Silves provides the perfect blend of history, culture and cuisine. Once the capital of the Arab kingdom here in the Algarve, its well-preserved red castle, perched above the colorful streets and squares below, remains the largest in the region. Surrounded by green and orange hills, the town of Silves has an impressive local market, a former mosque (converted into a church) boasting Gothic and Baroque features and many traditional cafes in its small cobbled streets. It looks like a world away from the streets full of beach bars and is best explored in August, when  the Silves Medival Festival takes place   .

 

2. Ponta de Piedade, Lagos

Along the Lagos coast you can get lost in a cave maze and Ponta da Piedade is my favorite in this bustling whitewashed city. Drive a little away from the center, and these honey-colored cliffs against crystal clear waters create a playground for water sports lovers. For those who want to sit back and enjoy the ride, take the stairs down the cliffs and hop on a local fishing boat for a slow ride.

 

3. Tavira

Moorish history comes to life in Tavira, where Maria do Castelos church houses knights tombs, and the medieval castle has panoramic views of this small town. The river it runs through is an extension of the nearby nature park and flamingos can be found dancing across the salt flats. The cobbled streets and long stretches of nearby sandy beaches make this a great base for exploring the Algarve.

 

4. High

A short drive from Loule is the small village of Alte, which offers great insight into a slower and more local way of life. Moving away from the coastal resorts, traditional Portuguese dishes, with traditional Portuguese prices, are a welcome buffet from the expensive and plentiful menus that make up the regions main attractions. The nearby waterfall, although small and now sometimes lacking in water, is a pleasant walk out of the heat of the summer months.

 

5. Yes

Outside Faro is Estoi, a small parish that houses Roman ruins in Milreu, but also one of my favorite restored buildings in the region. The Faro Pousada, once in poor condition, has now been renovated inland, with land following suit as part of a luxury hotel renovation project that is bringing many historic buildings back to life in Portugal . You dont have to be a guest to explore the main rooms and grounds of this 18th-century palace, though a glass of chilled wine on the balcony comes with a slice of grandeur you wont find elsewhere in the Algarve. If you want to try Turkish baths and luxury boutique, you need to  reserve a room  .

 

6. Loule

Loulés colorful streets, centrally located, are another great base in the Algarve for those who dont want to stay at a beach resort. As with much of Portugal, the greatest joy comes from wandering aimlessly through the stone lanes, grabbing coffees and pastries at appropriate intervals. The reason I love Loulé so much is that, so far, tourism has not completely eliminated the traditional lifestyle, and many of the locals are locals. The town center has some great shops, a castle and a vast local market, and in general, it is a chance to see the Algarve not faded by visitors. If youre around late June or early July, be sure to check out the  Med Festival  when a series of musical, cultural and artistic events take over the city.

7. Paderne Castle Walking Trail

This ruined church and fortified 16th century walls are not much else to see, but the walk past the nearby mill with small turtles on the river is a nice break from the beach if you have a car. Take the two-hour trail beyond the medieval bridge to get a glimpse of the long history along southern Portugal.

 

8. Navy Beach

The beach itself is one of the most famous in Portugal and, with its striking appearance, you can see why, but my favorite part of coming here is the cliff top walk. Multicolored stones cover the trail for epic views, and Instagram lovers are starting to gather to take the heart-shaped photo of the rocks (as you can see in my photo, I didnt know that at the time). This is a great place to park your car and have a picnic looking out over the Atlantic.

 

9. Benagil Caves

Undoubtedly one of the Algarves most famous photo opportunities, Benagil Caves can be reached by boat from various stops along the coast, although Benagil Beach is the closest. You can swim from this beach to the caves, although it is not advisable with the currents and tragically there has been a death nearby in recent years as a boat crashed into a swimmer so please no. Inside the cave, you will be struck by the sunlight from the hole in the roof, illuminating the crashing waves within.

 

10. Ferragudo

Although the population of this small fishing village is tiny, it has become an increasingly popular tourist spot to taste authentic Portugal. How authentic it is now questionable, but just steps from the main square to visit the ornate interior of the church before relaxing on the beach with a small castle (now, I believe, a private home) above. From here, boats cross the river to Praia da Rochas favorite tourist spot, where the No Solo Agua beach club   is a great place to unwind before arriving at dawn parties.

