Algarve
I stayed in Algarve for a week in 2026 where we stayed in at a resort in the mountains about 45 minutes north of Lagos (pronounced “la-gosh”) and the coast of the Algarve. The region consists of small towns all along the southern coast of Portugal, from the extreme west to the Spanish border and Gibraltar. Most towns are, as might be expected, quite touristy with many English loving to visit the area (so speaking English is not a problem).
Faro is the capital city of the region and also the location of the International airport.
Things to See and Do
As it is a tourism-heavy area there are lots of things to see and do. The area features lots of amazing natural beauty with it's mountainous interior and craggy, beautiful coastline. Walking is a great pastime but there are the hills…
Beaches
There are beaches throughout the area that are free to visit though can be tricky to access. The crystal clear waters can be chilly in the winter and in the summer beaches, as you might expect, get very busy. Note that there are nudist beaches as well…so, unless you are interested, best pay attention.
Lagos
Lagos is a large town on the south coast of the Algarve a short distance from the south-west corner of the country. It has a vibrant harbour from which you can catch tours of the amazing surrounding coast with it's rocky cliffs and hidden beaches.
The town centre features the old town wall and the Castle of Lagos, strategically located on the harbour entrance.
There is a small local market with fish on the ground floor, fruit/vegetable on the first floor and a popular restaurant with great views on the roof.
Passadiços Barranco do Demo Footbridge
A wonderful, well maintained wooden walkway with railings and LOTS of steps down a valley, across a rope bridge and up the other side.
Parking is available on either side and there are paths all around the area including one to the top of Castelo de Alferce / Castro da Pedra Branca at 1,600 feet (488 meters). It can get very busy so expect to walk a distance just to get to the site.
Getting Around
Driving is really the way to get around to appreciate the area. Roads can be a bit hit or miss though there are large roads crossing the region (there are no toll roads). The A22 motorway (formerly a paid toll road, but free now) runs east to west a short distance from the south coast. The N125 national road runs closer to the coast.
There are trains along the coast as well as providing services to the rest of Portugal and Spain. Local buses also operate regularly throughout.
Pictures
From Lagos…
Further Information
For further information, please see:
- The Algarve Tourist - Independent Travel Guide
- VisitAlgarve - Official Tourism Site