Finding “off -the-beaten-path” in Algarve

Updated 2026

After living in the middle of Algarve (Lagos) for 4 years I’m a huge advocate for the region. It’s the most misunderstood place in Portugal and let’s face it, sometimes Algarve gets a bad rap.

Algarve isn’t just sardine-packed beaches and late night British revellers. Those two things represent only a tiny part of Algarve yet somehow they have tarnished the whole region. Still many people shake their head when I mention Portugal’s south …”no thanks, that’s not my type of place”.

Those that choose not to look past the mistakes of a tourism era mostly in the past, will miss out on one of the best and most untouched regions of Portugal. Yes, really. On the other side of the N125 national road sits villages of a time gone by. Just a very short drive from any of the big towns of Lagos, Albufeira or Tavira you can find tradition like no other place in Portugal. You could spend 3 weeks in this region and not see everything. Whether you’re wanting nature, food, adventure or wine Algarve has plenty of off-the-beaten path experiences to make your trip a unique story.

Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Travel Planning and Itinerary design by Candy. Olá! I’m an independent travel advisor living in Portugal (since 2016). I help people plan their dream trip to Portugal, Spain and Italy. You’re currently reading a post from my collection of travel guides. I also offer personal travel consultation and a bespoke itinerary service.

Best one-of-a-kind experiences in Algarve

I now live close to Lisbon but a piece of my heart always stays in Algarve and I visit several times a year. I’m always looking for new experiences and I’ll continue to update this travel guide. Use this guide to find the best unique experiences in Algarve.

ALGARVE TRAVEL GUIDES

PORTUGAL TRIP PLANNER

Watch a Spectacular Sunrise from the Ocean

Many people love a lie in when they are on holiday. If you’re one of those people I urge you to break that habit for just one day while in Algarve and I promise you won’t regret it. Everyone knows about the famous Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, but not everyone knows how to skip the crowds that come with it. The answer is to get down there for sunrise and you’ll have the place pretty much to yourself. Want to turn it up a notch? Join Nowhere2Far for a sunrise SUP tour. It’s one of the best experiences in Lagos and the Algarve!

Wine Tasting under a 2,000 year old olive tree and a Farm Stay at Morgado do Quintão

When you think of wine in Portugal Algarve probably isn’t the first region that comes to mind but before you dismiss it completely did you know Algarve has some really unique and wine experiences? Morgado do Quintão is a fourth generation family vineyard on a drop dead gorgeous estate. The estate is beautifully serene and genuinely understated which makes it a perfect break from an often hectic Algarve. I visited Morgado do Quintão for a wine tasting and wrote about it here. Alongside wine tastings the estate offers some really unique wine tasting experiences including Oysters & Vinho Verde.

BOOK A TASTING OR FARM STAY

Spa Experience at Villa Termal das Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort

Annnnnd relax. As Algarve’s highest point, Monchique should already be on your list of places to see in  the region. There are some fantastic restaurants (Lua da Fóia, Paraíso Montanha to name a few) on the way up to the point, and the town itself is a quaint place to spend an afternoon. There is some great hiking too! But have you heard of the spa hotel? Villa Termal is located in Serra de Monchique Natural Park and home to a spa with thermal with 9.5ph alkaline water. The perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. The hotel itself is impressive and deserves a night or two of you time in Algarve. Also It’s worth noting that out of the main summer season this hotel has some great deals. I stayed during November and got a ridiculously good rate.

Beach Hopping on the Wild West Coast

If you’re in Algarve the chances are you’re planning on spending at least some of your time on the beach. Algarve has no shortage of coastline to explore. I spent 4 years beach hopping and I’m not even close to stepping foot on them all. Algarve is a super popular beach destination which means some beaches in summer can get sardine packed. The solution? Head west! Hire a car, drive towards Vila do Bispo and turn right to find some of Portugal’s most atmospheric and remote beaches. Spend a day taking the roads less traveled and explore this wild stretch of coast.

HOW TO HIRE A CAR IN PORTUGAL

BEST ROAD TRIPS PORTUGAL

Algarve by Train

Although Algarve is best explored by car to give you the freedom to get away from it all, the train can also help you reach some lesser known towns and villages. One example being a cute fishing town of Fuseta (also known as Fuzeta) in East Algarve (20 mins from Faro by train). Fuseta is a popular spot in summer but outside of July and August it is an absolutely stunning area to explore with direct access to the Ria Formosa Natural park.

