Only about 2-3 hours from Lisbon, you’ll find the Algarve region, lined with clear waters, sandy beaches, rock formations, private coves for beach goers, and great restaurants showcasing Portuguese cuisine. Below are some of my favorite spots in Lagos, Albufeira, and Carvoeira.
Lagos
Beaches – Every beach in Algarve is beautiful, if I had to pick one in Lagos, I would say Praia Dona Ana
Nightlife – There’s pretty much one strip (historic area) where all the nightlife is. Bars/outdoor patios scattered all over the strip.
Marina – There is a marina that you can grab tours and excursions from. We did a cave boat tour, and it was awesome. Highly recommend. Algarve is all about cliffs/caves/rock formations in the water, the cave tour takes you to some pretty cool spots.
Restaurant – Casa do Ze: this was a true authentic Portuguese restaurant in the middle of a bunch of tourist spots. You have to try this place. The cook was this old grandma, and she would come around to the tables and make sure you’re eating everything, it’s awesome, but the food is even more AMAZING. I suggest trying their Berbigao (cockles, aka small clams).
Albufeira
In the Algarve region, this is more known as the most lively night life/lots of bachelor-bachelorette parties.
Beaches – every beach in Algarve is beautiful, if I had to pick one in Albufeira, I would say Praia dos Olhos de agua
Nightlife – Like Lagos, everything is all on one strip. This area’s nightlife is a lot crazier though, it’s a younger crowd, but every bar is pretty much on one street, you can’t miss it.
Carvoeiro
A must stop when visiting the Algarve region, is the the boardwalk in Carvoeiro, where you will feel like you’ve landed on another planet, with these incredible rock formations.
Start – At Nossa Senhora da Encarnação Fort and be sure to bring a hat, sunblock and water as there isn’t much shade on this 10-15 minute boardwalk.
Mid way – Take a small detour off the trail and climb down stairs carved out from the rock formations. If you are able to, be sure to do this, as you’ll get to explore small caves, tunnels, all while taking in the beautiful Atlantic ocean.
End – You’ll eventually get to the end of the boardwalk and be treated with an awesome bar/restaurant called Boneca located among the rocks and right next to a small cave called A Boneca, with two beautiful windows into the ocean.
