The Algarve is synonymous with sunshine, beaches and various outdoor activities, making it a go-to destination for many Brits.
You can spend your days visiting the delightful fishing towns here and venturing further out to sea by boat to see the striking coastline and its many stacks from the sparkling waters. Interspersed with plenty of unwinding on the perfect beaches, you’ll feel a million miles away from reality.
Anyone with a keen interest in wildlife and nature will feel right at home, with areas of outstanding natural beauty on your doorstep. Meanwhile, adrenaline junkies can get their fix by taking part in a range of activities both out at sea and on land.
With so much to do, it’s worth considering the options available to you and prioritising activities and day trips ahead of your holiday. Here are some suggestions to help you get the started.
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Enjoy the local food
Food in the Algarve is a delight for the tastebuds. You can enjoy local dishes in places like Faro, which is renowned for its seafood, to get a taste of authentic Portugues cuisine at its finest.
Aside from fresh seafood, other must-try dishes in the Algarve include Peri Peri chicken and Javali. The latter is a meat-based dish with wild boar that’s generally seasoned and prepared over an open fire to add a deliciously smoky taste. You can also indulge in petiscos de taberna, a series of small plates similar to tapas in Spain. These include anything from chorizo to seafood fritters and make for a perfect afternoon snack while sightseeing.
Walking on trails
While you may typically associate the Algarve with beach days, it’s also a spectacular place to go hiking. There are various trails at different levels that pass through the varied landscapes here. You could walk through Mediterranean forests and end up on a coastal route overlooking the sparkling waters below.
It’s suitable for walking all year round but make sure you time your trip with weather that suits your preference. You may want to avoid the height of summer if you plan to do a lot of walking or at the very least, ensure you have the correct gear to stay safe in these conditions.
Anyone with a soft spot for wildlife will be in their element, as a wide variety of birds can be found across the Algarve.
Visit Ria Formosa Natural Park
This extraordinary area is considered a site of international importance due to the ecosystems that exist here. It’s a labyrinth of canals, marshland and islands, allowing nature to thrive in all its nooks and crannies. There’s plenty to explore, as it stretches an impressive 60km along the coast.
While you’re here, look out for the rare galinha-sultana bird, which can’t be seen anywhere else in Portugal. There are dedicated routes and trials that will increase the likelihood of seeing one during your trip, so make sure you’re aware of these. Other birds that exist here include flamingos and storks.
Enjoy taking it all in, stopping at observations along the way to soak up the fantastic views here. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks. Alternatively, join a bike or kayak excursion to take a closer look.
Try adventurous activities
For many, travel opens up the opportunity to try more adventurous pursuits. Beyond hiking along the varied trails that exist here, you can take part in the likes of cliff jumping from designated areas along the coast or skydiving from an even greater height.
Popular water sports include kayaking, which is a great way of exploring the bizarre land formations across the Algarve. Depending on the conditions, it can be a brilliant family activity as even those with no experience can pick it up quickly with the right training.
Outside of this, the ultimate thrill seekers can go parasailing or flyboarding to see the area from above.
Benagil cave and dolphin watching in Albufeira
Benagil cave is an almighty sandstone cavern near Carvoeiro that can only be accessed in the right conditions. You can reach it by boat or kayak when the sea is calm so it’s a great excuse to venture out and try something that may be slightly out of your comfort zone.
Once you get there, you’ll be wowed by the large opening above, which lets the sunlight stream through. To get the most out of your visit, you could consider a sunset trip. Plus, you can avoid the tourists if you go early or later in the day.
The Algarve is also a great place for spotting dolphins – if you’re lucky, you might spot them while out on a boat trip or even from the coast. Unsure how to reach Albufeira once you land? You can easily get to Albufeira by using transfers from Faro Airport. Take one less thing off your mind by arranging transfers in advance so you won’t have to worry about navigating public transport or taxis once you arrive.
