Rugged coastal beauty and Mediterranean squares: experience it from your Algarve holiday home

Anyone travelling to Portugal often books a holiday home in the Algarve! This region is famous for its golden coastline, but those who explore the popular southern coast will discover so much more! Think hiking and mountain biking in the Serra de Monchique and ziplining across the Spanish border! And the recurring theme of your holiday? Endless enjoyment of the Mediterranean atmosphere! Charming squares, white and colourful houses, typical Azulejo tiles and purple Jacaranda trees make for stunning views during city strolls. Considering a holiday to Portugal? Read below why the Algarve offers the most photogenic moments!

Stroll across the mosaic squares of Lagos from your Algarve holiday home

For charm and atmosphere, Lagos is one of the Algarve’s most captivating towns. Mosaic squares, cosy cafés, and streets filled with purple and red shrubs guarantee hours of wandering. You’ll also spot many Azulejos, the typical Portuguese tiles adorning the façades of many houses. Gil de Ince is the magnetic heart of the city with its mosaic tiles and a green villa highlighting the square. Tip: visit in the evening! That’s when the lively atmosphere peaks, with street musicians and dancers. Did you know the area around Lagos is ideal for hiking? From Praia do Pinhão, a long boardwalk trail begins, offering panoramic views over high cliffs and leading you past the most beautiful beaches.

Praia da Marinha and the Benagil cave

This is the Algarve at its finest! Praia da Marinha has earned that reputation with magical cliffs and charming little beaches. The blue ocean and rocky islets complete the picture, and at sunset, the cliffs glow with a golden hue. But the most enchanting feature is the Benagil cave. Its openings to the sea and a circular hole in the roof create a natural dome over a small beach—truly a magical sight! Tip: visit by kayak or take a boat excursion.

Bordeira Beach: the Algarve’s hidden gem

A white beach that stretches far inland—that’s what awaits you at Bordeira Beach. Unlike most Algarve coastlines, this area features extensive dunes. Walk from the car park across boardwalks to the beach, but don’t forget to enjoy the scenic view from a rocky plateau halfway. Especially at low tide, you’ll grasp how vast the beach is! It’s not just about sunbathing—surfing and bodyboarding are also popular here thanks to the perfect waves.

Hiking and mountain biking in the Monchique mountains

Venture into the inland wilderness from your Algarve holiday home and hike from Foia to Monchique. Along the way, you’ll pass lilac adelfeira blossoms, poppy fields, cork oaks, rhododendrons, heather, and rosemary shrubs. The route spans nearly 7 kilometres and is moderately challenging. Prefer off-road cycling? The Serra de Monchique boasts some of the best mountain biking trails. These range from easy forest paths through eucalyptus groves to tough climbs and descents over rocky terrain with panoramic coastal views!

Caldas de Monchique

If hiking is your thing, you’ll have a range of trails to choose from, including a waterfall route and a path leading to the spa town of Caldas de Monchique. Sit in the shade on a quiet little square, stroll past colourful Art Nouveau villas, and follow the gentle stream through the town park.

Vila Real de Santo António

Vila Real de Santo António is a pleasant border town between Portugal and Spain, often visited for its charming dining spots and nearby attractions. Praça Marques de Pombal, surrounded by elegant white buildings, is a favourite square to start your evening on a terrace. In the centre of the square stands an obelisk, from which a mosaic pattern radiates towards the surrounding orange trees. The town is only separated from Spain by the Guadiana river. On the opposite side, in Ayamonte, you’ll find cosy streets full of tapas restaurants. Don’t miss the square with its shady palm trees and enjoy the Mediterranean flair!

Top activity from your Algarve holiday home: Zipline to Spain!

About an hour's drive north lies another village on the Guadiana river, where you can also cross into Spain—specifically to Sanlúcar de Guadiana. The usual way is via ferry, but many opt for a more exciting return: the Limitezero zipline! This unique zipline, the only one that crosses an international border, is over 700 metres long and sends you flying across at 70 km/h!

The purple Jacaranda trees in Faro

Portugal is a country that lifts your spirits—and the Algarve plays a big role in that! Not only does it include Lagos, but also the colourful city of Faro, often praised as one of Portugal’s most beautiful towns and still relatively untouched by mass tourism. White houses with vibrant accents characterise the streetscape. In late spring, it becomes even more magical when the Jacaranda trees bloom in purple. Combined with the city’s authentic architecture, it creates a picture-perfect scene.

Rent a holiday home in the Algarve

A rugged coastline with golden cliffs, sea caves, and beaches where jagged rocks stretch into the ocean and form little islands—that’s the signature image of the Algarve that sparks the imagination. But the Algarve offers so much more! Go hiking or mountain biking with sea views or soak up Mediterranean charm in picturesque towns. Love authentic ambiance? Then put Portugal on your travel list and book a holiday home in the Algarve!