11. Fonts, Stomp

This municipal park is a popular spot for us locals to get away from the beach and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature. The old waterwheel, amphitheater and mill house are the main "sights", but the park is home to a number of wildlife and birds with flamingos being a welcome addition during the season. Estombar is a small one, but has a train station that can make it more accessible to those without a car.

 

12. Monchique

If you are visiting in the summer months, then some of the local sources here may have dried up, but if your break is your thing, then the old health resorts in Caldas de Monchique is a great place to check in. Surrounded by dense trees and huge rocks, this high part of the Algarve is totally different from the coast and is a good place to stop if you are planning to drive to the Alentejo region. Be sure to bring your refillable water bottles to take water straight from the sources here.

13. Carvoeiro Board Walk & Hiking

I was lucky to call Carvoeiro my second home for most of my life and this small village, with a small beach but perfectly lined with cliffs, has become the poster boy of the Algarve in recent times. Go up the hill to the left of the beach, where a small church marks the starting point of the Carvoeiro Board Walk, a wooden path that hugs the cliffs. Drop off at Algar Seco for rock pools and rugged formations or just for a glass of wine at the Rock-in-the-Doll Bar.

For those who dont mind walking, head to Vale Covo, a beautiful but enclosed beach near the Tivoli hotel and end at the red lighthouse where you can turn to a handful of restaurants. The  Sky Bar  at the newly renovated Tivoli also makes for a midpoint of summer sunshine.

 

14. Pond

Lagoa has grown enormously in the last 30 years and has become a relatively well-known wine region in Portugal (read: wine tasting / drinking is a must). It is located on the outskirts of Carvoeiro and Ferragudo and, again, as Loulé provides a much more local feel of the city. Small restaurants on the back streets, such as A Tasquinha in the city or A Paleta on the road to Carvoeiro offer great value menus. Quinta dos Santos  , a newly opened craft brewery and winery, offers the opportunity to hit a winery or grab some tapas and the transformed Cooperative, which now houses the "  Lady in Red Gallery  ", serves wine and culture. You will also find my favorite water park in the Algarve, Slide and Splash, nearby.

If its around early July, then the candlelit night market   is a really great time to visit and see the natural-lit streets.

 

15. Senhora da Rocha Beach, Porches

Located near Porches, I love the rock views that protrude between the two beaches on either side. The whitewashed church on the edge is one of my favorite places to relax with a good book and feel like Im at the end of the world. The beach on the right is a pain to begin with, but is usually quieter than the left.

16. Ria Formosa

A well-deserved member of Portugals 7 Natural Wonders, this natural park, made up of a mix of sand banks, coves and lagoons, is full of wildlife, tranquil beaches and beautiful views. If you have a day flight, keep an eye out, as it looks amazing when viewed from above. Faro boats will take you on excursions or excursions to some of the most difficult parts to reach and you can even spend the night on a boat here, my best choice for  unique accommodation in the Algarve  .

17. Cape St. Vincent / Sagres

The westernmost point on the European continent, I believe, is Cabo da Roca, near Lisbon, although it is often given the name and comes close. The lighthouse and dramatic cliffs here are a good stopping point on a trip to the less explored west coast of the Algarve.

 

18. Aljezur

The west coast of the Algarve is full of surf spots, empty beaches, small villages and farming valleys. In Aljezur, the ruins of a 10th century Moorish castle tell the history of the region; If you havent noticed, many places around ALgarve start with Al, which highlights the history and roots of the Arab period in the Iberian Peninsula. There are some truly amazing beaches along the coast, sand dunes, great walks and great waves in abundance. So few tourists venture to this part of the Algarve, and given that the short driving routes are thanks to the new toll roads, it is a crime.

 

19. Vicentina Route, West Coast Trails

For those who like walking, instead of hops, the Rota Vicentina is a vast network of walking trails that crosses the Algarve and the Alentejo connecting region. The fishermans trail embraces the coast and the views are breathtaking; An alternative alternative route provides a tour of Portugals most arid hills.

 

20. Benemola and Querenca Fountain

This makes a good combo one morning or afternoon. The easy hiking trail through the national park, Fonte Benemola, takes a few hours and leads through vegetation, streams, and old mills and water mills.

Nearby, the small hilltop village of Querenca is a beautifully pristine whitewashed land with a strong commitment to culture and literacy through its cultural center. The small square with two restaurants and a church is the ideal place for a bite to eat or to try the local almond cake after a walk in the park.

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