🏖️ Southern Portugal
Things to do in The Algarve
Golden cliffs, hidden sea caves and some of Europe’s best beaches
A favourite for honeymoons
The Algarve is Portugal’s sun-drenched southern coast — a string of golden cliffs, hidden coves and sea caves washed by warm Atlantic water, with whitewashed towns and some of the best beaches in Europe. The iconic Benagil cave and the grottoes of Lagos make a boat trip the highlight of any visit.
Golden cliffs, hidden sea caves and sunset beach dinners — Portugal’s most romantic coast.
Time needed
3–5 days
Best time
May–June and September–October for warm, swimmable seas and lighter crowds; July–August is peak (hot and busy)
Region
Southern Portugal
Don’t miss
The Benagil cave and cliffs by boat
The Algarve’s sculpted coastline is best seen from the sea: a boat trip to the famous Benagil cave — a cathedral-like grotto with a sandy floor and a hole open to the sky — and along the Ponta da Piedade cliffs at Lagos is the unmissable experience.
Check availability on GetYourGuideTop things to do in The Algarve
- The Benagil sea cave, with its skylight and sandy beach.Find tours
- The cliffs and grottoes of Ponta da Piedade at Lagos.Find tours
- Beach days at Praia da Marinha and Praia Dona Ana.Find tours
- A dolphin-watching trip off the coast.Find tours
- Old-town Faro, Tavira and the hilltop castle of Silves.Find tours
Book The Algarve tours & tickets
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours and the big-ticket experiences — compare and book ahead so they don’t sell out.
See all The Algarve experiences on GetYourGuideWhere to stay near The Algarve
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How to get to The Algarve
Fly direct into Faro (FAO), the Algarve’s own airport, or come from Lisbon — about 2.5–3 hours by car or train. A hire car is handy for hopping between beaches and towns along the coast.
Hire a car in Lisbon
Compare rental deals — handy for reaching The Algarve at your own pace
Best time to visit
May–June and September–October for warm, swimmable seas and lighter crowds; July–August is peak (hot and busy). Many boat tours pause over winter.
The Algarve tips
- Book the Benagil cave tour ahead — it’s the Algarve’s signature trip and sells out.
- A car opens up the quieter beaches between the resort towns.
- The western Algarve (around Sagres) is wilder and less developed than the central resorts.
Fit The Algarve into a real trip — free
Wavvia builds a day-by-day plan around The Algarve and Lisbon — tuned to your dates, pace and how you travel, with real places and safety built in.
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Opening hours, prices, transport and entry rules change — always verify before you go, and check your government’s current travel advice. Some links are affiliate links; Wavvia may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.