Portugal holidays: 7 highlights for sun lovers in the Algarve

If one were to write a book about Europe's most beautiful coastline, the Algarve could easily be the main character. Portugal's coastline stretches 155 kilometers from east to west and 52 kilometers from south to north. In between, there are dizzyingly high cliffs, picture-perfect bathing bays, and the roaring sea.

But it would be a shame to limit the Algarve to its hotspots. Between the beaches and cities, the greatest adventures and the seven best stops in the Algarve await.

The hub of a holiday in the Algarve is Faro, where all the planes land. The capital of the Algarve has many highlights that are often overlooked. Even though the beaches are tempting, take your time and explore the city and its historic center. Faro's old town, the Vila Aldentro, is completely surrounded by city walls and can be entered through three gates.

The wall was built by the Arab prince Ben Bekr during the Moorish period. However, the origins of the city of Faro date back to the Phoenicians, who settled the western coast of the Mediterranean in the 7th century BC. Of course, the Romans were also here. With a bit of luck, you'll see old aqueducts and bridges from the past while strolling around.

The streets of the pedestrian zone are covered with pretty mosaic floors depicting fish or floral motifs. Even more beautiful are the typical Portuguese tiles, the azulejos, which adorn many house walls in Faro.

Take a stroll through the romantic old town of Faro.

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Interestingly, most of the 17th and 18th-century houses in the old town are no longer inhabited. Due to their poor structural condition, only the ground floor of many buildings is used for commercial purposes. Here, you'll find tourist shops next to boutiques, and restaurants next to cafés and bars.

Going out in Faro is actually pretty cool: Unlike party-loving Albufeira, you'll meet lots of locals. As a university city, Faro has a lot of young people and a vibrant nightlife. Cocktail tip: " The Woods " with a great view!

Not far from Faro, a trip to Olhão is a must, especially on Saturdays. A traditional fish, meat, and vegetable market takes place at the harbor. Foodies can enjoy a food tour, which offers an insider's walk with regional products and insider tips.

Albufeira is the party mecca of the Algarve . If you want to party, this is the place for you. But the place has much more to offer than just cool drinks.

Albufeira is the party city of the Algarve.

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Albufeira exudes a romantic atmosphere in its small old town with narrow streets and slightly dilapidated houses. Albufeira translates as "castle above the sea." This is due to the city's now-ruined castle. Where it once stood, the upper town now stands with its typical whitewashed houses.

The lower town is a real party place. The Guia district, east of the center, is a mecca for night owls. The party mile is also called "The Strip." Here you'll find everything you need for a long night: beach bars and hip clubs.

Particularly cool are places like "Libertos," with a bar, live music, and a pool. The most Instagrammable spot is the "Portas da Villa" bar. Every open space is covered with shells—inside and out.

Lagos has a completely different vibe. The air is salty and smells of adventure, because as a former seafaring nation, coastal cities like this are almost always exciting.

Lagos is small but full of history. The Ponta da Bandeira fort at the harbor still explains how valiantly the Portuguese defended their harbor against invaders. There's a maritime museum here dedicated to maritime history.

St. Sebastian. A white old church in the city of Lagos on the Algarve.

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As you stroll through the old town, you'll discover influences from a wide variety of cultures and eras. You'll stroll through winding alleys and colorful 18th-century houses, stumbling upon a charming café on every corner. The Phoenicians, the Celts, the Romans—they all settled here.

There's even an old Arab city wall dating back to the 8th century. The region was occupied by the Arabs for almost 800 years (the name Algarve comes from the Arabic "Al Gharb," which means "the west").

The impressive city walls of Lagos date back to the 8th century.

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Along steep alleyways, you'll reach the palm-lined waterfront promenade and the marina. A stroll at sunset is a must here – including a sundowner, of course! Because the party scene is also happening here, just more chilled out.

Just a little further southwest, a breathtaking cliff landscape with hidden beaches and coves stretches all the way to one of Portugal's most interesting attractions, Ponta da Piedale – a reddish-yellow rock formation in the sea, crisscrossed by caves and grottos. A guided kayak tour, where you paddle through grottos and caves, is an absolute must-do.

Discover hidden beaches between the impressive cliffs of Lagos.

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The westernmost point of mainland Europe is located in the Algarve, or more precisely, the southwesternmost tip of Cabo de São Vicente. From here, only the Atlantic Ocean separates you from America, and you can just imagine what an adventure it must have been for Christopher Columbus when he sailed past here in 1492 on his way to the New World.

Cabo de São Vicente is a must-see, but you'll want to arrive early. From midday onwards, tourist buses arrive, bringing vacationers from all over the region to the westernmost point of the continent. No wonder the Portuguese are proud of their history as a seafaring nation!

