The Algarve: How Long to Visit, Top Activities, Accommodations & More

Mary Kate gKing
Jun 6
4 min read

The Algarve: How Long to Visit, Top Activities, Accommodations, & More

The Algarve has become increasingly popular in the past 10 years for its beautiful beaches, rock formations, and caves along the coastline. With an increase in popularity, an increase in prices has followed. While Portugal is a relatively inexpensive country to visit, the increase in demand, especially in the Algarve, has led to it being a more expensive trip. It truly is such a beautiful spot to visit in Portugal and is worth the cost.

How long should I plan to visit the Algarve?

The absolute minimum is 2 full days, excluding travel days, but would best be enjoyed over 3-4 days. No need to spend more than 5 days in the Algarve unless you want to explore multiple cities or just spend a week relaxing. There are multiple cities in the Algarve worth visiting, but one of the more popular and central cities is Lagos.

Top Activities in The Algarve:

Kayak: Plan this for earlier in your trip to ensure you are able to complete this activity. We had ours planned on our last day, and it was canceled due to rough water conditions. I don’t have a specific company to recommend since ours waited to cancel until we were there at 7:30 am, but make sure you read the reviews. If you are trying to kayak into Benagil Cave, they no longer allow this due to such high traffic. Benagil Cave can only be accessed via a power boat and is still very crowded and difficult to get a picture without people or boats in it.
Benagil Cave
Boat Tour: A boat ride to see the beautiful cliffs is a “MUST DO” activity. There are many boat options from luxury private yachts to inexpensive boats with 50 + people squeezed together. Some offer the Benagil Cave as part of the tour. We can thank the crowds due to Windows making it one of their backgrounds on their computers. Since then, tourism to the Algarve has exploded, with all eager to see the Benagil Cave. I had been warned in my research of the crowds but was determined to see it for myself and come to my own conclusion. I agree with all the warnings about the crowds, but was still happy to see it and enjoyed the rest of the views along the coast. My parents insisted on doing a sailing tour, despite my recommendation to do a powerboat tour. They really enjoyed the sailing tour, but I think the powerboats can get closer to the cliffs and weave through the rocks better than sailboats can.
Hiking:
- Ponta da Piedade Trail: 1.5 miles, easy, coastal hike
- Praia do Camilo to Praia Dona Ana: Less than a mile hike along the cliffs connecting the top scenic beaches in the Algarve.
- Lagos to Porto de Mos: Longer hiking trail (6.3mi), less-trafficked trail with clifftop view
Cliff Jumping: Be informed about where you are jumping and how rough the waters are before jumping! The safest option is booking a boat or kayak tour that includes cliff jumping with a local guide. Below are some companies that offer cliff jumping with other tours:
- Days of Adventure
- Lagos Adventure
- Xtrem South
If you don’t think you need a tour, below are some top areas to cliff jump, they are also good areas to hike, and just enjoy the breathtaking views of the southern Portugal coast.
- Pomta da Piedade
- Praia do Camilo Coves
- Praia da Dona Ana

Surfing: The Algarve is a good spot for beginners (depending on the time of year you are visiting). More advanced surfing would be further west and north. For me the small waves were perfect, and I had a great experience with the surf lesson.

Relaxing at Beaches (Praia do Camilo to Praia Dona An
Shopping, enjoy exploring the city in Lagos or neighboring cities like Albuferia, Faro, Sagres, Portimao, Tavira, and more!

Cooking Class: There are a few options on Airbnb Experience, Get-Your-Guide, and TripAdvisor. Meal options include learning to cook the infamous Cataplana or bake Pastel De Nada. There isn’t one specific company that shines more than others, but I recommend a cooking class in either the Algarve or Lisbon!

Accommodations in The Algarve:

I only have one true recommendation for the Algarve because it was the most delightful stay and should be booked immediately. Three Marias Guesthouse is the most quaint spot to stay in Lagos. They have breakfast included on the rooftop and a takeaway if you cannot eat it at the bed and breakfast. It’s nestled in the heart of Lagos where you can walk around and explore the local restaurants and shops. It’s also within walking distance to the most divine beaches. My parents stayed at Three Marias a year after we did and loved it just as much as we did. While I HIGHLY recommend staying at Three Marias, I do have more information about Portugal Accommodations HERE (Note, it is in a spreadsheet and best viewed on a computer).

Enjoying a snack on the beach, walking distance from our B&B

Top Restaurants & Bars in The Algarve:

There are many restaurants you can stumble across in Lagos. Trying the various seafoods is a must-do in Portugal. While many people discuss the sardines and salted cod as the cuisine of Portugal, the dish that deserves the most honorable mention is: Gambas al ajillo. For a sweet treat, enjoy Portugal’s Pastel De Nata.

Restaurante Casa do Prego: Portuguese cuisine
Ciuccio: Italian
Casina do Pestisco: Portuguese cuisine (cash only)

Algarve Key Take-Aways:

Best enjoyed over 3-4 days, Lagos is a central location to stay in the Algarve.
A boat ride to see the beautiful cliffs is a “MUST DO” activity; however, Benagil Cave is slightly overrated and extremely crowded.
A kayak tour is another amazing activity to do in the Algarve, but make sure you are flexible with your days due to the weather.
Recommend visiting the Algarve during the shoulder or off seasons due to its crowds.