Algarve

Travel Guide

Albufeira featuring swimming, a beach and a coastal town
Marinha Beach showing rugged coastline
Dona Ana Beach showing rugged coastline, kayaking or canoeing and general coastal views
Tres Irmaos Beach showing a sandy beach, a sunset and rugged coastline
Tres Irmaos Beach featuring 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 ofAlbufeiraandLagos. Investigate the picturesque fishing villages ofBurgauandSalema. Go to the region’s southwestern tip to explore the historic peninsula ofSagres. Enjoy great surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing at the villages ofCarrapateiraandOdeceixeon the wild western coast.

Start your tour of eastern Algarve atFaro, 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 isParque Natural da Rio Formosa, unspoiled barrier islands with a natural habitat for birds. Experience the traditional Portuguese beach resorts ofCabanas,FusetaandTavira.

Inland, the Algarve combines scenic landscapes with history and relaxation. Admire the Roman ruins ofMilreunearEstoiand Moorish-influenced architecture atSilves. Wander the quaint streets ofLouléor relax in the thermal spas ofCaldas de Monchique. Bike or hike along theVia Algarviana, a 186-mile (300-kilometer) trail that traverses the flower-filled mountains of theSerra de MonchiqueandSerra 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 showing a beach, general coastal views and rocky coastline

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

Albufeira Old Town

4/5(15 area reviews)

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
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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 showing 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
Hotel Algarve Casino

Hotel Algarve Casino

5 out of 5
Avenida Tomas Cabreira, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Faro
$231 nightly
The price is $250 total per night from Sep 23 to Sep 24
$250 total
Sep 23 - Sep 24
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Portimão. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Fantastic service from staff at time of check-in. Went above and beyond to get us set up with early check-in."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Hotel Algarve Casino
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
$218 nightly
The price is $232 total per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
$232 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Camilo Beach and Dona Ana Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (124 reviews)
"Beautiful property but not convenient to walk for food/shopping/sight seeing. It is a newer hotel so they are working out some of the kinks. They ran out of towels and the lines for breakfast were extremely long if you were later than 8:30am. Would return!"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

The Editory By The Sea Lagos Hotel
Tivoli Carvoeiro

Tivoli Carvoeiro

5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
$339 nightly
The price is $364 total per night from Sep 9 to Sep 10
$364 total
Sep 9 - Sep 10
Total with taxes and 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! (1,005 reviews)
"Amazing hotel. Highly advise to get a room here. Got an ocean view. Everything is a 10 min drive away. We visited lagos, albufueria, faro, tivira all from home base here. Albufuera is a bit ti ratchet where as carverio is more laid back and so close to lagos"

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Tivoli Carvoeiro
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.
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! (215 reviews)
"lovely grounds"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Clube Albufeira Garden Village
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! (1,251 reviews)
"Great spacious and clean apartment. Lovely people, good facilities. We loved our stay."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Balaia Golf Village Resort

Balaia Golf Village Resort

4 out of 5
Sitio da Balaia, Apartado 917, Albufeira
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Falesia ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (717 reviews)
"Nice resort with tennis. Enjoyed multiple pools. Would stay again."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Balaia Golf Village Resort
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Algarve