Fun Exploring Small Towns In The Algarve
We enjoyed several day trips exploring small towns in the Algarve. The cliffs and caves of the Algarve always drew us for the stunning natural beauty. But we discovered the culture and history of the Algarve when we enjoyed some time in the small towns.
When we went to the western side of the Algarve by the Atlantic shore we discovered Aljezur and Sagres. We spent a few days high above the Algarve Coast and visited the small town of Monchique.
On a cruise port stop, we enjoyed a day wandering in Portimao and wished we had more time in the fishing village of Ferragudo.
Our day trips took us east along the Algarve Coast and we added many more small towns. Meandering through Loule, Tavira, Ohao and Cacela Velha, we marvelled at the great sights we found.
Visiting Aljezur On Our Way To The Atlantic Coast
On our first visit to the Algarve Coast, we headed out on a day trip to the Atlantic shore. Our stop along the way was in the small charming town of Aljezur. We enjoyed some time in the market for a coffee break before we explored the town.
The blue Portuguese tile art we found showed the town nestled under a hill. When we wound our way up the hill, we found the fort at the top. From there we got a panoramic view over the town and out to the Atlantic coast.
We loved exploring the small towns in the Algarve when we headed out for day trips.
The Fishing Village Of Sagres
After we visited the most southwest point in Portugal at the Farol do Cabo de Sao Vicente we continued back along the southern shore of the Algarve. We stopped at the Forte do Beliche. Wandering on the cliffs we explored the fort. And got a view of the small fishing village of Sagres in the distance.
As we continued along the coast we stopped and admired the cliffs. And the long stretches of sand beaches we found. The cliffs are a big draw for visiting Sagres.
When we reached Sagres we went right to the port. And were captivated with the colourful fishing boats moored for the day.
We loved the variety we found exploring the small towns in the Algarve.
A Day Wandering In Portimao
When we cruised from Barcelona to Lisbon with Oceania Cruises our first port stop in Portugal was in Portimao on the Algarve Coast. There were many great cruise port excursions available. But when we cruised in and saw the golden glow on this port city, we wanted to wander in Portimao to explore on our own.
The shuttle bus took us into town. We wandered along the promenade and meandered along the cobblestone streets in the old town. We found lots to see along the way. And were amazed with the colour and art that decorated the city.
Across the bay from Portimao we saw the charming fishing village of Ferragudo perched on the cliffs. Sandy beaches, whitewashed cottages, the local church and larger villas looked intriguing. But we sadly ran out of time to discover more on this first visit to Portimao.
Discovering new gems was always a treat when we went off exploring the small towns in the Algarve.
High Above The Algarve Coast In Monchique
For a different perspective on the Algarve Coast, we spent a few days at a resort up in the Monchique hills. Day trips took us up to the Foia for the highest point in the Algarve at 902m (3000 feet). We got stunning panoramic views down to the coast.
When we wandered into the small town of Monchique, we were intrigued by the fun sculptures we found in the main square. Even if we never found a great spot for lunch with a view.
Sometimes exploring the small towns in the Algarve we got a very different perspective.
Finding The The Town Of Loulé Gems
On our second stay in the Algarve, we headed off several times and explored the small towns in the central Algarve. One day we headed to Loulé. We parked by the interesting fountain at the roundabout and then wandered to the Town Hall and the decorative Mercado Loulé.
The National Monument Loulé Castle was one of the key attractions in town. We spent some time wandering around the outside and entered the inner courtyard. Climbing to the top of the walls gave us a different perspective on this small town.
When we came back down from the walls we wandered through several preserved rooms and then around the Municipal Museum. A great way to learn more about the history of the castle and the town.
There was one more treat to discover when we wandered in Loulé. We were glad we looked carefully and found the Ermida da Nossa Senhora da Conceicao. This small church was a stunning visual treat.
Exploring small towns in the Algarve we were glad we planned to visit all the gems in Loulé.
Eating Our Way Around The Different Areas Of Tavira
On our first visit to the Algarve, we drove East along the southern shore of the Algarve. As we wandered we discovered the Cabanas de Tavira right on the water.  There were lots of water tour options but we were there for a seafood lunch. After we checked out the reviews, we headed for Sabores Da Ria for the seafood rice.
When we returned for a longer stay in the Algarve, we got a great recommendation for a lunch spot in the town of Tavira up in the hills. The A Mesa Restaurant in Tavira was even in the Michelin Guide! We had a tasty selection of treats on the patio.
Fully fuelled, we headed off and explored the lovely town of Tavira. We walked to the Gilão River and crossed over the Ponte Romana pedestrian bridge. Turning at the large open Praça da República square, we headed up the small cobblestones streets.
