Portugal

Algarve

Portugal's golden south — dramatic ochre cliffs, hidden coves, seafood grills and some of Europe's sunniest beaches.

Best time: May – Oct
Type: Region

Discover

About Algarve

Portugal's southern coast is a 150-km sweep of golden limestone cliffs, hidden sea caves and powdery beaches that rank among Europe's best. The Algarve has everything from party-destination Albufeira to the aristocratic calm of Tavira, wild west-coast surf breaks around Sagres and the extraordinary sculptural rock arches of Lagos's Ponta da Piedade accessible only by kayak.

Highlights

Ponta da Piedade sea-stack arches (Lagos)
Praia da Marinha cliff-backed beach
Tavira island salt-flats and lagoon
Sagres fortress and the End of the World
Alvor boardwalk estuary walk
Ferragudo fishing village

Photos

Algarve in photos

Golden cliffs at sunrise near Praia da Rocha, Algarve

Long sandy beach and dunes in the Algarve

Ria Formosa lagoon channels from the air, Algarve

Algarve — Photo by York Peuckert on Pexels

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Where you'll stay

Where you'll stay in Algarve

Live map of hotels and villas around Algarve — powered by Stay22. Pan, zoom and compare live prices to pick your base.

Stay

Hotels & rentals around Algarve

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What you'll do

What's on

While you're there

18 JUN

Portimão, Portugal

Formula 1 Portuguese Grand Prix

18 JUN – 20 JUN 2027

Sport & Spectacle See the event →

Best beaches

By the sea

Best beaches in Algarve

The 7 shores actually worth the trip on Algarve — ranked, with the vibe of each and where to stay nearby. Tap a card to fly the map to it.

Dramatic © Mimihitam (CC BY 4.0)

Praia da Marinha

Twin rock arches and a horseshoe of turquoise water sit below tall ochre cliffs reached by a long stair.

Best for cliff scenery

Stays near this beach →
Swimming © Joseolgon (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Praia de Benagil

Small fishing cove whose famous domed sea cave you reach only by boat, kayak or a short swim.

Best for sea cave trips

Stays near this beach →
Long sandy © Va.sc. (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Praia da Falésia

Six kilometres of pale sand under rust-red cliffs, with room to walk long after the crowds thin.

Best for long clifftop walks

Stays near this beach →
Snorkelling © Felix König (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Praia de Dona Ana

Sheltered golden cove framed by limestone stacks, with calm clear water good for a paddle.

Best for sheltered clear water

Stays near this beach →
Secluded © Theo Crazzolara (CC BY 2.0)

Praia do Camilo

A wooden stairway of about 200 steps drops to two small sandy coves split by a rock tunnel.

Best for quiet cliff cove

Stays near this beach →
Family © Bextrel (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Praia da Rocha

Broad town beach with boardwalk, cafes and lifeguards, backed by ruddy freestanding rock pillars.

Best for resort amenities

Stays near this beach →
Sunset © Kyle Taylor (CC BY 2.0)

Praia de Odeceixe

Where a river meets Atlantic surf: calm shallows on one side, bigger west-coast waves on the other.

Best for river and surf

Stays near this beach →