Some of the most beautiful places in Algarve

Beautiful places in the Algarve 

Set on the southern edge of Portugal, the Algarve ticks all the boxes when it comes to a perfect coastline escape and living. 

If you have decided to make a move to the Algarve and are looking for the most beautiful places to visit our hints should give you a good start. Hopefully, they will also lead you to find other locations that will interest you.

The Algarve has many fascinating small towns that are steeped deep in history, laidback cliff-top hamlets, reposeful nature reserves, and of course, huge stretches of rugged shorelines. 

Whether you’re looking for a town full of culture or yearning for tranquillity, here are some tips for the most beautiful places in the Algarve. 

1. Sagres 

Sagres is located at the southwestern tip of the Algarve and it’s still a hidden gem where you can explore the wild countryside nearby. 

Even in peak season when the central Algarve gets swamped by tourists, the streets and the beaches in Sagres are quieter which makes the town a top choice for someone looking for an authentic local experience. 

Sagres also boast a 14th-century castle or the proper name Fortaleza de Sagres which translates to the Sagres Fortress. It is well worth a walk around to see the history of the place. It can get very windy in this part of the Algarve so always take a jacket along.

Some of the best things to do in this small town include surfing and beach-hopping. A visit to the Cabo de San Vincente and the still-working Lighthouse also should be on your list. This is the most Westerly point of the Algarve, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. 

1. Tavira 

Tavira is dubbed ‘the Venice of the Algarve’ and it’s easy to see why. 

Characterized by white-washed houses, cobblestone streets, old bridges, and a river that traverses through the town, Tavira is hands down one of the most beautiful places in this province. 

Like most parts of southern Portugal, Tavira has traces of Arab, Roman, and Christian heritage so it’s a nice place to explore if you’re a history geek. 

Here you’ll find fewer big hotels, a lot of quaint churches, fishing boats that cram the banks of the Gilão river, and a lot of historical structures. 

But what makes Tavira even more alluring is Tavira Island, which boasts approximately 6.8 miles of unspoiled beaches. 

1. Faro 

Despite being the main entry point into the Algarve and home to the third largest airport in the country, Faro is often overlooked in favour of other cities. But this capital of the region has so much to offer. 

With its beautiful islands, old castles, historical centres, and loads of cultural attractions, Faro has an authentic Portuguese vibe. 

A short drive from the centre and across a small bridge you will find the Isle de Faro which is a beautiful place to visit. A thin strip of land with one road passing from one end to the other and on either side adorned by beaches.

You can stroll through the old town as you marvel at its medieval walls, explore the beautiful marina or take time to enjoy the relaxed vibe of the city in one of its well-kept squares or parks.  

1. Silves 

Silves sits further from the shorelines but it’s one of the most charming towns in the country. 

Once the capital of the Algarve, this small town is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts. It’s mostly known as the town with the best-preserved castle in the region. 

The castle, Castelo de Silves is one of the most interesting attractions in the town, the Moors ruled over the entire region of the Algarve from this castle way back in the 7th century. 

Another great place to visit in Silves is the city gate or Portas das Cidade which was at some point supposed to be the main entry into the city. 

1. Lagos 

If you’re a party animal and you prefer a more vibrant locale, Lagos is the perfect match. It’s one of the finest destinations in the Algarve thanks to its picturesque beaches, dramatic rock formations, and thriving nightlife. 

There is plenty of history here and the surrounding areas with great architecture to be found in the castles, churches and museums. 

Some of the best things to do in this town include watching the sunset and hopping from one beach to another in search of hidden coves.