Algarve
Ochre cliffs sculpted into arches and caves, emerald coves: yes, the Algarve is crowded — and yes, it remains dazzling when you know where and when.
Suggested stay — 3 to 4 nights
Postcard Algarve concentrates between Lagos and Albufeira: the Ponta da Piedade and its maze of golden pinnacles (by kayak at first light, it is an enchantment); the Seven Hanging Valleys trail — regularly ranked among Europe's finest — linking Marinha, one of the continent's most beautiful beaches, to the famous Benagil cave and its eye open to the sky.
The crowd-counter lies in the calendar and the clock: May-June or September-October, water activities before 9 am, and a foray into the little-known east — elegant Tavira, the lagoon islands of the Ria Formosa, endless beaches reached by ferry — where the Algarve recovers its Portuguese slowness.
Don't miss
- The Benagil cave by kayak or paddle early morning (swimming in is banned and dangerous)
- The Seven Hanging Valleys trail (6 km one way, Praia da Marinha as the reward)
- The Ponta da Piedade at Lagos, from above then from below
- Tavira and the Ria Formosa for the Algarve of before
Our tips on the ground
- Avoid July-August if you can: doubled prices, beach car parks full by 10 am.
- Book Benagil outings the day before for the first slot: afternoon swell regularly closes the cave.
- Base in Lagos (west) then Tavira (east) rather than the resort strips: living towns year-round, authentic restaurants.
Our flagship guide — €44
Guide available“Portugal on Your Own”, the complete edition, is out
10 chapters: day-by-day itineraries, driving and transport, a costed budget and checklists — the same method as our Namibia guide.
The guide is currently written in French — an English edition is in the works.
Before you go
Readers' questions about Algarve
Can you swim into the Benagil cave?
No — it is banned and regularly fatal: the swell throws swimmers against the walls and boats stream through the entrance. Kayak, paddle or open-hulled boat with an operator: supervised access costs €20-40 and turns danger into pure wonder.
The Algarve in winter — a good idea?
Excellent and overlooked: 16-18 °C, golden light, empty trails, half-price lodging. You'll hardly swim, but the cliffs, hikes and towns live better than in August. It is Europe's easiest winter-sun mini road trip.