Best Places to Visit in Algarve
Algarve‘s best spots are way beyond the reach and influence of crowded tourist destinations that visitors usually choose. This stunning Portuguese region attracts travellers with its 300 days of sunshine and 150-kilometre coastline. Yet many visitors miss the authentic treasures right in front of them.
Our exploration of Algarve’s attractions helped us find that the most unforgettable moments happen when you step away from popular routes. The mediaeval Silves Castle from the 8th century and Sagres’s dramatic cliffs that draw surf enthusiasts are just the beginning. Algarve boasts more than 25 resort towns in a variety of styles, but tourists typically stick to just a few places. This piece highlights our favourite Algarve destinations that let you experience authentic Portuguese culture without the crowds. You’ll find pristine villages, hidden beaches, and cultural landmarks that capture this Portuguese paradise’s true spirit. Follow our guide of the best places to visit in Algarve.
Cacela Velha: A timeless village by the sea
Cacela Velha sits proudly on a hilltop that looks out over the eastern end of Ria Formosa Natural Park. This tiny coastal village is proof of Portugal’s rich heritage and shows what the Algarve looked like in the past, untouched by modern buildings that have changed most of the coastline.
Why Cacela Velha remains under the radar
This village ranks among the Algarve’s best-preserved spots, yet most tourists pass it by. Its small size is the most important reason – you can walk through the entire village in under an hour. The village’s authentic character stays intact because it lacks big hotels and shopping areas. You’ll find just a few whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and basic buildings that make up this settlement.
The village’s location in the eastern Algarve keeps it away from the main tourist spots. Peace and quiet rule here most of the year. Tourist numbers only rise in July during the four-day Moorish Nights Festival (‘Noites da Moura Encantada’). The festival brings a temporary souk, Arabic street food and music to life.
The village’s special charm comes from its traditional Algarvian architecture. Houses painted white with blue, orange, or yellow details line the streets and show both Arab and mediaeval influences. This preserved history creates a timeless feel that captivates visitors.
What to see: church, fortress, and lagoon views
The Igreja Matriz de Cacela Velha (Parish Church) is the village’s crown jewel. Built in the 16th century on mediaeval church ruins, it got a makeover after the great earthquake of 1755. The church now features a beautiful Renaissance portal with Saint Peter’s and Saint Paul’s busts. Visitors can see the 18th-century statue of Nossa Senhora da Assunção inside the church dedicated to her.
Next to the church stands the Fortress of Cacela (Fortaleza de Cacela), also known as Fort Cavaleiros de Santiago. An Arabic castle once stood here to protect Ria Formosa’s entrance. The current building went up between 1770 and 1794. This trapezoidal fortress with its bastions and sentry boxes played a vital role in protecting the Algarve’s coast from pirates. The National Guard uses it now, so you can’t go inside, but its exterior remains striking.
The village square offers what might be the most stunning attraction. Visitors can see the beautiful Ria Formosa lagoon stretching toward the Atlantic Ocean. Experts rate this view among the world’s finest. Shifting sandbanks and calm waters create perfect photo opportunities throughout the day.
How to get there and when to visit
A car ride from Faro takes about 45 minutes (50km) eastward. This is your best option to reach Cacela Velha. A big free car park welcomes visitors at the village entrance. Buses run from Faro to Vila Nova de Cacela Velha for those who prefer public transport. From there, catch a local bus or walk 2km to the village. The train stops at “Cacela” station, about 4km from the village.
The village looks beautiful year-round. Summer months (June to August) work best for beach activities at Praia de Cacela Velha. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring milder weather and fewer tourists for a more relaxed visit.
Praia de Cacela Velha ranks among Portugal’s best beaches. Head to the area called ‘Fábrica’ just west of the village to reach it. Small boats can take you across during summer, or you can walk across the sandbanks at low tide for a unique experience.
Alte: A traditional village in the Algarve hills
Alte sits peacefully in Serra do Caldeirão’s rolling hills. This charming village stands as one of the best places to visit in Algarve if you want an authentic Portuguese experience away from coastal crowds. You’ll find this hidden gem about 25km from the Algarve coast north of Albufeira, where traditional rural life continues much as it has for centuries.
The charm of cobbled streets and whitewashed houses
Walking through Alte takes you back in time. The village’s historic heart keeps its original character with narrow, winding cobbled streets that are too steep for any vehicles. Your eyes will be drawn to pristine whitewashed houses with their colourful borders painted in bright blues, oranges, and yellows.
