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
Algarve
22 places, 17 of them free and 9 tours and activities. Golden cliffs, sea caves and some of Europe’s best beaches.
Plan your Algarve trip
- Flight + Hotel PackageRecommended Best option if you want the trip arranged together. View Packages Packages
- Hotels Prefer to book accommodation separately? View Hotels Hotels
- Flights Already have accommodation? View Flights Flights
- Things To Do Tours, attractions and experiences. View Activities Activities
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
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
Family£26–38
Zoomarine Algarve
Guia (Albufeira)
A marine-life and water park with animal shows and pools, aimed squarely at families.
- Suggested time: Full day
- Booking recommended
- Suits: Families
Seasonal; usually open daily in summer, limited days in shoulder season
Shopping & MarketsFree
Loulé Municipal Market
Loulé
A beautiful Moorish-style market hall for fruit, fish and local crafts.
- Suggested time: 1h 15m
- No booking needed
- Suits: Food lovers
Mostly mornings, Monday–Saturday
Planning Algarve? 5 places to eat are one tap away.