Southern Portugal covers the iconic Algarve region and is home to many of Europe’s staple beach holiday destinations. In 2023, the UK accounted for over 2.3 million visitors to Portugal, with over half of these choosing to visit the Algarve region specifically.

With so much choice, it can be hard to refine your shortlist. Though of course, it can be worthwhile taking day trips to explore more of the area. Choose from bustling hotspots or more tranquil locations to suit your preferences. As when travelling anywhere abroad, make sure you check the latest official travel guidance.

Without further ado, here are some of the most beautiful holiday destinations in Southern Portugal.

Lagos

Lagos has become popular with tourists in recent years – and for good reason. Beyond the stunning beaches, brought to life by towering cliffs, you can immerse yourself in the area’s rich history with trips to the characterful old town.

This part of Portugal is a great spot for anyone with an interest in water sports as there are plenty of kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities here. One of the key highlights is Ponta de Piedade, which is a picturesque headland made up of limestone rock with unique carvings. This means there are impressive arches and grottos that can be seen on boat tours.

If you plan to venture further afield, Silves and Sagres are well worth a visit. Why not dedicate a day to visit each one?

Albufeira

Although Albufeira is known by many for its buzzing nightlife scene, there’s plenty more that this stretch of the southern coast offers. Beaches include Praia da Oura and Praia da Marinha. The latter is home to a series of sea stacks, grottos and other intriguing geological formations. If you consider yourself a thrill seeker, Praia da Marinha is the place to go for cliff diving and parasailing.

Meanwhile, culture buffs will love the old town, which is characterised by cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses. You can head to the Municipal Museum or the Museum of Sacred Art to dig deeper into the area’s history and art scene. There are great cliffside routes for hiking or biking too. This is just the start when it comes to things to do in Albufeira.

Faro

Faro isn’t as large as some of the other hubs in Southern Portugal, however it certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. It has a more tranquil feel about it and is ideal for anyone wanting to slow down during their trip.

In the old town, you can dip into the area’s Roman and Moorish past by looking up at the architecture as you pass by. To enjoy panoramic views of the city, make your way to the Se Cathedral. Boat tours allow you to experience the natural beauty of the area in a whole new way with trips to the tropical island Ilha Desert, which has pristine beaches and water sports for you to try.

Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha is a classic beach destination with a picture-perfect coastline that sits within an area of outstanding natural beauty. You can work your way across quiet beaches, discovering hidden coves as you go.

The original docks have since been transformed into a waterfront that offers spectacular views out to sea. It's an ideal spot to sit and savour a moment of tranquility.

Vilamoura

Vilamoura is the place to go for widely regarded golf courses and luxury resorts. You can dine out at a range of nearby restaurants and pay a visit to the award-winning marina. The beaches tend to be quieter than those across other hotspots in Southern Portugal.

If you’re travelling as a family, make sure you head to Aquashow Park to enjoy one of Portugal’s biggest and best waterparks.

Carvoeiro

For somewhere a little more rustic, head to Carvoeiro. This picturesque village used to be a fishing hub and is sprawled around a spectacular array of cliffs. Down by the beach, you can enjoy inviting, clear waters in the famous horseshoe-shaped bay. It’s considered one of the best in the Algarve, offering the perfect place to settle down for the day.

When you’re not relaxing on the beach, you can set off on local hiking trails or out to sea on boat trips to view the village from a new perspective.

Tavira

This fishing town is a must-visit. Known for its Moorish architecture and stunning beach, it allows you to unwind and take in a spot of culture in one trip. If you’re keen to lean into somewhere with a sense of character, this is the perfect choice.

In the village itself, you’ll pass through cobbled streets and traditional Portuguese buildings. Elsewhere, Ria Formosa Natural Park has a nature trail that’s perfect for birdwatchers due to the rich biodiversity that thrives here.

Getting here is simple. You can easily visit Tavira by using Faro airport transfers, which takes one less thing off your mind when you land.