15 of the very best things to do in the Algarve Portugal

The Algarve coast in the south of Portugal is a popular holiday destination for people looking for sun, sea and sand. I’d always thought it was full of huge concrete holiday hotels and all-inclusive but it turns out I was wrong and there are some very fun things to do in the Algarve besides just sitting by a pool.

From beautiful sandy beaches to incredible coastlines complete with hidden coves, the Algarve has something for everyone whether you’re looking to laze about on the beach or get some adventure.

The Algarve’s coastline stretches for approximately 200 kilometres and has beautiful turquoise waters and super cute towns and villages full of history such as Lagos and Carvoeiro with cobbled streets, fortresses and pretty architecture.

Having spent plenty of time along the Algarve Coast as part of a longer trip to Portugal, I set about exploring the best beaches in the Algarve, the towns and some of the top activities to put together this ultimate guide of the very best things to do in the Algarve Portugal.

Whether this is your first time in the Algarve, or you’ve been visiting for years, you’re sure to find something fun to do in the Algarve from this list.

How to get to the Algarve

While many people fly to the Algarve, landing in Faro, you also have the option of getting the train to Albufeira or Faro from Lisbon or a bus from other towns and cities in Portugal and Spain.

Alternatively, you might decide to drive to your accommodation from either the airport or another place in Portugal.

We travelled from Lisbon to Algrve by train which was a super easy journey I’d highly recommend.

Algarve from Lisbon by train

The Portuguese railway system, Comboios de Portugal (CP), provides train services to various destinations in the Algarve. From Lisbon or Porto, you can take a train to Faro, the main train station in the Algarve.

The journey from Lisbon to Faro takes approximately 3-4 hours, while from Porto, it takes around 5-6 hours.

Once in Faro, you can transfer to regional trains or use other modes of transport like buses or taxis to reach your final destination within the Algarve.

Algarve by bus

Many bus companies operate routes to the Algarve from major Portuguese cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. Rede Expressos is one of the main bus operators in Portugal, offering reliable services.

Check the bus schedules and book your ticket in advance, either online or at the bus station. Departure points and schedules may vary, so make sure to confirm the details.

Omio is a great platform for booking European and UK travel on. You can check train and bus prices and schedules and book super easily!

Buses typically arrive at major cities in the Algarve like Faro, Lagos, or Albufeira, depending on your destination. From there, you can use local buses or taxis to reach specific towns or resorts within the region.

Flying to Faro

Flying is the fastest option to reach the Algarve. The main international airport in the region is Faro Airport (FAO), which offers numerous flights from major European cities.

Check flight schedules and book your ticket to Faro Airport. From there, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation to reach your final destination within the Algarve.

Some major airlines and low-cost carriers operate direct flights to Faro from cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt.

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

Driving to the Algarve

If you prefer the flexibility of driving, you can reach the Algarve by car. Major highways connect the region to the rest of Portugal and neighbouring countries.

You can rent a car in any major town or city in Portugal or from the airports.

Just be sure to check whether you need an International Drivers Permit (IDP) before renting a car. If you’re not from the EU or the UK it’s likely you will need one.

I use comparison sites like DiscoverCars and RentalCars to book my car rentals as it’s easy to check prices and compare the best deals!

I would recommend getting a car in the Algarve. While I didn’t need one for our Lisbon day trips we did from there, having one in the Algarve was very useful. It allowed us to explore more remote beaches, and have more flexibility when exploring the towns and cities near where we were staying,

From our accommodation, it was far better to rent a car since a 20-minute journey became 2.5 by bus without one!

Best things to do in Portugal’s Algarve region

1. Try surfing in Sagres or Lagos

The Algarve in Portugal is a great place for surfing and it doesn’t get much better than trying surfing in Sagres or Lagos.

These two coastal towns are well known for having great surfing beaches. Whether you’ve never surfed before or you’re confident on a board, you’ll find some great breaks along the coast.

There are plenty of surfing schools and places to rent boards and wetsuits all over the Algarve with some of the most well-known being in Sagres. In Sagres, you’ll also find a great surfing community and surf camps where you get surf lessons, equipment and accommodation in one.

2. Walk the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

There are many walking paths and trails in the Algarve but one of the best is undoubtedly the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

This trail is 6 km each way, or a 12 km return trip and takes you past some of the best scenery in the area.

You’ll see cool rock formations, beautiful beaches, coves and more. It’s an absolute must when visiting the Algarve!

Other great walks include the Carvoeiro Boardwalk and Algar Seco caves.

