The Algarve is Portugal's southern coast: about 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, golden cliffs and sea caves, long island beaches and whitewashed towns. This guide brings together everything you need to plan your trip, from where to stay and how to get around to the beaches, towns and experiences worth your time.
The region stretches from Cape St Vincent, at the south-western tip of Europe, to the Guadiana river on the border with Spain. The western and central coast is known for golden cliffs, sea caves such as Benagil and coves like those around Lagos and Carvoeiro. The east is flatter, with the Ria Formosa lagoon and the long sandy beaches of its islands near Faro and Tavira. In 2025 the Algarve was named World's Leading Beach Destination at the World Travel Awards for the fourth time.
Away from the sand, you can walk the walled old towns of Faro, Lagos and Tavira, see the Moorish castle of Silves, take a boat to Benagil or Ponta da Piedade, play some of Portugal's best-known golf courses, hike the clifftop trails or the hills of Monchique, and eat grilled fish and cataplana by the harbour. Faro Airport, the coastal train and the A22 motorway, toll-free since 2025, make it easy to get around.
Use the guides below to choose your base, plan your days and find the right season. When you are ready, our Algarve vacation packages combine flights, hotels, car hire and experiences, and our travel advisors can build a trip around you.