The village’s ornate chimneys stand out as some of the most beautiful lace chimneys you’ll see in the Algarve. These detailed designs show centuries-old Arab influences. The 13th-century parish church (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção) serves as the village’s crown jewel. Beautiful blue and white azulejo tiles inside show angels playing musical instruments.
Fonte Grande and Fonte Pequena springs
The village’s two natural springs – Fonte Grande (Big Spring) and Fonte Pequena (Small Spring) – draw most visitors to this Algarve gem. These springs were once bustling social hubs where local women gathered to collect water, wash clothes, and share the latest news.
The renovated Fonte Pequena sits close to the village centre, with picnic tables and benches under old shade trees. Fonte Grande has evolved into a natural swimming spot where crystal-clear water flows through stone-paved channels. Summers bring crowds looking to cool off in these refreshing waters.
A short, scenic path connects these two springs through green surroundings. Both spots make perfect picnic locations, and Fonte Grande even has areas set up for barbecues.
Local food and crafts worth exploring
The village keeps its traditional crafts and food culture alive. Local artisans create beautiful pottery, wooden toys, and esparto grass weavings. Centro de Artesanato sells vibrant ceramics, while Casa do Artesão lets you watch skilled craftspeople at work.
Doçaria Água Mel should be on every food lover’s list. This sweet shop creates traditional Algarve treats using almonds, figs, walnuts, and carob. The terrace gives you amazing mountain views while you enjoy these local delicacies.
Local specialties include regional honey, cheese, and medronho – a strong brandy made from strawberry tree fruit that’s unique to Algarve. Village restaurants serve these authentic dishes in settings that feel far removed from tourist spots.
History buffs will appreciate the Museum Cândido Guerreiro e Condes de Alte. This old manor house displays items from writer Cândido Guerreiro’s life and treasures from the Counts of Alte.
Bordeira Beach: Wild beauty without the crowds
Bordeira Beach stretches 3 kilometres along the Algarve’s west coast, showcasing a wild, untamed beauty you rarely see in the region’s developed areas. This magnificent shoreline sits within the Costa Vicentina natural park near Carrapateira and Bordeira villages, offering one of the most authentic coastal experiences among places to visit in Algarve.
What makes Bordeira different from other Algarve beaches
The beach stands apart from the well-groomed shores of central and eastern Algarve with its untouched character and remote feel. Its extraordinary width and length create open spaces that never get crowded, even in peak season. This sense of solitude makes it a perfect spot for anyone looking for quieter Algarve attractions.
The beach’s most unique feature is the Ribeira da Carrapateira, a small river that meets the Atlantic and sometimes creates a shallow lagoon behind the beach. This sheltered spot serves as a sanctuary for migrating waterbirds and gives children a safe place to play away from the strong Atlantic waves.
The beach sits among stunning dunes that roll inland toward Carrapateira village. Wooden walkways protect this natural ecosystem, creating a setting that feels miles away from tourist spots.
Best times to visit and what to bring
The weather data shows June through August offer the best conditions. Daytime temperatures range from 22-30°C with more than 10 hours of sunshine daily. The sea reaches its warmest temperature of about 20°C in August.
You should come prepared whatever time you visit. The beach’s exposed location means steady winds blow through—great for kitesurfing and experienced surfers but could be cool for sunbathers. Pack a windbreak or light jacket, even in summer. The beach has minimal facilities (just one seasonal bar next to a surf school), so bring water, food, and sun protection.
The sea gets rough in winter months, and only professional surfers should venture out. December brings the most rain, with about 103mm of rainfall.
Nearby trails and viewpoints
Beautiful walking paths surround Bordeira. The “Trail of Aromas” got its name from wild cooking herbs that grow everywhere—thyme, savoury, rosemary, marjoram and oregano fill the air with natural scents.
A beautiful cliff-top trail runs south from the beach to Praia do Amado. If you want great views without much hiking, the wooden walkways to the beach include a clifftop viewpoint. You’ll see waves crashing against the shore and the vast Atlantic stretching beyond.
The trails attract plenty of Mediterranean wildlife. You might spot hares, wild boars, rabbits, partridges, and various birds. This area perfectly blends coastal and rural landscapes that evoke “the spirit of a long-gone era when life was freer, simpler, and quieter”.
Estoi: Palaces, ruins, and peaceful gardens
A short trip from Faro takes you to Estoi, a rich source of culture that blends palatial splendour with ancient Roman history. This charming village doesn’t get many tourists but ranks among the best places to visit in Algarve if you love history and architecture.