The steeple and church bells of the Igreja de Santiago church drew us up. And when we arrived in the square beside the church we found the gates to the Tavira Castle. This was the highest point in this region of the Algarve and at one time this fortress protected the town from North African raiders and pirates.
We ate well on visits to two different parts of Tavira and were glad we planned enough time exploring small towns in the Algarve to find all the gems.
Discover Olhao Exploring Small Towns In The Algarve
When we wandered along the coastal roads in the Eastern Algarve, we were always delighted with the small towns we found. One day we wandered into the port town of Olhao in search of a coffee stop. This small port town was the spot to visit if we wanted to head over the the beach at Culatra Island. And if we visited on the right day, we could even visit the great fish market in the local mercado.
When we headed to Olhao a second time, we were drawn to visit the Parque Natural Da Ria Formosa. Instead of a city visit, we were delighted with canals, marshland and sandy beaches.
Sometimes exploring small towns in the Algarve we found some great outdoor sights too.
A Stop At The Village of Cacela Velha
Before we reached Faro and the border with Spain, we discovered the tiny village of Cacela Velha. Our first stop was at the small church and cemetery. We often visited cemeteries to learn about the history of the area. This cemetery had none of the fancy sculptures we saw touring the cemetery in San Juan in Puerto Rico. But we were reminded of the cemeteries of New Orleans when we saw the larger crypts.
We wandered through the pretty, small town and found flowers in bloom everywhere. When we walked by the water we saw the tide was low and fishermen were camped out in the sand.
Our stop in Cacela Velha gave us a good view of local life when we went exploring small towns in the Algarve.
A Great Time Exploring Small Towns In The Algarve
When we stayed in the Algarve we always enjoyed the beaches and the stunning cliff views. But we learned so much and found such a variety of sights exploring small towns in the Algarve. We explored fishing villages, saw historical sights, marvelled at the architecture and ate our way along the coast.
On different visits to the Algarve, we headed out for day trips. We wandered in Aljezur, Sagres and the small town of Monchique on the western side of the Algarve. On a port stop on our cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon we discovered Portimao and put the fishing village of Ferragudo on our list for a future trip. Day trips east on the Algarve Coast we enjoyed Loule, Tavira, Ohao and Cacela Velha.
We know there are many other small towns on the Algarve Coast for many future return visits.
Did you enjoy exploring small towns in the Algarve? Are there some others we should put on our list?
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Small and less touristy towns usually offer a great insight into the local culture. You really found some small town gems during your explorations in the Algarve. I think my favorite to visit would be Loule – the small church of Ermida da Nossa Senhora da Conceicao looks fantastic!
Loulé was a real treat. We were glad our friends pointed us in that direction.
I love exploring these kind of smaller towns and clearly the Algarve has many to see. I’m quite keen on visiting Sagres and Portimao. Both have beautiful architecture and the colours shine beneath the sun. I haven’t been to the Algarve yet but I read that it can get quite cold. I can see from your coastal photos the weather looks to be cooler?
We were in the Algarve on this trip in April and it was lovely and sunny. Not too hot! We have plans to visit in the winter to see what that really looks like.
I have never heard of this area before. I have never been to Europe before and we are trying to figure out where we would like to go. This sounds just wonderful!
We absolutely love Portugal. You can do big cities and small towns like these gems in the Algarve. Amazing outdoor spots too.
Lovely detailed post and photos!! I love the Algarve and we have spent a lot of time there exploring for months in our vintage RV. I love that the train system is so cheap and good there too so easy to see other parts of Portugal and Spain if it a winter base.The weather like Marbella, Spain is the warmest in winter on mainland Europe so that is a plus in my mind. Not hot like in summer, but often day time in T-shirts.
We really want to spend some time in Portugal in the winter and check it out. Good to know Marbella might be t-shirt weather. Sure better than Canada. And with so many great small towns, we know we will return to the Algarve.
All of these small towns seem great, but Portimao especially caught my eye! It looks so charming, and your photos are beautiful. I’d love to spend some time exploring there! Xx Sara
We are so happy with all the small towns we found in the Algarve. This was our first look at Portimao (post coming) but we need to go back and explore more.
The Algarve has become my favourite place in Europe. There are so many lovely places there, especially Olhao and Tavira. I fell in love with the vibe and the food so much that, if I had the means, I would certainly relocate there. What was your most memorable place in the Algarve?
We too have considered the Algarve for re-location. We loved the places right on the water because we are water lovers. But if we looked for a place to live we might choose Tavira.
We’ve discuss taking a cruise from Barcelona but haven’t entertained the idea of going to Portugal. Your post has definitely changed my mind. I’ve heard a lot about the beauty of Portugal, but have never seen so many gorgeous photos all in one place as you have on your blog. Inspiring me to look into this further for future travels.
