Things to Do in the Algarve: Our 22 Top Highlights

Map of Our Top Algarve Attractions

The Algarve isn’t very large, but to give you a better overview right away, we’ll start with a map of our 22 highlights. You can save it and view it offline.

Top 3 Highlights in the Algarve

These are the Algarve attractions you absolutely cannot miss!

Benagil Cave

The Benagil Cave is the most famous attraction in the Algarve — and honestly, it lives up to the hype. It’s a massive cave shaped like a rocky cathedral dome, with a hole in the ceiling that lets sunlight pour in during the day. The light show inside is seriously stunning.

You can’t see much from land, so your best bet is to book a tour by boat, kayak, or SUP. From the sea, you can actually ride right into the cave at low tide. Tours depart from the larger resort towns too — Lagos, Albufeira, and Portimão all have options. Prices range from 25 to 45 euros.

Fair warning though: there are always huge crowds of tourists here. You’re no longer allowed to get off the boats and walk along the beach inside, but you’ll still get a great photo.

Kayak Tour to the Benagil Cave

From Lagos: Boat Trip to the Benagil Cave

From Albufeira: Cave and Dolphin Watching Tour

From Portimão: Speedboat Tour to the Benagil Cave

Cabo de São Vicente

Welcome to the end of the world! Well, at least the end of Europe. Cabo de São Vicente marks the southwesternmost point of our continent — and it genuinely feels like it.

You can reach the cape from Sagres in less than ten minutes by car. At the tip of the headland stands an old lighthouse and a fortress. Unfortunately, you can no longer visit the tower from the inside.

The most stunning view — with the steep cliffs and the wild sea — is at sunset. And there’s something wonderfully absurd about the sausage stand proudly selling the last bratwurst before America.

Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is a headland just a short distance south of Lagos. Here you’ll find some of the most dramatic rock formations in the entire Algarve. Tucked between them are secluded coves you can reach by descending about 200 steps.

If you’re on a road trip through the Algarve, you can drive there — there’s plenty of free parking. Or you can take a short hike from Lagos. It’s about two kilometers, and you’ll pass along the cliffs and the beaches Praia de Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo.

Just like the Benagil Cave, you can also visit Ponta da Piedade by kayak or boat. We’ve done it ourselves and can absolutely recommend it!

From Lagos: Kayak and Cave Tour to Ponta da Piedade

From Lagos: Ponta da Piedade by Boat

Towns and Villages in the Algarve

Strolling through small villages and towns is simply part of the Algarve experience. Here are our recommendations.

Lagos

Lagos is the most well-known town and one of the most beautiful places in the Algarve. The center is packed with cafés, restaurants, and shops. At night, the bars and clubs come alive — Lagos has a seriously solid nightlife scene.

During the day, it’s perfect for wandering around — the harbor area is especially nice. Yes, Lagos has become pretty touristy, but we like it precisely because there’s always something going on.

From here you can also reach some great beaches, like Meia Praia right next to the old town or the iconic Praia da Marinha. Lagos also makes a fantastic base for day trips around the region.

Tavira

Tavira is exactly what we picture when we think of a classic Algarve town: family-run taverns, cobblestone lanes, and plenty of the white-and-blue azulejos. Here you can still get a real feel for authentic Portuguese everyday life rather than just the usual tourist trail.

What makes Tavira especially charming is its layered history. You’ll still find many buildings in Moorish style — a beautiful reminder of the region’s past.

Start by wandering the lanes, then check out the Castle of Tavira. If you have a bit more time, we also recommend a trip to Ilha de Tavira. The beaches there are the kind where you can sometimes find yourself completely alone.

Salema

Salema is a tiny fishing village a little further east of Sagres. There really isn’t much to it: a few whitewashed houses, small fish restaurants, and Portuguese grandmothers drinking espresso on their doorsteps.

What Salema is great for, though, is genuinely switching off. The village sits right on the water, and the beach is perfect for collecting shells and swimming. You’ll also find some of the most beautiful hotels in the Algarve here.

