Virgin beaches, caves digged by the ocean waves, small rocky islands, make Algarve one of the most beautiful areas in Portugal.

Anyone who has visited Algarve recommends to explore it by car, just to not miss anything in this wonderful area in the south of Portugal and to make the journey unforgettable.

Whether you decide to explore it by car or not, you should do some researches about what you will see before starting your trip. In recent years Portugal – and Algarve in particular – is becoming the target of mass tourism with obvious consequences: beaches are often over crowded, seaside villages are full of souvenir shops, and a typical fish-based meal it is no longer as cheap as it had the reputation of being.

Which are the places that you can not miss in Algarve and that are still unknown to crowds of tourists?

 

Ilha de Tavira – Praia da Terra Estreita

Let’s start with one of the most beautiful spots in Algarve, which deserves at least half a day. You can reach Terra Estreita Beach in five or ten minutes by boat from Santa Luzia, the boat trip costs 3 Euros return and leads straight to this sandy island. The beach is large, clean, not too crowded and there is a small cafe where you can eat something.

 

Algarve Clara on the road

Praia da Quinta do Lago

Quinta do Lago is probably the most amazing place I have seen in Algarve. Not for the beach itself (that is awesome), but because the only way to reach the beach is to walk through a long 320-foot boardwalk (one of Europe’s longest) crossing through the Ria Formosa, offering a picturesque view, especially at sunset.

 

Algarve Clara on the road

 

Praia dos Olhos de Agua

Here the risk is to find a few more people, because the beach is really close to the village. However, you can still enjoy the beautiful natural rocks, typical of Algarve, spending a few hours relaxing and unwinding.

 

Praia da Marinha

This beach is at the base of tall red rocks. It’s ranked among the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world and yes, it deserves to be visited, possibly for a walk at sunset or in the early morning.

 

Algarve Clara on the road

 

Cabo de São Vicente

A huge rocky promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is the most southern point of Europe. The landscape here is so wild, made of over 75 meters cliffs that fall to the ocean, and leaves you breathless.

 

Algarve Clara on the road

 

A short list of things to avoid

I did not include Praia de Benagil in the list of places to visit, not because it’s not beautiful, indeed. It is spectacular: snug, wild, with a magnificent cave in the middle of the ocean. But if you’re not lucky, it could be very crowded, and you might have problems even in finding a small space on the beach, and the boats to reach the cave may all be sold out.

Another famous place is the city of Albufeira. I must dissuade you to visit this city. It’s surely nice, but it is completely ruined by an overstated crowd of tourists, that made touristy all the rest: really typical restaurants are few, prices are high everywhere, and bars reflect a much more American style than Portuguese. What a pity.

You should avoid eating in beach bars or beach club restaurants. The food is expensive and the portions are almost miserable. It’s better to choose a restaurant in town or arrange a packed lunch.

 

In conclusion, as far as it’s becoming increasingly popular, Algarve is still a wonderful area, naturally reach and with very particular traditions. The food is delicious, people are so welcoming, and I’m sure that it will be an unforgettable journey for you too!

 

> Why don’t you drive from Algarve to Lisbon? You will be surprised by this amazing city! Find out more reading the post Lisbon from above: the best viewpoints

Algarve Pin Clara on the road

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Chi è l'autore

A writer by profession, a traveler for passion (and vice versa), I love to explore new places and immerse myself in different cultures, bringing my southern spirit around the world.