How to Soak Up a Sun-Drenched Escape to Portugal’s Algarve Region

We can just taste the crisp vinho verde as we sit down to write about all things Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal. Thanks to its year-round sunny weather and beautiful, rugged coastline, it’s one of the most popular holiday destinations in all of Europe.

But it’s not just the coast that makes it the hot tourist destination that it is. The Algarve is a true land of contrast, filled with historic towns, idyllic vineyards, lush mountain scenery, and tranquil nature reserves. Truly and simply, there’s something for everyone.

Knowing that, doesn’t a trip to the region sound just perfect? Read on to learn what keeps pulling people here, and what you might like to add to your very own Algarve itinerary.

The Beaches, the Sea, and the Watersports

Does 300 days of sunshine annually sound good? The beach dwellers who flock to the Algarve each year sure seem to think so. Beaches in the region are typically accompanied by a dramatic coastline that makes sunbathing and hiking in the same day both possible and easy.

Here are a few popular beaches:

• Sao Rafael Beach – Without a doubt, this is one of the most picturesque beaches in the Algarve. It’s framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and is only a short distance from the lively and historic resort town of Albufeira.
• Praia da Rocha – A smaller beach that’s still used as a fishing port today. It’s one of the few beaches in the region where you can see fishing boats on the beach, just like in the old days.
• Arrifana Beach – A prime surfing (and surfer-watching) beach. The nearby coastal village of Aljezur is also worth a visit, sporting rural houses in traditional Algarve architecture.
• Praia do Camilo – A short walk from the more popular Praia de Dona Ana, this beach is much quieter and more serene. It’s only accessible by descending a steep staircase, but once your toes hit the sand, you’ll enjoy two separate beach areas connected by a tunnel carved through the cliffs.

While sunbathing is, of course, popular here, water sports are too – and for great reason. The Algarve’s characteristic caves and grottos are unbelievably cool, and you can really only get to most of them by boat.

Kayaking the Benagil Cave, for instance, is a must-have experience – you’ll be in awe of what the sea has done over 20 million years to create this magical limestone cavern. It has its own indoor beach and a beautiful round skylight up top.

Plenty of the Algarve’s beaches have waves that are great for beginners, so surfing is also popular. If you’re new (or just rusty), lessons are offered at many beaches across the southern and western coasts.

Paddle boarding, waterskiing, jet skiing, or wakeboarding more your thing? Fret not; the Algarve has all of those things and more (flyboarding, anyone?) at dozens of water sports centers along the coast.

The Hikes

Hikers of all levels can find their perfect jaunt, and all of them offer the spectacular views for which the region is hailed. You can explore sea-battered cliffs, wetlands full of wildlife, soaring mountain ranges and native flora.

All-day hike aficionados love the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos (Seven Hanging Valleys) hike, which takes you through seven valleys over about 5-7 hours.

The Food

As you might suspect, some of the best food in the Algarve comes from the sea. But first, we should mention that many meals in Portugal begin with couvert, or a starter. Anything from simple olives to marinated carrots to a selection of cheeses could be brought out for you to enjoy.

Once you’ve stoked your appetite, it’s time to dive into some of the famous dishes of the region. One signature dish of the Algarve is Conquilhas a Algarvia, starring clams and Portuguese sausage. But there are other dishes famous to the region that people love, too. Feijoada is a hearty bean stew usually made with pork that can be enjoyed on a cool, coastal night.

Tip: For Michelin-rated dining, try Avenida in Lagos, and for a great meal with a sea view, no frills Bóia Bar is excellent.

Oh, and what’s with the tinned fish? Anyone who’s ever been to Portugal will tell you that there’s canned fish for purchase just about everywhere, even the airport (in case you need to stock up before flying home). The Portuguese are big on it. To learn all about Portugal’s unique fishing & canning traditions, visit the Portimão Museum.

The Wine (Cheers – or, Saúde!)

You may know Portuguese wine from the popular Duoro valley, but high quality wines from over 30 producers can also be found in the Algarve.

A tour of a few wineries is a great way to spend an afternoon sampling (and not worrying about driving). Quinta do Canhoto Adega in Albufeira, Quinta da Tor in Loulé, and Monte da Casteleja in Lagos are a few favorites.

Town Hopping in the Algarve

A couple of great towns to visit include:

• Lagos – Western Algarve’s liveliest town with a wide range of fantastic restaurants, historical sites, jaw-dropping coastline, caves, and grottos. Hike along the cliff walls and then admire them from sea level on a boat tour.
• Portimão – The second largest city in the Algarve with a medieval fort and panoramic views.
• Ria Formosa – Explore the canals, marshlands, sandy beaches, and small islands by boat or by foot. Taking a boat ride to the barrier islands off the coast may lead to some epic bottlenose dolphin and minke whale sightings.
• Aljezur – A true hidden gem within the boundaries of a national park, and a prime destination for surfing.
• Ferragudo – An authentic fishing town, and perhaps the prettiest small village in the Algarve.
• Monchique – A super idyllic mountain town surrounded by lush green forests. From here, you can take a road up to the highest point in the Algarve to see sweeping views of many of the region’s towns and even the Atlantic Ocean, on a clear day.
• Silves – Once the capital of the Algarve, it had great importance as a trading center during the Moorish era. Explore the castle and the cobbled streets surrounding it.
• Tavira – A mix of traditional Portuguese style with deep-rooted Moorish influences, you’ll find it in the laid-back east region. The central plaza is dotted with cafes, a medieval bridge, and whitewashed houses with pops of color.

So now you understand the pull of the Algarve – the reason people from all over the world are abuzz about it. With a breadth of activities and natural beauty to savor, it’s easy to see why.

If there is such a thing, it might just be the perfect vacation destination.

Stay tuned for Kimpton São Rafael Atlántico, opening in 2025.