One of Portugal’s most visited destinations—second only to the pastel-tinted streets of the capital—the Algarve may be known for its sun-drenched sandy beaches and sparkling Mediterranean seascapes, but that’s only half the picture. Portugal’s southernmost region also features quaint, whitewashed villages, sun-drenched vineyards, wild national parks, and some of the best surf in Europe on the rugged Atlantic coastline. And, while the list of best things to do in the Algarve is almost endless, you can always cruise to southern Spain for a day trip if you fancy mixing it up.
With the beaches and seaside of the Algarve being the region’s defining feature, it makes sense that summer is when things get really busy. Summer in the Algarve is bookended by two large festivals, Black and White Night in Carvoeiro and White Night in Loulé, whose names describe each of their dress codes. If you don’t need perfect beach weather for your Algarve visit, early spring offers a quiet yet enjoyable sightseeing experience.
The Algarve Line (Linha do Algarve) is the rail network that runs between the region’s coastal towns and cities. It’s effectively divided into two branches that meet at Faro, traveling west to Lagos and east to Vila Real de Santo António. Some stations, such as the one for Albufeira, are a long way inland from the actual town. To reach towns and villages not on the region’s train line, buses from main cities like Faro, Lagos, and Portimão can get you there.
While there are characteristics that are generally common across the Algarve, don’t expect everywhere in the region to be similar. For instance, the further west you go along the coast, the more the coastline is dominated by larger and larger cliffs, with the beaches mostly found within small, sandy coves. But visit the eastern Algarve beaches, and you’re more likely to see easily accessible long stretches of sand.