Silves

As much as we love the Algarve coastline, a trip into the interior is something you should build into a Portugal road trip. Silves is a great place to aim for.

The town sits right in the middle of lush greenery, and the surrounding region is known for producing some really delicious Portuguese wine. The estates also grow plenty of fruit and olives for olive oil. If you’re interested, you can visit many of the wineries on a guided tour and finish with a tasting.

Silves itself is small but lovely — there’s a castle, lanes to wander, and cozy local restaurants.

From Albufeira: Half-Day Winery Tour and Silves

The Algarve for Nature Lovers

Beyond beautiful beaches, the Algarve has some seriously impressive natural attractions to offer.

Ria Formosa Natural Park

If you fly into Faro, you can already spot the Ria Formosa Natural Park from the air. The rivers winding through the lagoon landscape glow even more turquoise than the sea in front of them — absolutely stunning. Scattered throughout are small islands, some with beautiful beaches, others lushly covered in vegetation.

There are a few trails that run through the park, but we think it’s much nicer to glide through the waterways by boat. Tours are easy to join — some even depart from Faro, which is really convenient if you don’t have a rental car.

A particularly cool bonus: the Ria Formosa is home to some truly exotic birds, including flamingos and cranes.

From Faro: Catamaran Ride to Ria Formosa

Serra de Monchique

Head into the interior and the landscape changes completely: here you’re right in the mountains of the Serra de Monchique. The region is defined by its gnarled cork oak forests — something you really don’t see back home.

The roads are usually very quiet, though the winding switchbacks can still make for quite an adventure.

There are plenty of hiking trails to explore. A popular one is the hike from the mountain village of Monchique up to Foia, the highest peak in the Algarve, where you’re rewarded with a breathtaking panorama. The route takes about two hours in each direction.

Tour through the Monchique Mountains and to Fóia

Algar Seco Rock Formations

Algar Seco is another standout on the Algarve coast. It’s a bizarre system of rock formations, caves, and grottoes that makes for some seriously incredible photos — so make sure you bring your camera!

The Benagil Cave is only ten minutes away by car, so these two points of interest pair together perfectly for a half-day out.

Algarve Attractions for Beach Lovers

The Algarve is famous for its amazing beaches — here are our personal favorites!

Praia Marinha

If there’s one beach in the Algarve you have to see, it’s Praia da Marinha. There’s a good chance you’ve already spotted it on Instagram — it’s one of the most photographed spots in Portugal. A selfie is basically mandatory.

The cove features a golden sandy beach with truly crystal-clear water. At both ends of the bay, massive towers of rock rise up out of the sea — classic Algarve at its very best.

Praia de Bordeira

Praia da Bordeira is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve and one of our personal favorites! The beach stretches for miles, so you often have it almost to yourself — even in summer.

It’s especially popular with surfers. Whether you’re stepping on a board for the first time or you’re already experienced, there’s a wave for every level here. You can also sign up with a local surf school if you want a proper lesson.

That said, be really careful when swimming. The currents here can be quite strong and there are no lifeguards on site. For families, the lagoon behind the beach is a much better option — it’s very shallow and calm.

Praia da Arrifana

Praia da Arrifana is one of the best surf spots in all of Portugal. Surfers come here from all over Europe, because the beach delivers everything from gentle whitewater for total beginners to powerful waves for pros. If you want to rent gear or book a lesson, we can personally recommend Algarve Adventure.

But even if you don’t surf, Arrifana is really worth a visit. The beach is surrounded by truly towering cliffs, and from the parking lot up top you get a breathtaking view of the west coast — one of the best photo spots in the entire Algarve.

There are restaurants and restrooms a short way above the beach. However, there are no lifeguards on site, so on days with big waves, it’s best to skip the swim.

Meia Praia

Right next to the old town of Lagos lies Meia Praia. It’s truly atypical for the Algarve — there are no rocks here at all, unlike virtually everywhere else along the coast.

Instead, you get what feels like an endless sandy beach with shallow water. For a family vacation with kids, Meia Praia is simply ideal for swimming.

