Algarve is a popular travel region in Portugal, with some of the best beaches and surfing spots. Algarve has over 300 sunny days, …
The Algarve remains a premier travel destination in 2025, offering a diverse mix of lively resorts, historic towns, and spectacular beaches. The best choice for you depends on your travel style!
Here is an ultimate travel guide breakdown of the best towns and beaches in the Algarve:
1. Top Destinations by Travel Style
| Town/Region | Best For | Vibe & Highlights |
| Lagos (Western Algarve) | History, Scenery, and VIBRANT Vibe | A historic, walled city with a youthful, authentic feel. Excellent dining, bars, and a great base for exploring the most dramatic cliffs. |
| Albufeira (Central Algarve) | Activity, Nightlife, and Families | The largest and most popular resort. Features a lively “Strip” for partying, a charming Old Town for families, and easy access to many famous beaches. |
| Tavira (Eastern Algarve) | Culture, Relaxation, and Authenticity | A charming, low-key town with beautiful Moorish-influenced architecture, 37 churches, and a slow-paced, authentic atmosphere. Beaches are reached by ferry. |
| Vilamoura (Central Algarve) | Luxury, Golf, and Sophistication | A sophisticated, purpose-built resort centered around an exclusive marina, luxury hotels, and world-class golf courses. |
| Carvoeiro (Central Algarve) | Scenery, Coves, and Family-Friendly | A picturesque former fishing village nestled in a cove, surrounded by golden cliffs, making it an excellent base for exploring sea caves and hidden beaches. |
| Sagres (Far Western Algarve) | Surfing, Dramatic Cliffs, and Wild Coast | Portugal’s “Land’s End,” offering a wild, windswept coastline perfect for experienced surfers. Historic significance with Prince Henry the Navigator’s fort. |
| Faro (Central Algarve) | City Life, Culture, and Airport Access | The capital and main airport gateway. Its Old Town is charming and less touristy, serving as a base for exploring the unspoiled islands and lagoons of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. |
2. Must-See Beaches & Natural Wonders
The Algarve is famous for its breathtaking golden cliffs and stunning coves.
| Beach / Landmark | Town Near | Highlight |
| Praia da Marinha | Lagoa / Carvoeiro | Consistently ranked one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Famous for its dramatic limestone rock formations and clear water. |
| Benagil Cave (Algar de Benagil) | Benagil | The iconic sea cave with the large hole (the “eye”) in the roof. Best visited by boat tour, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. (Note: Landing inside the cave is generally prohibited to protect the environment and visitors) |
| Ponta da Piedade | Lagos | A spectacular headland of golden cliffs, sea arches, and grottoes. Best explored via a small boat tour from Lagos marina or by walking the boardwalk trails above. |
| Praia da Falésia | Albufeira/Vilamoura | A long, stunning stretch of golden sand backed by towering cliffs of unique red and white hues. Great for long walks. |
| Praia do Camilo | Lagos | A secluded, picture-perfect cove beach accessed via a long wooden staircase, known for its small tunnels and clear turquoise water. |
| Praia da Rocha | Portimão | A massive, wide beach famous for its lively atmosphere, golden sand, and spectacular rock formations at the western end. |
| Praia do Barril | Tavira / Santa Luzia | Located on an island in the Ria Formosa. Accessible via a small tourist train and famous for its “Anchor Graveyard”—an emotional memorial of rusting anchors dedicated to the town’s former tuna fishing fleet. |
3. Top Activities & Travel Tips for 2025
Must-Do Experiences:
- Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos): This 5.7 km (3.5 mile) coastal trail runs from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale Centeanes, offering the best clifftop views of the entire region, including the skylight of the Benagil Cave from above.
- Take a Boat Tour: A boat trip is essential to see the grottos and rock formations of Ponta da Piedade (from Lagos) or the Benagil Cave (from Carvoeiro/Portimão/Albufeira).
- Explore the Ria Formosa: Take a ferry or water taxi from Faro or Olhão to visit the peaceful barrier islands like Ilha Deserta (Desert Island) or Ilha da Culatra.
- Visit Silves Castle: Head inland to Silves to explore its magnificent red sandstone Moorish castle and get a glimpse of the region’s rich history.
- Find Dinosaur Footprints: At the western tip of Praia da Salema, you can spot ancient dinosaur footprints on the rock outcrops, best viewed at low tide.
Getting Around:
- Car Rental: Recommended for ultimate flexibility, allowing you to easily visit the secluded coves and explore the central, western, and eastern Algarve.
- Public Transport: Trains connect the major towns (Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira, Faro, Tavira). Buses are available for smaller villages. Services are reliable but slower than driving.
- Rideshares: Uber and Bolt are widely available, especially in the larger resort towns, for affordable, short-distance trips.
Tip for 2025: Due to the popularity of the Benagil Cave, the local authorities have been enforcing rules to protect the area. Visitors are no longer permitted to stand on the cave beach, even if arriving by kayak or paddleboard. You will still get incredible views and photos, but you must remain on your vessel or swimming near it.
