The Algarve
Southern Portugal's Atlantic coast. Golden cliffs, hidden coves, world-class golf, and a cuisine shaped by the sea.
Towns
Explore the 18 principal towns of the Algarve, from the regional capital Faro to the surf outpost of Sagres.
Faro
The Algarve's administrative capital and transport hub, a cultured university city on the edge of the Ria Formosa lagoon.
Lagos
Henry the Navigator's port town, framed by the spectacular sea cliffs of Ponta da Piedade and a lively old quarter inside medieval walls.
Tavira
The most elegant town in the eastern Algarve, with 37 churches, a Roman bridge over the Gilao river and a refined, unhurried atmosphere.
Albufeira
The Algarve's largest and busiest resort town, built around a whitewashed old quarter perched on cliffs above a fishermen's beach.
Silves
The former Moorish capital of the Algarve, dominated by a massive red sandstone castle above the Arade river and surrounded by orange groves.
Olhao
The Algarve's largest fishing port, with cubist flat-roofed architecture, outstanding waterfront markets and ferries to the Ria Formosa islands.
Discover the Algarve
Beaches
30 beaches to explore
Walking Routes
12 routes across the region
Attractions
25 landmarks and attractions to visit
History
25 key moments in history
Getting Here
5 ways to arrive
Golf
15 courses to play
Quick Facts
Regions
Barlavento (Western Algarve)
The windward coast of dramatic sandstone cliffs, hidden sea caves, surf beaches and some of Portugal's most photographed coastline.
Sotavento (Eastern Algarve)
The leeward coast of barrier islands, tidal lagoons, salt pans and unhurried towns where the Ria Formosa natural park shapes daily life.
Serra (Mountains)
The forested interior of cork oak hills, thermal springs, white hamlets and a rural Algarve that most visitors never discover.
Costa Vicentina
The wild Atlantic-facing west coast of dark cliffs, powerful surf breaks and protected natural parkland stretching north from Sagres.