The Algarve Bucket List: 20 Things to Do in Portugal's Paradise
Benagil Cave, Ponta da Piedade, the Seven Hanging Valleys, Ria Formosa islands, piri-piri chicken and sunset at Cape St Vincent – 20 best things to do in the Algarve.
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Golden cliffs, hidden coves, sleepy islands and some of the sunniest weather in Europe – the Algarve is far more than a beach holiday. From the wild west coast to the lagoons of the east, these are the experiences that make Portugal's southern coast unforgettable.
Coast and caves
1. Watch the sunset at Cape St Vincent
Mainland Europe's south-western tip, near Sagres, ends in dramatic cliffs and a lighthouse. Come for sunset – and bring a jacket, it's windy. Food trucks sell warm sausages for the "last bratwurst before America".
2. Explore Ponta da Piedade
Just south of Lagos, golden rock arches and sea stacks rise from turquoise water. Walk the clifftop paths, take the steps down to the sea, or see the grottoes from a small boat or kayak.
3. See Benagil Cave
The Algarve's most famous sea cave, with a round "eye" in its roof, is reached from the sea. Join a boat or kayak tour from Benagil, Carvoeiro or Portimão, and follow the operator's guidance – access rules inside the cave have been tightened to protect it.
4. Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
This clifftop path between Praia da Marinha and Vale Centeanes is one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Europe, passing hidden beaches and viewpoints over Benagil.
5. Escape to Culatra Island
Take a ferry from Olhão or Faro into the Ria Formosa lagoon to Culatra, a car-free island of fishing villages and endless sandy beaches.
6. Go surfing in Sagres
The west coast catches the Atlantic swell. Surf schools in Sagres and along the Costa Vicentina run lessons for every level, with beaches facing different directions for every wind.
7. Spot birds in the Ria Formosa
The protected lagoons of the Ria Formosa Natural Park attract flamingos, spoonbills and huge numbers of wading birds, especially in spring and autumn.
Towns and villages
8. Wander Lagos old town
Behind its walls, Lagos has cobbled lanes, the golden Church of Santo António and a lively bar scene, with some of the region's best beaches a short walk away.
9. Fall for Tavira
The east's most charming town has a Roman bridge, dozens of churches and whitewashed houses with tiled façades. Catch the ferry to Ilha de Tavira for its long sandy beach.
10. Explore Faro's old town
Many visitors only see Faro's airport, but its walled old town, cathedral views and the bone chapel (Capela dos Ossos) in the Church of Carmo are worth a morning.
11. Climb Silves Castle
The red sandstone castle above Silves, once the Moorish capital of the region, is the best preserved in the Algarve.
12. Shop at Loulé market
Loulé's Moorish-style market hall sells fish, fruit, cheese and local crafts every day except Sunday. On Saturday mornings, a big farmers' market spreads around it.
Food and drink
13. Eat piri-piri chicken in Guia
The village of Guia, near Albufeira, is famous for chicken grilled over charcoal and brushed with spicy piri-piri sauce.
14. Share a cataplana
This copper pot dish of seafood, pork or fish stewed with tomatoes, peppers and herbs is the taste of the Algarve. Fishing towns such as Olhão and Portimão are the places to try it.
15. Start the day with a pastel de nata
A custard tart and a "bica" – a strong espresso – at the counter of a local café is the Portuguese way to begin the day.
16. Taste Algarve wines
The Algarve's wineries are small and welcoming, many around Lagoa and Silves. Book a tasting and try the region's rosés and reds.
Inland and active
17. Drink medronho in Monchique
In the green Monchique hills, locals distil a strong spirit from the fruit of the strawberry tree. Drive up to Fóia, the region's highest point, for views to the sea.
18. Hike Rocha da Pena
This limestone plateau inland from Loulé offers an easy, rewarding loop walk with wide views over the hills and coast.
19. Buy hand-painted pottery in Porches
Workshops around the village of Porches sell colourful hand-painted ceramics – a perfect souvenir.
20. Play a round of golf
The Algarve has dozens of golf courses, many with sea views. Winter and spring, when it's mild and sunny, are the best seasons to play.
Getting there and around
Faro Airport serves the whole region. A regional railway runs along the coast from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António, and buses connect most towns – but a hire car gives you the freedom to find the quieter beaches. For more of the country, read our 8 reasons to visit Portugal.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the Algarve?
May, June and September are ideal: warm sea, long days and fewer crowds than July and August. Winter is mild and sunny – good for walking, golf and quiet beaches, though too cool for most people to swim.
Do you need a car in the Algarve?
A car makes it much easier to reach the best beaches, viewpoints and inland villages. Trains and buses link the main towns along the coast if you prefer not to drive.
Where is the best base in the Algarve?
Lagos is great for beaches and nightlife in the west, Tavira for a quieter, traditional town in the east, and Carvoeiro or Ferragudo for a small-village feel in the middle.
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