The facilities are great too: restrooms, showers, beach bars, and lifeguards all on site.

The Algarve for Culture Lovers

Beyond the beaches and natural highlights, there’s real cultural depth here too. Here are our top picks!

Palacio de Estoi

Estoi is a village in the interior of the Algarve about 30 minutes by car from Faro. What makes it so well known is the Palacio de Estoi — a beautiful palace in the Rococo style that looks almost like a small French château.

The facades are entirely pink and really glow in the afternoon sun. What we especially love are the decorative details featuring the classic Portuguese white-and-blue azulejos. Make sure you take a good look at the ornate garden grounds outside too.

Admission to the palace is free. Next door there’s a café whose proceeds go toward the upkeep of the palace.

Capela dos Ossos

Most people only know Faro because of its airport. But Faro actually has a lot to offer culturally, and the Capela dos Ossos is one of the most memorable stops.

We find the chapel a little eerie: the entire walls are decorated with real human bones. But the remains were more than just decoration — the locals had simply run out of space in the cemetery.

In short: the Capela dos Ossos is one of the most bizarre things to do in the Algarve — and that’s exactly what makes it worth seeing.

Admission costs 2 euros. The chapel is closed on Sundays.

Forte de Ponta da Bandeira

We already introduced you to Lagos as number four on our list. While you’re there, don’t miss the Forte de Ponta da Bandeira — one of the absolute highlights of the town.

The fortress sits right on the water and served as the city’s last line of defense. It’s a real storybook castle complete with a drawbridge and small turrets.

You get a great view over Lagos and the sea from up top. Inside the fortress there’s also an art exhibition and a restaurant.

Mercado Municipal de Loulé

If you want to treat yourself to some great food, you have to stop by the market in Loulé — a true foodie paradise! You’ll find fresh fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables, all locally grown. There are also stalls selling handicrafts, leather goods, and cork products if you’re hunting for souvenirs.

The hall itself is worth a look too. It’s built in an oriental style with small turrets and beautiful archways. And it’s a genuinely great place to mingle with the locals.

The market runs Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM. On Saturdays there’s also a farmers market outside the building.

Gypsy Market of Quarteira

The Gypsy Market in Quarteira takes place every Wednesday from 8 AM to 3 PM. The stalls offer a colorful mix: clothing, shoes, souvenirs, ceramics, and much more.

It’s one of the most popular flea markets in the Algarve, and if you’re a bargain hunter, you can find some real treasures here.

If all that haggling works up an appetite, head straight to the farmers market section. Here you’ll find local treats like ham, bacon, cheese, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables.

Algarve for Families

Planning a family vacation with kids in the Algarve? These are the things to do that really deliver.

Parque Aventura

Parque Aventura is like a giant outdoor adventure playground for kids. On one side there’s a high ropes course where the little ones can climb like monkeys — courses are designed for different age groups and skill levels, and the safety system is solid. Staff keep a close eye on everything.

On the other side there’s a 2,500-square-meter area for paintball with natural obstacles and hiding spots.

When booking, you can choose how many courses or paintball rounds you want. Prices start from 13 euros per adult.

Boat Trip to See Dolphins

What child doesn’t dream of seeing a dolphin — or even a whale — up close? In the Algarve, that dream can absolutely come true. Schools of dolphins swim off the coast, especially from March to November.

Since the animals rarely come very close to shore, your best bet is to join a tour. Your guides know where the dolphins tend to hang out, so your chances of spotting them are really good.

Tours cost around 35 euros and depart from all the major resort towns — Lagos, Albufeira, and Portimão all have options. By the way, we’ve put together even more great activities in the Algarve in a separate article, many of which are also perfect for families.

Castle of Castro Marim

If you want to explore a little of the Algarve’s history with the kids, we recommend the Castle of Castro Marim. It’s still in pretty good shape, and the little ones can play knights and princesses among the old walls.

From the castle you’ll have an incredible view all the way down to the sea.

Just a short distance away are some salt marshes where the kids can discover how salt is harvested. You’ll also spot special bird species living there, including flamingos.