You shouldn't set sail here, but you should visit Sagres instead. This small, remote town is considered an insider tip: The port town not only boasts a picturesque old town, but is also surrounded by paradisiacal beaches and a breathtaking landscape of caves and rocks. Here you'll find Europe's southwesternmost bathing bay, Praia do Beliche.

There are no high-rise hotels, but surfers and backpackers are welcome, as the region is much more sparsely populated and therefore quieter. The atmosphere in the surf shops, cafés, and bars is also more alternative. Particularly hip are the " Surf Planet " with the coolest surf clothes and the "Agua Salgada " with live music.

Sagres is the perfect surfing region.

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Incidentally, Cape Saint Vincent is the starting and ending point of the more than 700-kilometer-long Ruta Vicentina and Via Algarviana hiking routes. The Algarve is not only ideal for surfing, but also for hiking. Those who enjoy hiking with ocean views should take the 19-kilometer-long tidal path around Carrapateira.

When you're surfing the perfect wave along the Algarve coast, it's easy not to think about what lies beyond. And I mean that literally, because the hinterland is often forgotten, but it reveals a completely different side of the Algarve. In the mountainous hinterland, life is still pristine and authentic.

Crafts play a major role, especially cork. Portugal has the largest cork production in the world! In the hinterland of the Algarve, cork oaks are still peeled according to ancient traditions. Cork oaks provide the raw material for bottle corks, flooring, and shoes, as well as accessories such as hats, handbags, and jewelry.

The heart of the hinterland is the Serra de Monchique. The Algarve's mountainous landscape rises behind the coast; the two highest peaks are the Foia at 902 meters and the Picota at 773 meters. Amidst this lush natural landscape, you'll find small mountain villages, such as the quaint Monchique.

Beautiful view of the mountain landscape.

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Here, you must try strawberry tree schnapps, a specialty of the hinterland. According to ancient tradition, "Medronho" is slowly distilled over a wood fire and can have up to 55 percent alcohol by volume.

Tip: If you're up for a hike, you should take a closer look at the Via Algarviana. This long-distance trail, which can also be completed by bike or horse, is considered an insider tip and very peaceful. The route winds its way through the hinterland for almost 300 kilometers.

The Algarve without surfers is like a summer without ice. The southernmost tip of Portugal offers the best beaches with the most optimal conditions for surfers. Rough seas and high waves are a common sight here. Located near the small village of Odeceixe, Praia de Odeceixe Mar has become a popular surfing spot.

Beginners are also in the right place here: If you want to venture out on the water for the first time, you can book a lesson at a surf school, such as the "Odeceixe Surf School." There are two surf lessons per day. The morning session starts at 11 a.m. and the afternoon session at 4 p.m.

There are many surfing hotspots in the Algarve.

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Also recommended is Praia da Arrifana, located a little further south. The bay is shaped like a fingernail and is surrounded by cliffs. The beach is popular with surfers of all levels, and there are several surf schools in the area. Diving is also possible.

Northwest of Carrapateira lies Praia de Vale Figueira, a long and wide beach fringed by cliffs. You won't find a surf school or restaurants here, but you'll find great waves and fewer people. And very close to Europe's westernmost point at Cabo de São Vincente, Carrapateira Beach is a hot spot for surfing early in the morning and at dusk. People like to meet in the small cafés here for a "meia de leite," a latte.

Beautiful beaches and hidden coves stretch along the entire south coast. Praia da Falésia is considered one of the most beautiful. What makes this six-kilometer-long sandy beach special are its red sandstone cliffs covered with pine trees.

Dreamlike cliffs await travelers to Portugal in the Algarve – for example along the Falesia beach in Albufeira.

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Praia da Marinha isn't exactly an insider tip, but it's worth a visit. Protected by rocks, it's always a great place for sunbathing and snorkeling. Dolphins are even said to be spotted occasionally.

An insider tip is located between Cacela Velha and Faro, in the middle of a huge nature reserve. Numerous sandy islands have formed off the coast. One of them is Ilha de Tavira, which has a dream beach: Praia Barril. From Pedras D'el Rei, you can take a tram to the beach and relax on the white sand.

Keep your eyes open! Dolphins can sometimes be seen here.

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But you should also take a detour to the west coast. Along the Costa Vicentina, things are quieter than in the south. Here you'll discover nature reserves as well as wild coves. The Algar Seco rock formation near Ferragudo is stunning, a cliff face bizarrely shaped by the wind and waves.

An insider tip is the bay near Aljezur, said to be one of the most beautiful bathing bays on the west coast. Here, black cliffs meet turquoise waters and white sand – a picture-perfect setting!

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