Lonely PlanetJul 9, 2026
15 of the best things to do in the Algarve
Plan your adventures on the cliffs, caves and beaches of Portugal
24 things in this story
- Parque Natural da Ria FormosaNature reserveVast park of lagoons, islands, and inlets.
- FormosamarPlaceRuns excursions by bicycle, motorboat, and kayak.
- Ilha DesertaFerry terminalUninhabited island with a 7km sandy beach.
- EstaminéRestaurantIsland's only restaurant, serves fresh catch.
- AnimarisPlaceOperates ferries to Ilha Deserta.
- Elsewhere
- Solar do PerceveRestaurantVila do Bispo, PortugalSample tender crustaceans known as percebes here.
- Cabo de São VicenteSightAlgarve, PortugalLofty headlands for watching the sunset.
- Praia de Santo AntónioSightAlgarve, PortugalBeach on the eastern end of the Algarve.
- Praia da MarinhaSightCarvoeiro, PortugalTiny beach surrounded by towering cliffs.
- Amado Surf CampPlaceCarrapateira, PortugalOffers surf lessons, lodging, and gear.
- Olhão MarketMarketOlhão, PortugalStandout market in two historic red-brick buildings.
- Ponta da PiedadeSightLagos, PortugalHeadland with towering sandstone formations.
- Seven Hanging Valleys TrailTrailCarvoeiro, PortugalTrail above serene coves and rock formations.
- Mar IlimitadoPlaceSagres, PortugalDolphin-watching cruises with exceptional guides.
- Vila JoyaRestaurantAlgarve, PortugalTwo Michelin stars, changing menu, luxurious rooms.
- Benagil CaveSightCarvoeiro, PortugalVast sandstone cavern accessible only by sea.
- Clear EmotionsPlaceBenagil, PortugalOffers longer kayak or SUP tours of Benagil Cave.
- Portimão MuseumMuseumPortimão, PortugalJourney into Portugal’s seafaring past.
- Igreja MatrizPlace of worshipPortimão, PortugalChurch interior decorated with azulejos.
- Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro MarimNature reserveCastro Marim, PortugalNature reserve with salt pans.
- SalmarimPlaceCastro Marim, PortugalHarvest premium flor de sal by hand.
- Agua MãeCaféCastro Marim, PortugalSalty souvenirs.
- Limite ZeroPlaceAlcoutim, PortugalSeasonal zipline across the border.
- Dos SantosPlace of worshipPortimão, Portugal
