Algarve Guide
Golden limestone cliffs and sea arches at Praia da Marinha beside calm blue sea.
Golden limestone cliffs and sea arches at Praia da Marinha beside calm blue sea.

Southern Portugal · Algarve region, Faro district

Sea Caves, Cliff Beaches and Lagoons of Portugal's Algarve

Where to stay, the best tours and realistic itineraries — everything you need to book Algarve with confidence.

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The Algarve is Portugal's southern coast, with Faro's international airport 4 km from the capital and a 140 km railway linking Lagos in the west to Vila Real de Santo António on the Spanish border. Faro has the walled Cidade Velha and 5 km of sand on Ilha de Faro. Lagos has the sea cliffs and grottoes of Ponta da Piedade, seen by boat or from clifftop paths. Many visitors split a stay between the east, the centre and a western base.

Good to know

  • Faro Airport, 4 km from Faro
  • No train from the airport
  • A22 motorway toll-free
  • Aerobus 56 to Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos

Why visit the Algarve

  1. Benagil sea cave

    A domed cave with an open 'eye' in its roof, entered only on a boat tour or guided kayak tour. Swimming in is banned.

  2. Clifftop coastal walking

    The Seven Hanging Valleys trail runs from Praia da Marinha to Praia de Vale Centeaes, looking down over Benagil.

  3. Ria Formosa lagoons

    Lagoons, barrier islands and inlets near Faro, explored by kayak or boat. Flamingos and spoonbills live here.

  4. Castles and old towns

    Silves' red sandstone castle, the castles of Castro Marim, the Bone Chapel and the Roman ruins at Milreu.

  5. Surf and dolphins in Sagres

    Sagres is the Algarve's surf base, and boat cruises from there head out for dolphin watching.

Where to stay

Albufeira

First-timers and nightlife

Central, with a huge range of hotels and easy day trips in every direction. The train station is 7 km from town.

Which area suits you?

Lagos

Best without a car

Well placed for the central and western coast, near Ponta da Piedade, with a train station and ONDA buses to the beaches.

Which area suits you?

Faro

Public transport

Trains reach Tavira in 40 minutes and Lagos direct; buses reach Vilamoura in 30. Walled old town and Praia de Faro nearby.

Which area suits you?

Tavira

History and a quieter east

One of the Algarve's most charming towns, on the east side, close to Barril beach and the Ria Formosa.

Which area suits you?

Golden Triangle

Luxury and golf

Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, about 30 minutes' drive from Faro airport, with the Old Course Vilamoura.

Which area suits you?

Carvoeiro

Families and quiet stays

A low-key base in the centre with calmer beaches and a walkable centre, close to the Benagil coast.

Which area suits you?

Start here

Things to do in Algarve

When to go

  1. March–May

    From around 16°C in March to 23°C by May. Wildflowers are out; better for hiking and sightseeing than swimming.

  2. June–August

    Peak beach and watersports season, 25–30°C on the coast and over 35°C inland. Busiest beaches and highest prices in August.

  3. September–November

    The sea is at its warmest, crowds thin after early September and prices drop. October ends beach season; November suits sightseeing.

  4. December–February

    Quietest and cheapest time, around 16°C in January. Good for cultural trips and scenic drives; most beaches have no lifeguards.

Weather

Weather in Algarve

Weather by month →

Algarve weather by month

Algarve weather by month
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
High / Low (°C)
15°
11°
15°
10°
17°
11°
19°
13°
22°
15°
25°
18°
28°
19°
28°
20°
25°
19°
22°
17°
18°
14°
16°
12°
Rain (mm)
50
53
67
62
35
8
1
4
23
75
95
72

Average daily high and low (°C) and monthly rainfall (mm) · Forecast: MET Norway (yr.no) · Climate averages: NASA POWER

Practical tips

  • There is no train from Faro Airport; take bus 14 or 16 into Faro, where the train station is under 5 minutes' walk from the bus terminal.
  • The Aerobus (route 56) has few departures and fills up, so don't rely on it to reach Albufeira, Portimão or Lagos at busy times.
  • The A22 motorway across the Algarve is toll-free, so skip the toll devices that older guides still recommend.
  • Car hire is charged per 24 hours, and drivers must be at least 21, with a surcharge possible for under-25s.
  • Arrive early at Praia da Marinha and Praia de Benagil in summer, when parking queues form from the morning.

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