Europe Portugal 10 Travel Tips for Visiting the Algarve, Portugal

10 Travel Tips for Visiting the Algarve, Portugal

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As Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto have regained their popularity, the Algarve coast has been doing just fine. For decades, Portugal’s southernmost region has served as an alternative to the busy beaches of Spain, beloved for both its stunning scenery and affordability.

With sun, sand, and sights, the Algarve is an ideal getaway. If you’re looking to plan your first trip to the Algarve, follow these useful tips for traveling to the Algarve to make the most of your visit.

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Go Beach Hopping

A lot of what makes the Algarve such a great summer destination is the sheer number of beaches it offers. When you look for travel tips for the Algarve, you’ll find a list of beach recommendations in most roundups. That’s because there are countless beaches here, each with its own look and benefits.

If you stay in any of the main cities in this part of Portugal, at least a few beaches will be within easy reach. For instance, just a 20-minute walk from Portimão is Praia da Rocha, where you’ll find one stretch of gorgeous sand beach after another. On the other hand, beaches like Praia da Marinha aren’t close to any major town but are still just begging to be visited.

Explore the Cities Behind the Beaches

Many tourists have only the beach in mind when they travel to the Algarve. After all, the region is deservedly known for its epic beaches beneath rocky cliffs. But if you spend all your time on the sand, you’ll miss the beauty and culture just a few blocks away. The historic centers of Faro and Lagos both have some important cultural landmarks, from the Arco da Vila and Faro Cathedral to the sights around Jardim da Constituição in Lagos.

Venture Inland

Of course, you can even leave the coast entirely and still have a good time. One of the best traveling tips for the Algarve is to head for the hinterland. This rustic part of Portugal can be just as fascinating as the seaside, as it substitutes beaches for castles and countryside.

The towns of Silves and Loule both have impressive castles in their historic centers, not to mention quaint streets to wander. Then there’s the beautiful Palace of Estoi in Faro, with its ornate tilework and nearby Roman ruins. It’s clear that there’s another dimension to the Algarve you won’t want to miss.

See the Coast by Sea

While most visit the Algarve for its coast, there’s more to it than beaches. This part of Portugal’s coast is defined by the crumbling limestone cliffs that break up the beaches, from Albufeira to Praia da Rocha and all the way out to Sagres. One of the more famous coastal spots is the Ponta da Piedade, which is full of arches and grottos. Another is the iconic Benagil Cave, a favorite on Instagram.

The best way to see these attractions is usually from the water. In Benagil Cave’s case, that’s the only way to get there. You could try to do this on your own, but that has inherent safety risks, so most people take a boat tour instead. It’s good to do touristy things occasionally, especially to experience sights like these.

Here are some popular boat tours from the Algarve:

Note: Boat tours frequently sell out, especially during high season, so make sure to book well in advance.

Don’t Be Fooled by Its Size

Unless you’re content to see just one town and sit on one beach, you’ll probably want to move around to see more of the Algarve. If you think it’s a small region and this should be easy, though, I hate to break it to you – the Algarve is deceptively large.

With a coast that stretches roughly 150 kilometers, it takes time to get from one end to the other, especially with so many places to stop for a visit. Take this into account when planning a trip to the Algarve, as you don’t want to miss out on somewhere special.

Take Public Transport

While taking guided tours of the Algarve and driving yourself around are both options, the cheapest and simplest approach is to use the region’s trains and buses. While rental car prices go up in peak season, the cost of train tickets stays the same.

Running from Lagos to Faro and stopping in Portimão and Albufeira, the coastal train connects many of the Algarve’s most popular destinations. If you’re planning frequent train trips, look into the Tourist Travelcard to save money. You’ll also find fairly frequent buses connecting major destinations, from these large cities to smaller, out-of-the-way spots.

Stay in the Smaller Towns

Visitors to the Algarve often stay in big cities such as Faro and Lagos. Sure, there’s some practicality to that, but it’s not the only way to go. Smaller towns like Sagres, Tavira, and Carvoeiro offer a completely different experience from those cities. You may still find some flashy hotels, but instead of beach resorts like those you could find anywhere in Europe, you’ll mainly find unique places to stay that could only be in the Algarve.

If you are still looking for a place to stay, check out Booking.com. This site consistently offers the best rates, and its customer service is on point.

Come in the Offseason

Since the Algarve is primarily a beach destination, you may think it’s only worth visiting in summer. That is when you’ll get hot and sunny days, ideal for sunbathing and swimming, but summer isn’t your only option. The Algarve is really pleasant during the shoulder season, especially in May and June. Even October and April still offer nice days.

The shoulder season also has the benefit of being much quieter, as it avoids the summer school holidays. That means the beaches are less crowded, tours aren’t sold out, and accommodation is cheaper. This is one of the more underrated Algarve travel tips.

Eat at Local Restaurants

When you’re somewhere like the Algarve, it’s easy to fall into the habit of eating familiar food. The Algarve has decades of practice in accommodating tourists, so finding something like an Irish pub or a pizzeria is super easy. But if you stick to those places, you miss out on sampling some fantastic Portuguese cuisine, especially the seafood.

My suggestion would be to seek out smaller restaurants away from the waterfront. They often feel more intimate, have more attentive staff, and are cheaper. For instance, you’ll have better luck finding these places in Portimão than at Praia da Rocha.

Enjoy Yourself and Relax

At the end of the day, you’re coming to the Algarve for a vacation. So relax, have some lazy beach days, and treat yourself to some tasty seafood. Hopefully, these travel tips for visiting the Algarve will make all of that even easier.

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