I have to confess, I’m in love with the eastern half of the Algarve. At this end you’ll find quaint fishing towns, cubist architecture, the better type of tourists and excellent little restaurants serving oysters and clams plucked straight from the Ria Formosa. The mainland here is locked in by this diverse wetland so to reach the beaches, you’ll need to take a short ferry ride. It’s worth it though, because at this end both the ocean and the people are warmer.
That said, don’t skip over the western half of the Algarve. It’s here you will find those iconic beaches with warm cascading cliffs in every golden hue imaginable. Hop your way from one beach to another, snapping pictures and marvelling at the towering rocks.
If you love to surf or want to learn, turn the corner to the west-facing surf beaches from Sagres until the Alentejo Coast. Here bigger, wilder, quieter beaches await. A word of warning though, Sagres can be incredibly windy and cold.
There is something like 150+ beaches in the Algarve, so take your pick. Lagos is a great spot to start.
From Faro, Olhão or Tavira, get a cheap ferry to a sand island.
For the price of a meal, you can eat endless fish coming off the grill.
Sagres is a windy surfer’s haven, and has one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen.
Discover my favourite things to do in the Algarve…Whitewashed houses with little chimneys and colourful doors, the shrill of seagulls and shouts of fish vendors, the smell of sunscreen and grilling sardines.
Seafood. Almonds. Oranges. Here’s a guide on what to order while holidaying in the Algarve.
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 are the best places to eat in the Algarve.
Personally, I think a car is the best way to explore the Algarve. It makes it easy to bounce between different beaches and towns to soak in as much holiday sun as possible.
If you have to rely on public transport, there’s a regional train line that runs along the coast. It’s not the fastest service in the world, but it will get you where you need to go. You can take a train down from Lisbon to Faro too, or fly into Faro Airport.
Some friends prefer to take a Flixbus or other coach service from Lisbon to the Algarve, as you can directly to towns such as Lagos a lot faster.
Everything you need to know about traveling to Portugal’s southern coast.
July 24, 2020
Lynn Bruyere
Hi from Nova Scotia. We are heading to the Algarve next month. I love your website and your recommendations. Thank You.