Algarve- hidden beauties of the popular Portuguese coastal region

24.09.2019.

Algarve is among the most popular destinations in Portugal, which at first I thought is only a pretty coastal town. Instead, it’s a wonderful region full of incredible beaches and lovely towns.

Such a diversity of Portuguese coast created miracles by nature and will offer you a perfect vacation. Easy to explore by solo travellers, couples or families, Algarve covers a fantastic panorama for all tastes.

See also: Sintra- What you shouldn’t miss in the fairy-tale Portuguese town

See also: Discover 20 most breathtaking sea caves around the world

Lagos- the most stunning town to explore the cave beaches in Algarve

The incredible beaches scatter the impressive caves and cliffs that ressemble to those in Thailand.

Going with the flow is what I learned here as the sea doesn’t allow you to pass along the caves at the beach. Afterwards, it makes you wonder what comes next. I even wrote a poem about it at my fb page: “Just go with the road and it will take you by itself to the place you need to be.
Forgetting all the worries and disappointments
you’ll become all you’ll ever wanted in the heart
of your true self.
Just don’t ask too much and the road will show
you the power of life, will take you to the place
you need to be.”

Except the stunning caves, many unique shells are to be found on these exceptional beaches and shadows that overwhelm the view.

The old town of Lagos

The old town of Lagos shines with Portuguese spirit, with many different oak products from bags, wallets or shoes. Live music fills the vibrant atmosphere of Lagos, together with the Portuguese food and creative ice-creams.

The bar with 29 different croissants surprised me without limits. This reminds on the summer season when I worked in the hotel. Also sushi bar opens up its layers.

A wax museum dedicated to Portuguese discoveries makes Lagos even more stunning. Its location in marina is still close to the center and a reason it hasn’t revealed its secrets to me.

The boat or kayak trip in Lagos- the best way to experience Algarve

The boat or kayak trip is a fantastic way to discover even more unique beaches. The famous Praia da Donna Ana as the symbol of Lagos hides a bit further. Unfortunately, I’ve seen it only quickly from the boat.

I decided for the boat trip because it’s cheaper than kayaking offered by my hostel. On the way, driver told us funny stories about the rocks, its shapes that ressemble to animals or people. Lagos is indeed a place made for vacation.

Benagil cave near Lagos

The famous Benagil cave is 1 hour further from Lagos but why to dedicate your time and money only to one cave when there are so many stunning just nearby Lagos.

Where to stay in Lagos, Algarve

My hostel, The Suite Thing is like the beautiful villa with the swimming pool, we even had the communal vegan dinners only for 5 e, billiard table and the places like these make me come back.

I’m not sure of this hostel is still open, but Bura Surfhouse looks pretty similar, lying close by.

Other options closer to the center are:

Sol A Sol Hostel– cozy rooms & wonderful rooftop to watch the sunsets, inclding the family dinners;

Banana Beach Lagos– amazing hostel close to Praia do Camilo, but a bit further from the center;

Faro- the capital of Algarve

Faro doesn’t offer much to see but it’s the central point of this region. I took the Free walking tour which gave me insight into its rich history. It was fascinating to see the walls that surround the city and the Fado museum. Fado museum is by my opinion the pulsative wire of the city.

Albufeira- the most vibrant town of Algarve

This town in white (because of its white houses, specially on the hills) is known by its vivid night life. It captures the eyes by cozy restaurants and caffes. The tunnel that leads to the beach offers the pure refreshment. The cultural discoveries of Albufeira are so charming: Porta da Praca with the Archeological museum, clock tower, simple but beautiful Sant’ana Church.

The festival of sand sculptures in Pera is a popular activity in the Algarve, but I guess it was delayed because of the rain in the summer months. Instead few smaller examples in the courtyard of one workshop place justified my thirst.

Pera and its festival of sand sculptures

Pera takes place close to Albufeira, rather than to Faro as I thought, it’s one of the reasons I wanted to visit Algarve. The funny fact is that in Croatia exists also one festival of sand sculptures at the island of Rab, during the month od June. It’s quite large and what surprised me is that even my couchsurfing hosts are not interested in that kind of thing. Maybe it’s the reason that it’s still undiscovered magic. Already 16 years FIESA is opening its doors to the tourism of Algarve.

Olhão- the getaway to Ria Formosa, the treasure of birds in Algarve

Olhão is the sweet little town, lying at the banks of Gilao river right in the center. Here you can sit in the caffes and watch how river at the national park Ria Formosa sprouts in your eyes. It’s the best place to take the boat and explore Ria Formosa, its birds, specially flamingos and the beauty of its meandars. You don’t even have to take a boat as I was tight with the money and time. Just on the outskirts of Olhão take a walk and enjoy the variety of birds and nature.

Tavira, the prettiest town in Algarve

Tavira is a very pleasant place, probably one of the nicest in the region. The old Roman bridge makes the remarkable highlight of Tavira, stretching between the charmant cobblestone streets. Little spiral castle with the picturesque garden offers magnifiscient views over the town and to the Ria Formosa. This ruined castle- Castelo de Tavira- lies in the hidden alley close to the train station.

From Tavira you can take the quick boat ride to the enchanting beaches of Ilha de Tavira. If you will be exploring Ria Formosa National Park, these islands represent the most fascinating sights. It’s the place where the river blends with the sea.

Ria Formosa- a huge Natural Park in Algarve

Ria Formosa is a huge natural park of over 170 km2  clasified as such from 1987. and I had no idea about it before coming to Algarve. More than 20 000 birds can be found which is quite interesting as I once went to the ornithology course. Some of the islands which commute to Ria Formosa are:

Barreta Island near Faro (also known as Deserted Island)

Culatra Island near Olhão which possesses one of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve.

Armona Island near Olhão makes the perfect blend of the sea with the river.

Tavira Island is enticing with its 3 beautiful beaches.

The most convenient way to come to the island is by the ferries (the return ticket is around 5€ though some tours are available with the cost of 20 e).

Final thoughts

Algarve surprised me with its extraterrestial landscape, the exceptional beaches and the magic diversity, the unknown hidden side full of life. Ria Formosa plays its role with the special kind of life where nature just plays with itself. Don’t miss Algarve where the special beauty bursts in the hidden corners.