Algarve is the southern region of Portugal, known for the most beautiful beaches that stretch over 200 km along the Atlantic Ocean and is located about 30 minutes from the Spanish border. The Algarve borders the Alentejo region to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south, and Spain to the east. It covers 1,930 square miles and has a permanent population of 451,000.
Superb beaches, ancient architecture, cuisine known for its fresh seafood are excellent reasons to explore one of the most popular regions of Portugal, the magical Algarve. In 2024, more than 5.2 million tourists chose this part of Portugal as their destination for vacation and enjoyment.
The region is divided into 16 municipalities. Loule, a traditional Portuguese town, is the largest municipality with 70,000 inhabitants. This is followed by Faro (65,000), then Portimão (56,000) which is home to Praya de Rocha, an incredible beach with cliffs and Albufeira (41,000), a former fishing village with a very popular marina and active nightlife. One of the most beautiful cities according to tourists – Tavira (26,000), which is often called the “Queen of the Algarve” awaits you with a castle overlooking the Roman bridge with seven arches and 37 churches. In recent years, the Algarve has been a frequent choice for many Brits and Scandinavians starting a new age after retirement, as it offers much more than beautiful beaches. Golf, tennis, rowing, horse riding, hiking and cycling are just some of what awaits you here.
The capital of the region is Faro, known for its endless sandy beaches and very favorable climatic conditions. The airport is located ten kilometers from the city. The famous Ria Formosa is a natural park and wetland located right next to Faro and covering 17,900 hectares. It consists of a system of lagoons, islands and sheltered sandy beaches separated from the Atlantic, with wetlands that are home to numerous species of birds. This ecosystem is extremely rich and includes about 60 kilometers of coastline.