Let's go Algarve: the best tips of the Algarve at a glance
Ah, the Algarve, a favorite region for both the Portuguese and so many Dutch. All the charming villages are so close together, so a short road trip is easily planned. Alvor, Albufeira, Lagos, Loulé, Almancil, Portimão... You can hop from one to the next in about 30 minutes, and each village and area tells its own story. Plus: the weather is always perfect. 365 days of sunshine Here, they say. The people are generally incredibly happy and friendly, there are wonderful beaches, vibrant villages, and the food is also excellent: fresh produce straight from the sea and the land, without too much fuss, on your plate. There are plenty of wonderful accommodations, although for the trip that inspired this article, we stayed at Longevity Alvor in Alvor and Grande Real Santa Eulália in Albufeira.
Let's go Algarve — here are the best tips for the Algarve at a glance. To make your trip extra easy and fun, we have gathered all our favorite spots in one handy box. Google Maps map of Portugal. In this map, you will find plenty of wonderful addresses. Open it on your phone and you will immediately see where you want to go.
stop 1: Longevity Alvor. Longevity literally means 'long life', but this hotel is all about better lifeA stay at the sleek white yet comfortable Longevity Alvor means returning home recharged—physically and mentally. The spa is enormous, with treatment rooms that clearly distinguish between medical and relaxation. Tip: check out the treatment booklet beforehand, as it'll keep you occupied for a while.
You can follow complete programs under the guidance of specialists, from detox to anti-stress or energy boosts. There's a wonderful open spa area with a sauna, hammam, salt rooms, and more. And the food? Super clean yet surprisingly delicious. In the morning, you simply add maca, chlorella, and spirulina powder to your fresh coconut water.
There's also a gym, an outdoor yoga area in a beautiful tepee, and a rooftop pool with city views. And if you lose us for a moment, we'll probably be relaxing in the tea room with piano music and plush lounge chairs—pure relaxation.
And on to Albufeira—a completely different atmosphere here. The interior is warm, and the hotel is truly family-focused. While you could easily spend a week alone in Alvor, retreating more inward, this is a perfect change of pace.
The hotel is right on the beach, and the view when you wake up… words can't describe it. There's also a gym for those who need it. Our highlight was the Atlantico Restaurant, where you can enjoy fresh fish or meat from the grill, or a seafood risotto with a cold glass of wine, overlooking the beach and the sea.
You also have this here The Club — this seems completely you of the It's perfect for the partygoers among us, and also great for sunsets. Open from July to September. We'll have to come back for that.
Cataplana workshop at Taberna by Lucia Ribeiro This is really fun to do with a group. Cataplana is a Portuguese stew from the Algarve, where you stew all kinds of vegetables, often with pork and chorizo. During the workshop, you'll learn how to cook it, and then, of course, you get to enjoy the dish. The restaurant is small and super local—the real Algarve experience.
Lagos City Tour – Are you in Lagos? See if you can book a guided city tour. There are so many remnants of history here that you might otherwise miss. There's also a charming square with a church and some lovely shops. And if you're here, lunch at San Sebastian An absolute must. The fish come straight from the sea, and you can pick them out in real life before they're prepared. It's cute and cozy, with white and yellow parasols that give you a real holiday feeling.
Arvad Wine Tasting Need we say more? You can't leave the Algarve without a wine tasting. Arvad is expanding rapidly and already boasts 16 hectares of land in Arvad alone. The terracotta walls, the green plants, and the endless bunches of grapes create a truly magical feeling when you're here. And we haven't even mentioned the wine: you'll taste about six wines, paired with an extensive cheese board (yum!) with fresh orange spread. And pst… in 2027 they'll open their own hotel, and as a guest, you'll receive a wine from the estate as a gift.
Saturday and Sunday market in Loulé + craftsmanship workshops – Loulé, a lesser-known spot in the Algarve for us, but perhaps the most surprisingly charming. The town center has its own unique atmosphere: narrow streets with cozy bars and restaurants, and the creative district is also located here. Think pottery workshops, weaving, cataplana craftsmen, painting—you can peek inside and see how the artisans still make and sell all of this by hand. If you're there on a Saturday or Sunday, be sure to visit the open market, where you can pick up all sorts of fresh produce for your home. And it's also incredibly lively.
Unwind Boat Tour – Algarve Experience – A peaceful boat trip along the Benagil Caves and the surrounding coast. The variety of rock formations, small coves, and crystal-clear water makes it a truly wonderful day trip.
Algar Seco Cliff Walk – Carvoeiro – This is highly recommended for anyone who wants to do something active. It's a short walk along wooden paths past sinkholes and natural caves, then along the coastline to the village of Carvoeiro. From the viewpoint, you have a view of Carvoeiro and the sea. A total of about 600 meters, so it's easy for all ages. Complete relaxation.
It's the Algar Seco Cliff Walk. The walk goes partly past sinkholes and through natural caves, then along the coastline to the village of Carvoeiro. A total of about 600 meters, it's easy for all ages.
