Algarve

Sights

• Ponta da Piedade – Golden rock arches and grottoes near Lagos.
• Benagil Cave – A rock dome open to the sky – seen on a boat tour; swimming and landing are banned.
• Praia da Marinha – One of the coast's most beautiful beaches, with a clifftop path.
• Sagres and Cape St Vincent – The south-western tip of Europe – sunset at the lighthouse.
• Tavira – A little town with a Roman bridge, churches and an island beach.
• Ria Formosa – A lagoon of islands and birds, by boat from Faro or Olhão.

Food & nightlife

• Cataplana – A seafood stew cooked in a copper pan.
• Grilled sardines – Especially in summer, with bread and salad.
• Piri-piri chicken – Grilled with chilli, famous from Guia.
• Medronho – A brandy made from strawberry-tree fruit.

Day trips

• Seven Hanging Valleys Trail – A clifftop hike near Carvoeiro.
• Monchique – Green hills with hot springs and views from Fóia.
• Silves – A Moorish castle of red sandstone.

Good to know

When to go

April–June, September–October

Getting around

Fly to Faro; regional trains and buses along the coast, but a hire car is best for coves and the hinterland.

Tipping

Service is usually included – rounding up is a nice gesture.

Power

Plug type C/F, 230 V – pack an adapter for Swiss plugs.

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Plan your trip to Algarve together

Create a trip plan and the Travel Guide comes with it – with a map, ideas to suggest and saved for offline use.

Plan with Pickeed

More in Portugal

• Lisbon
• Porto
• Madeira