Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this post about The Algarve Revisited. I visited the Algarve this time last year and fell in love with it, so much so, that I went back this year. The coastline is spectacular, the beaches are breathtaking, the weather is beautiful and there’s plenty to see and do.
What’s not to love? Read on for more ideas of what to do and more photos.
The Algarve revisited
As I had already visited the Algarve last year, this year was much more relaxed and I spent a lot more time on the beach and by the pool! Some of the places you see below I had already visited last year and some I hadn’t.
For more ideas of what to see and do, read on.
Visit Lagos
As well as being a great base for a holiday, with its sandy beaches and water activities, Lagos is a historic city which has retained much of its character and charm.
The marina has a lively feel to it and the historic town centre is still surrounded by the ancient Moorish walls. There is also a wide variety of shops and a range of restaurants, catering to every taste, in the town centre.
It is also, of course, the perfect base to explore the Western Algarve, with day trips to Silves and Sagres being very easy.
Have a look below for the extensive range of activities in Lagos.
Relax on the beach
The Algarve coastline is truly spectacular and the beaches range from long sandy beaches, such as Falésia and Praia Oura in the Central Algarve and the 4km long Meia Praia Beach at Lagos, (which is the longest sandy beach on the western side of the Algarve) to secluded coves, such as Praia da Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo.
The secluded coves are ideal for bathing and snorkelling as the water is calm and clear and the longer beaches are perfect for a stroll along the water’s edge or a brisk jog (if you’re feeling energetic!)
Take a “grotto” tour.
I would highly recommend taking a “grotto” tour, where you can see the beautiful caves and cliffs that populate the Algarve coast from a small fishing boat.
You can sign up for the grotto tour with one of the companies opposite the marina in Lagos, or you can find a boat at Praia Dona Ana or at Ponte da Piedade.
I chose to go straight to the The Ponta da Piedade , where I was picked up by a small boat and transported around and under the intriguing rock formations and taken into caves that I would never have seen from the land.
Both options cost about €15 per person, but the larger boats that operate on some of the tours can’t access all of the caves so I would recommend opting for a smaller boat as firstly, you will see more caves and secondly, you will have a private tour (the small boats take a maximum of six people, but generally will just take your group, so we were only three people on our trip).
The local fisherman also have names for many of the rock formations and, you may see the “Titanic”, the “Camel” and the “Elephant”, amongst others. There are also several tiny secluded beach coves, which are only accessible by boat, and you will see lots of kayaks along the waterfront!
To get to the Ponta da Piedade from Lagos just follow the road past Dona Ana beach and Camilo beach right to the end – there is a car park, a couple of touristy shops and a restaurant.
Diving around Lagos
The crystal clear waters around the western coast of the Algarve are ideal for diving and snorkelling. Many companies offer a kayaking and snorkelling package for about €30, but if you prefer skin diving or scuba diving then I would definitely recommend checking out Dive Time in the Lagos marina. (We had a little trouble finding it, so the best thing is to go to the new train station, then it is almost opposite behind the wire fence.)
They offer courses for both beginners and more experienced divers. If you already have a diving licence then you can start to explore the underwater reefs, caves, wrecks and marine life of the Algarve straightaway! If not, you can take an introductory course to scuba diving or skin diving.
Visit the castle at Silves
Visit the old Moorish capital of the Algarve, Silves, with its 13th century cathedral (Largo da Sé) and beautiful red sandstone castle (Castelo de Silves).
I would recommend parking your car at the bottom of the town, then walking up to the castle, as the winding streets are not great for driving or parking! Silves castle dominates the city and the main attraction of the castle is the spectacular views from its walls. The central area of the castle has been redeveloped into gardens, with a seating area and a café/ visitor’s centre.
There are also two Roman cisterns, the larger one is reputed to be called ‘El Moura Encantada’, after a legend that says you can hear a Moorish princess mourning her beloved at the well where he committed suicide.
While you are in Silves, you should also visit the Sé de Silves (Cathedral of Silves) which is one of the Algarve’s few remaining gothic monuments.
Visit the lighthouse at Cabo S Vicente
Cabo de São Vicente (the Cape of Saint Vincent) is the most southwesterly point of Europe, and is situated five kilometres beyond the town of Sagres.
