Things to do in Algarve

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Algarve

Types of activities

Where to stay

Algarve travel guide

Albufeira which includes a coastal town, a beach and swimming

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

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Top places to visit

1. Albufeira Old Town Square

Albufeira Old Town Square (Jardim Público de Albufeira) is the beating heart of the atmospheric Albufeira Old Town. This tree-shaded public space offers superb dining, entertainment, people-watching and shopping experiences. Visit Albufeira Old Town Square at any time of the day to witness a true essence of this ancient fishing village.

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Albufeira Old Town Square which includes a city and a sunset

2. Falesia Beach

Falésia Beach comprises a long stretch of golden sand at the foot of tall, colorful cliffs. It is part of a scenic strand running for about 4 miles (6 kilometers), between Vilamoura and Albufeira. Marvel at the dramatic hues of red and orange that stain the white cliff face bordering the beach.

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Falesia Beach showing a sunset, general coastal views and a sandy beach

3. Vilamoura Marina

With about hundreds of spaces for boats, Vilamoura Marina is a large and busy harbor in the center of the town. All types of yachts and cruisers adorn the picturesque marina, which is bordered by restaurants, bars and clubs. Watch people go by and soak up the lively atmosphere amid the town’s charming waterways.

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Vilamoura Marina which includes a bay or harbor

4. Praia da Luz

The Praia da Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Luz (shortened to Praia da Luz) or Beach of the Church of our Lady of Light is Blue Flag beach, an award it won for water quality and sand cleanliness, making it an ideal and safe beach destination for those travelling with kids.

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Praia da Luz, Lagos, Portugal, Shutterstock ID 789800674, Purchase Order: -

5. Marina de Lagos

The Lagos Marina is a harbor full of speedboats and yachts. The marina, which is flanked by swaying palm trees spread across elegant wooden docks, has many lively bars and cafés. Relax with hot or cold drinks and snacks in a coffee shop and enjoy the picturesque views and serene atmosphere.

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Lagos Marina which includes a bay or harbor

6. Faro Island Beach

Faro Island Beach is one of the area’s most picturesque and popular sandy stretches. Cafés, restaurants and watersports operators sit along the strand, which lines 3 miles (5 kilometers) of a narrow sand bar. Enjoy the unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Formosa River on the other.

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Faro Island Beach which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views

7. Benagil Beach

Surrounded by blue-green waters and cliffs ranging in color from pale beige to gold, Benagil Beach is postcard material. Come here simply to sunbathe and swim, or take a boat trip to view the nearby caves, coastal cliffs and dramatic rock formations.

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Benagil Beach which includes a beach, general coastal views and rugged coastline

8. Rocha Beach

The beautiful Rocha Beach, known as Praia da Rocha in Portuguese, is one of the most well-known on the Algarve. Luckily, thanks to its vast size and length, it has ample room to accommodate sunbathers. Follow the wooden walkway that hugs the length of the beach to find the perfect spot.

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Rocha Beach showing a sandy beach, a coastal town and a city

What to do in Algarve

Popular places to visit

Albufeira Old Town Square

4/5(408 reviews)

Framed by bars, galleries and shops, this leafy plaza is a great starting point for exploring the treasures of Albufeira’s historic center.

Falesia Beach

4.5/5(271 reviews)

Pine groves crown the scorched red-orange cliffs edging this long and wide beach, complete with comfortable amenities, watersports options and lifeguard patrols.

Vilamoura Marina

4.5/5(504 reviews)

Take a boat trip to see dolphins and go parasailing with a tour operator near this marina, which is bordered by the town’s main strip of restaurants and nightclubs.

Praia da Luz

Praia da Luz is a beautiful sandy beach located just 6 km away from Lagos in the Algarve, Portugal. It’s located in the picturesque village of Luz, known for its narrow roads lined with bougainvillea flowers.

Marina de Lagos

4.5/5(182 reviews)

Admire the exclusive yachts in the harbor, enjoy sangria at a bar in view of the water and visit the wax museum.

Faro Island Beach

4.5/5(163 reviews)

Rent kayaks and surfboards to ride the waves lapping this narrow stretch of sand, which serves as a wall between ocean and river.

Benagil Beach

4.5/5(59 reviews)

Lounge on the golden sands of this cliff-enclosed beach and take a boat over to the much-photographed Benagil sea cave, famous for its open dome ceiling.

Rocha Beach

4.5/5(246 reviews)

Backed by golden-red cliffs and met by the white-flecked waves of the Atlantic, this spectacular beach is one of the Algarve’s most popular.

Albufeira Marina

4/5(223 reviews)

Explore the waterfront of Albufeira Marina and enjoy other activities such as golfing in Albufeira e Olhos de Água. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Areas of Algarve

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

Vilamoura

Yachts, golf, up-scale accommodation and restaurants: This purpose-built Algarve resort is a stylish retreat with a scenic waterfront.

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.

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.

Rocha Beach which includes a beach and general coastal views

Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha is an all year round holiday destination, known internationally for having one of the most beautiful coastlines in the Algarve. One of its most popular stretches of sand, Rock’s Beach, owes its name to the rocks that rise between the sand and the sea.

Quinta do Lago

Quinta do Lago is a luxury golf resort located in Almancil, Central Algarve, just a short 15 minute drive away from Faro Airport. It is located in a region of stunning natural beauty and contains a pine forest and lake, several beaches, as well as the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Albufeira showing night scenes, a small town or village and street scenes

Albufeira Center

A noteworthy feature of Albufeira Center is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Albufeira Old Town Square and Peneco Beach.