Algarve

Travel Guide

Albufeira which includes a coastal town, a beach and swimming
Marinha Beach showing rocky coastline
Dona Ana Beach showing general coastal views, kayaking or canoeing and rocky coastline
Tres Irmaos Beach which includes general coastal views, a sunset and a beach
Tres Irmaos Beach showing general coastal views, 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-kilometre) 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-kilometre) 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 favoured year-round destination for everyone from families and honeymooners to food lovers and sports enthusiasts.

Where to stay in Algarve

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

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 showing a coastal town and a beach

Albufeira Old Town

4.5/5(76 area reviews)

Albufeira Old Town is a destination visitors seek out for its 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 neighbourhood.

Albufeira Old Town
Faro Cathedral featuring heritage elements

Faro City Centre

Faro City Centre is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Faro Marina and A Companhia de Teatro do Algarve while in the area.

Faro City Centre
Rocha Beach which includes a beach and general coastal views

Praia da Rocha

Travellers to Praia da Rocha praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to 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
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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
The price is RM380 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM380
RM412 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & 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! (1,017 reviews)
Excellent

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Hotel Algarve Casino
Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto

3 out of 5
Caixa Postal 409-A, Estrada Nacional 125-10, Faro
The price is RM361 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
RM361
RM393 total
4 Nov - 5 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Faro. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,019 reviews)
Very good as overnight stop close to airport. Dining rather canteen like Nice patio and pool. Taxis find it too close to airport - less fee. Surprisingly little airport noise.

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto
Tivoli Carvoeiro

Tivoli Carvoeiro

5 out of 5
Apartado 1299, Vale Do Covo, Praia do Carvoeiro, Lagoa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM605 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
RM605
RM651 total
11 Nov - 12 Nov
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! (1,020 reviews)
Great hotel!! Excellent service!!

Reviewed on 18 Oct 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.
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! (1,295 reviews)
Great hotel. Great access to beach. Far from city but easy with a car

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
Agua Hotels Vila Branca

Agua Hotels Vila Branca

3 out of 5
Rua Santa Casa da Misericordia, Torraltinha, Lagos
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lagos. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (334 reviews)
The room was nice. They put us in an accessibility suite which had been specifically fitted for a wheelchair user. This made showering challenging as the height of the shower head couldn’t be raised. They require you to put a deposit for beach towels and we were not able to use the bathroom towels, ...

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Agua Hotels Vila Branca
Villa Doris Suites

Villa Doris Suites

4 out of 5
Praia De D. Ana, Lagos
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Lagos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Dona Ana Beach and Camilo ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (411 reviews)
Spacious suite. Good view. Would book again.

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025

Villa Doris Suites
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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