AllTrails is my go-to hiking app for finding, planning, and navigating while I’m out on the trails. With offline maps on AllTrails+ you can be confident you’re still on the right track, even without mobile signal.

3. Check out the town of Lagos

Lagos is a super cute place to visit in the Algarve and Old Town Lagos is a must-visit in particular due to its pretty cobbled streets, great cafes and restaurants.

As you walk through the cobbled streets of Lagos, you’ll discover a blend of traditional Portuguese architecture, colourful tiles, and picturesque squares.

Check out the 17th-century fortress, Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, to delve into the town’s maritime past and take in panoramic views of the coastline (especially Ponta da Piedade, see below). Explore the lively marina area, dotted with cafes and restaurants, where you can savour delicious seafood dishes and enjoy a cool vibe.

4. Spend a day in Cavoeiro

One of the best places in the Algarve to visit is Carvoeiro.

This small village was once a tiny fishing harbour but now has plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars as well as fun things to do.

One of the best things to do in Carvoeiro is to walk along the boardwalk out to the amazing Algar Seco caves or simply take a relaxing beach day on some of the beautiful Carvoeiro beaches.

Make sure you check out the shops and restaurants in the village too as the streets are so pretty!

5. Head to the end of the world at Sagres

Journey to the westernmost point of continental Europe and experience the mystical allure of Sagres. Known as the “end of the world,” this cool town is steeped in history and is one of the best places for surfing thanks to the two coastlines and plenty of beautiful beaches in Sagres.

Besides surfing and the beaches, there are plenty of other things to do in Sagres including visiting the São Vicente lighthouse.

Explore the Sagres Fortress, a 15th-century fortress that overlooks the vast Atlantic Ocean with panoramic views and make sure you don’t miss the Cape St. Vincent Lighthouse.

6. Take a walk along the Caroveiro Boardwalk

Mentioned above, but worthy of its own additional entry is the Carvoeiro Boardwalk.

This 600 m long boardwalk is an easy walk that goes along the clifftop of Carvoeiro and takes you out to the beautiful Algar Seco Caves which I actually thought were way cooler than the Benagil Cave which gets all the hype.

As you walk along the boardwalk, you’ll encounter hidden coves, secluded beaches, and fascinating rock formations. It should be on your list of the best places to visit in the Algarve for sure.

There’s also a restaurant in the cliffs themselves which is a super special spot at sunset!

7. Kayak to the Benagil Cave

One of the most popular things to do in the Algarve is to take a kayaking adventure to the Benagil Cave, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the Algarve.

Near Carvoeiro, this impressive sea cave is inaccessible by foot. however, you can get there by kayak, bodyboarding, stand-up paddle boarding or as part of a boat trip.

Make sure you check the weather before heading out as it’s pretty sketchy when the wind is high (like when we ended up doing it!), but on a calm day it looks beautiful and you can explore further up the coast.

Book a Benagil Cave tour by kayak.

8. Explore the best beaches in the Algarve

The Algarve is renowned for its beautiful beaches, and exploring them should be at the top of your Algarve itinerary. After all, the beaches are some of the most beautiful places in Algarve.

From popular tourist beaches to hidden gems, you’ll find great surfing beaches, beaches for chilling out and some that are just great for collecting shells and enjoying the views.

Praia da Marinha is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters and Praia do Camilo near Lagos, is known for its secluded cove and golden sands accessed via a scenic staircase.

Check out my guides to the best beaches in Sagres and the most beautiful beaches near Carvoeiro for more ideas.

9. Kayak to Ponta da Peidade near Lagos

If you’re only going to do one kayaking trip in the Algarve then be sure to do this Lagos kayaking trip to Ponta da Piedade; in my opinion, it’s way cooler than the Benagil kayaking trip.

On these trips, you’ll set off from Lagos and paddle along the picturesque coastline until you reach Ponta da Piedade. Here there are loads of caves, towers and arches that you can kayak through and around and the water is a beautiful turquoise colour.

Alternatively, you can walk out to this area and make your way down the stone staircase and take a little boat trip around the rocks.

This kayaking trip is for sure one of the best things to do in Lagos Portugal.

10. Check out Forte de Nossa Senhora da Rocha

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Forte de Nossa Senhora da Rocha is a historic fortress in Armação de Pêra near Porches in the Algarve.

We stayed super close to here during our trip to the Algarve in Portugal and this was where I’d come for my morning walks or runs.

Dating back to the 16th century, this impressive structure served as a defensive stronghold against pirate attacks. Today, the fort offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s past and panoramic views of the coastline.

Take a leisurely stroll along the fortress walls, learn about its history in the on-site museum, and enjoy the views of the surrounding sea and beaches.

