Summary
A temperate climate moderated by the Atlantic, pristine sandy beaches, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking coastal landscapes; it is unsurprising that Portugal’s Algarve ranks among Europe’s most favored vacation spots.
This article will examine the finest activities in the Algarve, including relaxing on idyllic beaches, discovering coastal caves, enjoying some of Europe’s premier golf courses, and wandering through charming historic towns.
Additionally, we will delve into cultural heritage sites, such as the Church of São Lourenço, adorned with exquisite blue tiles, and Faro’s monumental Arco da Vila gate.
Let us explore the best activities in the Algarve:
1. Ponta da Piedade
The promontory located south of Lagos is absolutely stunning.
The sculpted limestone formations and cliffs exhibit a reddish hue and feature numerous natural arches and caves.
Visitors can descend the steps to the turquoise water, which is entirely sheltered by the rocks, providing an enchanting emerald hue.
To fully appreciate the view, one can gaze out from the promontory toward Cape St Vincent in the west and then head back to Lagos to embark on a motorboat excursion to explore the caves and coves.
2. Praia da Falésia
Stretching nearly seven kilometers, this expansive golden sandy beach is bordered by cliffs showcasing various ochre tones.
Although competition is strong, this beach may be the highlight of the Algarve and ranks among the longest in Portugal.
The cliffs contribute significantly to its appeal, as the blend of light sand, cerulean waters, and russet red rocks creates an exquisite walking destination during the off-season.
A scenic path atop the cliffs runs through pine groves, offering panoramic views.
Visiting at sunset presents an extraordinary atmospheric experience.
3. Cape St Vincent
At this cape in Sagres, one stands at the southwesternmost point of Europe.
Beyond its geographical importance, it boasts breathtaking scenery, with cliffs towering 75 meters above the ocean, offering cinematic vistas of the rocky coastline to the north and east towards Sagres Point.
A number of naval conflicts have occurred off the coast, and a lighthouse constructed in 1846 stands on the site of a former convent.
Visitors will also find a couple of gift shops and a small yet informative museum highlighting the cape’s history.
4. Praia da Rocha
Another remarkable beach, Praia da Rocha harmonizes the Algarve’s rugged coastal scenery with its immaculate sands and dynamic surf.
You can reach the base of the unique rock formations for photographs, and adventurous visitors can explore the coastline to discover secluded beaches framed by these imposing sculptural rocks.
The main stretch features a broad, gently sloping beach with consistent waves favorable for surfers.
Adjacent to the east is the 17th-century Fort of Santa Catarina, engineered by the Neapolitan military strategist Alexandre Massai.
5. Church of São Lourenço
Located in Loulé, this Baroque church from the 18th century is a must-see.
While the unadorned whitewashed exterior appears modest, the interior dazzles visitors.
The walls and ceiling are entirely adorned with magnificent blue azulejos (traditional tin-glazed ceramic tiles) originating from the 1730s.
These tiles are so extensive that the church is often referred to as Igreja de Lousã (Church of China). The tiles were crafted by Policarpo de Oliveira Bernardes, recognized as a master of this art form, depicting scenes from the life of St Lawrence.
6. Algar Seco
Another location to admire the Algarve’s twisted red rock formations can be found at Carvoeiro, slightly east of the resort center.
The ocean has sculpted the cliffs here, forming small hollows, caves, and rocky outcrops.
A boardwalk at the cliff’s edge presents excellent photographic opportunities as the grottoes are pounded by the waves.
More adventurous visitors can navigate the steps carved into the rock for a closer view of the caves.
7. Tavira Island
This long, slender barrier island lies just a few hundred meters from the city of Tavira.
Access is available via boat from the city’s marina and nearby Quatro Águas, or by crossing the bridge at Santa Luzia and utilizing a summer tourist train.
Once you arrive, the Blue Flag beaches on Tavira Island will amaze you, exceeding even the high standards of the Algarve.
The beaches stretch for 11 kilometers and feature a wide expanse of soft white sand bordered by dunes.
8. Dolphin Watching
At the principal marinas throughout the Algarve, you will find advertisements for ocean boat excursions.
In addition to deep-sea fishing, the experience you will cherish the most is dolphin watching.
There are substantial numbers of common and bottlenose dolphins in the waters off the Algarve, ensuring a high probability of spotting them.
