10 of the best things to do in the Algarve

1. Beach hop in Lagos

There’s no beating around the bush – beaches are the Algarve’s star attraction and Lagos has some of the best.

Start with Meia Praia. A 4km (2.5 miles) sweep of strawberry-blonde sand with panoramic views of the Atlantic, it’s an Instagram shot in the making, with heaps of watersports and restaurants to boot.

Go west to reach Praia Dona Ana – a Lagos icon with its sheltered cove of burnt amber sand and wooden stairway – before finishing up on Praia do Camilo. This bitesize beauty, wedged between rugged sea cliffs, is a snorkelling haven by day and sunset masterpiece come dusk.

2. Find flamingoes in Ria Formosa

The Algarve’s coast has more treasures up its sleeve than golden sand. And in the case of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, it’s some 60km (37 miles) of marshes, dunes, islands and estuaries.

This wetland wonder, spanning the shoreline between Faro and Olhão, is a hotspot for migrating flamingoes who flock to the saltpans and shallow lagoons during the winter months. Cruise the waterways on a boat tour to spot their pink plumes.

Also home to the purple swamphen, Mediterranean chameleon and short-snouted seahorse, visiting the park is one of the best activities in the Algarve for wildlife watchers.

3. Listen to Fado music in Faro

The melancholic melodies of Fado music – a soulful blend of Portuguese guitar and singing – have been Portugal’s soundtrack since the 1820s, and the genre lives on in concerts, city square performances and in traditional Fado houses.

The Algarve’s capital city is no exception. Faro Municipal Museum regularly hosts Fado sessions, pairing live performances with the opportunity to learn about Portuguese culture.

If you’d prefer dinner and a show, several restaurants in the historic old town run Fado nights. You’ll find popular Fado singers at O Castelo and Centenário.

4. Kayak around the Ponta da Piedade cliffs

Punctuating the south-western coastline with dramatic sandstone pillars, the Ponta da Piedade cliffs are a postcard celebrity in the Algarve. They deserve the status though, reaching up to 20m high (65 feet) and featuring a striking collection of caves and arches.

The best way to admire them is by sea kayak. Either join a guided tour departing from Lagos or rent your own to paddle around the towering rock formations, venture into grottos and discover secret beaches.

5. Tee off in Tavira

Golf fan or not, there’s no denying the Algarve looks good in green. Home to some of the best-rated golf clubs in Europe, you can expect a winning combination of championship-level courses, stunning scenery and generous amounts of sunshine.

Tavira will show you how it’s done. The Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, proud home of the award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, is up there among the country’s best and has an extensive list of experiences to back it, from a tuition programme to international tournaments.

At Quinta da Ria, you can navigate deep bunkers and water hazards as you tee off to the backdrop of the Atlantic, while mid-handicappers might favour Benamor’s more forgiving fairways.

6. Bag a bargain at Olhão’s markets

A sea of stalls piled high with dewy vegetables, tables awash with bric-and-brac, clothes rails crammed with the latest vintage finds… whatever kind of shopaholic you are, Olhão’s markets will put your bargain hunting to the test.

The Municipal Market (open every day except Sundays) is your go-to for food. Stock up on creamy cheeses, cured meats, tangerines and fresh fish, perfect for picnics and self-catering meals.

For anything else – clothes, vinyls, crafts, antiques, books, bags or otherwise – check out the nearby flea markets. Fuzeta Flea Market runs every second Sunday of the month, and Quelfes Flea Market on the fourth Sunday (and fifth, when applicable).

7. Take a boat trip to the Benagil Caves

If there was a wall of fame for the best things to do in the Algarve, touring the Benagil Sea Caves would be on it.

Visit and you’ll quickly see why. A series of hulking caves and grottos, the namesake of which is a colossal dome with a circular opening in the ceiling, they’re some of the sea’s most spectacular works of art.

Book on to a boat tour from Benagil or Carvoeiro for a chance to see them up close and uncover the enchanting beach that hides within the main cave. Cameras essential.

8. Dive into fishing history at Museu de Portimão

A mecca of shiny seaside resorts, it’s easy to forget that many of the Algarve’s major towns and cities were once little fishing villages where everyday life centred around the day’s catch.

Portimão, now the largest city in the western Algarve, is a prime example, but its fishing heritage is kept very much alive in its architecture and museums. The Museu de Portimão, quirkily housed in a former sardine-canning factory, is full of interactive exhibits and artifact displays that will teach you all about the city’s past and present connection to the sea.

For the practical side of the history lesson, hit up Portimão’s best fish restaurants.

9. Step back in time in Silves’s old town

If you’re looking for a more romantic tale, one illustrated by cobblestone streets and age-old cathedrals, Silves is your answer.

Tucked away in the foothills of the Serra de Monchique mountains, you wouldn’t think this sleepy town was once the Algarve’s ancient capital based on the vibe alone. Its Moorish old town, complete with a red-rampart castle, imposing city walls and a notable number of churches, is the giveaway.

Dedicate at least one day here to combine sightseeing with ceramic shopping and wine bar hopping – Silves’s vineyards produce fantastic reds and rosés.

10. Go surfing in Sagres

When it comes to watersports, the Algarve’s coast is the gift that keeps on giving. Surfing is the sport of choice here, and Sagres is the spot to do it.

Located on the region’s south-western tip, Sagres’s two coasts offer brilliant conditions for pros and beginners alike. The west is swell central, known for its large waves and strong currents that lure experienced surfers from across the world. The south is better sheltered from the wind and waves, making it well suited for first-timers and practice sessions.

Make sure you stick around for sunset – the views from Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse are magnificent.