Spectacular natural landscapes, culinary delights, dreamy beaches, and quaint cultural and fun-filled towns – Portugal's southern region offers all this and much more. We've put together six things you should do during your vacation in the Algarve.
1. Exploring Faro's Old Town and Dining at "A Cataplana"
The lagoon city of Faro, with its approximately 60,000 inhabitants and the largest airport in the Algarve, is considered the hub of the southernmost region of Portugal. Since mainly locals frequent the restaurants and cafes in the winding alleyways of the old town, you can enjoy local culinary specialties here.
One thing you definitely shouldn't miss is trying "A Cataplana," a dish that is gently steamed in a traditional copper pot shaped like a clamshell – the Cataplana. Whether it's vegetables, fresh fish, mussels, or Chouriço (spicy paprika sausage), everything retains its full flavor. Only the freshest ingredients available in the market are used, so "A Cataplana" can taste quite different in each restaurant.
Freshly caught fish and seafood are essential ingredients in Algarve's cuisine due to its coastal location. Local specialties include grilled sardines, tuna steaks, and various types of shellfish. The latter are often served as "Petiscos," the Portuguese version of the famous Spanish tapas.
2. Exploring Ponta da Piedade by Boat
South of Lagos, the majestic up to 20-meter-high stone columns of Ponta da Piedade rise dramatically from the rugged coastline. Depending on the sun's angle, the rock formations in the small sea coves glow impressively in shades of red, brown, or gold. Over millennia, a labyrinth of caves has formed in the cliffs, best admired from a small fishing boat. Boats usually depart from the marina next to the fort. Arrive early, as most providers take a maximum of ten passengers per boat.
During the one-and-a-half-hour tours, guides navigate through the rock formations, showing you the cool caves where the water shimmers in shades of turquoise or green. If you wish to combine a boat tour with a walk, you can also reach the cape on foot. A path leads from Lagos center, passing beautiful beaches like Praia Dona Ana, to the lighthouse at Ponta de Piedade. From here, you'll have a sweeping view over the cliffs and the sea. On its southeast side, a staircase leads down to a pier where cave trips are also offered.
3. Hiking Around Cabo de São Vicente
Around an hour's drive lies between Lagos and Cabo de São Vicente. A lighthouse marks the southwestern tip of Europe here. The rugged cliffs dramatically plunge almost vertically down to depths of up to 246 ft (75 m) from the highest point—the view: the endless expanse of the ocean. The cape is perfect for hiking. If you're up for a short coastal hike, head north of the lighthouse along the field path to the viewpoint of Rocha das Gaivotas, about a kilometer away. Then, cross the headland to the medieval Fortaleza do Beliche and walk back to the lighthouse along the access road.
If you want to explore the hinterland, switch to the long-distance hiking trail "Via Algarviana" just behind the Fortaleza. It leads to the abandoned settlement of Vale Santo, then continues northwest through a serene landscape of fields, pastures, and agave plants. At Miradouro da Ponta Ruiva, you'll head back along the coast towards the lighthouse at the cape. Midway, you'll find a descent to the often secluded sandy beach, Praia do Telheiro, known for its rugged beauty.
4. Enjoying Beaches and Nightlife in Albufeira
White-washed houses atop the cliffs, narrow winding streets: the old town of Albufeira could be straight out of a storybook. After a stroll through the former fishing village, relax in one of the approximately 100 cafes or try a portion of the tasty local fish stew Caldeirada in a nearby restaurant. With around 20 beaches in its vicinity, the 25,000-inhabitant town is also the most popular resort in the Algarve. Praia dos Pescadores is particularly family-friendly: the golden sandy beach lies directly beneath the old town cliffs and is accessible via an elevator and an escalator, boasting its own water playground for children.
But Albufeira also knows how to party: as the sun sets, the bars and clubs on "The Strip" come alive. The 0.9 mi (1.5 km) long party street in the new town is the Algarve's nightlife hotspot. Exotic rainbow-colored cocktails are served in the bars at the southern end. If you prefer a more sophisticated drink with friends and a round of karaoke, the bars in the middle of Avenida Sá Carneiro (the actual name of "The Strip") are your go-to. Tribute shows can be found in the north, along with numerous clubs where you can dance to a variety of music styles until sunrise (and beyond).
5. Surfing and Snorkeling Around Lagos
Several locations around Lagos offer excellent snorkeling spots due to their sheltered locations. One such spot is in front of Praia da Dona Ana, the town's main beach: the crystal-clear water here ensures perfect visibility, and the offshore rocks feature some underground caves. Further to the east, you'll find another popular snorkeling area at the beautiful 4.3 mi (7 km) long sandy beach, Praia de Alvor.
Meanwhile, in the lagoon of Alvor, kite surfers gather in the summer. The location between the sea and mountains often brings strong north winds. Want more adrenaline? Head to Praia do Carvalho near Carvoeiro, where the daring can jump into the sea from 39 ft (12 m) high cliffs. And for surfers, don't miss Praia do Tonel and Praia do Beliche near Sagres, where waves consistently break up to three meters high.
6. Paragliding Over Praia de Falésia
The best view of the beauty of the Algarve is from the air, and the strong winds in the region make paragliding flights possible in many places. At Praia de Falésia near Albufeira, for example, you'll take off alongside an experienced pilot, securely strapped into a harness. After a few meters, the wind catches the paraglider, and you'll take off.
In the next 20 to 30 minutes, you'll experience the Algarve from a bird's-eye view, flying in gentle curves: the vastness of the ocean, the golden sandy beach, the red and ochre-toned rocks... If the 656 ft (200 m) height reachable from Praia de Falésia isn't enough, you can start at Praia do Porto do Mós near Lagos – from there, you can soar up to 1312 ft (400 m) above the sea!
You can learn more about Algarve in this article.
