Portugal is an amazing tourist destination with beautiful beaches, historic castles and great food. It’s a popular holiday destination for people in Europe, as well as those who are further afield, and this is because there is no shortage of things to see and do. If you are looking for things to do in Portugal there are plenty of options, such as checking out the capital city of Lisbon or exploring beautiful Porto, but heading to the Algarve is by far one of the most popular.
Why Do People Head To The Algarve?
The Algarve is a region in the south of Portugal. It has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and it attracts people from all over the world for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather and rich cultural heritage. It’s popular with solo travellers, couples and families, as well as older holidaymakers who are embracing travel in their later years. This is because the Algarve has so much to offer.
There is something for everyone in the Algarve, regardless of your age and the type of holiday you are looking for. Whatever it is that you are looking for on holiday, you are sure to find something that ticks every box. It doesn’t matter if you are craving a relaxing beach break or a busy trip full of days out, you won’t be disappointed by what the Algarve has to offer.
Top 5 Things To Do In The Algarve
You will only need to spend an hour or so researching the Algarve, before you see just how much there is to do. The range of things to do is what attracts thousands of tourists each and every year, many of whom return time and time again. This can make it difficult to plan your trip, as you are surely going to want to do the ‘best of the best’ and focus your attention on popular attractions. You won’t want to leave, only to realise you missed out a key thing to do in the Algarve. To help you out, we have listed five things everyone should do in the Algarve.
- Hike through the Algarve’s rugged landscapes and mountain ranges – If you are someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, the Algarve has a lot to offer. There are rugged landscapes, mountain ranges, beautiful views and vast open spaces to explore. There are a lot of hikes and walks you can do in the local area, all of which vary slightly in length and difficulty. In the Algarve, you will find everything from relaxing strolls along the coast to challenging hikes through uneven and rough terrain. These can be done as part of a group or on your own.
- Drink some of the best wines in Portugal – The wine region is situated in the south of Portugal, close to the border with Spain, and the Algarve is a key part of it. It’s one of the oldest, most diverse and well known wine regions of Portugal. It boasts a variety of wines, due to the different types of grape and the different soil types, with red and dry white wines being the two key categories of wine on offer. The Algarve is the perfect place to enjoy some of the top wines that Portugal has available and you will soon see what all the fuss is about.
- Visit many of the most beautiful beaches – If you are a beach lover, you are certainly going to be impressed by the beautiful beaches that the Algarve has to offer. There are a lot of beaches to choose from, which means there is something for everyone. There are quiet and relaxing beaches for couples, as well as more lively beaches for families. A lot of the beaches in the Algarve are considered safe for children, and many have the facilities needed for a full day out. You can sit back and relax with a book, or frolic in the waves and enjoy watersports.
- Sample some of Portugal’s delicious cuisine – There is no denying that Portugal is home to delicious food, and the Algarve certainly doesn’t disappoint. Whether you are heading out for lunch or dinner, you will be treated to a selection of dishes. Portuguese cuisine includes many dishes from land and sea, with olives and bread featuring heavily throughout. The Portuguese can spend hours preparing a meal and they really love their food, so sampling Portuguese cuisine in the Algarve is a must. If you ask a lot of regular visitors to the Algarve, they will insist you try the fresh fish.
- Explore the area’s rich history and culture – The Algarve has a rich history and culture that can be seen in its architecture and monuments, many of which are still standing today. It’s history spans from prehistoric times to the present day, and this means that there is no shortage of history and culture to immerse yourself in. Whether you organise a day trip to see a specific history sight or you simply wander around a local town taking in the culture, you won’t be disappointed by what’s on offer.
Of course, the list of things to do in the Algarve don’t stop there. There are a number of day trips, excursions, attractions and areas to explore. For example, you could head to a local museum or one of the area’s popular waterparks. You could also check out a shopping district and buy souvenirs, or head out on a boat to spot dolphins and caves. When we say that there is a lot to do in the Algarve, we really do mean it.