The Best Things to Do in the Algarve (and What to Skip)

From dramatic cliffs and golden beaches to surf towns, seafood, and hidden caves, the Algarve is one of Portugal’s most diverse regions. Here’s our honest take on where to go, what to skip, and how to make the most of your trip.

How to Get There

The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region, and Faro is the main airport hub.
If you’re already in Portugal, you can also take a train or drive — we’ve driven from Porto on our trips down (about a 5-6 hour drive).
Tip: We highly recommend renting a car once you’re in the Algarve. It’s easy to navigate, and there’s so much worth seeing that isn’t accessible by public transport.

Where to Stay

✅ Our Pick: Lagos

If it’s your first time in the Algarve, Lagos makes the perfect home base. It still has local charm and historic character, but it’s also got a great restaurant scene, cute cafés, and plenty of shops. Plus, it’s well-positioned for day trips — you’re within easy reach of smaller beach towns, cliff hikes, and the famous Benagil caves.

❌ Where You Can Skip (in Our Opinion)

Portimão – While it has some great beaches and lookout points, it’s overdeveloped and dominated by high-rise condos. It feels more like a crowded resort zone than a charming coastal town.
Albufeira – Very tourist-heavy, with little character. Packed with nightlife, large resorts, and party crowds — not ideal if you’re looking for something authentic or scenic.
Faro – Though it’s the regional capital and home to the main airport, there’s surprisingly little to do or see in town. Fine for a quick stop, but we wouldn’t recommend staying here for long.

What to Do

🏖 Beaches & Coastline

Hit the Beaches – From wild surf spots to calm coves, the Algarve coastline has something for everyone. Our favorites near Lagos include:
- Praia do Camilo – Dramatic cliffs and iconic stairway.
- Praia Dona Ana – Cliff-backed, clear water, walkable from town.
- Praia da Marinha – Iconic limestone arches + tunnel to Praia do Buraco.
- Praia da Bordeira – Remote, surfy, and wide open.
Take a Coastal Boat Tour or Dolphin Watching Trip – Choose between scenic cruises, dolphin spotting, or boat tours with swimming stops.
- Tip: Smaller group or early morning tours are best to avoid crowds.
Watch the Sunset from the Cliffs
- Cabo de São Vicente (Sagres) – Windswept, dramatic, and unforgettable.
- Ponta da Piedade – Especially magical at golden hour.

⛰️ Adventure & Outdoors

Kayak to the Sea Caves – Paddle into the Algarve’s famous caves, like Benagil Cave, Ponta da Piedade, or Algar Seco, for a close-up look at the coastline.
➡️ We did a 2 hr Benagil kayak tour at 8 am and highly recommend going early to avoid the crowds. We had the cave to ourselves which felt surreal. It was only €30 pp, which included the guide and gear.
Hike the Coastal Trails
- Seven Hanging Valleys Trail – Epic 7 km clifftop hike with cave views. You can access this trail easily from the parking lot near Benagil cave and the views are stunning.
- Ponta da Piedade Clifftop Walk – Easy, beautiful, and right by Lagos.
- Rota Vicentina – For something more remote and rugged.
Take a Surf Lesson – Head to Aljezur for beginner-friendly surf and laid-back schools. ➡️ We liked Boa Onda — low-pressure and fun. It was €40 pp for a 1/2 day + boards + wetsuit.

🍷 Local Finds Worth the Drive

Go Wine Tasting
- Wine Emotion (Lagos) – A new wine bar with rotating tastings. Great selection of local and international wines.
- Monte da Casteleja – Organic wines in a rustic vineyard setting.
- Quinta dos Vales – One of the Algarve’s biggest producers with a full experience.
Shop for Local Ceramics
- Porches Pottery – Classic Algarve pieces + a charming café (total hidden gem that we will be visiting again).
- Ceramica Paraiso (Sagres) – Affordable, with fun browsing after the fortress.

