The Algarve in Portugal is a popular European beach destination for a relaxing summer holiday. While parts of this coastline might be associated with big hotels and boozy Brits abroad, there’s so much to the Algarve that you can easily find a quieter spot or a more wild side that’s better to those who like to slowly soak up a destination.

Personally, I like to take things easy, enjoy the natural surroundings of an area, maybe do an activity or two, and have time to relax. For me, the Algarve is perfect for this kind of holiday. There’s plenty to do in terms of culture and sightseeing, but not so much that you feel like you need to rush around to see everything.

The Algarve is also a great place to visit if you’ve been touring around Portugal, particularly if you’ve been to Porto and Lisbon and need a place to chill out. After 3 visits to this incredible region, I know I still have so much to explore and discover – it’s such a big area – but after spending my time here, these are some of the best things to do in the Algarve. I’d recommend these if you’re visiting for the first time, or if you are a return visitor wanting to add something new to your itinerary. 

From day trips to places like Loule and Olhao, or fun experiences like wine tasting or a jeep safari, here are 11 of the best things to do in the Algarve.

11 Of The Best Things To Do In the Algarve

Day Trip to Loule

Loule is a wonderfully creative town and at around 30 minutes from Albufeira and just over 20 minutes from Faro, it is an easy day trip if you want a cultural experience while holidaying in the Algarve.

We started our day here by wandering around Loule’s market. Open Monday to Saturday, 7am to 3pm, Loule market is in the town’s historic centre and is home to a whole load of fresh produce and local wares. I’d recommend taking some cash if you’re planning on buying things here – even if it’s just a box of fresh strawberries or a bag of juicy cherries.

This market is particularly lively but on a Saturday it’s especially busy with locals and tourists visiting the Loule Saturday Market too – held on the streets directly outside of the Mercado Muncipal. We browsed a ton of stalls selling local honey, fruit and veg, crafts, and street food as well. It was wonderful to see people doing their weekend shops, hanging out with family, and enjoying the atmosphere the market brought to the town.

After our little shopping session, we headed for lunch at Cafe Calcinha. This historic cafe, on the Historic Cafe’s Route which also includes Cafe Majestic in Porto and A Brasileira do Chiado in Lisbon, is well worth booking into if you want to experience dining in one of Portugal’s oldest eateries. 

Opened in 1929 under the name Cafe Central and modelled after a Brazilian coffee shop, the interior of Cafe Calcinha is all art deco and dark wood, making it feel like a very classy place to stop for a coffee and cake, or a larger lunch if you’re hungry enough. We stopped for a mix of food including a classic meat cataplana, a slow cooked stew which is a local favourite. There were a lot of people enjoying a simple drink and sweet treat though if you don’t want a full meal here.

Next up, we hopped onto Loule’s creative trail. Designed by the city to support Loule’s historic creative scene, the ‘Loule Criativo’ takes visitors on a trail to various artisan businesses around the town. Businesses doing basket weaving, copper making, ceramics, and more are identified on the trail with an “L” sign outside so places supported by the initiative are easily identifiable. One of the most special places we visited was Casa da Empreita, a palm weaving workshop where ladies were working away on various items as we browsed the gorgeous bags, lampshades and storage items – some of which our group couldn’t resist and bought to take home with them. We also visited a pottery shop and the “Copper Shop” where craftspeople made items from copper right in front of our eyes. 

For those of you who might want to be more hands on, there are plenty of workshops on offer including tile painting, botanical silk printing, and pottery on the potter’s wheel.

If you’re more into your history, then visit the Islamic Baths of Loule, an important centre where you can discover the ruins of a historical hamman. Painstakingly preserved, visitors are now lucky enough to not only see the bath’s remains but also visualise through digital screens, what it would have been like as a working baths.

Activities to Enjoy in Loule

👉 Loulé Municipal and Market Tour

👉 Craft Brewery Tour and Tasting

Visit Ria Formosa Natural Park

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is completely different to the rest of the Algarve. A chain of barrier islands that stretch 60km along the coast of the Algarve, creating coastal inlets and a little paradise that many Portuguese use as a base for their domestic holidays. I’d particularly recommend the Ria Formosa Natural Park if you’re into your wildlife – this area is a globally renowned wetland and is home to over 200 bird species.

It’s not just birdlife you’ll see though, there are seagrass meadows home to endangered species of seahorse, and the waters here are home to plenty of razorclams and mussels which lend themselves to delicious fresh seafood around the area.

We took a guided tour from Olhao to Ria Formosa, a 4 hour trip which allowed us to see Ilha da Culatra and Ilha do Farol. This trip was a great introduction to the islands and we had time for a wander around both, as well as a leisurely lunch at Aqua Chill Seafood Bar and Restaurant.

