BeachesFree
Praia da Marinha
Lagoa
A golden cove framed by dramatic limestone arches and turquoise water.
- Suggested time: 3 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Outdoor lovers · Beach lovers
Open access; lifeguard in summer
Overview
Why go to Algarve
Portugal’s southern coast stretches from wild Atlantic headlands in the west to calm lagoons and old fishing towns in the east. Choose a base, then use short drives and boat trips to explore beaches, coves and whitewashed villages.
The Algarve is a region, not a single city. Places listed here are spread along roughly 150 km of coast, so distances between them are larger than in the city guides.
- Where
- Algarve, Portugal
- Recommended stay
- 5–10 nights
- Best time to go
- May–June and September for warm sea and fewer crowds; July–August is busiest.
- Approx. daily budget
- £55–120 a dayPer person, excluding flights. Indicative.
- Getting around
- A hire car makes it far easier; local trains link Lagos, Faro and Tavira.
What does Algarve cost?
Full cost guide- Budget traveller£50–70a day
- Mid-range traveller£110–155a day
- Luxury traveller£215+a day
Approximate per person per day, including a share of a twin room, and excluding flights. Not live prices.
Things To Do
See all 31 Top picks in Algarve
Must See£21–42
Benagil Cave by Boat
Carvoeiro
A boat trip to a sea cave whose ceiling has a circular opening flooding the beach with light.
- Suggested time: 1h 15m
- Booking recommended
- Suits: Families · Couples
Tours run daily in season, weather permitting
ViewpointsFree
Ponta da Piedade
Lagos
A rocky headland of golden sea stacks and grottoes just outside Lagos.
- Suggested time: 1h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Couples · Outdoor lovers
Open-air; accessible daily
Must SeeFree
Lagos Old Town
Lagos
A walled old town of cobbled lanes, a lively marina, a slave-market museum and easy access to the coves.
- Suggested time: 2 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Couples
Open-air; shops and restaurants open daily
Hidden Gems
See all 13 Beyond the checklist
ViewpointsFree–£3
Sagres & Cabo de São Vicente
Sagres
The wild south-western tip of Europe, with a fortress, lighthouse and huge Atlantic skies.
- Suggested time: 2h 30m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Outdoor lovers · Photographers
Fortress open daily, roughly 9:30–18:30; the cape is always accessible
Hidden Gems£13–26
Ria Formosa Lagoon Boat Trip
Faro
A shallow lagoon of sandbanks, birds and quiet islands, explored by small boat from Faro.
- Suggested time: 4 hrs
- Booking recommended
- Suits: Families · Outdoor lovers
Boats run daily in season; timetables vary
CouplesFree
Tavira Old Town & Island
Tavira
A graceful riverside town with a Roman bridge, whitewashed streets and a ferry to a sandy island.
- Suggested time: 4 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Couples
Open-air; individual attractions keep their own hours
Hidden GemsFree
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Lagoa / Carvoeiro
A cliff-top coastal walk linking sculpted coves, sea stacks and hidden beaches.
- Suggested time: 3 hrs
- No booking needed
- Suits: Outdoor lovers · Photographers
Open-air trail; always accessible
Food & Restaurants
See all 5 Where to eat
Marisqueira Rui
A simple, long-established seafood restaurant in Faro known for its shellfish plates, popular with locals.
Known for: Shellfish, grilled fish
About £12–25 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
A Ruína
A casual grill-and-seafood restaurant in Lagos, well liked for fresh fish and a lively terrace.
Known for: Grilled fish, cataplana
About £12–25 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
Dois Irmãos
One of Lagos’s longest-running restaurants, on Praça Gil Eanes, serving Portuguese seafood classics.
Known for: Cataplana, grilled fish
About £12–25 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
Mercado Municipal de Loulé
The neo-Moorish market hall has small cafés and stalls selling Algarve figs, cheeses and cakes.
Known for: Local produce and snacks
Under about £12 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
A suggested Algarve itinerary
5 nights Family
Algarve · Beaches + Family Activities + Relaxation
Algarve family beach break
Easy beach days, a boat trip to the caves, a water park and a slower village day.
- Day 1 · Praia da Falésia
- Day 2 · Zoomarine Algarve
- Day 3 · Benagil Cave by Boat, Praia da Marinha
- Day 4 · Ria Formosa Lagoon Boat Trip, Tavira Old Town & Island
- Day 5 · Loulé Municipal Market, Alte Village
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