The Algarve

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Kayaks navigate through the crystal waters of Praia Dona Ana, Lagos.

©Juampiter/Getty Images

Overview

Soaring cliffs, sea caves, golden beaches, scalloped bays and sandy islands draw over four million visitors to the Algarve each year. Surrounded on two sides by the Atlantic, it's a paradise for surfers, especially along the refreshingly undeveloped west coast.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Sé
Faro
The centrepiece of the Cidade Velha, the sé was completed in 1251 but heavily damaged in the 1755 earthquake. What you see now is a variety of Renaissance…
Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
Faro
Encompassing 18,000 hectares, this sizeable system of lagoons and islands stretches for 60km along the Algarve coastline from west of Faro to Cacela Velha…
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo & Capela dos Ossos
Faro
One of the Algarve's most dazzling churches, this twin-towered baroque masterpiece was completed in 1719 under João V. After the 1755 earthquake, its…
Ponta da Piedade
Lagos
Protruding 2.5km south of Lagos, Ponta da Piedade is a dramatic wedge of headland with contorted, polychrome sandstone cliffs and towers, complete with a…
Castelo
Silves
This russet-coloured, Lego-like castle – originally occupied in the Visigothic period – has great views over the town and surrounding countryside. What…
Benagil Caves
Carvoeiro
One of the Algarve's – and Portugal's – most emblematic sights, this huge natural seaside cave has a hole in its ceiling through which streaming sunlit…
Sé
Silves
Just below the castle is the sé, built in 1189 on the site of an earlier mosque, then rebuilt after the 1249 Reconquista and subsequently restored several…
Museu de Portimão
Portimão
Housed in a 19th-century fish cannery, the ultramodern, award-winning Museu de Portimão is the city's number-one draw. The museum focuses on three areas:…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Dramatic cliffs, deserted islands, dolphin-watching tours, decadent dinners and more will fill your senses in the Algarve.

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Best Places to Visit

The cliff-top towns, rugged coast and inviting beaches of the Algarve hit all the right notes for surfers, seaside holidayers and everyone in between.

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Best Time to Visit

The golden beaches of the Algarve are some of the loveliest in Europe, but you can enjoy the coast at any time of year. Here's how to plan your trip.

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Things to Know

Make the most of your visit to Portugal’s Algarve with these local tips, ideal for first-timers.

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