The views are spectacular, with jagged cliffs towering over the beautiful blue sea. The focal point is the lighthouse complex, which originates from 1846 and was built on the ruins of a Franciscan monastery.
Today, it houses the Museu dos Faróis, a small museum about Portugal’s maritime navigation history.
Visit Faro
Faro is the capital city of the Algarve and a great place to start your visit to this region of Portugal. The historic old town is well worth a visit, as is the marina and tours of the Ria Formosa national park depart from the small harbour.
Don’t miss the historic Old Town of Faro (the ‘Cidade Velha’), with its Roman walls, pedestrian cobbled streets and in particular, the orange tree-lined central square, Largo da Sé, that used to be the Roman Forum. Here, you can see the 19th century Town Hall, the18th century Bishop’s Palace and the Sé (or cathedral) with its cloisters and chapel of bones.
You can also take a stroll down the pedestrianised shopping streets of Rua de Santo Antonio or the Rua Vasco da Gama, where the majority of shops are open from 10am to 7pm, or stop for a drink and a pastry at one of the outdoor cafés.
If you like shopping, then don’t miss the Forum Algarve shopping mall, which is on the EN125, on the airport side of town. You can find all the usual high street brands such as Zara, Mango, Sephora and H&M, as well as multiscreen cinemas and a dining area. For a full list of stores, have a look at Forum Algarve website.
Visit Albufeira
Albufeira is the largest and liveliest of the Algarve resorts and a very popular holiday destination. The atmospheric Old Town is full of cobbled, pedestrian streets and there is a wide variety of restaurants, catering for all tastes and budgets, lots of street performers and a lively nightlife!
The strip, which is 2km from the old town provides the perfect venue for stag do’s and hen parties, although is not recommended for family travels! This area is one long road (strip) of themed bars, disco-bars, happy hour offers and late night clubs.
If you prefer a quieter environment, then the beach is wonderful both for relaxing and for long walks, and the sunsets are beautiful.
Visit Quinto da lago
I loved the beach at Quinto da lago, which is reached by crossing a long wooden bridge over the Ria Formosa, and comprises over 2 miles of golden sand. There are plenty of facilities on the beach, (cafes, restaurants sun beds for rent, all kinds of water sports), and the sunsets are spectacular.
Quinta do Lago is also a heaven for golfers and for nature lovers. Because of its location by the Ria Formosa Natural Park, there are many rare species of fauna and flora which inhabit this area and so it is an excellent base to explore the nature trails near the resort.
The only negative aspect is that it is on the airport flight path, so there are a number of planes flying over.
Have dinner in Vilamoura
The marina at Vilamoura is a great choice for a dinner venue, as there are some truly amazing boats which are lovely to look at, even if your budget does not quite stretch to buying one!
There is also a huge range of restaurants, bars and shops (including many designer shops) along the marina front, and there is a very lively nightlife scene here, with everything from subtle piano bars and a casino to live music and nightclubs.
Visit Loulé
To be honest, Loulé wasn’t on my list of places to visit, but we got a parking ticket at the marina in Vilamoura (Who knew you had to pay parking after 9 pm?) and Loulé was where we had to go to pay it!
Loulé is a traditional Portuguese market town, and in the end, turned out to be a worthwhile deviation from plan, as there are a number of historic monuments (including the castle and the bell tower), a pretty town centre and a traditional Moorish inspired covered market.
If you’re in Loulé, then visit the Municipal Museum, which contains a series of exhibits of Roman and Bronze Age artefacts. The museum also incorporates Loulé castle, with views over the old town from the castle walls. The museum is very small and doesn’t take long to visit, but the entrance is less than €2, and the castle is in the town centre, so it’s worth dropping in.
Play a round of golf
The Algarve is renowned for its huge range of golf courses, with over 40 golf courses and thirty-five different clubs along the Algarve peninsula.
I am not a golfer myself, but if I was then two of the most spectacular courses (where I would enjoy playing just for the view) are the Palmares golf course, near Lagos, which boasts spectacular sea views, and the Quinta do Lago golf and residential estate, with 4 golf courses, including the famous Ocean Course, at Vale do Lobo, which is just a 5 minute drive away.
However, if you are a golfer then I would recommend checking out this link with a map of all the golf courses along the Estoril peninsula.
Have a look below for places to stay in the Algarve.
Booking.comI hope you enjoyed this feature about The Algarve Revisited, and have a look here for more of our travel guides.
