Algarve, Portugal - definitely the place to be in the summertime! With heavenly beaches, excellent weather, and jaw-dropping landscapes, it captures the essence of a perfect summer escape. Portugal is also a safe country, and the region is dotted with picturesque, secluded places where tranquility comes naturally.
In this article, we will focus on some of the best things to do in the Algarve, from unwinding on peaceful beaches surrounded by nature to savoring the region’s traditional flavors. Come with us and discover how a summer in the Algarve can turn into unforgettable memories!
1. Benagil Cave
Are you ready to discover one of the most breathtaking treasures of the Algarve, Portugal coastline? Benagil Cave is a spectacular sea cave known for its vast dome, sculpted walls, and small sandy beach hidden inside. Located near Benagil Beach, one of the best beaches in Algarve, it is surrounded by striking cliffs and crystal-clear waters that make this stretch of coast especially memorable.
From the shore, you can admire impressive rock formations shaped by the sea over time. To truly experience Benagil Cave, boat tours and kayak tours are among the best things to do in Algarve, each offering a different view of this natural wonder. A boat tour lets you relax and enjoy the fresh sea breeze, while a kayak tour brings you closer to the cave and the beauty of the surrounding coastline.
2. Algar Seco
Beautiful golden cliffs and caves dropping into the sea: this is what you will find in Algar Seco, in Carvoeiro. Join a hike tour and walk along a wooden boardwalk with benches, while taking in the marvelous views.
The boardwalk’s eastern end has a set of stairs that go down into caves and phenomenal geological formations. Admire the rocks and rough caves that wind and sea have shaped over the centuries. This is where you will find the famous “Boneca”, a rock in the shape of an inverted cone that resembles a doll. It is especially surprising when seen from the sea. This is one of our best suggestions of things to do in Algarve, for being a natural masterpiece and for its magical atmosphere at sunset.
3. Praia do Vau
It is time to relax on one of the best beaches in the Algarve! Bordered by impressive red-colored cliffs that form nooks and crannies, the extensive and beautiful Praia do Vau, located in Portimão, has calm and clean waters and fine golden sand.
Praia do Vau has supporting infrastructures, as well as restaurants and bars on site. Is there anything better than enjoying a refreshing drink overlooking the sea? Or maybe you prefer long walks by the beach? At the edge of the beach, the cliff is covered with typical vegetation, and the neighboring beaches are also suitable for long walks. It is the perfect place to spread out your towel and enjoy the Portuguese sun!
4. Praia do Camilo
The small Praia do Camilo, popular with locals and visitors, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. Nestled between ochre cliffs with unique rock formations, this beach is characterized by its soft, golden sand and clear, calm waters. Access is via a staircase with about 200 steps, but before going down the stairs, you should take a moment to enjoy the magnificent view.
Nearby, you will find Ponta da Piedade, a very beautiful rock formation with grottoes and caves. The best way to admire it is from the sea! Go on a boat tour and take your time appreciating the lace-like formations carved over the years by the wind and the sea!
5. Praia da Cova Redonda
Some say that this is one of the best beaches in Algarve, but also one of the most beautiful in Europe! Located in the municipality of Porches and surrounded by winding jagged cliffs that provide shelter and a cozy atmosphere, this beach with calm, crystal-clear waters and fine white sand is accessible via a large staircase between the vegetation.
The charming, medium-sized Praia da Cova Redonda is full of rock formations carved by erosion. One of the highlights is a large rock formation that looks like a big whale, near the east side of the beach.
6. Praia da Angrinha
This peaceful, less-crowded river beach is located on the estuary of the Arade River, at the foot of Ferragudo, a village with a fishing tradition. The medieval São João de Arade fort, originally built as a defensive structure, at the southern end of the beach, and the little fishing boats pulled up on the sand are some of the reasons why it is one of the picture-perfect beaches in Algarve, Portugal.
The fine-sand Angrinha Beach is backed by low dunes and framed by worn cliffs. The rocky walls covered with lush vegetation give this beach a natural and quaint look. At low tide, you can walk through the natural pools to the second, more popular beach, Praia Grande.
7. Have a Cataplana Experience
One of the most rewarding ways to connect with the region is through its food. A cataplana experience that begins with a market visit adds a deeper layer to the journey, inviting you to slow down and take in the colors, aromas, and local rhythm of everyday life. Choosing fresh seafood, vegetables, and herbs makes the meal feel rooted in place, while the cooking itself brings a sense of warmth and connection. When the copper lid is finally lifted, the moment feels both comforting and memorable, like the flavors of the Algarve gathered into one shared experience!
A simple cataplana recipe starts with onion, garlic, and olive oil, followed by chopped tomatoes, white wine, and a touch of paprika. Fresh seafood such as clams, shrimp, squid, or fish is then added, along with cilantro, salt, and pepper, before everything is covered and gently cooked until the shellfish open and the flavors come together. Served with crusty bread, it captures the same feeling as the experience itself: relaxed, authentic, and full of the Algarve’s coastal character.
Enjoy Your Summer in Algarve!
From dramatic sea caves and golden cliffs to quiet stretches of sand and unforgettable flavors, the Algarve brings together everything that makes summer travel feel special. It is a place to slow down, soak in the scenery, and enjoy simple moments that stay with you long after the trip is over. Are you drawn by the coastline, the peaceful atmosphere, or the region’s traditional cuisine? We can design your summer escape for your own pace and interest! Contact us!
