Portugal’s southern region guarantees over 300 days of sunshine a year, all given on a silver platter with cliff-lined beaches, delicious seafood and over four dozen golf courses. Welcome to the Algarve – a place loved by tourists, athletes and photography enthusiasts.
A region worth visiting at any time of the year
The mild Mediterranean climate and sunny weather are undoubtedly one of the Algarve’s greatest assets. It is worth visiting both in summer as well as in winter when there are not as many tourists. The region itself is diverse, so every one of us can easily find our favorite spot here. Those who love beaches and tourist resorts should choose one of the south-western towns – where you can find approx. 200 km of coastline! The sandy beaches contrast with the mountain ranges that can be found in the north of the region – Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão. The eastern part of the Algarve has more flat terrain, dunes with rich vegetation and, primarily, beaches that are lesser-known among tourists. A paradise for people who appreciate a more peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
The Algarve also boasts delicious local cuisine. It is largely based on fresh fish and seafood. Add to this, citrus trees, fig orchards and almond liqueur, which are definitely worth trying for dessert! Sightseeing enthusiasts will also find something for themselves – besides the historic buildings, the region is famous for its narrow streets and characteristic whitewashed houses. In addition, few people know that Algarve is a mecca for golfers – both beginners and advanced players. There are over 4 dozen golf courses at your disposal. Prestigious international tournaments take place here, and the game together with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, high cliffs, a fig orchard or a natural park will certainly be remembered by all of those who come to visit!
The landmarks of the Algarve – sandy beaches and high cliffs
If we held a postcard from the Algarve in our hand, it would most likely be a photo of one of the four most popular attractions of the region: Praia da Marinha, Algar de Benagil, Praia da Rocha and Ponta da Piedade. Let’s begin with Praia da Marinha, the beach next to Lagoa. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – is there anything more we should say? Let’s walk down the stairs to Marinha Beach. The descent to the water itself is very gentle and the conditions are conducive to water sports, including diving. The sandy beach and turquoise water are a duo that are perfectly complemented by the warm-coloured high cliffs – with one of the cliffs even having the unique shape of the letter M. Unfortunately, the beach is often crowded, so if you do not feel comfortable, we recommend going to its eastern end, to reach the quiet Praia do Buraco.
Algar de Benagil is one of the most interesting caves available to tourists. Certainly, many of us know perfectly well the view from the photos on travel portals. The yellow-orange rocks have a characteristic hole in the vault, which the sun rays fall on the sandy, small beach inside the grotto. NOTE! The cave can only be reached by water – many companies organize boat trips, you can also rent a kayak. You can also climb the rocks and admire the grotto from above, however, it is too high to be able to get inside.
Praia da Rocha is another popular beach in the Algarve, which also has well-developed infrastructure. It is located approximately 3 km from the center of Portimão. Wide, sandy and perfect for relaxing, as well as for practicing water or beach sports. Because of its location in the Algarve region, the beach is also surrounded by high cliffs. We recommend going to one of the viewpoints, such as the pier. Beautiful views can also be seen from Ponta de Piedade. This is one of the main landmarks of Lagos. High rock formations reach a height of 20 meters and contain numerous grottos and caves that are worth visiting by boat. Tourists can climb the viewpoints and take a souvenir photo – definitely a memorable experience!
Charming coves and lesser-known beaches
Not all of us can get relaxed on popular and crowded beaches, so it will be good to name a few spots that will provide us with ideal conditions for rest. Located in the tourist part of the Algarve, in Lagos, the Meia Praia deserves attention – it is approx. 5 km long, guaranteeing ideal conditions for water sports. On the other hand, Praia do Camilo is a beach with a characteristic descent down numerous wooden steps. The beach itself is small, quiet and surrounded by cliffs. There will also be fewer tourists in Aljezur and the surrounding beaches (e.g. Praia de Monte Clérigo). This place is popular amongst windsurfing enthusiasts. The cliffs covered with lush vegetation are the domain of, among others Praia do Vale dos Homens.
Praia da Falesia is a beach near the city of Albufeira that is almost 6 km wide. Although it is a popular spot, mainly thanks to the red and gold cliffs, you will also find secluded places there. The eastern part of the Algarve is made up of almost empty, unspoiled beaches where mostly locals rest. Those which deserve particular attention include, for example, the beach of Barril, famous for its anchors stuck in the sand, or the beach of Verde, rich in dune vegetation.
The most interesting cities of the Algarve
The tourist cities of the Algarve include Lagos with a beautiful old town and the fortress Fortaleza do Ponta da Bandeira. Faro, in turn, is the largest city in the region. It is famous for the Sé Cathedral and the Skull Chapel in Igreja do Carmo. Nearby, we will visit a baroque palace with a pink facade and a beautiful garden in Estoya. It is also worth going on a cruise to the Ria Formosa. It is a natural park with unspoiled nature and a home for many species of animals, including various birds. The system of islets with beaches will appeal to all lovers of quiet relaxation. Portimão is an excellent base. A city with a fishing history we will learn when visiting a museum in an old canning factory. Finally, the touristic Albufeira, famous for its beautiful old town, whitewashed houses and winding streets worth getting lost in. From the city center you can go directly to the beach (Praia dos Pescadores).
There are a large number of cities and beaches of the Algarve that are worth a visit, but no words or pictures can fully convey their atmosphere and beauty. Whoever visits the Algarve once, will certainly want to come back there again.