Planning a trip to Portugal?
Looking for tips on things to do in Algarve? Below are 9 amazing places to visit in the Algarve to admire the coastline.
Watch this short video first, then scroll down the page for my insider tips!
The Algarve Portugal has one of the most scenic coastlines in the world with a variety of beaches and cliffs. The erosion has done a remarkable job at creating exquisite drops, pinnacles, and arches. Plus it is a great place if you want to visit Europe on a budget!
Things to do in Algarve
Let’s discover the most beautiful places in the region and my hand-picked suggestions on what to do in Algarve Portugal.
1. Ponta da Piedade, Algarve Portugal
Ponta da Piedade is a promontory located West of the town of Lagos.
The erosion has created an incredible number of features with sea caves, arches, and pinnacles. Its situation offers splendid views of the coastline in both directions which makes it a great spot for sunset and sunrise!
You can check the various vantage points from the top of the cliffs or walk down the 190 steps to see more of the cove with the arches.
2. Benagil Cave
The Benagil Sea Cave is probably one of the most famous and best places in Algarve.
Fake photos have even circulated where the dome was supposedly sculpted. That would have been awesome, but it is already beautiful as it is.
The whole coast has been eroded creating sea caves in some places: on a boat trip from Benagil beach, you can see roughly 30 of them. Some are open to the sea, but others like Benagil, have only small entrances, creating a real cave experience.
Benagil is circular with a colorful dome and a hole at the top for the light to come in. Everything is there for an unforgettable moment!
3. Praia dos Tres Irmaos
Accessible via another beach, Tres Irmaos offers quite a unique feature with its double arch.
It is a lot of fun to explore the other coves until you reach it. But I recommend seeing it at low tide otherwise the water goes all the way to the cliffs making the exploration really complicated.
4. Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha has often been rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is one of the best beaches in the Algarve.
This long beach with towering cliffs sure has a lot to offer with many coves to explore and a series of natural arches.
The location can be admired from a walk at the top of the cliffs, from the beach itself at low tide, or from a boat that enables you to see it as a whole. It’s truly magnificent!
5. Praia da Falesia
Praia da Falesia Beach is one of my absolute favorite beaches in Portugal – I love the colors!
6 kilometers of pure pleasure admiring the work of Mother Nature with the layers of colors. And the best part is that you can see it entirely from a viewpoint on a promontory at the West end.
Definitely on of the best places to visit in the Algarve. Breathtaking, don’t you think?
6. Praia dos Tres Castelos
Located in the heart of a big coastal town, Tres Castelos is surprisingly monumental.
There is one place where the sea-stack is very close to the towering cliff and walking between both is impressive. You feel really small.
7. Praia do Evaristo
Evaristo Beach is mostly famous for its restaurant. And yet, I think this is one of the best beaches in the Algarve to see at high tide (when most are better seen at low tide).
It’s covered with small rock formations so the waves come crashing on them creating a magical show. Plan to be here for several hours – as you’ll find out it’s hard to leave!
8. Praia da Albandeira
Praia da Albandeira is one of the lesser known beaches in Algarve.
It’s a small cove with a nice rock formation in the middle and the water fills most of it at high tide.
But the best part, I think, is walking on the cliffs to the west to see the hidden cove on the other side. From there you have a fantastic view of a giant arch jumping in the water!
My insider’s tip on one of the best places to visit in Algarve!
9. Algar Seco
For those who like views and exploration, Algar Seco is a great place!
You can walk down a large hole in the cliff and at the bottom erosion has created a blow-hole. You can also explore a tunnel under a rock formation to see the cliffs from a different angle.
Or, you can go for a walk on the cliffs for great views of the coastline. You can either stick to the boardwalk or get off it to explore the many rocks and structures.
Planning a road trip around Portugal?
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Accommodation in Algarve
- For a unique and local stay check out Airbnb. Check out to see the properties available in Algarve.
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Flights to Algarve, Portugal
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Tours in Algarve
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For more ideas about what to do in the Algarve and things to do in Portugal including planning information, beautiful photos, and practical maps to help you plan your trip to Portugal, check out ZigZag On Earth’s Portugal Travel Guide.
