December 06, 2022

Things to Do in the Algarve: Six Steps To Heaven

The Algarve is a stunning region in the south of Portugal, known for its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and Mediterranean climate. With its towns offering cobblestone streets, whitewashed villages, and vibrant culture, the Algarve region is also home to some of Europe’s most beautiful coves which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. The Algarve is also known for its delicious seafood, historic sites, and world-class golf courses.

However, there are many other little-known things to do in the Algarve that may take your fancy. Whether it’s unusual things to do in Algarve such as cave exploration or more family-orientated things to do in the Algarve such as day trips to its historic towns, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our top seven things to do in the Algarve to cover all needs.

Our Picks: The Best Beaches in the Algarve

First of all, let’s get into the obvious. When it comes to the Algarve, beaches often come top of the list. Let’s take a run through some of the best beaches in the Algarve region.

Dona Ana

The beach of Dona Ana, near to Lagos, has clear water, stupendous cliffs, made up of real picture postcard stuff. Being 160m long, there is the opportunity to snorkel to see the fauna and flora. It should be noted the chilly waters take a bit to get used to.

Praia do Camilo

For Praia do Camilo, take an inland boat trip to view the amazing rock formations or an excursion to the caves and grottoes that have been formed naturally.

Praia do Vau

Located in the quaint town historic town of Portimão is Praia do Vau, which features epic views of astounding cliff faces. The town offers quite a nightlife too. Rock pools will keep the kids amused for hours and they can explore secret caves full of mystery and magic. If you’re staying late, be sure to dine out at Vau Steakhouse, Jacaranda Restaurante & Bar, or O Rebelo.

For the Party Animals: A Night Out in Albufeira

Albufeira is famous for being the party centre of the Algarve. At its heart is The Strip in the Montechero part of town where the clubs and bard line up in competition for revellers. The place is rammed with rowdy celebrants downing drinks like there was no tomorrow and there are a plethora of locations to sup at including Matt’s Bar, Wild & Co. and Sunset on the Strip. Albufeira also offers a wide array of nightclubs such as Club Heaven, Club Vida and Liberto’s “Lounge Club” to name a few.

It’s not all party vibes in Albufeira though – things are a tad slower in the Old Town so head on down to this area for a slower and less frantic atmosphere.

A Day Trip to Ferragudo & Carvoeiro

Be sure to check out both Ferragudo and Carvoeiro during your stay in the Algarve.

Following a cliff walk at Algar Seco, you can take Carvoeiro’s Land Train to nearby town of Ferragudo. This allows a tour of the coast then a few hours in Ferragudo. Here you can take kayaks, a catamaran or a private boat to Benagil Caves (which we cover in more detail below). There are also pottery shops to discover and some serious wine tasting too.

Dining Out at Carvoeiro

There are at least five Asian and Indian restaurants to sample including Gurkha Kitchen, Paradise Indian Restaurant, Pashmina, and Haweli. There is also Pistache Pizza & Pasta, Le Cro Portugal with Mediterranean fayre and Fabrica Velha for a local dish. Seafood can be found at Restaurante Jardim do Farol and Jota Lita Restaurant.

Heading Over to the Benagil Caves

The Caves of Benagil (Gruta de Benagil) are an incredible rock formation, sometimes dubbed the area’s Cathedral due to its splendid arches. Inside, it feels palatial with its wondrous spirals in orange, yellow and white, a real work of art by Mother Nature herself.

Surfing in the Algarve: Where to Catch the Best Waves

From southeastern Faro to southwestern Arrifana, you will find a variety of opportunities to find a surfer’s paradise with the Algarve offering some of the best surfing spots in Europe and worldwide.

We’d recommend checking out the following:

• Arrifana Beach on the western Sagres & Vicentina coast.
• Amado Beach, near Lagos has great surfing conditions all year round.
• Castelejo Beach is ideally remote, some 12km north of Sagres and an ideal spot for beginners to gain confidence riding the west facing waves.
• Intermediate and advanced surfers may prefer Beliche Beach north of Sagres, which is best before and after summer.
• The winter swells at Tonel near Sagres Town Centre are to be seen to be believed with the convenience of the bars and restaurants being just a stone’s throw away.
• To the east of Sagres, Zavial provides small swells ideal for beginners and intermediates plus just being able to chill out with a laid-back swim when the waves die down.

The Rock Formations Of Ponta da Piedade

Paradisical natural beauty is to be found in Ponta da Piedade with rocks formed by thousands of years of erosion. The rocks are so artful they have been named by local fishermen with monikers such as the elephant, the kissing couple, the sphinx, and the cathedral.

These can best be explored by kayaking, allowing you to follow your fancy as the almost hallucinatory shapes appear one by one.

Sagres – The End of the World

Go southwest as far as the car will take you and you will find Sagres looking out to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see. The waters here are a tad below what you would really hope for so pack a wet suit if you want to avoid the chill.

Faro airport to Sagres is approximately 90 minutes in your rented car which will also allow you to explore nearby towns too. If staying at the Pousada de Sagres hotel you will find:

• Praia De Mareta your local beach, most peaceful at sunrise for a yogic meditation or early bird quaff of Sagres beer.
• Praia De Martinhal, boasting lilly-white sand and the most sublime combination of turquoise and blue clear waters. Windsurfing is popular but so is just laying out soaking up the rays for days at a time.
• Praia Do Tonel is top-notch territory for surfers but a tad windy for setting up on the beach.
• Praia De Beliche is simply stunning and superb for leisurely loafing.

Sagres also offers some great places to eat, including:
• Telheiro Do Infante – seafood for taking in the sunset highly recommended.
• A Tasca – Looking out over Porto da Baleeira the food is traditional Portuguese.

So that’s it – our guide to uncovering some of the popular and lesser know things to do in the Algarve. Getting around the Algarve is relatively easy by car, so make sure you check out car hire options in the Algarve, or at popular transit hubs. Hiring a car at Faro Airport is recommended too as a great starting point allowing you access to all these areas with ease.

Check out similar posts to continue your Algarve journey:

Cheap Car Hire Portugal

Hiring A Car At Faro Airport And Driving To Spain