We simply love Portugal. There is so much variety from North to South. Much of the Algarve is beach and cliffs. But the small towns are charming and well worth exploring. I do hope you get to spend some time in Portugal.
Wow, you guys have seen a good number of small towns! Although I’m a big city gal through and through, I love to visit smaller towns since they aren’t as globalized as metropolises. Normally, they have so much more of an authentic vibe to them. Since I travelled only the Portuguese Westcoast, Algarve is still on my bucket list, and your guide is a wonderful inspiration 🙂
I am sure you will love exploring the small towns in the Algarve in Portugal. There is such a variety of sights and so much local history too. And many of them are not full of tourists – unless you get there in the busy summer season.
I’ve never been to Portugal. I’ve no idea why as I’ve travelled through most of Europe. I really must plan a visit. As for that little blue tiled church – how stunning is that?! It’s gorgeous!
Once we did our first visit to Portugal we were hooked. And we keep going back. Exploring the small towns in the Algarve give you a very different feel than the larger cities and coastal towns.
Your exploration of the Algarve’s small towns sounds captivating! It’s beautiful how you enjoy the unique culture and history each town offers beyond the famous cliffs and caves. Your descriptions make me eager to meander through these charming locales myself, especially Tavira and Cacela Velha and the quaint fishing village of Ferragudo.
We loved the chance to just wander in so many different small towns in the Algarve. And many we need to return to discover even more.
I’ve only visited Lagos but looks like I need to visit the rest of the Algarve!
We were happy we had the time to wander and discover so many of the great small cities in the ALgarve. Always a reason to head back.
I see so many lovely trips to Portugal lately and it inspires me to want to see it. Thanks for all of the great tips and pics.
We would go back to Portugal over and over again. All the small towns are great to explore in the Algarve.
I absolutely loved my week hiking in the Madeira and the stops in small villages. I absolutely want to visit Algrave’s charming small towns based on your photos. I love the Portugese blue tile incorporated in the architecture!
We love the Algarve and have visited many times. Whether it is the seaside, great cliffs or charming small towns there is much to discover.
I loved the Algarve! Looks like you got to all of it while I only made it to a few towns, well done! Great post, and photos. Looks like you had an amazing time.
We have loved all our visits to the Algarve. Wandering in the charming small towns is always a treat.
I was in Portugal only once so far, in 2017 when I visited Lisbon and did a day trip to Sintra. I’ve already heard so many great things about the Algarve and all the small towns there look absolutely gorgeous! The church in Loulé looks especially pretty!
I hope you do get to go back to Portugal and explore the Algarve. It is tempting to stay in the beach areas but the small towns like Loulé are worth visiting.
I didn’t get to the Algarve when I was in Portugal. Even the small towns seem to hav ea good mix of culture and history.
I hope you do get to the Algarve if you get back to Portugal. Such variety in the sights.
I visited Portugal for the first time this year and really fell in love with the country. I’d love to explore more of it and the Algarve looks like a wonderful place to discover. Loulé looks especially charming! Thanks for the great guide.
Portugal is a place that deserves more than one visit. And the small towns of the Algarve are a great draw.
I’ve never been to Portugal yet, but small towns are fun to explore! :] Tavira looks so pretty + the food at A Mesa Restaurant looks delicious!
We love Portugal and the Algarve. Tavira was a great discovery for sure.
Loving all these day trips in the Algarve! I’ve never been here so would love exploring these picturesque and charming small towns.
I am sure you would enjoy exploring the small towns of the Algarve.
We are considering an extended Algarve stay, maybe two months and maybe next year. We loved our visit there in 2018. This post is incredibly useful.
Two months in the Algarve would be lovely. So many great spots to explore.
I love Portugal and have wanted to visit the Algarve for a while! I always find your posts so helpful with all of the details and inspiring photos– this one is so useful for planning our future trip!
I am glad this post will help with your Portugal planning.
Great info on some lovely places. I lived in The Algarve for some time and this brought back good memories, especially the food!
I am so happy to bring back good memories. We do love the Algarve.
I love the small towns you went to! Loulé, Ferragudo and Tavira are our favourites. But there are so many! Can’t wait to go back to Algarve soon!
It was great to wander out and discover new local spots. Great to get away from the business areas too.
I had no idea there was so much to see in the Algarve! Loving all the unique sculptures in the different towns.
We were indeed amazed at the variety we found when we visited all the small towns in the Algarve.
awesome post! will be visiting in February! wooooo
You will have a great time. February should be crowd-free so great to wander.
Love small towns! And the public art at Monchique is incredible! I would love to visit. This post makes me want to pack my bags and head to Portugal.
Portugal is an amazing spot to visit. Wandering in the small towns in the Algarve is a treat.