Algarve travel tips I always share with friends
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
I’ve been coming to the Algarve since I was only 3 years old and these days I spend several months there every year. Over time, I’ve discovered so many beautiful places, hidden beaches and local spots that most tourists completely miss.
So if you’re looking for real Algarve tips, the best beaches, cute towns and amazing things to do, this guide is for you. These are honestly the places and experiences I recommend to all my friends before they visit the Algarve.
1. Western Algarve
If you ask me for the best Algarve tip I can give you, it’s this: stay in the western Algarve.
The western Algarve has that relaxed surfy atmosphere I absolutely love. Think wild nature, dramatic cliffs, empty beaches, amazing waves and tiny fisherman restaurants where time seems to stand still. It feels much more authentic and peaceful compared to the busier central Algarve.
Some of my favorite places are Burgau, Salema, Aljezur, Odeceixe and of course Sagres. Sagres especially has such a cool vibe with surfers, digital nomads, camper vans and beautiful sunsets everywhere you look.
Burgau is probably one of the cutest villages in the Algarve with white houses, small beach bars and a super relaxed atmosphere. Salema is perfect if you love slow mornings and long seafood lunches by the ocean. Aljezur and Odeceixe are amazing if you enjoy nature, hiking and surfing.
If you love a more laidback and authentic Algarve experience, the western Algarve is honestly paradise.
2. best beaches in the Algarve
The Algarve has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and after all these years I still discover new favorites. These are the Algarve beaches I always recommend.
Praia da Marinha
Probably the most famous beach in the Algarve and yes, it really is that beautiful. Praia da Marinha is known for its golden cliffs, turquoise water and incredible viewpoints. It can get busy in summer, but it’s absolutely worth visiting.
The famous Seven Hanging Valleys Trail also starts here and the views are honestly unreal.
Praia dos Caneiros
One of my favorite beaches for a more relaxed beach day. It’s beautiful, less crowded and perfect for lunch or sunset drinks at Rei das Praias.
Praia dos Três Irmãos
This beach feels like a giant natural playground with caves, arches and rock formations everywhere. At low tide you can walk through little passages and discover hidden corners of the beach.
You’ll also find Caniço here, one of the coolest cave restaurants in the Algarve.
Praia do Burgau
Such a cozy beach with the cutest little village behind it. Perfect for a slow lunch and a relaxed beach afternoon. I love grabbing food at Miam or Sul here.
Praia do Beliche
Literally one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve in my opinion. Hidden between huge cliffs near Sagres with insanely clear water. It feels wild and untouched.
Praia do Cordoama
My favorite west coast beach in the Algarve. Huge waves, dramatic cliffs and endless beach walks. This is the Algarve at its wildest and most beautiful.
Praia da Arrifana
One of the best surf beaches in the Algarve. Even if you don’t surf, it’s amazing to watch surfers from the cliffs while the turquoise waves roll in below. The scenery here is honestly magical.
3. best Algarve activities
If you love being outdoors and active like me, you’re going to love the Algarve. There’s so much more to do than just laying on the beach.
Surfing
One of the absolute best things to do in the Algarve. The region is perfect for surfing because there’s almost always a good spot somewhere along the coast. Around Sagres especially, surf schools know exactly where to take you depending on the conditions.
Even if you’ve never surfed before, this is the perfect place to try it.
Coasteering
Probably one of the most fun activities in the Algarve. You explore the cliffs by swimming, climbing and jumping into the ocean. It’s adventurous, exciting and such a unique way to see the coastline.
Horse riding
One of the most peaceful ways to experience the Algarve nature. Especially around the west coast, there are beautiful horseback rides through forests, beaches and cliffs.
Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
This is easily one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in Europe. The trail takes you along dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches and endless ocean views. Go early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds and heat.
Visit a donkey farm
Such a fun Algarve activity for families with kids. I personally love Donkey Tours in Paderne. It’s super peaceful and such a lovely experience.
4. Best time to visit the Algarve
Without a doubt: shoulder season.
April, May, June, September and October are honestly the best months to visit the Algarve. The weather is usually amazing, prices are lower and everything feels much more relaxed compared to the busy summer months.
Summer in the Algarve is beautiful because the Atlantic breeze keeps temperatures quite comfortable, but places in the central Algarve can get very crowded.
Winter in the Algarve is actually really underrated. You won’t be swimming much in the ocean unless you’re very brave, but you’ll still get plenty of sunny beach days. It’s the perfect destination if you love peace, nature and quiet mornings by the sea.
5. Best places to eat in the Algarve
Food is honestly such a huge part of the Algarve experience for me. Long seafood lunches, sunset dinners and tiny hidden restaurants are one of the reasons I keep coming back.
I’ve also written separate guides with all my favorite restaurants in the Algarve:
🔗 Best Algarve restaurants with ocean views 🔗 Best family friendly restaurants in the Algarve 🔗 Best restaurants in Carvoeiro 🔗 Best restaurants in Portimão
Final Algarve tips before you go
My biggest Algarve travel tip is honestly to slow down. Don’t try to see everything in one trip. The magic of the Algarve is in the slow mornings, long beach walks, tiny hidden restaurants and sunset evenings that somehow always turn into late dinners.
Explore beyond the big tourist hotspots and spend time in the western Algarve if you can. Rent a car, chase beautiful beaches, stop at random viewpoints and leave room for spontaneous discoveries because that’s usually when the Algarve is at its best.
I still discover new favorite places every single year and that’s exactly why I keep coming back.
Hopefully these Algarve tips help you plan the most amazing trip and maybe even fall a little bit in love with the Algarve too.