06/09/2026
If you’re visiting the Algarve for the first time, here’s what you need to know ↓🇵🇹
There are a lot of beautiful places in the Algarve. These 10 are the ones we’d prioritise if you want to see the landscapes that make this corner of Portugal so special.
The best way to do it is to group them by area:
✨ LAGOS
Ponta da Piedade at 8:30am, before the boat tours get going, is one of the best 20 minutes you’ll spend in Portugal. Head to Praia Dona Ana right after for a swim, then wander the old town, cobblestone streets and little squares.
🏖️ CENTRAL ALGARVE – Portimão → Albufeira
This is where you’ll find the famous postcard scenery alongside the bigger resorts. Praia do Carvalho is reached through a tunnel carved into the rock – impressive. Add Praia da Marinha, Benagil by kayak, Algar Seco … and Silves for a break from the coast and a taste of the Algarve’s Moorish history.
🌊 WEST COAST & SAGRES
The wild, cliff-heavy edge of the Algarve. Golden light, huge Atlantic sunsets, soft green hills and beaches where your phone might finally lose signal. We especially love Praia do Beliche and Praia da Barriga. Surf? Head to Praia do Amado or Arrifana. And catch sunset at Cabo de São Vicente or one of the westerly beaches. (Bring a jacket!)🧥
🚤 EAST ALGARVE — Faro, Tavira & Ria Formosa
The side of the Algarve many first-time visitors miss. Tavira has a completely different feel to the western Algarve. Take a boat out to Ilha Deserta, bring lunch and enjoy the fact that there isn’t much there. That’s rather the point.
HOW TO DO IT:
If you choose a central base like Lagos, give yourself a day for the west coast, another for the central Algarve, and another for the east if you have the time. You can then come back to Lagos for its restaurants, bars, activities and nightlife.
Prefer somewhere quieter? Ferragudo makes another great central base.
We’ve also put together an Algarve Guide to make planning your trip really easy. Comment ALGARVE26 or find our guides via the link in our bio.
📌 Save this for your Algarve trip