Nicest towns in the Algarve
Along the southern coastline of Portugal is the beautiful region of the Algarve, a destination for sunseekers all over Europe. The region is blessed with stunning beaches, glorious scenery, picturesque villages, and mouth-watering seafood, all ready to be discovered.
While the idea of hopping on the plane to the Algarve sounds exciting, it’s worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with the region beforehand. Understanding which towns to visit, immersing yourself in the culture, and getting acquainted with the climate can greatly improve your Algarve experience.
We’ll discuss the best towns in the region so you can plan your vacation accordingly.
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1. Carvoeiro
Another natural wonder to explore is the Carvoeiro boardwalk. The Carvoeiro boardwalk is a nice walk on the top of the hills that starts at a Nossa Senhora da Encarnação fort and goes to a group of fascinating limestone formations called Algar Seco. We would say it’s a short, enjoyable hike with plenty of beauty to take in. And when you’re ready to relax, head to Boneca Bar at the end of the walk. There is also a beautiful cave called “A Boneca” on one side of Algar Seco which looks like a small room with two big holes that look out to the ocean.
Carvoeiro is centrally located in the Algarve, which makes it a suitable base for your stay, as all places are close by. For example, famous beaches like Praia do Carvalho, Praia da Marinha, and Praia do Vale de Centeanes are only a few kilometers away. All in all, we’d say, Carvoeiro is the perfect place to start your Algarve vacation.
Looking for a place to stay in Carvoeiro? We got you.
2. Ferragudo
There are also plenty of great dining options here. Ferragudu’s Terrace and Rei das Praias have amazing local food, perfect for a fancy lunch or dinner. If you want something fun and lively, check out Club Nau on Praia Grande. It’s famous for Japanese food, and beach parties and it’s also a great spot to watch the sunset.
And here’s a tip: since Ferragudo is just a few minutes away from Carvoeiro, many visitors opt to make it a day trip from there. It’s just another reason why Carvoeiro is such a great place to stay.
3. Lagos
Lagos is a city located at the mouth of the Bensafrim River along the Atlantic Ocean in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. What draws people in is its authentic Portuguese charm, clean beaches, rock formations, vibrant nightlife, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Start your adventure by exploring the old town, where you can wander through cobbled streets, historic buildings, and vibrant markets. Don’t miss the town’s charming squares and ancient city walls.
For a bit of adventure, go kayaking along the coast to explore hidden caves and grottoes that are only accessible by sea. Ponta da Piedade is a must-see spot with breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline; you can walk along the trails or take a boat tour to see the cliffs from the water.
4. Burgau
Burgau is just a 10-minute drive from Lagos. It’s a former fishing village that’s surrounded by cliffs.
Burgau makes a perfect day trip if you’re looking to get away from the usual tourist areas of Algarve. This quaint little fishing village has a few supermarkets, bakeries, and restaurants.
4. Tavira
5. Silves
Silves has some really cool Moorish and Roman monuments which should be best explored in the early evening when the sun dips low. Silves looks more charming during this time of the day.
Silves is just a 20-minute drive from Carvoeiro, making it a great option for a day trip. If you’re staying in Carvoeiro, here’s our suggestion for a perfect day in Silves.
Start with a visit to the impressive Silves Castle. After exploring the castle, head over to Café Inglês next door for a relaxing aperitif.
The best way to experience Silves is by foot. So, take some time to stroll around the charming streets of Silves, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic town. For a delicious meal, go to Marisqueira Rui, a fantastic seafood restaurant that serves typical Portuguese cuisine.
If you have time during the day, make sure to check out the Barragem de Arade, a nearby dam offering beautiful views and a peaceful setting.
6. Porches
A few kilometers east of Carvoeiro, nestled between Lagoa and Albufeira, lies the beautiful village of Porches. This place maintains that serene simplicity that’s hard to resist. It may seem like a stop along the way, but once you’re here, its beauty draws you in.
We’d say the best time to visit Porches is at night. You can stroll through the village streets and admire the site of typical Porches old roofs and chimneys. And if you stay for dinner, check out O Leão de Porches or A Rolha, both are popular for their heavenly food and cozy atmosphere.
The area of Porches is also well known for its wine, clay pits, and pottery workshops. So, we highly recommend visiting the famous Porches Pottery workshop to see their hand-crafted ceramics on display.
7. Alte
8. Faro
The beauty of Faro lies within the city walls of its old town, known as Cidade Velha. It’s a peaceful area with charming corners, alleys lined with whitewashed houses, and squares adorned with orange trees.
Canned fish from Comur is a big deal in Faro. It’s a shop where you can find canned versions of sardines, octopus, swordfish, tuna – you name it. Their cans are beautifully decorated and come in all sorts of colors. It’s almost too pretty to open!
The closest beach, Praia de Faro, is 10 kilometers from Faro and is often extremely busy on weekends. However, you can explore the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. This area has blue-green lagoons, white sandbanks, and sometimes flamingos. Here, you can take a boat tour, enjoy a day on the beach, or go for a walk.
Already in love with Algarve? Find the best accommodations for your stay here.
So, there you have it—some insights into some of the nicest towns the Algarve has to offer. Hopefully, we’ve done a good job of letting you know about all the great options each town has in terms of places to visit, beaches, and eateries, just waiting to be explored. We’d love to hear which one you’ll choose to explore first!
Happy traveling!
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