You don’t necessarily have to take a guided tour to the Ria Formosa Natural Park though, there are water taxis and private options if you want to enjoy a more tailored itinerary.

Top tip: Take cash with you if you’re visiting the Ria Formosa Natural Park. We enjoyed lunch at Aqua Chill Seafood Bar and Restaurant and only at the end of our meal did I find out they only accepted cash. And there were no ATMs nearby. Fortunately we’d bumped into someone one of our group knew and they helped out massively. So if you’re planning on eating or having a drink, definitely make sure you have cash with you or ask if card is accepted before you order anything.

Top picks for your visit to Ria Formosa Natural Park

👉 Ria Formosa Full Day 3-Island Tour from Olhao

👉 Ria Formosa Sunset Island Boat Tour from Olhao

👉 Eco-Friendly Ria Formosa Bird Watching in Solar Boat

Enjoy A Jeep Safari

Even in the pouring rain, a Jeep tour with Alsafari was one of the most fun things I’ve done in the Algarve. Although we didn’t get to experience everything because of the weather – there was no point going into the hills for an epic view when we wouldn’t see anything – we did get to go out into the Algarve’s countryside on a bumpy and fun ride.

It was wonderful to see another side of the Algarve and learn that this region isn’t just all about its beautiful beaches. Our tour took us to a little food tasting where we got to try various sweet, and one particularly potent, liqueurs along with some yummy jams and honey. 

Then we got to visit a small village and wander the streets as much as we could bear in the rain. Even though it was grey and drizzly, it was still beautiful and I can only imagine what this tour would be like in the summer months.

Our guide was also super informative, telling us about the history of the area and all about the region’s flora and fauna. I loved that this wasn’t just a sightseeing experience, it was an informative one too and one that I’m glad I got to enjoy even with the less than optimal weather.

Take a Surfing Lesson

If you’re an active person, and enjoy being in the sea, you have to try out surfing in Portugal. There are surf schools dotted all along the Algarve and especially near Lagos.

I tried out surfing in Gale, where there are plenty of places to choose from and we had the best few hours getting re-acquainted with the basics on the sand, before heading into the water to catch some waves. I’ve done surfing before but by no means am I an expert so it was great to dust off some skills and surf on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s worth noting that the waves in Portugal can be pretty intense. I had to step out several times just to take a break so definitely find out where your chosen surf school goes to surf as it can make for a completely different experience.

Do The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

One of my favourite things to do in the Algarve is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. I’ve done this a couple of times now and it’s a great way to get some steps in and enjoy a different perspective of the Algarve’s coastline.

Start in Praia da Marinha for the 6km walk to Benagil Beach. You’ll need fairly sturdy shoes – trainers or walking sandals are perfect – as well as something to capture photos of the coast with. 

You’ll walk above limestone arches, over red hued sand, alongside glittering blue seas and by some of Portugal’s most iconic coastal sights. Most of the walk is straightforward with trails along the cliff tops and through shrubland, however some of the trail is rocky with some levels of elevation. If you’re used to walking though, you’ll easily be able to do this walk but please be aware of barriered off parts. Wooden fences are around spots where cliffs may be weaker or where there are drops into the caves below – people will climb over these but please don’t follow them.

The walk will take around 90 minutes in total with plenty of stops along the way and it’s worth doing the trip in return to get a different viewpoint. I’d also recommend stopping for a refreshment in Benagil before heading back. Alternatively, you can continue along the coastline for even more wild views – the first time I did this walk, we ventured to Farol de Alfazina which was a long, but magical walk. I’d recommend doing this if you want a good hike but you won’t feel like you’ve missed out on anything if you simply do the walk to Benagil.

Enjoy a guided walk along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

👉 2.5 Hour Seven Hanging Valleys Trail Guided Walk

Coastal Boat Trip To Benagil Caves

Another way to see the Algarve’s coastline is on a boat trip. You can hop on a boat from several places around the coast if you want to see the classic Benagil Caves and there are a ton of tours to choose from including full day trips or shorter 2 hour trips to see some of the Algarve’s most stunning scenery.

If a boat trip isn’t your thing, why not go on a guided kayaking adventure to discover Benagil caves and some more secret spots that you may not be able to experience on a boat trip.

I haven’t personally done either of these activities but it’s one I’m desperate to do on my next visit to The Algarve. When I was in Salgados recently, I was at the beach for sunset and you could see boat trips heading back and I can just imagine the views you can see from the sea would be incredible.

Take your pick to see Benagil Caves
👉 Small Group Kayak Tour to Hidden Caves from Benagil

👉 2.5 Hour Boat Tour to Benagil Caves with Dolphin Watching from Albufeira

👉 3-Hour Benagil Sunset and Coastline Tour from Albufeira

Eat Bifana

Bifana, a classic Portuguese food you have to try when you’re in Portugal. This dish is thin slices of pork marinated in white wine, garlic, and paprika then served in a soft, floury, crusty bread roll. 

