Latest update: 11 July 2024
If the Algarve in Portugal is famous for anything, it is its vast sea cliffs and picture-perfect beaches. The southern part of Portugal has much more to offer: vineyards to mountains and dolphins to donkeys. Quickly discover the best sights and prettiest spots in the Algarve.
Seven Hanging Valleys
From Praia da Marinha you can do a fantastic cliff hike. The Seven Hanging Valleys are a spectacular natural phenomenon. From the first few meters I grabbed my camera and never let go. The cliffs are so impressive and stand out beautifully against the water. There are several bays where you can relax too.
You can walk the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail to the endpoint in about 2.5 to 3 hours. It is then up to you whether you take the same route back or prefer to hop in a taxi. Want more details? In this blog, you can read everything about the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
Benagil Caves
The Benagil caves definitely deserve a mention as one of the most beautiful spots in the Algarve. Only… I haven’t been there. The weather was so bad that my kayaking trip to the Benagil Caves was canceled. I was really disappointed and went for a wine tasting instead, which was also fun. But hopefully, you have better luck.
To see the Benagil Caves, you have to go by water. Swimming is not an option due to the current, so a boat or kayak trip is ideal. You can book one here, for example. Natural erosion has left a round hole in the ceiling, which is a favorite spot for photos.
The castle of Silves
Silves is a little more inland, above the Benagil Caves and Lagoa. The main attraction in Silves in the Algarve is the castle. It is located atop a hill, and the walls are well-preserved. You can walk all the way around the Silves castle on the walls for just a few euros. There are also some archaeological excavations to view, and there is a small underground museum with changing exhibitions. It is a fairly large complex, but a visit will probably not take you more than 45 minutes. In addition, the center of Silves is lovely to walk through. Read more about what you can do in Silves.
Ponta da Piedade
Near Lagos are the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, which are definitely worth a visit. You can sail along the cliffs and caves with a boat, SUP, or kayak. I recommend SUP or kayaking because you can also look at the smaller caves of Ponta da Piedade. The kayak tour here was one of my favorite things to do in the Algarve. You won’t regret it! Review your options.
Also make your way to the top of Ponta da Piedade. You can walk on the wooden decking on top of Ponta da Piedade. In several places, you can take a long staircase down to take a refreshing dip or enjoy the view.
Spotting dolphins in the Algarve
Dolphins swim off the coast of the Algarve. No wonder that many tours are offered to view these beautiful animals. You can book a boat trip to see dolphins from various places in the Algarve. For example from Lagos, Portimão or Albufeira. You can often book this on-site or reserve online if you prefer.
Tavira with a tuk tuk
The beautiful town of Tavira in the east of the Algarve is small but nice. It has eateries and bars, and nice street corners and cute houses are everywhere. You can spend a few hours wandering through Tavira. Be sure to do that too! But I also recommend that you book a tuk-tuk tour.
This was one of the best tours I did in the Algarve. The guide was a walking (ok, tuk-tuk driving) encyclopedia and friendly, so you quickly get a good idea of Tavira. Just book. You’ll love it.
Also read my blog about Tavira.
The mountains of Monchique
From the high cliffs of the Algarve to the high mountains of the Algarve. Or well, relatively high. The Fóia mountain peak is at 902 meters. This area is the Serra de Monchique mountain range. Pay close attention to hairpin bends and cyclists when you drive. You know, typical mountain roads. It is wonderfully green and fresh around the mountain village of Monchique. The perfect place for lovely walks, bike rides, and rest. You can also go for a walk with donkeys. And don’t miss the cool food truck on Mount Fóia! Read more about it in the article about Monchique.
The beaches of the Algarve
Do you want to spend a few hours at the beach or the whole day? Then the Algarve is the right place for you. Praia da Marinha is a popular beach near the Seven Hanging Valleys. In Lagos, you have both long sandy beaches and smaller bays. But the beach at Faro is also very relaxed. In summer, Albufeira is full of young people on a festive holiday. It is a bit quieter, for example, at Ferragudo beach. You get the picture: plenty of choice.
Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente
Sagres is the surfing village of the Algarve, and Cabo de São Vicente is nearby. That is the most southwestern point of mainland Europe. Here, too, you have beautiful cliffs, but a lot rougher than at Ponta da Piedade and Seven Hanging Valleys. The wind can blow hard, and if you are lucky, you will see the most beautiful sunset of your holiday.
In Sagres, you can surf well because of the wind – or enjoy the taste of salt water, depending on your skills. The village has many nice coffee shops and bars where you can spend hours. Read more about Sagres in Portugal here.
More sights in the Algarve
There is much more to do and see in the Algarve! This list is just a selection of the most beautiful places and best sights. Be sure to read my other blogs about the Algarve for more details and ideas. And I’m also curious about your favorite places in the Algarve. Will you leave a comment?
More Portugal inspiration?
Useful links for your Portugal trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorites: Booking.com and Campspace. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. Try WithLocals for experiences with Portuguese locals. Book your ‘free’ walking tours with Freetour.com or GuruWalks, and try bike tours with Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Car rental. If you want to compare prices, check out Discover Cars or Rental Cars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Guidebooks. I love paper guidebooks to flip through. Buy them at Amazon.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Maybe Expedia or CheapOair has a good option.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train and Bus Travel to Portugal with Busbud. And reserve buses and trains on the go with 12Go or Omio.
- Yoga retreat. Or maybe treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Portugal.
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