This is further facilitated by the friendly nature of these creatures, and soon enough, you might find pods of up to 50 dolphins swimming alongside you.
Reputable companies often employ a marine biologist to enrich your understanding of the dolphins’ behaviors and physiological characteristics.
9. Lagos Old Town
The historic center of Lagos is a delight to explore.
It is encircled by significant remnants of its ancient walls, which were refurbished in the 1500s over older Moorish defenses.
From the 16th to the 18th centuries, Lagos served as the capital of the Algarve, and you can appreciate its former status at the town’s museum, which showcases hundreds of years of artifacts, including coins dating back to the 4th century.
You may spend your remaining time meandering through the narrow cobblestone streets, discovering historic landmarks such as the 15th-century slave market (where Lagos was once the epicenter of Europe’s slave trade) and the Baroque Church of Santo António, which is also adorned with blue azulejos.
10. Arco da Vila
In 1812, a Neoclassical revision was applied to one of Faro’s Moorish waterfront gateways.
This project was initiated by Francisco Gomes de Avelar, the Bishop of Faro, and designed by the Italian architect Francisco Xavier Fabri.
The structure features a belfry (crowned with a stork’s nest), clock, balustrade, and above the portal, an alcove housing a marble statue of Thomas Aquinas.
As you traverse through the portal, faint traces of the original Moorish stonework remain visible.
It is quite an exhilarating experience to realize that you are following in the footsteps of hundreds of years of visitors in the city.
11. Forte de Nossa Senhora da Rocha
Positioned atop a promontory near Lagoa is a fortified structure that predates the Moorish arrival in the 8th century.
While little remains of the fortress due to its demolition in the 19th century, visitors can still explore an old hermitage with a terracotta tile roof.
The whitewashed walls and cliff-top location create an almost ethereal ambiance.
You can gaze through the chapel’s gates or savor the stunning ocean vistas while overlooking the adjacent Praia Nova and Praia da Senhora da Rocha beaches.
12. Monchique
Up to this point, our focus has been primarily on the coastline; however, the Algarve encompasses a vast inland region.
The most picturesque areas are found around the Serra de Monchique, a mountain range that serves as a boundary between the Algarve and the Alentejo to the north.
This includes Pico da Foia, which, at just over 900 meters, is the highest peak in southern Portugal.
Outside of the summer months, Monchique is the premier destination in the region for hiking, featuring cool hills adorned with strawberry trees.
One hillside above the town contains the ruins of a 17th-century convent, while the heart of Monchique is delightful, with its cobblestone streets and whitewashed homes featuring colorful window and door frames.
13. Golf
Prior to the 1960s, golfing was virtually non-existent in the Algarve.
However, over the course of five decades, this has changed remarkably.
It is now ranked among the top golfing destinations in Europe.
The region offers an astonishing variety, with 42 courses available at 35 different clubs, thus ensuring that wherever one is situated in the Algarve, they need not travel far for a round of golf.
Several notable courses include Oceanico in Vilamoura, Palmares near Lagos, Quinta da Ria, and the two innovatively designed courses at Quinta do Lago.
14. Waterparks
Waterparks are essential attractions when vacationing with children, and fortunately, the Algarve boasts several parks that rival the best in Europe.
Slide & Splash in Estômbar is the largest in Portugal and one of the largest on the continent, featuring 16 waterslides and pools along with nearly two hectares of open grassy areas for sunbathing.
Aquashow Park in Quarteira may be more suitable for older children, as some of the slides are not for the faint-hearted, including FreeFall, the highest slide in Europe at 32 meters.
Zoomarine Algarve, on the other hand, includes an animal park with live performances alongside its new “Beach” area, which features a wave pool, soft white sand, and waterslides.
15. Algarve Food and Drink
Considering its Atlantic location, it comes as no surprise that the fish and seafood are exquisite in the Algarve, whether it involves crab, oysters, squid, or an amalgamation of shellfish in rice dishes.
Nonetheless, the fish that appears most frequently is the humble sardine, which is typically grilled and served with salad and white wine.
Chicken piri-piri is another highlight; this dish consists of barbecued chicken marinated in a sauce made with the piri-piri chili, originally imported to Portugal from its former colony in Mozambique.
For an authentic accompaniment to your morning coffee, consider enjoying a pastel de nata from a local bakery.
This delightful custard tart is flavored with almonds.
