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Things to Do in Algarve, Portugal

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When to visit

NOT BUSYJan12°9d rain
NOT BUSYFeb13°8d rain
MODERATEMar15°7d rain
MODERATEApr17°6d rain
MODERATEMay20°4d rainBEST
BUSYJun24°1d rainBEST
VERY BUSYJul27°0d rain
VERY BUSYAug27°0d rain
BUSYSep24°2d rainBEST
MODERATEOct20°6d rainBEST
NOT BUSYNov16°8d rain
NOT BUSYDec13°9d rain

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Scroll down for a list of most popular attractions and select them, if you want to include them in the itinerary preparation!

Most popular attractions in Algarve, Portugal

Ponta da Piedade

1. Ponta da Piedade

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4.8 (25,930)
Scenic SpotTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

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Breathtaking coastal cliffs with crystal-clear waters await visitors. Experience scenic boat rides and discover hidden sea caves up close.

Benagil Cave

2. Benagil Cave

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4.7 (22,208)
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Experience a breathtaking sea cave with sunlit sands and crystal waters. Explore a magical natural cathedral carved by the sea and sunlight.

Praia da Marinha

3. Praia da Marinha

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4.7 (11,551)
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Worth visiting for breathtaking cliff views and unique rock formations. Experience a stunning blend of sea, sand, and nature's artistry.

Our #1 travel tip

Have you heard of free walking tours?

After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Algarve, Portugal, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Ria Formosa Natural Park

4. Ria Formosa Natural Park

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4.5 (4,254)
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Experience a living mosaic of shifting islands and lively wetlands. Spot flamingos and glide through serene waters rich in wildlife.

Silves Castle

5. Silves Castle

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4.4 (16,401)
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Explore ancient red sandstone walls with breathtaking river views. Step into a fortress alive with history and stunning landscapes.

Zoomarine Algarve

6. Zoomarine Algarve

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4.6 (32,907)
ZooTourist AttractionAmusement CenterWater ParkAmusement Park

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Discover a thrilling mix of marine life and theme park excitement. Dive into dazzling dolphin shows and adventurous rides for an unforgettable day.

Albufeira Old Town

7. Albufeira Old Town

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4.4 (22,523)
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Vibrant streets swirling with culture and colors await here. Experience lively festivals, stunning sea views, and charming eateries.

Additional popular things to do in Algarve, Portugal

Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Dom Rodrigo

Dom Rodrigo

Dom Rodrigo is a traditional Algarve sweet made with egg yolks and sugar, wrapped in colorful tissue paper, and often given as gifts during festivals and celebrations.

Fios de Ovos

Fios de Ovos

Fios de Ovos are delicate strands of egg yolk boiled in sugar syrup, a dessert with origins tracing back to conventual sweets made by nuns in the Algarve.

Morgadinha

Morgadinha

Morgadinha is a luscious dessert made from eggs, almonds, sugar, and cinnamon, showcasing the Moorish influence in Algarve's cuisine.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Cataplana de Marisco

Cataplana de Marisco

Cataplana de Marisco is a seafood stew named after the copper cookware used to prepare it, combining fresh clams, fish, and shellfish with herbs and spices.

Porco Preto

Porco Preto

Porco Preto is the prized black pork from the Algarve, often grilled or used in stews, known for its rich flavor and tenderness.

Arroz de Lingueirão

Arroz de Lingueirão

Arroz de Lingueirão is a clam rice dish typical of the Algarve coast, which highlights the region's abundance of fresh seafood and simple seasoning.

Traditional Beverages

Medronho

Medronho

Medronho is a strong traditional spirit distilled from the fruit of the arbutus tree, native to the Algarve's hillsides, and often homemade by locals.

Marafado

Marafado

Marafado is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from the medronho fruit, offering a unique taste reflective of Algarve's rustic traditions.

Loureiro

Loureiro

Loureiro is a white wine variety grown in the Algarve, appreciated for its fresh and aromatic qualities, often enjoyed with local seafood dishes.

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Most popular day trips

Lagos

90 km 1h 15m by car

Charming coastal town with beautiful beaches and historic sites.

Faro

50 km 40m by train

Capital of Algarve with a lovely old town and airport access.

Silves

70 km 1h by car

Medieval town known for its castle and orange groves.

Rent a car in Algarve, Portugal

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Getting there

Airports

Train stations

Faro Train Station

Linha do Algarve, connections to Lisbon and Spain

From Faro Airport or train station, take a taxi or bus to city center; both are quick and convenient.

Find flights to Algarve, Portugal

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Useful information for Algarve, Portugal

Shopping locationsMarina de Lagos, Forum Algarve, Algarve Shopping, Mercado Municipal de Loulé
Nightlife locationsAlbufeira, Portimão, Lagos
Popular casual restaurantsO Camilo, A Forja, Casa do Prego
Popular fancy restaurantsVila Joya, Ocean, Bon Bon
Popular coffee shopsThe Food Company, Nola, Fabrica Coffee Roasters
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appUber, Bolt, Kapten
Taxi price / km$1.2
Tourists / year4000000
Mobile internet speed40 Mbps
Unemployment percentage6.5 %
Poverty percentage16 %
Average income / month$1200
Average cost of living / month$900
Hotel price / night from$45
Beer price from$2.5
Coffee price from$1.5
Street food price from$3
Restaurant meal price from$15
Local currencyEUR
Power plug typesType C, Type F
ReligionsRoman Catholicism
Spoken languagesPortuguese, English, French, Spanish
EthnicitiesPortuguese, Gypsy, Cape Verdean
Political orientationcenter
Population density96 /km²
Geographical area5000 km²
Possible natural disastersearthquakes, floods, forest fires
Dangerous animalssnakes, scorpions
Locations for a nice walkRia Formosa, Ponta da Piedade, Albufeira old town, Cabo de São Vicente
Public transportationsbuses, taxis, car rentals
AirlinesTAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, EasyJet
Suggested vaccinationsHepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus
Architecture typeMediterranean, Baroque, Modernist
Average beer consumption per person / year60 l
Average wine consumption per person / year20 l
Tipping culturenot mandatory, appreciated for good service
Coworking / day$20
Airbnb / month$600
1BR rent / month$350
Gym / month$30
Daily budget (backpacker)$40
Daily budget (mid-range)$60

Overview for Algarve, Portugal

English proficiencyGood
Traffic safetyAverage
Friendly to foreignersGood
Freedom of speechGood
Public transportationAverage
HealthcareGood
EducationAverage
Power grid reliabilityGood
Crime safetyGood
WalkabilityGood
NightlifeAverage
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyAverage
Startup sceneAverage
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessAverage
Nature accessGood
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