Today I’m sharing some of my favourite things to do in the Algarve, from must-see attractions to little known beaches and secret bars!

I’ve been visiting the Algarve for the past 3 years for an annual family holiday. There is so much to see in the area and part of the fun is hiring a car and driving until you find a gorgeous, hidden gem. We’ll spend the morning lazing around the pool and the afternoon going for a little drive and stumbling upon gorgeous beaches, hidden bars, local restaurants and incredible views.

Over the years we have found a few favourite things to do in the Algarve and these are the places I’m sure we’ll be returning to next time we visit. Here some of my favourite restaurants, bars, beaches and sights on the Algarve.

10 things to do in the Algarve, Portugal

BAR: Cabanas Beach Bar

This super stylish beach bar has such a cool atmosphere. It’s where the beautiful people hang out but it’s also really welcoming, has a great menu, friendly staff, a beautiful beach and it’s also child friendly so it’s great if you’re looking for family-friendly things to do in the Algarve. There’s a little play park at the back and they give the kids colouring books to keep them quiet while you enjoy a cocktail.

RESTAURANT: Mira Mar, Salema

Go for the deliciously fresh fish but stay for the homey and welcoming atmosphere. This is the kind of place where people arrive at 7pm and stay until midnight. They don’t expect you to get up and leave once you’ve eaten, they actually expect you to order another jug of wine and start chatting to the other people around your table as you enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.

On the beach at Salema just before we went to the restaurant for dinner

BAR: Beach Bar Burgau

Beach Bar Burgau overlooks a gorgeously dramatic beach. Get yourself a seat on the decking or on one of the sun loungers below and order yourself an ice cold beer. We found this to be a nice place to base ourselves when visiting the beach with kids. Babies and beaches don’t go so well together so it was nice to have a shady, comfortable and non-sandy spot!

BEACH: Praia da Bordeira

You can’t visit the Algarve without visiting this stunner of a beach. It’s an enormous surfing beach backed by sand dunes. A pretty boardwalk down to the beach and to a gorgeous viewing area make it particularly special and one of my favourite things to do in the Algarve.

Read more about Praia da Bordeira in my last blog post.

CAFÉ: Mirco Bar, Carrapateira

OK, it might not be traditional Portuguese food but it’s fresh, healthy, delicious and unusual. It’s colourful and healthy and in the loveliest setting in the little town of Carrapateira so you’ll have a little adventure finding it!

ATTRACTION: Benagil Caves

Benagil Caves have probably made it onto every single list of things to do in the Algarve but it’s for very good reason! Just look how amazing it is!

You need to take a boat out to Benagil Caves (accessed from Praia de Benagil – it’s well signposted) and you’ll be met by this amazing scene.

Travel Hack Tip: We were unlucky on the day we tried to visit and the sea was too rough for the boats to leave. I’d recommend trying to visit as early in your holiday as possible so you can give it another go if boats are cancelled. Even if the sea is too choppy, Praia de Banagil is a lovely little sheltered beach so you could stay and enjoy the beach.

BEACH: Praia da Marinha

Decribed as one of the most beautiful and emblematic beaches on the Algarve, Praia da Marinha is definitely worth a visit! According to TripAdvisor it’s the best beach in Portugal and those epic arches make it oh so Instagrammable.

TOWN: Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is the town we stayed in during our first trip to the Algarve and it was probably our favourite spot. The lovely little town is bustling enough to keep you busy without feeling too big and touristy. The beach is really nice and there are lots of restaurants to choose from.

BEACH: Ponta da Piedade

This is one of those places where you can’t quite believe that nature did this. Natural carved these enormous rocks into such gorgeous formations. The emerald green waters and soft, golden sand are just the icing on the cake.

RESTAURANT: Bellavita, Gale

This lovely beach bar in Albufeira ticks every box. Stunning location, great food, stylish décor, lovely staff and a beautiful beach! It’s also good if you’re dining with kids as they can play on the beach and you can see them from your table.

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My recent holiday to the Algarve

I stayed at Almaverde eco village (full review)

I flew to Faro from Liverpool with easyJet

I hired a car through Luz Ocean Drive

Planning a trip to the Algarve? Pin this post and save it for later for some great things to do in the Algarve.