The region around Albufeira (known as the Algarve) stretches for 240km (150mi) along Portugal’s southern shores, from the Spanish frontier to Cabo de São Vicente.
The Algarve offers a choice of must-see attractions from idyllic countryside to lively beach resorts, towns and medieval hillside villages, including…
Unwind on the golden-sand beaches of this purpose-built resort that stretches for 20km along a sun-kissed coastline.
Sunbathe on the main beach (Praia da Vilamoura), metres from a choice of hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Read more about Vilamoura…
Although Portimao is probably best known for the gorgeous nearby beaches of Praia da Rocha and Praia dos Tres Irmaos, the town also offers several other attractions.
Wander colourful gardens and stroll the narrow cobbled streets of the Old Quarter around Largo da Barca.
Read more about Portimao…
This vibrant resort fronts a wide, 2km-long expanse of pale golden sand shelving into the turquoise coloured waters of the Bay of Lagos.
Spend the day on the gorgeous Praia do Alvor where there’s always a secluded spot to sunbathe and numerous water sport activities to keep adults and children entertained, including pedalos, banana boats, sea kayaks and catamarans.
Read more about Alvor…
Experience this ancient maritime town steeped in history and now transformed into a lively resort. Discover a great selection of golden-sand beaches, fine dining restaurants and countless bars.
Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town (most of which was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake) and admire the remains of the old Roman fortifications and 17th century Fortaleza da Ponta da Bandeira.
Read more about Lagos…
Rub shoulders with movie stars and European presidents and prime ministers at the Algarve’s most elegant and upmarket resort, a sprawling 800ha beachfront estate overlooking the Ria Formosa estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. Out of town, explore the extensive wetlands of Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
Read more about Quinta do Lago…
Walk around the historic Old Quarter (or Cidade Velha), encircled by medieval walls and overlooking the Ria Formosa. Discover a maze of narrow cobbled streets lined with inviting cafés, shops and a treasure trove of exceptional historic buildings dating back to the 13th century.
Read more about Faro…
Stroll from the river up a steep and twisting warren of narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses to the magnificent red-sandstone ramparts of the Moorish Castelo dos Mouros, the biggest castle in the Algarve, dating from the 9th century and built on the site of 4th century Roman fortifications.
Read more about Silves…
Visit the so-called o fim do mundo (the end of the world) – a long, craggy peninsula terminating in the Atlantic Ocean at the southwestern tip of Europe.
It was in Sagres that Prince Henry the Navigator established his school of navigation – from here the great sailors and navigators such as Magellan, Diaz, Cabral and Vasco da Gama set sail on their voyages of discovery.
Read more about Sagres…
Explore the timeless elegance of this charming riverside town crammed with 16th to 18th century buildings.
Visit the remains of a hilltop Moorish castle and the Ponta Romana, a low arched bridge spanning the Rio Gilão, which flows through the centre of historical Tavira.
Read more about Tavira…
Discover this picture-perfect village set in the forested 458m-high Serra de Monchique, just 24km (15mi) north of Portimão and 55km (34mi) northeast of Albufeira.
Wander the cobblestoned streets and visit several 16th and 17th century churches including the Igreja Matriz and the Igre de Sao Sebastiao.
Latest update: Top Attractions in the Algarve: 22 November, 2023
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