return per adult. It took around 20 minutes to reach the Island and on arrival we realised that a lot of the restaurants were still closed. However, there were still a number open and all were well patronized. We had a walk onto the beaches and even in April it felt much hotter on the beach than it had been on the mainland. We really enjoyed our visit. See more..
4.5 Praia dos Olhos de Água (2.512 reviews)
- Lovely fishing village in a great location
Beaches

What a lovely little fishing village Olhos D'Agua is, we chose to holiday here on previous reviews we saw and we were not disappointed! The main area of the village is situated on the beach front with a number of restaurants and bars where you can get great food and have a drink in the sunshine, the beach is lovely. What we liked most about this place was it is ideal for couples and families who want a quieter and more relaxing holiday and do not want to be bothered by those large and annoying groups of the stag and hen type wqqho tend to be drawn to resorts like Albufeira. The locals here are friendly and welcoming and is a place we will certainly be returning to in the near future. See more..
4.5 Meia Praia (2.141 reviews)
- A very pleasant walk
Beaches

At this time of year (February) few, except visiting Scandinavians and kite surfers in wetsuits venture into the sea, and it is mostly those taking exercise on land that frequent the beach. Walkers, joggers and even beach volleyball players are out, and in the winter months, dog owners take advantage of a tolerance to let their pets run free, on 4 km of beautiful sand. In winter, not all the beach bars and restaurants are open regularly, so check if you plan to eat. As in summer the beach is quieter the further you go east from town, but right in the middle of the beach, at around the 2 km point, a pair of adjacent bars, Bar Quim and Por do Sol are usually open by 10 am all year. The beach is gently ic hj SAsffilc onhshelving and safe, and not generally affected by excessively large waves except during and after storms. The safest family beach in the area. Sadly the first photo in those shown is definitely not of Meia Praia which has no cliffs. See more..
4.5 Praia do Barril (1.871 reviews)
- Best beach
Beaches

A perfect day - fun little train ride to the beach. We were staying in Tavira without a car so got an Uber for 7e to the train stop which is actually a fair way out of the town of Santa Luzia. A beautiful beach, very good facilities- loungers and parasols (18e a pair) so not cheap. Good choice of beach bars/ restaurants and very clean toilets See more..
4.5 Carvoeiro Boardwalk (1.628 reviews)
- Sunrise Walk
Spent < 1 hour Piers & Boardwalks

I was suggested by the staff at O Castelo Guest House to take the boardwalk for a easy and short glimpse of the coast. The boardwalk is easy and well lit during any part of the day in flip flops or tennis shoes. Very enjoyable for all abilities. I decided to get up early to watch the sunrise and hike to the Alfanzina lighthouse. At each beach, cave, and stop along the trek it became more beautiful. Recommend hiking shoes when you leave the boardwalk since you can literally walk the edge of the cliffs. See more..
4.5 Praia da Luz (1.417 reviews)
- Lovely Beach
Beaches

Such a lovely, sandy beach with beautiful views and impressive cliffs! Could easily spend a whole day of your holiday here as there are plenty of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area making it a great day out. Although the sea was a bit cold, it was very clear and there was no seaweed washing up onto the shore. Would highly recommend and definitely visit again myself. See more..
4.5 Praia Sao Rafael (1.389 reviews)
- Fav beach near Albufeira
Beaches

This was my favourite beach around Albufeira. I do not have a driver's license so I went there by Uber, it cost me less than 7 euro. It is beautiful, make sure to take poetic pictures from the rock which has a hole in the middle. My cousin has been there before and she said that behind this rock there is a kind of waterfall but when I was there, it was dry. It was totally lovely and in April I was in the water, surprisingly it was not cold! I could bathe, it was amazing. Long beach, beautiful, I can only recommend! See more..
4.5 Praia Gale (1.241 reviews)
- Lovely beach for everyone
Beaches

Nice beach with fairly calm seas. We noted it was mainly Portuguese holiday makers and local holiday home owners, much like the area of Gale overall. Water sports available and several areas of sun beds available for hire, €20 for two with the umbrella. You do get the odd beach seller but no hassle. 3 beach restaurants sit behind the beach, the middle of the three being the most fairly priced. Fantastic free fish available at all three. See more..
4.5 Algar Seco (1.217 reviews)
- A hike with breathtaking views!
Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

What a stunning place this is! I started my hike from the church and worked my way eastwards using the boardwalk. The scenery is just breathtaking! I took my time going down closer to the water by using the carved steps on the rocks (in many places, you have to watch your steps and make sure you put your foot down on rocks that are not slimy). Lots of natural windows facing the ocean ... just spectacular! By the way, do not attempt to walk down if you are wearing sandals or slippers ... I saw one lady almost fall because she was wearing flimsy sandals. She had to walk barefoot on the rocks because she wanted to go where I went. Also make it a point to go to A Boneca ... there is a small entrance way under the rock and, again, two naturally formed windows facing the ocean. Without a doubt, Algarve is a magical place! See more..
4.5 Cabanas de Tavira Beach (1.184 reviews)
- Simply outstanding beach
Beaches

Our closest, and local beach, so we were lucky. due to covid many more Portuguese and European visitors but a lot less English and Irish as often the case. for the first time ever there were queues for the small boats taking you over there and the large numbers spread across the beach too. we hired a lounger as always but many had been block booked which we had not seen before but the beauty of a parasol clear view to sea was worth it. again covid measures obvious and good adherence but speed of getting through lists meant boats lost the usual friendly convivial touch, it has to be said. the walkway has been refurbished except the part by the cafe, perhaps that will be done by next year as it is wider and more practical. Never use the beach cafe so can't comment on that but loungers and bolinha men endure, both of which we love See more..
4.5 Praia de Monte Gordo (1.128 reviews)
- Fabulous beach. Without this, Monte Gordo would be nothing.
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Monte Gordo's beachfront is peppered with outdoor bars, kiosks, cafes and restaurants. Therefore, those who would like to enjoy a tasty snack or refreshing cocktail will find there are many establishments from which to choose. Families will be happy to know that the beach at Monte Gordo is ideal for young children because it's wide and flat. In addition, the water is quite warm, making it a perfect choice for swimming enthusiasts. See more..
4.5 Odeceixe Beach (970 reviews)
- A beach that takes your breath away
Beaches

This is a beach that combines best of both words, calm river waters and strong surfing waves. The sunsets are beautiful. There are plenty of parking spaces up on the cliffs although it can get busy. Make sure you get there early or come late in the afternoon. See more..