Located in southern Portugal, the Algarve is one of the most scenic destinations in Europe, and for all the right reasons. The area is known for its pristine nature, with iconic beaches like Praia da Falesia and its orange cliffs and the sea cave beach of Praia de Benagil. The coastline abounds with authentic fisherman villages, while bigger touristic hotspots like Albufeira and Lagos offer all sorts of entertainment and activities. Here are 8 things you need to know before travelling to the Algarve.
The Algarve, like much of Portugal, offers convenient transportation options for travellers. There are local buses available to and from the airport as well as connecting various towns. More inside details below:
1. Taking public transportation
Trains: The railway connects Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António in the east, stopping in popular destinations like Portimão and Faro. Train times are however irregular and often not convenient for reaching the airport or seaside destinations.
Faro Airport: The bus route 16 connects Faro Airport to the city center. There are buses running every 30 minutes or hour, with a fare of less than €3 and a travel time of about 20 minutes.
Local Buses: Bus service between towns and villages typically starts at around 7:00 am and ends by 8:30 pm. Make sure to check the operator’s website to confirm if the route is also available on weekends. The EVA bus company operates most of the inter-urban services in the region. Tickets must be purchased at bus stations or from the driver in cash, with fares varying depending on the route.
Long-distance Coaches: For travel to Lisbon and beyond, or from Sagres to Faro and all the way to Spain, you can find economic fares directly online with one of the bus companies operating in Portugal.
2. Where to stay
If you want to explore Algarve’s best beaches but still wish to enjoy the comforts of the city, Faro and Lagos are the best options to make your base. They both offer a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and budget accommodations with vibrant city centers and beaches at walking distance. Albufeira is a popular tourist destination, famous for its nightlife and the golden beaches of Praia de São Rafael and Praia da Falésia. Surfers and climbers often head to Sagres, a small town on the western tip of the Algarve from where you can reach both the west and south coast of Portugal. The town also has a lively expat and digital nomad community. For a stay in a more authentic small town, Tavira and Loulé are ideal, offering quiet guesthouses and homestays far from the crowds. Aljezur, located on the western coast, is another good alternative if you are looking for a more remote and untouched scenery.
3. Where to eat
Make sure to try regional specialties like cataplana, grilled sardines, and clams à Bulhão Pato, along with an ice-cold Sagres or a glass of white wine. Try to avoid generic tourist traps in busy areas, which are usually overpriced and low quality. Instead, you can check out:
- Vila Joya, Albufeira: This 2-Michelin-star restaurant that blends Portuguese flavors with international influences. Be sure to book well in advance and don’t miss their tasting menu.
- O Camilo, Lagos: One of the best local spots for fresh seafood with stunning views of Praia do Camilo. They serve a fantastic Cataplana (seafood stew), a must-try in the Algarve. Booking ahead is advised.
- Adega Vila Lisa, Portimão: A hidden gem offering traditional Algarve cuisine in a rustic and familiar setting. This restaurant has no menu—you need to trust the chef’s choice. If you are lucky, you will be treated with slow-cooked lamb, the restaurant’s highlight. Reservations are recommended.
4. The appetizers aren’t free
In Portugal, appetizers like bread and charcuterie are commonly served while waiting for the main course. While some restaurants make this clear, in others, the food is brought directly to your table without any information. Be aware that these appetizers are not free; you will be charged for each plate. Be direct with the waiter and let them know whether you want the appetizer or not.
5. How to get to the Algarve
One of the most popular launching points for getting to Algarve is Lisbon. There are four main options to travel from Lisbon to the Algarve, each with unique advantages:
By Air: A 45-minute flight to Faro is the quickest option but requires additional travel time for airport procedures, making it less convenient if you’re heading to other parts of the Algarve. Flights offered by TAP Portugal range from €50 to €115 one-way, with prices fluctuating seasonally. Consider this option if time is critical and Faro is your destination.
By Car: Driving from Lisbon to the Algarve region takes about three hours and gives you the opportunity to explore scenic routes like the N123 along the coast. There are plenty of car rental options available, some costing as low as €23 per day.
By Bus: The most budget-friendly option to travel to the Algarve, buses take around four hours, with tickets as low as €5. Buses run frequently, making them convenient for last-minute trips on a budget.
By Train: Trains take about three to 3.5 hours with fares between €25 and €45. The Alfa Pendular high-speed train offers scenic views, comfortable seating, and onboard power outlets and Wi-Fi – a solid choice for a relaxing journey.
6. Best time to go to the Algarve
The best time to visit the Algarve is during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). In these periods, you’ll have pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the high season (July to August). Spring is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, or exploring coastal towns. September to October, with warm sea temperatures, continued sunshine, and a relaxed atmosphere, is a great moment to take a surfing trip or relax on the Algarve’s beaches without the summer rush.
7. Get the best out of the cliffs of the Algarve
The rugged scenery of the region offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor lovers. The area is crossed by coastal trails, such as the Rota Vicentina, that connects Cabo de São Vicente in the southwestern corner to Odeceixe with 120 kilometres (75 miles) of trails. The landscape is perfect for trail running and climbing, with cliffs that rise directly from the beaches, with plenty of spots for bouldering on the sand. Sport climbing and Deep Water Soloing are also very popular in the region, with plenty of cracks reachable by kayak, boat or even swimming.
8. Get aboard
The Algarve is perhaps the best place for beginner surfers in the whole of Europe. Having the possibility to pick between the west and south coast makes it so that you can always find the perfect spot for your level and waves almost every day. In most of the surf beaches in the region you will find a local surf shop renting boards, along with a bar to close the day enjoying a drink on the beach. Some spots can become very crowded with beginner surfers during the summer months, so be sure to stay safe in the water. Consider joining a surf school to learn how to navigate busy surf spots safely.