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With love,
Algarve looks amazing! Especially all these blue water beaches… Your post has inspired me to visit it 😉
Thank you Anna xo
How beautiful! Your photos make me wanna pack my bags and just travel. Definitely adding these spots to my bucket list, thanks for sharing!
xoxo Jasmine | http://www.mysuitcasejourneys.com
Thank you Jasmine xoxo
Wow, so many beautiful pictures, I want to travel to this place next year! You have a wonderful blog, would you like to follow each other?
Thank you so much for your lovely comment x
Wow, looks like such a wonderful place. Never been but definitely would love to visit. Looks like so many wonderful and fun things to see and do there. Thanks for sharing! x
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
Thank you Ann-Marie, it is definitely worth visiting if you get the chance xoxo
I’ve always wanted to go to Portugal, especially since that’s where my grandfather was born and raised and I’ve heard how gorgeous the beaches are and these photos prove it, wow! Thanks so much for sharing, beauty, and I hope you’re having a great week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Thank you so much Jalisa. You should definitely visit and see where your grandfather lived (and visit a few beaches while you’re there!) xo
Ohmygash I wanna go here! Such a beautiful place Julia
Yes, it is really beautiful. Your trip to Tulum looks amazing!
Wow, this place is amazing!
Thank you Carina! it’s definitely worth a visit!
Wow! It looks so beautiful! Would love to visit one time!
PS: Thank your for your sweet congratulation wishes on my gender reveal post! They meant so much to me and my family! Love always!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thank you Vanessa. You should definitely visit one day! xoxo
Wow, what a stunning place to visit and explore! Love the gorgeous beaches.
XoXo Noma
Thanks for reading Noma! xoxo
Wow, Algarve looks absolutely magical!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Thank you for reading Siffat! It’s a great place to visit xo
I’m getting more and more appeal by Portugal and especially the Algarve ! Really seems like a great place and I will definitely keep your article in mind once planning my itinary.
Thank you for sharing it with us. 🙂
Kenza
Thank you for reading Kenza 🙂
I can see why you went back to Algarve to visit! It’s stunning! That lagoon looks so magical, as if maybe you’d find a mermaid there 😉
xoxo Rina
http://www.andshedressed.com
I know! It’s so beautiful – now I want to go back again! xoxo
What a beautiful place! The grotto tour would be neat, I have never done one of those! The rock formation around and outside the beach are gorgeous.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thank you Carrie! The grotto tour was really enjoyable and interesting xoxo
Wow! beautiful!!! You sure had fun, I love this.
http://www.tessyonyia.com
Thank you Tessy! Yes, it was a lot of fun! xo
Can I please go here right away?! Looks amazing!
Keep smiling!
Molly
Thank you Molly xo
Your photos are great and really bring your trip to life. The beach reminds me bit of the coast of the PNW in the U.S. in Oregon, with the rock formations. This looks sooooo relaxing.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Thank you Allie. I have never been to Oregon but I hope I will one day! xoxo
Julia, I need to say that I love all these pictures so so much! Wish I could travel right now. x
Have a lovely week,
Andreea
http://couturezilla.com/
Thank you Andreea xoxo
Wow The Algarve looks amazing! I definitely should visit 🙂
http://WWW.MARIANNYC.COM
Thank you Mariann – I definitely recommend a visit! 🙂
I love the new streamlined look of your blog! This post is amazing. I love all these pics and would love to travel here. I will be here every Thursday to check what’s new. XO
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much Kathrine xo
I’m so jealous! I hope I’ll visit this place at one point. Great photos by the way! Good job, hun!
xo,
Iga
Thank you Iga xo
Looks amazing!
Xx,
|| FLOORTJELOVES ||
Thank you xx
Oh myyy, what a stunning place! Thanks for sharing these pics!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you Ashley xoxo
Wow this is such a beautiful country.
https://anaturellecraving.blogspot.my
Yes, it is, Nicole. Definitely worth a visit! xoxo
So gorgeous. Looks like the perfect place to explore & see some stunning scenery. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Yes, the scenery is beautiful! xo
Julia sweetie, I’ve heard so much about Algarve, but haven’t been there (yet). After having read this post and seen all the beautiful pictures I MUST go there. It’s so pretty and the amount of activities and historical sights is astounding. Thank you so much for a great travel tip! 🙂
xoxo
Thomas
Thank you Thomas! You should definitely go there! 🙂
I can see why you fell in love. It’s gorgeous!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Thank you Amy Ann xx
Love all the photos and suggestions; if I ever make it out there, I’ll def check some of these out. XO
Jen
Thank you Jen! Hope you make it out there xo
Everything looks really wonderful there ! The perfect place for a perfect holiday !!
