Travel guide · Portugal
Algarve: what to see and when to go
The Algarve is Portugal's southern coast: golden cliffs, sea caves and coves in the west, long sandy beaches and lagoons in the east. It gets around 300 days of sun a year and is at its best from May to October.
What to see and do in the Algarve
Benagil cave
The sea cave with a hole in its roof, seen by boat or kayak from Benagil or Portimão.
Seven Hanging Valleys trail
A clifftop walk from Praia da Marinha to Vale Centeanes, one of Europe's finest coastal hikes.
Lagos and Ponta da Piedade
A walled old town next to rock arches and grottoes you can explore by boat.
Ria Formosa
A lagoon of islands and salt marshes near Faro and Tavira, with ferries to near-empty beaches.
Sagres and Cape St. Vincent
The windswept south-western tip of Europe, with surf beaches and famous sunsets.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: May – Oct.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 2 hr, 45 min | ≈ €170 · See flights |
| New York | 7 hr, 45 min | ≈ €460 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 12 hr, 30 min | ≈ €590 · See flights |
| Dubai | 8 hr, 15 min | ≈ €490 · See flights |
| Singapore | 15 hr, 45 min | ≈ €670 · See flights |
| Sydney | 23 hr, 45 min | ≈ €850 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €410 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Portugal
- Currency
- Euro
- Good for
- sea · calm · food
- How long to stay
- 4–7 days
- Where to stay
- Lagos for the western coves and nightlife; Tavira for a calmer, more traditional east.Find a place to stay in the Algarve
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Algarve, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €170 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in the Algarve (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in the Algarve and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: May – Oct. Average highs range from 17° in January to 32° in July.
How many days do you need in the Algarve?
4 to 7 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in the Algarve cost?
Accommodation runs at around €80 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €410 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 2 hr, 45 min.
Where should you stay in the Algarve?
Lagos for the western coves and nightlife; Tavira for a calmer, more traditional east.
