If you think Algarve is just tourist accommodations and big clusters of tourists, we can assure you that Algarve is so much more than that. The region is vast, and in some areas, distances can feel wide and remote. But don’t worry – compared to the sprawling southern landscapes of Spain, Algarve feels almost like a miniature country, where villages are tucked in like small, scattered pearls, creating a cozy and familiar sense of calm and safety.
We have traveled to Portugal several times, and each time we visit, we are reminded that Algarve gets under our skin and stirs all our emotions. We’ve visited Algarve both in summer and winter – the photos here are from a trip we took during the Christmas holidays and New Year’s. It was a journey we made to gather ourselves during a vulnerable time: I had just lost my father, we had just gotten married, and I was three months pregnant with our son, Sebastian.
We traveled to Algarve by train from Lisbon – and the journey down through Portugal was enchanting, filled with reflections on life. Sometimes, it’s precisely these kinds of trips that leave the strongest impressions.
Although we felt deeply during this trip, Algarve is, in itself, an incredibly special and wonderful place to visit year-round. Our many trips since then have only confirmed this for us. Here are some of the adventures Algarve has given us – and we truly believe (and hope) you’ll fall in love with them too.
1. Experience Algarve’s wild, rugged coastlines
The very best and most striking feature of Algarve is without a doubt its wild and raw coastlines. There’s something truly special about standing at the outer edge of the continent, watching it end so abruptly against the roaring ocean with its sometimes fierce waves. Sometimes, it’s exactly the kind of place you need to be.
2. Head to Algarve’s beautiful beaches
Algarve’s coastline stretches over about 155 km and is famous for its limestone caves and grottoes – but also for its many stunning beaches and inviting waters. It’s no surprise, then, that Algarve’s beaches have been named among Europe’s best (World Travel Awards).
During the winter months, Algarve enjoys around 150 hours of sunshine per month. When compared to the 50 hours we get here in Denmark, it’s easy to understand why Algarve’s coast attracts so many Danes abroad – or just travelers who also want to experience Algarve in the winter.
Algarve has over 100 different beaches, and I bet there’s one that perfectly suits your taste. There are wide beaches, small lagoons, rocky shores, secluded beaches, and more touristy spots. The trick is to try them out and see which beach fits you and your mood.
In winter, the vegetation around the beaches is a bit sparse, but in summer, you’ll find beautiful flowers, avocado, lemon, almond, and cork trees, making the beaches absolutely delightful to visit.
3. Fall in Love with the Gathering Place of the Gods, Sagres
It’s not even a lie… we’ve danced together in a parking lot in Sagres, singing our favorite song as a celebration of our baby on the way, our love for each other, and simply because… Sagres did something to us!
Sagres is the southwesternmost point of continental Europe, and it’s wild, remote, and magical! Driving here, stepping out of the car, and reaching the edge of the coast (don’t go too close to the edge) to gaze out over the Atlantic’s mighty waves is nothing short of amazing. No wonder the Romans once believed this was the end of the world. It’s also not hard to imagine how the great ships of Portugal, back in the day, set sail for wild adventures and conquered the world.
Sagres (which comes from the word “Sagrado,” meaning sacred) was given to this wild area due to the important local religious practices and rituals that took place during the nation’s prehistory. It’s believed that the Mediterranean peoples revered the area because they saw it as the gathering place of their gods, likely due to the absence of human settlement.
While you’re there, don’t miss the powerful lighthouse, Cabo de São Vicente, which can be seen from as far as 60 km away. Additionally, you can visit the Fortaleza de Sagres fortress, home to the 43-meter-wide wind compass, which was used as a navigation compass in the old days.
Sagres also has its very own nature reserve, Reserva Biogenética de Sagres, which is home to a variety of unique plants and animals – including large and fascinating birds of prey. Sagres is also the only place in the world where the white stork builds its nests in the rocky cliffs.
3. Give your heart to the Portuguese (and their sheep)
The Portuguese are some of the most lovable people we’ve met on our travels around the world. Broadly speaking, we find them to be gentle, welcoming, warm, and at times a bit reserved. You’ll often see them gathering around squares and parks, where they talk about (we guess) life – something we would love to practice more back home.
We lost our hearts to the Portuguese because we easily sense their presence and everyday life everywhere we’ve been in Portugal. Perhaps it’s because, from the outside, they seem to live at a slower pace – something we wish we could learn to do ourselves. For example, the man in the photos here… he was guiding his sheep so they could graze. When we came with the car, we had to stop because there were sheep everywhere on the road. When I think of the area where we live, and how little patience drivers have for even the shortest wait, I’m relieved to experience that time is still something respected out in the world.
4. Let yourself be seduced by the most charming towns in Algarve
As you travel through Algarve, you’ll quickly discover that along the coast, there are both small and large towns. The towns are scattered like pearls on a string, both along the coastline and up in the mountains.
The towns vary greatly, but many are charming and filled with a unique Portuguese atmosphere. Some towns are modern and vibrant, while others are small fishing villages that radiate tranquility.
Algarve has been influenced by Celts, Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors, and each has left its mark on the many towns.
Many of the towns are filled with whitewashed houses with orange rooftops, historic squares, and cobblestone streets and alleys.
5. Discover Portuguese Street Art
You see it everywhere as you move around the towns – Portuguese street art… on the walls, facades, buildings, sidewalks, squares… everywhere.
The artwork is almost like historical monuments, serving as testimonies to Portugal’s history, art, murals, and tiles. And it’s beautiful! Captivating and wildly charming. We can’t get enough of it.
Just as the many artworks are a testament to an exciting Portuguese history, they also reflect a country (and region) that has experienced much and, as a result, has a deep and fascinating culture for you to dive into.
For us, Algarve is one of those places in the world we never get tired of returning to. Although the region is just a small part of Portugal, there is still so much to experience. For example, we still need to explore the mountains more, see more of the towns, visit more of Algarve’s beaches, try more of their incredibly delicious local dishes, drink more of their Portuguese wine… and yes, just more of all the best things from there. Sagres is a MUST DO every single time.
There’s so much to discover in Algarve… we definitely need to go back. Soon.
Have you traveled to Algarve?
– And do you have a tip for what you think we should see the next time we visit the area? Write it in the comment section below, we’d love to hear from you.
Useful links
VisitPortugal.com
Getyourguide.com – Algarve
Algarve-tourist.com – Sagres
