Portugal · Southern Portugal

Algarve

Portugal's golden south coast — Benagil Cave, Lagos beaches + surf

The Algarve is Portugal's legendary south coast — golden sandstone cliffs, hidden beaches like Marinha + Camilo, the world-famous Benagil Cave, surf spots in Sagres + Lagos + Faro + fresh seafood at Olhão market. 200 km of coastline + 300 sunny days per year.

Airport
Faro FAO — direct European flights
Coastline
200 km
Best season
May-June + September-October
Sunny days
300+ per year

Algarve highlights

Benagil Cave

Portugal's most famous sea cave — reach by kayak, SUP or boat tour from Benagil beach. €25-40 for organized tour.

Praia da Marinha + 7 Hanging Valleys walk

The 6 km clifftop trail — arguably Europe's best coastal walk. Marinha beach at the start.

Praia do Camilo (Lagos)

Iconic staircase down to the beach + Praia Dona Ana + Ponta da Piedade cliffs.

Sagres surf

Portugal's southwestern tip — cold Atlantic, big Beliche + Tonel beach breaks. World-class surf.

Cabo de São Vicente

Europe's southwestern-most point — lighthouse + wild Atlantic views + old fort.

Olhão + Fuseta market

Fresh fish + Ria Formosa lagoon boat trips + traditional Algarve town.

Silves + Monchique mountains

Moorish castle at Silves + hot springs at Caldas de Monchique. Day trip from coast.

Praia da Rocha nightlife

The main tourist beach nightlife strip in Portimão — party bars + resorts.

Getting there

Faro International Airport (FAO) is the main gateway. Direct flights from Lisbon (45 min) + European cities. Ryanair, EasyJet, TAP Portugal all fly.

Getting around

Rent a car essential — public transport limited outside main towns. Faro-Lagos train runs (€8, 1h 45m). Uber operates in main towns.

Best time to visit

May-June + September-October (perfect + fewer crowds). July-August is peak beach season + very hot.

Budget per day

$40-80 backpacker · $100-200 mid-range · $400+ luxury (Vila Vita Parc, Bela Vista)

Fly to Faro International (FAO)

Popular direct routes from: London, Dublin, Manchester, Lisbon, Amsterdam

Where to stay in Algarve

Frequently asked about Algarve

How do I get to Benagil Cave?
Boat tour from Benagil beach (~€25) OR kayak/SUP (~€40 rental). Also possible to swim in at low tide — free but risky. Enter allowed only Nov-March by boat since 2024 for cave protection.
Best Algarve base?
Lagos for beaches + nightlife + backpacker feel. Albufeira for family + all-inclusive. Tavira for authentic Portuguese. Sagres for surf. Faro for airport convenience.
When is the best time to visit the Algarve?
May-June + September-October — perfect weather, fewer crowds. July-August peak beach but very expensive + hot.
How many days do I need in the Algarve?
5-7 days — 2 days Lagos + Camilo + 7 Valleys walk, 2 days Benagil area, 1 day Sagres + Cabo, 1-2 days east coast Olhão/Tavira.