Algarve-Tourist.com
The best independent guide to the Algarve
Algarve-Tourist.com
The best independent guide to the Algarve
The Algarve is the beautiful region of southern Portugal, characterised by stunning beaches, charming fishing villages, and vibrant resort towns.
This diverse region stretches over 155 kilometres of coastline, and encompasses more than 25 towns and villages, each boasting its own unique charm and appeal.
To help you make the most of your Algarve holiday, we've created three comprehensive maps that highlight the best of this wonderful region.
• Resort Towns Map - Discover the perfect location for your stay
• Tourist Attractions Map - Explore the region's must-see sights
• Beach Guide Map - Find your ideal spot along the Algarve's world-famous coastline
This interactive map below displays every major town worth visiting in the Algarve, along with the location of Faro Airport. (Note: zoom in or out to see all of the points)
Legend 1) Albufeira 2) Lagos 3) Vilamoura 4) Tavira 5) Alvor 6) Praia da Rocha 7) Carvoeiro 8) Praia da Luz 9) Armação de Pêra 10) Sagres 11) Faro 12) Olhão 13) Loulé 14) Silves 15) Olhos de Água 16) Quarteira 17) Monte Gordo 18) Vila Real de Santo António
Map 1: A brief summary
The Algarve offers destinations for every type of visitor.
The region's major resort towns each have their distinct character: Albufeira and Praia da Rocha pulse with energy and nightlife, historic Lagos blends cultural heritage with beach life, while sophisticated Vilamoura caters to high-end visitors and golf holidays.
For a more relaxed Portuguese experience, the delightful towns of Alvor, Olhos de Água and Carvoeiro, welcome families and those seeking a calmer holiday.
In the eastern Algarve, Tavira stands out as the region's most picturesque town, while at the western end, Sagres attracts surfers with its powerful Atlantic waves.
Inland, Silves is a historic fortified town, and Loulé is a traditional market town. Finally, Faro, the regional capital, boasts a well-preserved medieval old town.
Our second map highlights the region's finest attractions, from historic towns and natural wonders through to thrilling water parks.
Legend: 1) Zoomarine 2) Slide & Splash 3) Aquashow Waterpark 4) Benagil Cave 5) Ponta da Piedade 6) Praia da Marinha 7) Cabo de São Vicente 8) Parque Natural da Ria Formosa 9) Silves Castle 10) Loulé (historic centre) 11) Tavira (historic centre) 12) Lagos (historic centre) 13) Olhão (harbour) 14) Praia da Falésia (beach) 15) Seven Hanging Valleys hiking Trail
Details of each of these attractions is provided at the end of the guide
The Algarve is renowned for its spectacular coastline, where golden cliffs and hidden coves meet crystal-clear waters. Our third map highlights the region's finest beaches, from broad sandy bays perfect for families to secluded coves.
Legend: 1) Praia da Marinha 2) Praia da Rocha 3) Praia da Ilha Deserta 4) Praia do Beliche 5) Praia do Barril 6) Praia de Dona Ana 7) Praia do Camilo 8) Praia da Ilha de Tavira 9) Praia dos Pescadores 10) Praia de Monte Gordo 11) Praia da Torralta 12) Praia da Falésia 13) Praia dos Caneiros 14) Praia do Burgau 15) Praia da Galé 16) Praia de Carvoeiro 17) Meia Praia
The Algarve offers diverse attractions to suit all interests and ages. The region boasts world-class water parks, fascinating historic sites, picturesque nature reserves, and charming old towns. Here are some of the most popular attractions:
Water Parks and Entertainment
Zoomarine
A marine life park combining dolphin and seal shows with water slides and pools, blending entertainment with environmental education. Offical website: www.zoomarine.pt
Slide & Splash
Large water park with adrenaline slides, river rides and children's pools set in landscaped gardens. www.slidesplash.com
Aquashow Waterpark
Features Europe's highest water roller coaster, multiple water slides, swimming pools and a daily bird of prey show. aquashowpark.com
Natural wonders
Benagil Cave
Iconic sea cave with a natural skylight carved into the cliffs, accessible only by boat or kayak.
Ponta da Piedade
Dramatic golden limestone cliffs with arches, grottoes and rock pillars, accessed by steps down to the crystal-clear waters.
Praia da Marinha
Stunning beach known for its striking limestone rock formations and crystal-clear waters, regularly rated among Europe's finest beaches.
Cabo de São Vicente
Europe's southwestern most point, featuring a historic lighthouse perched on dramatic 60-metre cliffs overlooking the Atlantic.
Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
Protected coastal lagoon system stretching across 60km of coastline, home to diverse birdlife, barrier islands and the largest colony of seahorse.
Praia da Falésia
Six-kilometre golden beach backed by striking red and white cliffs, stretching from Vilamoura to Olhos de Água.
Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos
Trail Spectacular 6km coastal walking trail linking Praia da Marinha to Vale de Centeanes, offering stunning views of cliffs, caves and beaches.
Historic and cultural sights
Silves
Silves is a historic town in the Algarve's interior, dominated by its impressive red sandstone castle - one of the best-preserved Moorish fortifications in Portugal. Once the capital of the Algarve during Moorish rule, the town retains significant medieval character with its narrow streets winding down the hillside. The imposing Gothic cathedral, built on the site of a former mosque, stands as another significant landmark. The surrounding area is known for its citrus groves and cork oak forests.
Loulé
Loulé is a traditional market town distinguished by its authentic Portuguese character and historic charm. The town is centred around its famous market hall, an early 20th-century building with striking neo-Arabic architecture, where a vibrant daily market takes place. Loulé's medieval castle and narrow cobblestone streets reflect its rich history dating back to Moorish times. The town is particularly lively on Saturdays as the town hosts two markets.
Tavira
Tavira is an elegant historic town spanning both sides of the River Gilão in Portugal's eastern Algarve. Known as one of the region's most architecturally attractive towns, it features over 37 churches, a Roman bridge, and distinctive buildings with decorative scissor-shaped roofs called "telhados de tesoura."
The town's Moorish influence is evident in its whitewashed buildings and geometric gardens. South of the town are the unspoiled Ilha de Tavira beach island, reached by a short ferry ride through the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Lagos
Lagos is a charming coastal city known for its stunning beaches, historic maritime heritage, and dramatic limestone cliffs. The city's old town, encircled by 16th-century walls, features traditional Portuguese architecture and cobblestone streets.
Lagos played a significant role in Portugal's Age of Discovery, serving as a major departure point for naval expeditions.
Today, it's famous for its picturesque beaches like Praia do Camilo and Praia Dona Ana, as well as activities such as boat tours to the Ponta da Piedade rock formations, surfing, and fresh seafood dining along the marina.
Olhão
Olhão is a distinctive fishing port that maintains its authentic working-town character. Unlike many tourist-focused Algarve destinations, it's known for its genuine Portuguese atmosphere and bustling fishing industry. The town is characterized by its unique cubic architecture, with flat-roofed houses showing Moorish influences. Its waterfront features a lively fish market and a red-brick market hall where locals gather for fresh produce and seafood.