I’ve had a few in my time in Portugal but recently we visited Cantinho das Bifanas in Mercado Municipal in Armação de Pêra. During our recent week holiday in Salgados, hunting down a bifana for lunch from this place was the only set plan we had. So with hungry bellies we set off mid morning from our hotel, the Marriott Algarve Residences Salgados. 11k steps along the sandy beach later, we arrived in Armação de Pêra, a town that was just starting to set up for the summer season but still busy with holiday makers and locals enjoying the sun. 

We wandered around a bit, getting our bearings but then we couldn’t wait much longer and off we wandered into the Mercado Municipal to Cantinho das Bifanas. Under the shade of white parasols, and with plastic chairs around metal tables, we put in an order for 4 bifanas, 2 beers and 2 sangrias. A simple order but one of my most favourite meals throughout my time in Portugal. It was good, homely food, and clearly loved by a lot of the locals as by the time we left many people were enjoying their lunch hour break, sitting in the shade away from the heat of the sun – the sign of a good place if you ask me.

Spend Time in Lagos

If you’re staying towards the Eastern end of the Algarve, it’s worth spending a day in Lagos if you’re not basing yourself there already. It’s a cool little town perfect if you’re wanting to catch some of the Algarve’s waves. 

We ended our day in Lagos after walking the Seven Hanging Valleys trail and although we probably didn’t see half of what Lagos has to offer, the vibe was really good. After wandering around old streets, we made our way to the centre where plenty of people were coming in from a day at the beach, or hunting down a place to eat dinner. We were in the latter group and found a gorgeous place on one of the main pedestrianised streets to dine out on warm bread, fresh seafood, and delicious wine before heading back to Salgados.

Eat Delicious Food

Portuguese food is delicious. Especially along the coast with plenty of amazing options available, with some literally right on the beach. 

Some of my favourite places around Salgados and Gale are Restaurante Praia de Gale (try their seabass – so fresh!), Pedras Amarelas (the tuna belly, grilled squid and sangria are all delicious), Massa Fina (ideal for pizza, pasta, and an indulgent tiramisu), and Paper Moon at the W Algarve (excellent if you’re wanting a special meal and a refined, Italian inspired meal).

Other places I’ve enjoyed eating at in the Algarve include Casa do Lago, an incredibly luxurious restaurant just East of Vilamoura in Quinta do Lago, and Taberna by Lucia Ribeiro where you can find homely food in traditional meals. You can even do a cooking class at Taberna by Lucia Ribeiro which was a great experience learning how to cook a traditional cataplana! There are many other places to try out though and you’ll definitely find some gems on your trip to the Algarve.

Enjoy an Afternoon in Olhao

Olhao is an easy place to tag onto a trip around the Ria Formosa if you’re not based in the part of Algarve. This town was an unexpected highlight of one of my recent trips to Portugal. We had some time to spare after our boat trip around the Ria Formosa and I’m so glad we took a couple of hours to wander around.

There are some gorgeous quiet streets to wander, a striking church (the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Rosário or Our Lady of the Rosary which is complete with a stork’s nest on one of its corners), and a big market that I can imagine is quite lively when it’s open every day 7am to 2pm except on Sundays.

We had fun spotting some of the statues along the “Legends Way” before heading to the rooftop bar at the Pure Formosa Hotel – a great little spot which gives you views over Olhao’s church and the Rio Formosa Islands. We enjoyed a margarita here and it’s a great idea to time your visit for sunset if you can to enjoy Olhao in a golden glow.

Get more out of your day in Olhao with a guided tour…

👉 Olhão City Tour – History, Culture and Nature

Wine Tasting in The Algarve

For me, Portuguese wine is delicious. I particularly love a Vino Verde and what better way to explore the region’s wines than by doing some wine tasting.

You can enjoy a 5 or 7-course tasting menu and wine pairing at Vino at the W Algarve if you want a special dinner one evening. Alternatively, enjoy a trip out to the Algarve’s vineyards and enjoy a glass or three in the sun. I personally haven’t done one of these, yet, but the below look like a really great option if you’re based around Albufeira, Lagos, Loule or Faro

Try Out These Wine Tasting Experiences In The Algarve

👉 Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas

👉 4- Hour Wine Tasting Tour From Lagos

👉 Quinta da Tor Winery Tour and Tastings

👉 Vineyard Dinner with Wine Tasting

So those are the best 11 things to do in the Algarve. I know there’ll be way more to add when I visit again but it’s a good start if you’re looking for a leisurely trip to this gorgeous region of Portugal. Is there anything else you would add to the list?