4. Step by step along Ponta da Piedade’s promenade  

Can you picture rocks that have been carved by the wind throughout centuries? Try to imagine seaside caves and tunnels. That’s Ponta da Piedade. One of the Algarve’s most beautiful natural sceneries, that you can now enjoy while walking on a promenade.  

5. Lagos, our seaside story. 

If you want to find good stories on your visit to the Algarve, Lagos is the right place to start as it was from here, from the port, that Infante D. Henrique took off on the Portuguese adventures across "seas never sailed before”. That's why you can find several examples of military architecture in the city, such as the Ponta da Bandeira Fortress, the Governadores Castle and the city walls. 

Be sure to go back in time with a visit to the replica of Boa Esperança 15th century sailing ship. 

6. Monchique, the Algarve at its highest 

Due to its lush green vegetation, some people refer to Serra de Monchique as the Algarve’s garden. And it makes sense. Just climb to the highest point in the Algarve, Fóia, and see it for yourself. At 902 meters high, on clear days, you can see as far as São Vicente Cape and Serra da Arrábida. 

Another of Monchique’s most cherished beauties is the water. Monchique’s water is one of the most alkaline waters in the world and is much sought after for its properties. It is used in the treatment of musculoskeletal and respiratory infirmities, delaying signs of ageing, preventing osteoporosis, among others. So, look after your health, visit Caldas de Monchique. 

7. Seven Hanging Valleys. It’s breathtaking up and down. 

Going back in time, each of the 7 hanging valleys was linked to the mouth of a stream. These waterways carved unexpected formations along the coast. 

The Seven Hanging Valleys route extends along 5.7 km and connects Vale Centeanes Beach, in the municipality of Lagoa, to Marinha Beach, considered one of the Top 100 best beaches in the world. 

Along the way, you can see several cliffs, rocks of all shapes and sizes, caves and grottoes (natural wells that connect the surface of the limestone regions to the underground galleries). 

8. Portimão, where the sardine makes a feast and a Festival. 

Located on the estuary of the river Arade, the city of Portimão is known for more than just the famous Rocha Beach. Its ex-libris is the sardine and the festival named after it. 

Eating freshly grilled sardines under the bridge is a well-kept tradition and we hope it continues to be so. 

Start your trip at the Portimão Museum where you can take the opportunity to learn about the region's preserve industry and its history. 

Follow the boardwalk promenade and discover the 9 sculptures installed on this pedestrian route in 2003. At the end of this walk, there is a reward: sardines, the most famous gastronomic delicacy in Portimão. 

If you visit the Algarve in August, it's time for the Sardine Festival. Here, sardines are served in every way imaginable, on a plate, on bread, grilled, marinated, filleted, preserved, or even as jam. 

9. Estoi, a palace for you. 

Maybe you didn't know, but the Estoi Palace is considered one of the Algarve’s main attractions and the region’s highest exponent of Romanticism. 

Originally known as Jardim de Estoy, it is also called Casa de Estói, Quinta de Estói and Quinta do Carvalhal. 

Its fame comes from its architectural richness, combining elements of Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical and Romantic styles. This is a space of unprecedented beauty, which extends further than the main building’s walls. Explore its gardens, lakes, fountains, tile panels and statues, of which a sculpture by António Canova, called "The Three Graces" stands out. 

10. Sun, salt and spa in Castro Marim 

Let's leave Castro Marim’s many attractions to evaporate and focus on the main one: salt. Or "white gold”, as it is also known as. 

When places to visit in Algarve, make room for a unique experience combining knowledge and relaxation. At the SPA Salino Água Mãe, you can discover the process behind sea salt and fleur de sel production. You can also relax in a naturally indulging spa. This includes floating in a saltwater pool, salt exfoliation, mud baths and, of course, a lot of calm. 

11. Alte, here lies the true Algarve 

While visiting the Algarve you might pass through Loulé. Once there, you simply must stop by Alte. And why, you may ask? The answer is straight-forward: because it is one of Algarve’s best-preserved villages, with its white houses, traditional chimneys, streets, alleys and fountains. 

Located at the foot of Serra do Caldeirão, Alte is crossed by a stream that share’s its name and leads to two beautiful and famous fountains: Fonte Grande and Fonte Pequena. 

12. São Lourenço de Almancil Church, the gap between heaven and earth paved with tiles  

The Algarve hides one of the most beautiful churches in the entire country. And it's not enough to appreciate it from the outside, because true beauty, as you know, lies within. 

Built-in the first half of the 18th century, São Lourenço de Almancil Church is a single-nave church. The main altar is crowned by a dome fully covered with figurative tiles, and the walls and the vault are frosted with tiles as well. The tilework, in shades of blue and white, was painted by Policarpo de Oliveira Bernardes, in 1730, and tells the life of São Lourenço. This work is a unique testimony of Baroque tile art. 

Inside the church, the eyes have no rest, triggered and excited by the visual richness of the baroque-style golden gilded altarpiece, a wood carving work attributed to master Manuel Martins, the greatest carver and sculptor in the Algarve. 

13. 23 churches, 1 castle ruin, 1 Roman bridge, 1 former Arab quarter. And it’s all in Tavira. 

The charm of Tavira starts with a river that has two names: upstream, it is River Séqua and downstream, it is River Gilão – flowing quietly away to Ria Formosa. As always, there is a myth to justify the excentricity. Tale has it that it was all down to the forbidden love between the Moorish princess, Séqua, and a Christian knight called Gilão. 

From folk to religion, the magic spreads across 23 Churches, all worth a visit. If you can’t visit all of them, try a good few. After all, Tavira is also known as the city of churches. 

Take the opportunity to walk across the Roman Bridge and dig deep to discover the archaeological site of an Almohad neighbourhood, in the Convento da Graça. It is a perfect portrait of ancient Islamic urbanism. 

If you are leaning towards a moment of indulgence and chat, get ready to melt away with the delicious dishes at Noélia & Jerónimo’s restaurant in Cabanas de Tavira. Afterwards, take a boat to Cabanas Beach. As an alternative, try the typical octopus dish in Santa Luzia and then head to Barril Beach or vice-versa. 

14. Cacela Velha, beach or oysters? 

There are two kinds of people: those who come for the oysters and those who come for the beach at Praia da Fábrica and then return to Cacela Velha for the oysters. 

It is that simple.  

For a big day out with family or friends, arrive early, cross over by boat (€1.5) or on foot – if the tide allows – and set up camp on the sandy margins of Fábrica beach. Soft golden sands spread as far as the eye can reach, bathed by warm, crystalline water, begging you to dive in. 

Then, in the afternoon, make the way back and enjoy fresh oysters next to the Church while toasting an unforgettable sunset. 

15. Alcoutim, watching the Guadiana go by. 

A good alternative to rest your eyes from the sea is to leave the coast and follow the Guadiana river upstream, to Alcoutim. This village lies on the border, overlooking Spain on the other side of the river. 

Placed on top of a mountain, Alcoutim village has plenty of narrow, steep streets, that lead to the medieval castle, built in the second half of the 13th century. The fortress was perfect for monitoring river traffic and for protecting the village from invaders. 

In addition to the castle, you can admire the beautiful whitewashed houses and the schist walls of São Salvador Church and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. 

Visit the Algarve, from end to end, alongside Guerin.