The Algarve is Portugal’s sunny southern coast, known for golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and pretty whitewashed towns. Spend your days swimming, surfing, hiking coastal trails or exploring historic towns, then kick back and relax with fresh seafood and a glass of vinho verde. Beyond the busy resorts, there are quieter fishing villages, sandy islands and endless wild coastline to discover.
Lagos is a good all-rounder, with a lively old town, boat trips around the Ponta da Piedade cliffs, and easy access to Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo; there’s a broad mix of boutique hotels, apartments and family-friendly stays. Sagres is the place for wild scenery, surfing and dramatic Atlantic sunsets, with the Fortaleza de Sagres and Cape St Vincent nearby, plus laid-back small hotels and guesthouses. Aljezur suits walkers and surfers, with a ruined hilltop castle, sandy beaches and the wild Costa Vicentina; expect mostly small guesthouses and rural stays. Albufeira is the Algarve’s lively resort hub, with beaches, bars and restaurants, while Vilamoura revolves around its marina, golf courses and long sandy beach, with plenty of larger upscale resorts. Carvoeiro has a pretty clifftop setting, sea caves and coves, making it a natural choice for a relaxed coastal break with boutique hotels and resorts. Tavira is more traditional, with cobbled streets, tiled buildings and boat trips to Ilha de Tavira. Olhão is a working fishing town known for its markets and seafood, while Faro offers the region’s best dose of history, with a walled old town and access to the Ria Formosa. Portimão is livelier, with Praia da Rocha, boat trips and plenty of restaurants. Altura is quieter, with a long sandy beach and family-friendly hotels.
Ideal for: Surfing, old town exploring, boat trips, coastal walks, beach holidays
Lagos is a great choice for first-time visitors, families and couples who want a lively base with beautiful beaches on the doorstep. The historic old town is easy to explore on foot, with cobbled streets, pretty squares, restaurants and bars, while the harbour is the starting point for boat trips along the spectacular Ponta da Piedade cliffs and sea caves. Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo are close by, and there are lots more stretches of sand to discover along the coast. History lovers can visit the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira and former slave market, while keen walkers can follow the clifftop trails for some of the Algarve’s best coastal views. With a good choice of restaurants, a relaxed evening scene and plenty to do without needing a car every day, Lagos is an easy-going Algarve base. There’s a good mix of boutique hotels, family-friendly resorts and stylish apartments, particularly around the old town and waterfront.
Did you know? Lagos is home to Ponta da Piedade, where wind and waves have carved the golden limestone cliffs into arches, caves and towering rock pillars.
Ideal for: Wild beaches, history lovers, coastal hiking, sunset watching, surfing
Sagres is a great destination for surfers, walkers and anyone who prefers wild Atlantic scenery to busy resort life. Sitting at the southwestern tip of the Algarve, it’s known for its dramatic cliffs, big beaches and strong surf, with several good breaks close to town. Visit the impressive Fortaleza de Sagres, hike along the clifftops or drive out to Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe, for spectacular sunsets. There are a handful of relaxed restaurants and bars in town; the atmosphere is definitely laid-back rather than lively. Accommodation is mostly small hotels, guesthouses, and surf-friendly stays, though it boasts a very family-friendly resort too.
Did you know? Cabo de São Vicente, just west of Sagres, was once believed to be the end of the known world. The Romans called the area “Promontorium Sacrum” (the Sacred Promontory), and considered it a place of great religious importance.
Ideal for: Nature escapes, foodies, surfing, hiking, wild beaches
Aljezur is a small hilltop town that's known for its Moorish castle, whitewashed houses and surrounding countryside, with some of the region’s best wild beaches nearby. Praia da Amoreira and Praia da Arrifana are favourites for surfing and swimming, while the Rota Vicentina offers beautiful coastal walks through the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Foodies can also look out for local sweet potatoes, a speciality of the area. There are small guesthouses, boutique stays and rural retreats here, rather than big resort hotels.
Did you know? Aljezur’s sweet potatoes have Protected Geographical Indication status, meaning they’re officially recognised as a regional speciality.
Discover our recommended hotels near Aljezur
Explore more >
View all hotels in Aljezur
Explore more >
Ideal for: Family holidays, water sports, resort-style stays, beach days, nightlife
Albufeira is a classic resort town, making it a good choice for families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants restaurants, beaches and nightlife close at hand. The whitewashed Old Town has cobbled streets, a sandy beach and a lively mix of cafes and bars, while the famous Strip is where to head for late nights and a younger crowd. Spend the day swimming at Praia dos Pescadores, try water sports or take a boat trip along the coast to spot caves and dolphins. Albufeira has lots of family-friendly resorts and all-inclusive hotels around town, as well as plenty of apartments and affordable stays.
Did you know? Albufeira’s name comes from the Arabic “Al-Buhera”, meaning “castle of the sea”. The town was an important Moorish settlement before it was taken by the Portuguese in 1249.
Discover our recommended hotels near Albufeira
Explore more >
View all hotels in Albufeira
Explore more >
Ideal for: Golf holidays, luxury breaks, family holidays, beach days
Vilamoura is best suited to golfers, families and couples looking for a beach break with plenty going on. The marina is the heart of the action, lined with restaurants, bars and boat trip purveyors, while the long sandy Praia da Falésia is ideal for swimming and beach days. There are five golf courses around the resort, plus tennis, cycling and water sports for active travellers. History lovers can visit the nearby Cerro da Vila Roman ruins, while evenings are perfect for a stroll around the marina. The area is largely made up of upscale resorts, golf hotels and smart apartments, with lots of family-friendly options. It’s less traditional than towns such as Tavira, but very convenient for a simple Algarve holiday.