🛍️ Explore Coastal Towns

Aljezur (approx. 45 min from Lagos) – Tucked in the Algarve’s wilder northwest, Aljezur feels like stepping back in time…in the best way. Expect surfy vibes, dramatic cliffs, and cobblestone streets. It’s low-key, artsy, and full of local gems. We also took surf lessons here with Boa Onda Surf School, which were super chill and great for beginners.
Sagres (approx. 35 min from Lagos) – Breathtaking cliff views, rugged beaches, and a legendary sunset at Cabo de São Vicente. Sagres has a windblown, edge-of-the-world energy that feels different from the rest of the Algarve. Stop by Cerâmica Paraíso for affordable handmade pottery.
Praia da Luz (approx. 15 min from Lagos) – Charming and compact, Luz is a peaceful beach town with a wide seafront promenade. It’s quieter than Lagos but still has good restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere — perfect for an afternoon escape.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Lagos (and Nearby)

We kept this list tight — only places we genuinely enjoyed and would go back to. Whether you’re in the mood for wood-fired pizza, grilled fish by the sea, or a tasting menu in a windmill village, these spots all hit the mark.

🍕 Casual Favorites

Pizzolino (Lagos) – Tiny, friendly, and always buzzing. This little Italian spot serves up legit wood-fired pizzas and fresh pastas that punch way above their size. Best for a relaxed dinner after a beach day.
➡️ Pro tip: Call ahead or go early — it fills up fast.
Padaria Central (Lagos) – Great for an easy, affordable breakfast or quick lunch. Think fresh breads, sandwiches, and simple pastries — plus solid coffee. Grab a table on the sidewalk and people-watch like a local.
Black & White Café (Lagos) – One of our go-to spots for a chill breakfast or mid-morning snack. They serve eggs, toasts, smoothies, and solid coffee — plus it’s got great people-watching just off the main square.
➡️ Bonus: Lots of vegetarian-friendly options.
Wild’s Sandwich Boutique (Alvor) – Trendy sandwich and smoothie spot with fun flavor combos and laid-back surf vibes. Great for lunch or a beach picnic pickup.
Social (Lagos) – Fun and buzzy, this spot does great cocktails and globally inspired share plates. Think crispy squid, grilled meats, and bold veggie dishes in a trendy setting. Great for groups or a casual night out.
Everyday People Coffee (Lagos) – Great coffee, cool minimalist interiors, and a solid breakfast menu with toasts, bowls, and pastries. It’s a great place to start your day or work for a bit if you’re traveling slow.

🐟 Local Staples

A Forja (Lagos) – Local, lively, and always packed. The menu is full of classic Portuguese seafood dishes — grilled sardines, prawns, clams, and more. No frills, just fresh and delicious.
➡️ They don’t take reservations, so plan to wait — but it’s worth it.
Restaurante dos Artistas (Lagos) – A longtime favorite for elevated Portuguese cuisine with a more polished atmosphere. Great service, beautiful presentation, and a menu that mixes tradition with creativity.
O Camilo (Cliffside, near Praia do Camilo) – Built into the cliffs near the famous beach, this is the spot for a lunch with a view. Their seafood rice and grilled fish are the standouts, and the ocean backdrop doesn’t hurt either.
Alambique (near Lagoa – ~35 min from Lagos) – Upscale but relaxed, with beautiful garden seating and a Portuguese-meets-modern menu. A great spot if you’re heading back from Praia da Marinha or Benagil.

🌿 Worth the Drive

O Café da Olaria (Porches – ~35 min from Lagos) – Tucked into the Porches Pottery studio, this café is as charming as it gets. Great coffee, house-made cakes, and light lunches surrounded by colorful ceramics. A peaceful little detour that feels like a secret garden.
Naperon (Odeceixe – ~1 hr 15 from Lagos) – One of our favorite meals of the trip. Set in a sleepy windmill village, this chef-driven tasting menu blends local ingredients with serious creativity. Quiet, romantic, and completely unique.
➡️ Definitely a reservation spot.
Museu da Batata Doce (Rogil – ~1 hr from Lagos) – An unassuming favorite that locals love. Everything on the menu leans into the region’s beloved sweet potato — from grilled pork to the side dishes and even dessert. Low-key, delicious, and very affordable.

Whether you’re chasing cliff hikes, fresh seafood, or just a stretch of sand to exhale on — the Algarve delivers. There’s something about the rhythm here that invites you to slow down, wander a bit further, and let the days unfold without a plan.

From its postcard-perfect beaches to sleepy surf towns, the Algarve really does have a little bit of everything. And once you go, we have a feeling you’ll already be planning your return.

Erika & Mark