The Algarve region enjoys an unspoiled nature : the places not to be missed during your visit are mainly natural sites but there are also charming villages, typical of Portugal.

Choosing only 10 essential places was not that easy : there are many more with magnificient beaches and preserved villages in the hinterland.

Discover the most beautiful places in the Algarve to take photos and boost your « like » counter on Facebook or Instagram. Relive  the adventure and read our travel guide to the Algarve.

Ponta da Piedade in Lagos is THE must see emblematic site of the Algarve. The landscape is incredible and well worth the trip.

The view is stunning from the top of the cliffs: you can see the caves and underwater cavities dug by the swell and into which transparent water rushes.

The view of the bay is amazing: in the distance you can see the mountains of Serra de Monchique

 Walk down the stairs and get to the beach You can also discover the caves and secret passages in the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade from the sea by boat or kayak.

Book your boat or kayak tour in Lagos

Located in Lagoa and Carvoeiro, near Porches, Marinha beach is our favourite in the Algarve.

From the parking lot, look left and you will see some steps leading to the beach Do not miss a viewpoint to the right before walking down the steps: it offers an incredible view of the cliffs and the beach below.

The most beautiful beach in the Algarve attracts tourists, strollers and idlers all year round  You can enjoy the sun in any season thanks to the large cliffs that protect the beach. In summer when the tide is high the beach gets narrower but is still worth a visit.

If sunbathing is not your cup of tea we highly recommend the coastal paths towards Benagil (on the right) or of Porches (on the left). The path between Porches and Praia da Marinha is less crowded and really beautiful.

  If you like the region we offer the rental of a holiday apartment in Porches, near this beautiful beach.

It is probably one of the most famous places in Portugal, the Benagil cave in Lagoa e Carvoeiro is a remarkable site.

There’s a real beach inside the cave, which makes it original : the sun enters and illuminates the golden sand through a pierced ceiling. 

You can get to it only by sea and book boat tours from many Algarve cities (Portimao, Albufeira, Lagos). The closest starting points are Senhora da Rocha Beach in Porches, Carvoeiro Beach and Benagil Beach located right next to the cave. Fishermen converted to tourism offer tours from these beaches.

By boat, kayak or paddle, book your tour of the Benagil cave

Senhora da Rocha is one of the icons of the Algarve, it takes pride of place on its rocky spur at Porches. The chapel is built on a thin rocky strip bordered by two magnificent beaches, Praia Nova beach and Senhora da Rocha beach.

You can enjoy the view of this monument from the beach. A tunnel links the two beaches ; young and old alike love this secret passage. This place is also the starting point of a path to Benagil and Carvoeiro Enjoy a nice walk in an unspoiled nature.

Our apartment in Porches is located just 300m from this beach. Contact us to know about its availability!

Cabo Sao Vicente is the most southwest point of continental Europe, it is a mythical cape, very known to all sailors. The view from the foot of the lighthouse over the entire Costa Vicentina is stunning. If the landscape pleases you, you can walk on towards the north (Aljezur), and discover many wild beaches and landscapes evoking the nearby Alentejo region.

Have a break at Praia do Beliche beach just before getting to Cap Saint Vincent, the setting is exceptional! There is a staircase to the beach; a bar is seasonally open. In winter the spot is surfers’ favourite.

Discover the Villa Sound of the Sea in Aljezur, the perfect place for a relaxing and disconnected holiday in the heart of Natural Park of the Costa Vicentina.

Odeceixe beach is a long strip of sand with two facades. The best point of view is in Odeceixe : walk over the riverbridge then take the first on the left to the parking lot then take a path to the cliff overlooking the beach.

This beach is the ultimate beach in the Algarve before the  Alentejo region. The river bypassing the sandbank separates the two regions. The view is amazing !

The Algarve is a large region, if its coastline is exceptional, the interior also hides some treasures. The village of Monchique overlooks the entire Algarve and its small cobbled streets are worth a visit. Monchique is a spa and an important area for the cultivation of citrus and almonds.

La Serra de Monchique rises to over 900m; the most beautiful view of the regionis on top of Foia. In summer, on hot days, it's nice to cool off in this part of the Algarve: the temperatures can be up to 10 degrees lower than in the plain.

You probably noticed while landing in Faro : the Ria Formosa is a natural park that stretches over 60km. This natural area is made up of sandbanks and swamps sheltering birds and protected species.

Nestled in the middle of this natural park, a few kilometres from Faro, the village of Olhao is a place not to be missed. The small alleys of the village are full of charm, so are the houses whose architecture is inspired by North Africa, a total change of scene ! Walk through the narrow streets of the village and stop at the market, located by the ocean.

Olhao is the starting point to the Ria Formosa islands : they are all accessible by boat from the village port. Private tours and shuttles regularly connect the islands . All the islands are quite similar but our favourite is Ilha do Farol : its port is small and the  beach at the foot of the lighthouse is very nice. 

Book a visit of the Ria Formosa

Like Monchique, Silves is a charming village in the interior of the Algarve; it is very famous for its oranges ; many vendors sell their fruit along the roads in the Algarve. Have a short break and taste their juicy fruit!

Silves Castle is the largest castle in the region and one of its main attractions. It was built during the Muslim occupation its style recalls the magnificent Alcazar in Seville. Walk to the top of the ramparts and  admire the view over the entire Arade valley and the Serra de Monchique. The castle is open to visitors all year round, visits are chargeable.

As to me Ferragudo is the most beautiful village in the Algarve. Located in the municipality of Lagoa, just opposite Portimao, the small fishing village of Ferragudo is worth a visit.

Park your car at the entrance of the village (motorhomes use to park there) and enjoy the view of the village and its small sheltered port.

The alleys of Ferragudo will take you to the town church : the view to the village is fantastic. Walk on to Praia Grande and relax on the beach in the shadow of the castle.