Did you know? Vilamoura’s marina was the first in Portugal to receive the prestigious Blue Flag award. Today, it’s one of the largest leisure marinas in Portugal, with space for more than 1,000 boats.
Discover our recommended hotels near Vilamoura
Explore more >
View all hotels in Vilamoura
Explore more >
Ideal for: Sea caves, couples' breaks, boat trips, beach holidays, cliff walks
The former fishing village of Carvoeiro is centred around a sandy cove, surrounded by whitewashed houses, restaurants and cafes. Follow the clifftop boardwalk to Algar Seco for sea caves, rock pools and lovely coastal views, or take a boat trip along the coast to see the famous Benagil Cave. There are several beaches nearby, including Praia de Carvalho and Praia do Paraíso, although many involve steps down the cliffs. Accommodation ranges from small boutique hotels and guesthouses to family-friendly resorts, with plenty of villas and apartments too. It’s quieter than Albufeira but still has enough going on for an easy evening out.
Did you know? The cliffs around Carvoeiro are home to the spectacular Algar Seco, where the sea has carved tunnels, arches and rock pools into the limestone. Look out for the “Boneca”, a rock formation with two natural openings that look like a doll’s eyes.
Discover our recommended hotels near Carvoeiro
Explore more >
View all hotels in Carvoeiro
Explore more >
Ideal for: Cycling holidays, culture breaks, foodies, island beaches, historic exploring
Image by ddzphoto from Pixabay
Tavira is a lovely spot for culture lovers, foodies and couples looking for a quieter, more traditional side of the Algarve. The town is known for its cobbled streets, tiled houses, pretty squares and historic churches, with the old castle offering views across the rooftops and the Gilão River. Spend a morning exploring the old town, then take the short ferry from Quatro Águas to the long sandy beaches of Ilha de Tavira. The nearby Ria Formosa is great for boat trips, birdwatching and cycling, while Tavira’s restaurants are particularly good for fresh seafood and local specialities. Hotels tend to be smaller and more characterful, with boutique properties, guesthouses and a few smart resorts.
Did you know? Tavira is known as the “Venice of the Algarve” thanks to the River Gilão, which divides the town before flowing towards the sea.
Ideal for: Markets, boat trips, island beaches, seafood, Ria Formosa
Olhão is best known for its colourful waterfront markets, excellent seafood and Moorish-influenced architecture, with the old town’s narrow streets and tiled houses fun to explore on foot. The real draw is the Ria Formosa; take a boat trip through its lagoons and salt marshes, or hop on a ferry to the sandy islands of Armona, Culatra and Farol for a day by the sea. Hotels are mostly small boutique properties, guesthouses and stylish apartments, rather than big resorts. Olhão has plenty of restaurants and bars for evenings out, but has a distinctly local feel.
Did you know? Olhão is famous for its distinctive cubic houses, a style influenced by North African architecture.
Ideal for: City breaks, culture trips, foodies, old town exploring, Ria Formosa
Faro is the Algarve’s capital and a great base for culture lovers and visitors who want a city feel, plus easy access to nature. The walled old town is the main attraction, with cobbled lanes, the cathedral, historic buildings and the Arco da Vila leading down to the waterfront. The nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park is just as appealing, with boat trips, birdwatching and sandy islands to explore. Faro also has a livelier local restaurant and bar scene than many of the Algarve’s beach resorts, particularly around the old town. Accommodation ranges from smart boutique hotels and historic guesthouses to affordable city stays, making it a useful base for exploring the wider region. The airport is close by, too, so getting here is very easy.
Did you know? Faro’s Chapel of Bones is lined with the bones and skulls of more than 1,000 monks. Built in the 19th century behind the Igreja do Carmo, it was designed as a reminder that life doesn’t last forever.
Ideal for: Family holidays, water sports, seafood, boat trips, beach holidays
Portimão is a good choice for families, beach lovers and travellers looking for a lively resort with plenty of activities nearby. The city is known for its fishing and seafood, while the star of the show is Praia da Rocha, a huge sandy beach backed by dramatic cliffs and a promenade lined with restaurants and bars. Take a boat trip along the coast, try a variety of water sports or wander around the marina. History lovers can visit the riverside Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição and the old town, while the nearby Alvor wetlands are great for walking and birdwatching. Accommodation ranges from large family-friendly resorts and aparthotels to more affordable city hotels and apartments. It’s busier and more built up than nearby Carvoeiro, but there’s lots to keep you entertained.
Did you know? Portimão is home to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, one of Portugal’s major motor-racing circuits. The track has hosted Formula 1 testing and the Portuguese Grand Prix, as well as international motorcycle racing.
Discover our recommended hotels near Portimão
Explore more >
View all hotels in Portimão
Explore more >
Ideal for: Quiet breaks, swimming, cycling holidays, families, beach days
Altura's main attraction is the long, wide Praia da Alagoa, with calm, shallow water that’s perfect for swimming and paddling. The town is small and easy-going, with a handful of restaurants, cafes and shops, while the nearby Castro Marim salt marshes and nature reserve are great for walks and birdwatching. You can also take a short trip to Vila Real de Santo António or across the border into Spain. There's a good variety of family-friendly hotels, apartments and holiday resorts here, rather than city-style stays.
Did you know? Altura sits in the eastern Algarve, just a short drive from the Spanish border. From here, you can easily combine a Portuguese beach holiday with a day trip to Spain; the border is only around 20 minutes away by car.
