About Algarve
The Algarve is the southernmost NUTS II region of continental Portugal. It has an area of 4,997 km2 (1,929 sq mi) with 467,495 permanent inhabitants and incorporates 16 municipalities.
Places to visit in Algarve
-
Ponta da Piedade
Viewpoint · 41 mi from centreA headland near Lagos with golden cliffs, sea arches and grottoes. Take a kayak or small boat tour from Lagos to see the caves from the water.
-
Benagil Cave
Nature · 28 mi from centreA famous sea cave with a natural skylight, located near the fishing village of Benagil. Visit by boat or kayak, and check current access rules, as landing on the beach is restricted.
-
Cape St. Vincent
Viewpoint · 58 mi from centreThe dramatic southwestern tip of mainland Europe, with towering cliffs and a lighthouse. Arrive for sunset, and bring a jacket since it is often windy.
-
Ria Formosa
Nature · 4 mi from centreA protected lagoon system of channels, islands and salt marshes along the eastern coast. Take a boat trip from Faro or Olhão to reach the quiet barrier island beaches.
-
Praia da Marinha
Beach · 27 mi from centreA beautiful beach backed by golden cliffs and rock stacks. Walk part of the clifftop Seven Hanging Valleys trail for great views over the coast, and arrive early in summer when parking fills up.
-
Silves Castle
Historic · 30 mi from centreA red sandstone castle from the Moorish era overlooking the town of Silves. Walk the castle walls and visit the nearby cathedral in the old town.
-
Tavira
Neighborhood · 17 mi from centreA charming town on the Gilão River with a Roman bridge, churches and whitewashed houses. Take the ferry to Ilha de Tavira for long sandy beaches.
-
Fortress of Sagres
Historic · 56 mi from centreA clifftop fortress near the southwestern tip of Portugal, associated with Prince Henry the Navigator. Walk the clifftop paths and watch for local fishermen perched on the rocks.
Things to do in Algarve by type
24 tours, tickets and experiences across 5 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
-
Day Trips & Excursions 10 experiences A taste of the Algarve: Flavours and Traditions - Full-Day Tour -
City tours 5 experiences Algarve à la Carte: Vip Minibus + Lunch -
Cruise & Water Tours 4 experiences Dolphin Discovery -
Gastronomy & nightlife 2 experiences A taste of the Algarve: Flavours and Traditions - Full-Day Tour -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 2 experiences Jeep Safari
- 3-6 hours 2
- Flexible 1
- Over 6 hours 1
- Couples 5
- Families 5
- Youth 5
- Senior 3
- Private 1
Top experiences in Algarve
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 24 available.
Special Discount Offer: Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Boat Tour from Portimao
From $27 per adult
Visit to Sevilla with Shopping from Western Zone - Full-Day Tour
From $67 per adult
Faro Private Walking Tour
From $263 per adult
Lagos and Cabo de São Vicente Half Day Tour
From $47 per adult
European eSim Data Card
From $12 per adult
Where to stay in Algarve
Popular hotels in Algarve, out of 724 properties you can book.
Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort
From $267 per night
Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort
From $121 per night
Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa
From $128 per night
Sol e Mar Adults Only
From $116 per night
Janelas do Mar
From $41 per night
Real Marina Hotel & Spa
From $104 per night
The Westin Algarve Salgados Beach Resort
From $131 per night
NH Lagos Algarve Resort
From $78 per night
Boa Vista Hotel & Spa
From $66 per night
Muthu Oura Praia Hotel
From $52 per night
Grand Muthu Oura View Beach Club
From $91 per night
Rocamar Exclusive Hotel & Spa
From $115 per night
Best time to visit Algarve
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Algarve is May to June and September, when average daytime highs are around 75–81°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Algarve weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 74° 52° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 70° 49° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 77° 55° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 75° 52° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 78° 54° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 81° 61° 3%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
- Language
- Portuguese
- Calling code
- +351
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/LisbonUTC+1
- Capital
- Lisbon
Upcoming public holidays in Portugal
- All Saints DayDia de Todos-os-Santos
- Restoration of IndependenceRestauração da Independência
- Immaculate ConceptionImaculada Conceição
- Christmas DayNatal
- New Year's DayAno Novo
- Good FridaySexta-feira Santa
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Algarve
These are the airports closest to central Algarve. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- FAO Faro Airport2 mi (3 km) from the city centre
Getting around Algarve
The Algarve Railway (Linha do Algarve) is a convenient possibility to get around Algarve. It connects Lagos in the west with Vila Real de Santo António on the border with Spain, calling at most towns and cities along the way (Portimão, Silves, Tunes, Loulé, Faro, Tavira, etc.). There is no direct train between Lagos and Vila Real d/S/A. Operated are usually Regional trains, between Faro and Tunes also Alfa Pendular, Intercidades and InterRegional trains. Journey from Faro to Lagos takes from 1h30min to 1h45min.
By bus
Regional bus companies include Eva Transportes and Frota Azul Algarve. Algarve Bus website has a collection of bus information for Algarve region.
By car
A car is often the best way of seeing the Algarve, owing to the limited public transport services. Cars can be hired at Faro Airport and in other towns and cities in the Algarve. Most car rental companies will stipulate a minimum age of 21. Prices start from about €10 a day for a small car and there is often a wide range of cars to choose from.
Algarve travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Algarve?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Algarve is May to June and September, when average daytime highs are around 75–81°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
What is the weather like in Algarve?
August is usually the warmest month in Algarve, with average highs of 87°F (30°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 51°F (10°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 169 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Algarve?
Faro Airport (FAO) is the closest airport, about 2 miles (3 km) from the centre of Algarve.
What currency is used in Algarve?
Algarve uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.
What time zone is Algarve in?
Algarve uses the Europe/Lisbon time zone (currently UTC+1). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Algarve?
The Algarve Railway (Linha do Algarve) is a convenient possibility to get around Algarve. It connects Lagos in the west with Vila Real de Santo António on the border with Spain, calling at most towns and cities along the way (Portimão, Silves, Tunes, Loulé, Faro, Tavira, etc.).
What are the best places to visit in Algarve?
Top sights in Algarve include Ponta da Piedade, Benagil Cave, Cape St. Vincent and Ria Formosa. A headland near Lagos with golden cliffs, sea arches and grottoes. Take a kayak or small boat tour from Lagos to see the caves from the water.
What are the top things to do in Algarve?
Popular experiences you can book in Algarve include Special Discount Offer: Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Boat Tour from Portimao, Visit to Sevilla with Shopping from Western Zone - Full-Day Tour and Faro Private Walking Tour. Destina Holidays offers 24 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Algarve?
The most popular types of experiences in Algarve are day trips & excursions (10), city tours (5), cruise & water tours (4) and gastronomy & nightlife (2). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Algarve?
Popular areas for hotels in Algarve include Vilamoura, Carvoeiro and Albufeira. Well-reviewed options include Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort and Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort.
How many hotels can I book in Algarve?
Destina Holidays currently lists 724 properties in and around Algarve, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
