What to do in the Algarve: the must-do experiences
The Algarve is far more than the beach. In a single trip you can sail to the Benagil cave, walk the Seven Hanging Valleys trail to Praia da Marinha, watch dolphins on the open sea, play a world-class golf course and end the day watching the sun go down at Cabo de São Vicente, in Sagres. This is the list of experiences that define the region.
| Experience | Where | Best time |
|---|---|---|
| Benagil cave (boat/kayak) | Lagoa (Centro) | May–September |
| Praia da Marinha and Seven Valleys | Lagoa (Centro) | All year |
| Dolphin-watching trip | Vilamoura, Albufeira, Lagos | April–October |
| Surf on the Costa Vicentina | Sagres, Arrifana, Amado | September–March |
| Golf | Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago | Spring and autumn |
| Ria Formosa islands | Olhão, Faro, Tavira | May–September |
| Sunset at Cabo de São Vicente | Sagres (Barlavento) | All year |
See also what to do in the Algarve beyond the beach and choose where to stay to have everything close by.
Beaches, cliffs and caves
The cliff beaches of the Barlavento and the Centro are the Algarve’s headline act. Praia da Marinha is among the most beautiful in Europe; the Benagil cave, with its eye open to the sky, is the most photographed spot in the region. In Lagos, the Ponta da Piedade and the Dona Ana and Camilo beaches are unmissable.
The Benagil cave can only be visited by sea (boat, kayak or stand-up paddle, with a licensed operator) — since 2024 swimming in is banned. See how in the guide to Benagil and the caves and the list of the best beaches in the Algarve.
Boat trips, dolphins and kayaking
Heading out to sea is one of the best things to do in the Algarve. There are boat trips for every taste: to the Benagil cave and the coastal caves, dolphin-watching on the open sea (with biologists on board on the more serious operations) and sunset cruises. The marinas of Vilamoura, Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos are the main departure points.
For a more active experience, closer to the water, kayaking and stand-up paddle take you to coves you cannot reach by land. See the guide to boat trips and dolphins and the one on the Algarve caves.
Golf in the Algarve
The Algarve is one of the best golf destinations in Europe, with around 40 courses and a season that runs almost all year. The greatest concentration is in the Centro, in the so-called Golden Triangle — Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo —, with flagship courses such as the Dom Pedro Victoria, the Quinta do Lago South and the San Lorenzo.
The best time to play is spring and autumn, with mild temperatures. Many resorts combine accommodation and green fees, handy for those travelling to play. See the best golf courses in the Algarve.
Surf, nature and the Costa Vicentina
To the west, the Costa Vicentina — Sagres, Arrifana, Amado, Odeceixe — is a sanctuary of surf and wild nature, protected as a natural park. It is the rugged side of the Algarve, of high cliffs and open-sea beaches. To the east, the Ria Formosa is the opposite: a lagoon of salt marshes and white-sand barrier islands, a paradise for birds and boats.
Inland, the Monchique mountains offer trails, views and the spa waters of the Caldas. For surfing, the best is the guide to the best surf beaches; for the islands, the one on how to visit the Ria Formosa.
For families: water parks and Zoomarine
The Algarve is an easy and fun destination for families. On the hottest days, the water parks are a safe bet, with slides for all ages. The main ones are in the Centro, near Lagoa and Albufeira.
| Park | Area | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Slide & Splash | Lagoa | Families, all ages |
| Aqualand | Alcantarilha (Silves) | Families, groups |
| Aquashow | Quarteira | Water park + animals |
| Zoomarine | Guia (Albufeira) | Shows and theme park |
| Zoo de Lagos | Lagos | Younger children |
Combine the parks with calm-sea beaches and a house with a pool for the rest days. See the guide to the Algarve water parks and the best areas for families.
Food, markets and historic towns
Eating is half the trip. The Algarve lives off the sea: seafood cataplana, grilled fish, clams à Bulhão Pato, oysters and the octopus of Santa Luzia. For dessert, fig, almond and Dom Rodrigo rule. The municipal markets of Olhão, Loulé and Tavira are essential stops to taste and buy local produce.
Between beaches, it is worth getting to know the historic towns: the Moorish castle of Silves, the Tavira of bridges and churches, the Lagos of the Discoveries and the Monchique mountains. See what to eat in the Algarve and the guide to the markets and food festivals.
Sources and references
- Algarve Tourism (Visit Algarve) — https://www.visitalgarve.pt/
- ICNF — Ria Formosa Natural Park — https://www.icnf.pt/conservacao/rnapareasprotegidas/parquesnaturais/pnriaformosa
- Wikipedia — Algarve — https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algarve
Original editorial article by Maré Algarve, based on official sources (ICNF, ABAAE/Blue Flag, public climate data) and on our experience of holiday rentals in the Algarve. Prices and availability vary — always check each property's page.