Portugal: Algarve Coast

For this trip, I put my history obsession aside because my girls wanted a beach vacay, so we took a visit to the stunning Algarve Coast. 

Portugals southern coastal region is famous for its sandy beaches, sandstone grottos, water spouts and marine life. It offers a diversity of nightlife, theme parks, ocean tours, surfing, hiking, and golf. There are over 25 resort towns and dozens of villages to explore. The western shore of the Algarve faces the Atlantic Ocean, where the beaches are wild and wind swept and there is minimal tourism. However, the southern shore faces Gulf of Cadiz, which is a little more protected from the harsh Atlantic but still offers the gorgeous towering coastal cliffside. 

Thanks to Henri the Navigator, the Portuguese fleets explored the seas, using the most advanced nautical knowledge of those days. During the 14th- 6th centuries the Portuguese navigated to Africa, the Far East and the heart of the South American continent. They conquered lands, amassed wealth and brought to Europe things never seen before. The Portuguese discovered the route to India and Brasil, China, Japan, Oman, and Malaysia. Fernão de Magalhães (Magellan), planned and commanded the first circumnavigation of the Globe. This small kingdom was then the largest Empire in the world. Their seafaring explorations introduced Europeans to African lands and tribes, which changed the trajectory and politics of the entire African continent forever. It is a pretty spectacular history. 

How to get there: 

The most straightforward way to visit the Algarve is to fly into Faro and rent a car. Perhaps you can find other modes of transportation but this seems the best, and will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you can day trip from Spain, or drive south from Lisbon.

Where to stay:

We recommend the fishing village of Carvoeiro. It is centrally located to everything you want to see in the region, with wide main streets that offer plenty of shopping and restaurants. The nearby coastal access offers neat caves and beaches to relax on, or the boardwalk gives visitors a flat path for biking and walking along the coast. The village is clean and the beaches are well maintained. 

What to do: 

Visit the touristy Benagil Beach and take a boat tour out to the caves, including the Benagil Cave. The topography is so unique with jagged cliffs and protruding rock formations against turquoise water and blue skies. Seeing the area from the water is a must-do for the change of perspective. 

Relax at Praia de Camilo. You’ll have to hike down 225 steps to the sand, which ends in a small cove. However, there is a tunnel carved out of the rocks and that leads to another cove, and yet another, so there is ample room to lounge. The water is calm and the sand is warm. Perfection.

Where to eat: 

We loved the restaurant O Stop for its fantastic ocean views! We also had great Italian food on the patio at the restaurant Villa Medici.

Of course you must grab gelato at La Piazza, just up the road from Praia de Carvoeiro, which is another wide sandy beach to enjoy. 

How long to visit: 

We suggest a minimum of three days in the region if you are doing a relaxing beach vacay like us. If you would like to enjoy some of the other activities like golfing, hiking or surfing, perhaps extend your trip a few more days so you are not rushing. 

Portugals Algarve region is a gem in a country bursting with treasure. It is the perfect place for a long weekend girls trip, a romantic getaway, or a quick family adventure. The topography is so unique and the people are hospitable. We absolutely recommend adding this stop to your bucket list!