Where to eat in the western Algarve: Best restaurants in Aljezur, Arrifana & Sagres
The south-west edge of Portugal has a different feeling altogether. On the wild and gorgeous western Algarve coast, a handful of villages have quietly attracted an international crowd seeking surf, sunshine and a slower, sustainable lifestyle. Over decades, this mix of local Portuguese with other Europeans and people from further abroad has etched out a […]
Best ways to explore Ponta da Piedade in Lagos
Ponta da Piedade is a must-see coastal peninsula on Portugal’s southern Algarve coastline. At this imposing natural landmark near Lagos, vibrant orange cliffs rise from the ocean in a dramatic, craggy fashion, creating hidden beaches, caves and grottos, arches, and even rocky animal shapes. Exploring this area is probably the number one thing to do […]
Best beaches in Tavira, Algarve
Tavira, at the eastern end of the Algarve, offers some of the most beautiful yet secluded beaches in Portugal. Here, the Ria Formosa lagoon stretches between the ocean and the mainland, so, oftentimes (but not always), reaching the sand means hopping on a small ferry or water taxi. Once you arrive, endless ribbons of uncrowded […]
Guide to the best beaches in Lagos, Portugal
In the western Algarve, Lagos is my favourite small city to make my base – and around Lagos you’ll find some of the most spectacular beaches in the Algarve. If you’ve ever seen pictures of dramatic and rocky orange cliffs against the vibrant blue sea, then chances are they were taken around Lagos. I’m based […]
Where to stay in the Algarve: Ultimate guide to choosing your base
Choosing a hotel, guesthouse or apartment for your time exploring the Algarve, Portugal’s southern coast, is not like picking a neighbourhood in a city like Lisbon. The Algarve isn’t a singular place – it’s a region of about 150 kilometres (100 miles) of gorgeous coastline with charming villages, modern cities, historic towns, and golf resorts. […]
Where to eat in the Algarve
Fine dining fans could spend the week knocking back degustation menus at Michelin-starred restaurants and emptying jugs of white sangria at beach bars priced for the British crowd. Me? With my tasca budget and Michelin palate, I hunt for the best tabernas, cervejarias and marisqueiras that locals love as much as blow-ins like us. These […]
Ultimate Portugal events guide: Best festivals & cultural events for 2026
Portugal knows how to throw a brilliant party, and in 2026 these will be the biggest and best festivals and events to attend. Each year cities, towns and villages across Portugal play host to traditional celebrations, food-focused events and huge music festivals. From celebrations with sardines and world-class street theatre, to medieval fairs and international […]
15 best things to do in Olhão, an Algarve gem
Fisherman, locals and tourists move at the same slow pace through the narrow, whitewashed streets of Olhão. Charming and full of character, this town perched on the edge of the Ria Formosa feels as though time has paused. Ornate chimneys and flat, Moorish-style roof terraces make the old centre of the small city feel closer […]
Portugal Road Trip: Where to stop between Lisbon and Lagos, Algarve
If you have at least five days or even a week in Portugal, you might like to skip south and explore two regions – the capital, Lisbon, and Lagos on the sunny Algarve coast. While you can zip between the city and this charming coastal town in under three hours, if you have the time […]
Itinerary: My ideal 7-day Algarve road trip
Golden shores with gently lapping waves. The smell of grilled sardines and sunscreen. Trees heavy with figs, lemons and olives. White-washed villages watching slow days pass by. I love the Algarve, especially in the summer, and it’s not hard to see why Portugal’s southern coast is a favourite destination for beach holidays. I visit the […]
My favourite towns in the Eastern Algarve
I prefer the Eastern Algarve, where you find white-washed fishing villages, fresh seafood and a slower pace of life.
What to eat: 20 foods to try in the Algarve
Portugal’s southern coast boasts plenty of unique local dishes and produces some of the country’s best seafood, oranges, figs and almonds.