With historic towns, authentic hillside villages and miles of beautiful sandy beaches; the Algarve is a great destination to visit all year round. There’s a lot you can explore throughout this resort. When you’re browsing for group accommodation such as these villas from Oliver’s Travels, keep these activities in mind to help you find the best location. Here are the top free things you can do to help you discover the natural beauty of the Algarve.
Relax on the beautiful beaches
The Algarve is famous for its beautiful beaches and what’s even better is that it’s one of the best free activities to do on the island. With a rugged coastline, the sandy swaths are even more picturesque. Near Lagos, Meia Praia beach offers a vibrant atmosphere that’s great for families. Praia de Arrifana in Aljezur is a hotspot for surfers. Relax and watch them as they ride through the waves, or go for a paddle and try it out for yourself. With soft sand, shallow waves and famous rock formations off the shore, Praia da Rocha near Portimao offers a pretty setting with a jam-packed calendar of free activities throughout the year including volleyball, yoga and dance performances.
Walking trails
One of the best ways to explore the Algarve’s vast countryside is on foot. Pull on your hiking boots and trail through the contrasting landscapes for impeccable views over the coast.
There are also many nature parks across the Algarve that are worth exploring. Some of these will require a small fee upon entry but you will find many free walking trails through the landscape. A notable route will have you spotting wild birds along the outstanding rocky coast of Ponta de Piedade from Lagos town centre.
Explore Lagos Old Town
Doused in history, the Old Town has a number of significant buildings that are worth exploring. Take time to stroll around the town, peering up at the unique Moorish architecture against the cobblestone narrow lanes. Lagos used to be the capital of the Algarve region during the 16th and 18th centuries. This is why the architecture is so impressive. See if you can find what’s left of the 15th-century city walls that surround the city.
Join a free tour of Faro
Discover Faro’s history and immerse yourself in its local culture with this unique experience. Join a free walking tour where local residents take you around the town, giving you the history, sharing stories from the past and local legends. Faro offers much more than meets the eye, you’ll see things you may have missed if you were exploring alone. Although a contribution is encouraged at the end, there are no upfront costs to pay, you simply tip how you feel the experience went.
Watch the sunset or sunrise
Cape St. Vincent, on the southwest strip of the Algarve, is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Towering 75 metres above sea level, the Cape of St. Vincent is not only a natural phenomenon but where you’ll find a quaint red-painted lighthouse. Enjoy the authentic views, visit the street food carts and relish in the romantic aura. Join the many who come to sit on the rocks at dusk to watch the sun as it sets over the horizon.
