Places to Explore In The Algarve

Albufeira

With enough neon lights to rival Las Vegas, the newer sections of Albufeira retain no hint of the old Algarve, but is beloved by fans...

• 2 Restaurants
• 5 Hotels
• 7 Things To Do

Almancil

Easily accessed from both the A22 and the N125, Almancil is the administrative district that encompasses Quinta do Lago, roughly 5 km (3 miles) to...

• 0 Restaurants
• 0 Hotels
• 0 Things To Do

Alvor

With its maze of alleyways, the handsome old port of Alvor is one of the Algarve's best examples of an Arab village. In summer, many...

• 1 Restaurants
• 2 Hotels
• 1 Things To Do

Armação de Pêra

If it weren't for the interesting seascapes, beautiful beaches, and interesting eateries, this massively overdeveloped community wouldn't be worth a visit. Local captains can take...

• 3 Restaurants
• 2 Hotels
• 0 Things To Do

Cabo São Vicente

At the southwest tip of Europe, where the land juts starkly into the rough Atlantic, is Cabo São Vicente, called "O Fim do Mundo" ("The...

• 0 Restaurants
• 0 Hotels
• 2 Things To Do

Carvoeiro

This busy resort town has managed to maintain some of its fishing-village charm. Small beaches lie at the foot of steep, rocky cliffs, and waves...

• 3 Restaurants
• 1 Hotels
• 0 Things To Do

Faro

The Algarve’s provincial capital combines a smattering of history and ample leisure opportunities in one lively package. It is one of the few places in...

• 5 Restaurants
• 3 Hotels
• 10 Things To Do

Lagoa

This market town is primarily known for its wine, called vinho Lagoa, with the red being especially good. It is also home to the Algarve’s...

• 0 Restaurants
• 0 Hotels
• 4 Things To Do

Lagos

Breezy and cool in every sense of the word, Lagos has an infectious energy and a laid-back feel. This bustling fishing port has many buildings–-the...

• 5 Restaurants
• 3 Hotels
• 13 Things To Do

Loulé

Castle walls and three stone towers provide visual evidence of its history, while an Arabesque indoor market—complete with pink turrets—offers a true taste of Algarvian...

• 0 Restaurants
• 1 Hotels
• 5 Things To Do

Monchique

The winding road up to Monchique brings the surprise of brightly colored villas surrounded by fruit groves and lush greenery. Steeped in tradition and folklore...

• 2 Restaurants
• 2 Hotels
• 4 Things To Do

Monte Gordo

Pinewoods and orchards break up the flat landscape around this large resort area, just 4 km (2½ miles) from the Spanish border. Relentlessly modern, Monte...

• 0 Restaurants
• 0 Hotels
• 0 Things To Do

Olhão

Visit Olhão’s Mercado dos Pescadores (Fish Market) and you’ll see why this town is synonymous with fish. Modern construction has marred much of its charm...

• 1 Restaurants
• 2 Hotels
• 7 Things To Do

Portimão

Portimão’s crown jewel is a 1-km (½-mile) stretch of sand backed by a curtain of ocher-red cliffs, along the top of which stands a series...

• 8 Restaurants
• 3 Hotels
• 6 Things To Do

Praia da Luz

Although the fishing boats that were once ubiquitous on these shores are long gone, this is still an agreeable waterfront destination. At the western edge...

• 2 Restaurants
• 2 Hotels
• 2 Things To Do

Praia da Rocha

Portimão’s crown jewel is a 1-km (½-mile) stretch of sand backed by a curtain of ocher-red cliffs, along the top of which stands a series...

• 0 Restaurants
• 0 Hotels
• 0 Things To Do

Quinta do Lago

• 2 Restaurants
• 1 Hotels
• 0 Things To Do

Sagres

Sagres has several golden beaches, making this a popular destination despite the fact that the water is always pretty chilly. The massive Fortaleza de Sagres...

• 2 Restaurants
• 3 Hotels
• 5 Things To Do

São Brás de Alportel

Peace and tranquility rule in São Brás, a destination that melds old-fashioned charm with modern amenities. Once the Algarve’s largest cork-producing town, it is now...

• 0 Restaurants
• 1 Hotels
• 1 Things To Do

Silves

Silves—once the Moorish capital of the Algarve—is one of the region's most intriguing locales. Small whitewashed villas trickle down from the imposing castle that sits...

• 2 Restaurants
• 0 Hotels
• 5 Things To Do

Tavira

With its castle ruins, riverfront gardens, and atmospheric streets, Tavira—at the mouth of the quiet Rio Gilão—is immediately endearing. Many of the town's white 18th-century...

• 2 Restaurants
• 3 Hotels
• 6 Things To Do

Vale do Lobo

Vale do Lobo is one of the Algarve's luxury villa complexes that attracts the superrich and famous from the world over. The local beach is...

• 0 Restaurants
• 1 Hotels
• 0 Things To Do

Vila do Bispo

For a break from the resort buzz, head to this small, quiet town at the crossroads between the west and south coastal roads. The interior...

• 2 Restaurants
• 0 Hotels
• 0 Things To Do

Vilamoura

Glitzy and glamorous Vilamoura is the Algarve’s answer to Monaco. Once a prosperous Roman settlement, today it’s an upscale resort community with the Algarve's biggest...

• 2 Restaurants
• 3 Hotels
• 2 Things To Do

Vila Real de Santo António

This community on the Guadiana River is the last stop before Spain. Like most border towns, it's a lively place, with lots of bars and...

• 1 Restaurants
• 1 Hotels
• 0 Things To Do