ALGARVE BY TRAIN GUIDE

FUSETA TRAVEL GUIDE

Eat a BBQ Fish Lunch at an Authentic Churrasqueira

Incase you weren’t aware, Algarve and grilled fish go together like cheese and wine, and if you‘re going to do it, you need to do it properly. Chico Zé is a churrasqueira (bbq restaurant) and local favourite in Lagos and surrounding areas. It’s also my favourite restaurant in Algarve. Chico Zé does several dishes but I highly recommend choosing a fish main, try dourada (sea bream) or robalo (sea bass). If you’re lucky enough to be there in summer then sardines are a must – obviously! Worth noting Chico Zé is only open for lunch and is closed on Sundays.

Frango piri-piri

While we’re at it, it is a cardinal sin to visit Algarve without sampling the frango grelhado (bbq chicken). You can find good chicken all over Portugal, but Algarve does it best. I keep my most favourite churrasqueira cards close to my chest but now and again I find a real gem that deserves to be out in the world. My most recent find was during a 5 day trip to Algarve by train. Just before I took a train back from Faro to Lisbon I dropped by O Recife, and it blew my little mind. Everything was perfect, and as traditional as it gets. Order couvert, frango, batatas fritas palitos, salada, um meio litro (or um litro if you’re in full holiday mode) de vinho branco da casa, and finish with a mousse de chocolate. You can thank me later.

My favourite typical restaurants in Algarve

Over the years I’ve eaten in all types of restaurants in Algarve but the best ones, the ones I keep returning to, are the ‘restaurantes típicos‘ or typical restaurants. The places that serve traditional food with a jug or wine and no unnecessary fuss. Simple dishes, cooked well. These are my favourite local restaurants in Algarve. (Please don’t instagram them).

• Chico Zé (Torre, Lagos)
• O Caseiro (Arão, Lagos)
• Paraíso da Montanha (Foía, Monchique) This one is popular with tourists too, but it has held on to its traditional charm and typical dishes. It has incredible views too.
• Pont’a Pé (Aljezur)

If you like restaurants like these, there are loads more available on the Travel Portugal Map. If you are in Algarve or Portugal for more than a few days this map is completely worth it. Hundreds of restaurants, things to do, things to see, local experiences, best markets and so much more. Not just in Algarve, but in every region in Portugal.

Hike the Fisherman’s Trail

For the active amongst you…Algarve has some of the best coastal hiking in the whole of Portugal. Lagos is the start (or end) of the 226km hiking trail that follows the coast all the way to Sines in Alentejo on the west coast. the trail is known as The Fisherman’s Trail and is gaining popularity with each year. The Algarve section of the trail between Lagos and Odeceixe follows some of Portugal’s most dramatic coastal paths, winding up and down cliffs to remote beaches and unbelievable views. It is possible to do day hikes on certain sections. I completed the full trail in 2024, and wrote about it here.

FISHERMAN’S TRAIL ALGARVE COAST

Farmer’s markets in Algarve

Algarve has some of Portugal’s best fresh produce markets. Local markets teeming with life, jars of local honey, the day’s freshest catch and seasonal fruits and veggies. Portugal’s farmer’s markets are an experience in themself and Algarve has some of the best. These aren’t exactly off-the-beaten path but they are an easy way to experience genuine local life. The two I most recommend in Algarve:

• Olhão
• Loulé

In Lagos is there is also a daily fish market which is worth a stop if you’re in town.

LAGOS TRAVEL GUIDE

Lunch with a View of Spain in Alcoutim

Known for it’s beaches not many venture away from the Algarve coast but one little town is worth a visit and a great way to escape the hot spots. Alcoutim is deep into north east Algarve, just a few miles south of Alentejo and only a literal stones-throw from Spain. It sit’s quietly on the Guadiana river, Portugal one side, Spain on the other. A great way to get off the beaten track and see real Portugal (and a glimpse of Spain!).

If you enjoy exploring more remote places definitely take a trip to Portugal’s most undiscovered region – Alentejo.

10-DAY ALENTEJO ITINERARY