Soaring cliffs, sea caves, golden beaches, scalloped bays and sandy islands draw over four million visitors to the Algarve each year. Surrounded on two sides by the Atlantic, it's a paradise for surfers, especially along the refreshingly undeveloped west coast. ©Juampiter/Getty Images Regis St Louis | Jul 9, 2026 15 of the Best Things to Do in the Algarve Joseph Richard Francis | Jul 6, 2026 The Best Surf Spots in Portugal's Algarve Regis St Louis | Jun 2, 2026 The 8 Best Places to Visit in the Algarve Andy Symington | May 25, 2026 The 10 Best Beaches in the Algarve Get the Lonely Planet App Stay connected in The Algarve Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount. Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions. Book your Portugal trip with Lonely Planet Journeys See Portugal how it's meant to be seen Planned by local experts and tailored to you, Lonely Planet Journeys handles the logistics so you can just enjoy the trip. Tell us what you want and we'll build your Portugal itinerary from scratch, or browse our bookable trips to get inspired. Save Save your favorites! Sign in to save, get inspo & more Attraction in Sagres Cabo de São Vicente Discover Save your favorites! Sign in to save, get inspo & more Save Save your favorites! Sign in to save, get inspo & more Attraction in Carrapateira Museu do Mar e da Terra da Carrapateira Discover Save your favorites! Sign in to save, get inspo & more Save Save your favorites! Sign in to save, get inspo & more Attraction in Aljezur Burros & Artes Discover Save your favorites! Sign in to save, get inspo & more Save Save your favorites! Sign in to save, get inspo & more Attraction in Carvoeiro Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos Discover Save your favorites! Sign in to save, get inspo & more Save Save your favorites! Sign in to save, get inspo & more Attraction in Silves Castelo de Silves Discover Save your favorites! Sign in to save, get inspo & more Save Save your favorites! Sign in to save, get inspo & more Attraction in Lagos Museu de Lagos Discover Save your favorites!

Sign in to save, get inspo & more The Algarve travel tips from Lonely Planet experts Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip. Best Things to Do Plan your adventures on the cliffs, caves and beaches of Portugal's Algarve with this guide to the region's best things to do. Best Time to Visit The natural beauty of the Algarve's cliff-backed golden beaches is obvious year-round, but you may experience the region differently in some seasons. Make the most of your visit to Portugal’s sunny Algarve with these tips on packing, planning, dining and safety. You'll find offbeat beaches, orange groves, flamingos and more in the Algarve. Here's how to get around. Free Things to Do If you’re looking for the best free things to do in the Algarve in Portugal, start off with these top activities. Best Road Trips If you’re looking for the best road trips through the Algarve, don’t miss these six top drives, taking in hilltop villages and stunning coastal scenery. Money and Costs Though some prices have creeped up in the Algarve region in southern Portugal in recent years, you can save money with these 17 tips. Traveling with Kids The Algarve in southern Portugal draws over 5 million tourists a year to its sublime beaches, scenic hiking trails and reliably sunny weather. Best Places to Visit The cliff-top towns, rugged coast and inviting beaches of the Algarve hit all the right notes for surfers, seaside holidayers and everyone in between. Guide Portugal Shop Book $26.99 Guide Experience Portugal Shop Book $26.99 Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions. destination Costa Vicentina Discover destination Faro Discover destination Lagos Discover destination Tavira Discover destination Sagres Discover destination Silves Discover destination Carvoeiro Discover destination Albufeira Discover