Palácio de Estoi: A hidden architectural gem
The village’s crown jewel is its distinctive pink Palácio de Estoi. Built in 1782, the palace went through major expansion in the 19th century and saw its final touches in 1909. This stunning building shows an interesting mix of architectural styles – we used neoclassical, neo-rococo and Art Nouveau designs.
You’ll find spectacular ornamental gardens that take after Versailles, complete with fountains, hidden paths, and decorative sculptures. The interior amazes visitors with its painted ceilings, frescoes, and detailed stucco work. The palace serves as a luxury hotel now, but anyone can explore its public areas and gardens freely.
The Roman ruins of Milreu
The remarkable Roman ruins of Milreu sit about 900 metres west of Estoi village. These ruins are the Algarve’s best-preserved evidence of Roman presence. People lived in this luxurious villa from the 1st century AD, and it saw major improvements during the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
The site features a central peristyle (columned courtyard), large thermal baths with sea-themed mosaics, and a temple that honours a water deity. The fish mosaics in the bathing chambers show glimpses of the villa’s past luxury.
The temple became a Christian church in the 6th century and later changed into a mosque during the 8th century Moorish rule. Activity continued at the site until it collapsed in the 10th century, probably because of an earthquake.
Alvor Boardwalk: Nature meets tranquillity
The Alvor Boardwalk stands out as one of the coastal gems of the Algarve. This wooden pathway gives visitors a unique mix of natural beauty and peace. Nature lovers will find it one of the best places to visit in Algarve as it winds through southern Portugal’s most valuable wetland sanctuaries.
Why it's perfect for birdwatching and sunset walks
The Alvor Estuary welcomes countless wintering and migrant waterbirds. Bird enthusiasts can spot amazing species here. You’ll see the Caspian Tern (the world’s largest tern), Cattle Egret, Stone-curlew, and Black-Winged Stilt. The Ria de Alvor also hosts flamingoes that add beautiful pink hues to the scenery.
Birds are most abundant during autumn and spring migrations. The best time to watch them is early morning or evening. The boardwalk also offers breathtaking sunset views of the entire bay. You can see the coastline light up all the way to Lagos.
Access points and walking routes
You’ll find the wooden boardwalk just south of Alvor town with plenty of parking nearby. A large free car park sits next to the fishermen’s huts where the pathway begins. The first 1.5 kilometres run on boardwalks that feature lookout points, benches, and shaded spots.
The full route stretches about 6 kilometres and connects to Alvor Beach in some parts. You can make your walk as short or long as you like, with plenty of places to rest along the way. The boardwalk welcomes everyone – it’s perfect for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and bikes.
Nearby seafood spots to try
The seafood restaurants in Alvor make a great stop after your boardwalk adventure. Fresh fish and shellfish are staples of Algarve cooking, and you’ll find plenty of fresh catches throughout the year. Local restaurants often sell the “catch of the day” by weight. You pick your fish, they weigh it, and it goes right to the charcoal grill.
SeaDeck restaurant is easy to reach from the boardwalk. The menu features grilled sea bass, sea bream, prawns, crab, lobster, mussels, oysters, clams, and octopus. It’s the perfect way to end your day at one of the finest places to visit in the Algarve.
The Algarve has nowhere near just its famous beaches and resorts. Our explorations helped us find that the most rewarding experiences lie in the quieter corners of this Portuguese paradise. The whitewashed buildings and panoramic lagoon views of Cacela Velha fascinate visitors, while Alte keeps its traditional rural life alive among cobbled streets and refreshing springs. Bordeira Beach stands as evidence of untamed natural beauty and offers wide shorelines without crowds. Estoi amazes people with its pink palace and ancient Roman history just minutes from Faro. The Alvor Boardwalk is a chance to connect with nature and enjoy spectacular sunset views.
These hidden spots show the authentic soul of the Algarve where local traditions, natural wonders, and historical treasures stay wonderfully preserved. Most tourists miss these five destinations that give unforgettable experiences to travellers who seek deeper connections with Portuguese culture and landscapes. These charming locations proved that stepping away from tourist hotspots rewards you with genuine encounters and peaceful moments.
Luxury villa rentals create the perfect base to explore these hidden treasures at your own pace. A private villa lets you experience the Algarve’s lifestyle firsthand, unlike standard hotel stays, by mixing luxurious comfort with authentic local atmosphere.
Without doubt, the best places to visit in Algarve include these quiet destinations where the region’s true character shines. These five locations showcase Portugal’s untouched side, whether you want historical intrigue, natural beauty, or peaceful village life. They remind us that the most memorable travel experiences happen just a little off the beaten path.
Have the best experience in the Algarve !