Yes, it was just perfect! Wish I was still there! 🙂
Such a wonderful photos !!! I have never been in Portugal, I have to plan vacation in this place:-) Thank you for sharing my dear:-)
Thank you Alice xoxo
Ahh wow it looks so beautiful!
moorizZLA xx
Thank you Alya xx
Wow thanks for sharing the loveliness!!!
Don’t forget to check out this exciting outfit for the last installment of my collaboration with fashion forward brand STAYING SUMMER this week at the blog!
Happy Tuesday!
Rebecca
Thanks Rebecca – will definitely check it out! xo
This looks gorgeous!! xo
http://publiclivessecretrecipes.com/2016/10/where-to-eat-roots-pizza.html
Thank you so much Caitlin xo
Wow! Amazing place and pictures!
Thank you Priscilla x
Wow you’re giving me wanderlust just looking at these photos! A vacation has been long overdue.
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
Thank you Atsuna xoxo
Such amazing places to visit. Lucky you got to to. Added to my bucket list. Thank you for sharing.
http://fashionablyidu.com/
Thank you Idu 🙂
Amazing!
http://iameleine.blogspot.com/
Thank you xo
BEAUTIFUL!!! I am getting major wanderlust from these photos!
Meghan
Thank you Meghan xoxo
I so want to visit Portugal! your photos are gorgeous
http://heyprettything.com
Thank you Carolyn! Hope you get to visit xx
This looks like a country I need to visit pretty soon! Looks like you really enjoyed yourself with all the activities you partook in 🙂
http://www.thebeautybeau.com/
Thank you Candace! I had a great time! 🙂
Oh wow it’s so gorgeous. I must add this to my places to go
Filipa xxx
PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram
Thank you Filipa! If you’re like me, the list will be getting longer and longer xxx
You were in my country! I’m not from Algarve but my boyfriend is, and I spend a few weeks there every year. It’s such a beautiful region 🙂
xx
Oh, I didn’t realise you were from Portugal! It’s a beautiful country! 🙂
Awesome pictures!
Have a nice week-end!
Gil Zetbase
http://gilzetbase.com/
Thank you Gil 🙂
Portugal is such a stunning country!!! I have only been to Lisbon. I need to go back and explore some more!
Thank you Joti! I loved Lisbon too :à
Great photos, so crisp and clear and inviting!
I would love to go back to Portugal, and if I do will use alot from this post!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
Thank you Elle xx
Such beautiful pictures and what a beautiful place.
Thank you Sophie xx
This place looks beyond magical! Can I just jump into the photos?
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Thank you Stephanie xo
I love all your pictures! So pretty!
Thank you Linh xo
Omg Julia these pictures are breathtaking! I definitely want to visit this place sometime! This post makes me want to travel so badly. And scuba diving sounds so fun!! I’ve only snorkeled before 😛
XO Jenn
Thank you for visiting Jenn 🙂
So stunning places that I would like to visit 🙂
xoxo
http://www.bellezzefelici.blogspot.com
Thank you for reading Elena 🙂
Wow, these photos are incredible, babe! So colorful and vibrant — totally up my alley. Looks like you had a blast! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us xoxo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/
Thank you Sharon. I had a great time – hard to come back though xoxo
You’ve had an amazing holiday .Wonderful photos! I’ve never been there but it’s on my list 🙂 I also love your new design!
Thank you so much Darina 🙂
Omg what a beautiful place!! How I wish I could be there right now, Keri xo
Thank you Keri! I wish I was back there now too!
Hey dear, this post is one of my fave, for sure. Love the photos and I enjoyed reading it. It’s indeed beautiful travel post!
P.s. love your new design! 🙂
Have a great weekend!
xo
Thank you Zana! Hope you’re having a great weekend 🙂
Great post…have not visited Portugal yet..now I am inspired…Fab photos…site looks super.
Thank you Hilda! I recommend a trip to Portugal for sure! 🙂