It’s a particularly beautiful spot at sunrise and sunset!

11. Try paragliding parasailing in Albufeira

If you love adventure, be sure to check out these awesome paragliding and parasailing experiences in Albufeira.

Get ready to be lifted high above the coastline, as you soar through the sky while being harnessed to a parachute and towed by a speedboat for parasailing. Or, head to the sky without the power of a boat as your guide navigates the thermals on a tandem paragliding trip.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll get amazing views of the Algarve’s coastline, crystal-clear waters, and golden beaches. It’s definitely one of the most fun things to do in Albufeira!

12. Take a dolphin-watching tour

Portugal’s Algarve coast is ideal for dolphin-watching which allows you to head out onto the ocean and get a chance to see pods of dolphins as they swim and jump out of the water.

Though seeing dolphins in the wild like this is never guaranteed, you should get lucky on dolphin watching boat tour in the Algarve and, if you do, you’re in for a treat!

Book this top-rated dolphin-watching tour in the Algarve Portugal.

13. Take an off-road quad biking tour to find lesser-known spots

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, try an off-road quad biking tour in the Algarve.

The Algarve is full of dirt tracks and backroads and while you can’t explore them in a rental car without breaking your contract, you can explore them with a quad biking tour. Plus, with a tour, your guide will take you to the best spots that you probably wouldn’t find on your own!

Oh, and not to mention riding a quad bike is just super fun anyway!

Book this top-rated quad biking tour in the Algarve

14. Explore Ria Formosa Natural Park

The stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park is a coastal paradise and one of Portugal’s protected areas.

This Portuguese natural park stretches along the Algarve coastline, comprising a network of lagoons, marshes, salt pans, and barrier islands.

Join a guided tour or embark on a self-guided adventure to discover the park’s diverse ecosystems, rich birdlife, and pristine beaches.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the wooden boardwalks, observe migratory birds in their natural habitat, or relax on the sandy shores. The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a great Algarve thing to do if you love the outdoors and it’s far less busy than a lot of places in the Algarve still so still feels like something of a hidden gem.

Best Ria Formossa Tours

• Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Catamaran Tour: Enjoy the natural beauty of the Algarve with this Ria Formosa Islands Catamaran Tour from Faro. Cruise along the picturesque coast, and explore the islands and marine life.
• Faro Eco-friendly Ria Formosa Bird Watching in Solar Boat: See, hear, and feel nature on board a solar-powered boat. Be in harmony with this stunning environment as you approach the hundreds of migratory birds that visit the Ria Formosa each year!

15. Take an Algarve wine tasting tour!

It might surprise you but the Algarve region has a long history of wine making and it’s wines are widely regarded as very tasty.

The best way to find out more about the history and processes of producing wine in the Algarve is to take an Algarve wine tasting tour where you’ll learn about the wines, try some and usually get some tapas or a meal in a vineyard included as part of the tour too.

Best places to stay in the Algarve

Wondering where to stay in Algarve Portugal? These top-rated Algarve hotels include a mix of resorts and family-friendly hotels. If you’re looking for a touch of luxury during your Algarve vacation where you’re ner to some of the best beaches, golf courses and facilities then these places have you covered.

• Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort & Hotel is a family-friendly resort located in Sagres. It has a variety of activities for children, including a kids’ club, a playground, and a water park.
• Vila Branca by Agua Hotels is a 3-star hotel located in Faro. It is a short walk from the beach and has a swimming pool, a bar, and a restaurant.
• Hilton Vilamoura is a 5-star resort located in Vilamoura. It has golf courses, a spa, and several restaurants.
• Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort is a 5-star resort located in Vilamoura. It has a private beach, a spa, and several restaurants.
• Alfagar Village is a 3-star resort located in Albufeira. It is a short walk from the beach and has a swimming pool, a playground, and a restaurant.

FAQs about what to do in Algarve Portugal

Final thoughts on what to do in the Algarve of Portugal

The Algarve coast of Portugal is known for its stunning coastline, rich history, and diverse natural landscapes.

From surfing in Sagres or Lagos to walking along the coastal cliffs on the Dos Sete Vales Suspensos/Hanging Valleys Trail, the Algarve caters to both adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts.

Explore the charming towns of Lagos and Carvoeiro full of history or head to the end of the world in Sagres. Indulge in the beauty of the Algarve’s best beaches, kayak to mesmerising caves, and witness dolphins in their natural habitat. For those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, hop on a quad bike or immerse yourself in the enchanting Ria Formosa Natural Park.