The Algarve is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal and Europe and for good reason. The Algarve offers great weather, beautiful beaches, and a rich culture and history.
There are many places of interest that tourists to this region must visit to truly appreciate the best it has to offer. These are some of the places you should consider visiting if you are in one of the top summer vacation destinations in Europe.
Sagres beaches
Located a few kilometers from Cape San Vicente, Sagres is known for its magnificent beaches and its coastline, which attract lovers of the sun and water sports. How many towns in the world offer you the possibility to choose between four different beaches? Not many. With Praia de Mareta (the city’s main beach), Praia da Baleeira, Praira do Tonel, and Praia do Martinhal to choose from, we guarantee you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Barbelote waterfall
Monichique is a city that doesn’t feature much in most travel brochures. However, this picturesque town steeped in Roman history offers more than walking trails with a panoramic view of the Algarve. It is home to the Barbelote waterfall, which is the largest waterfall in Portugal and a breathtaking sight to behold. It is advisable to bring a guidebook or map, as it is not easy to find, so it remains relatively less publicized and explored. In addition, there is a less famous “ghost town” in the area to make getting lost a more interesting affair.
Pego do Inferno (hell pool)
Don’t be turned off by the name. Located in Tavira, Pego do Inferno is a beautiful waterfall in the shade of trees and with a pleasant pebble setting where visitors can relax, have a picnic or simply enjoy the therapeutic view of the waterfall that falls into an emerald green lagoon. There are often some more adventurous visitors bathing in the lake, but it is a great relaxation spot for locals and tourists alike.
Fuzeta Beaches
When traveling in the Algarve, you will never be far from the beach. Fuzeta has two beaches, the first a small beach located in the town. It is ideal for families as it does not have waves and it is quite safe. The second, which is often referred to as the “real” Fuzeta beach, is the ocean side, which attracts many visitors in the peak of summer. The beach stretches for miles, so there is room for you to have a little privacy if you prefer.
Pera – International Sand Sculpture Festival (FIESA)
Portugal is home to the largest sand sculpture festival in the world. It is an annual mega sand sculpture exhibition that takes place in Pera, Algarve. This is experienced better than described. The sculptures are not the kind you are used to. These are not the works of small children with sand buckets and shovels, but rather the work of very talented artists who come from all over the world to participate in this great event. The size of some of them will leave you baffled. Each year is dedicated to a different topic. It is open to the public every day from April to October and is a family favorite.
Loulé – Carnival in Loulé
One of the famous events throughout the Algarve is the Loulé Carnival which takes place in Loulé. It takes place annually in February and lasts for 3 days. It is similar to the Brazilian carnivals in its style, a colorful event with music, dancing, partying, with extravagant parades. Downtown Loulé is cordoned off for this event and you have to pay to access the hectic atmosphere on offer. In Portugal, it is customary for people to drop “water bombs”, so dress prepared in case you become a target or are hit by a stray dog.
The Fortress of Sagres and Enrique the Navigator
Located southwest of Sagres, it is one of the most important places in the Algarve and Portugal. It has monuments of national importance. From the pebble circle that was spotted in 1921 and dates back to the time of Henry the Navigator to the fortress of Henry the Navigator that was built in the 15th century. There is also an impressive view from a beautiful lighthouse (the second most powerful lighthouse in Europe). Sagres is an area that would be of interest to visitors who like a mixture of history and archeology with its relaxation by the sea.
Praia da Marinha
Portugal is famous for its beaches, so it is only fair to end with one. Located between Armação de Pêra and Carvoeiro, Praia da Marinha. It is a beach with a small cove. Simply put, it is a must see, not write site.