Things to do
in the Algarve
Sea caves, dolphins, surf, golf and Spanish day trips — the experiences worth your time, and where to book them.
The short version: the Algarve’s signature day out is on the water — a Benagil cave trip by boat or kayak, or a dolphin-watching RIB. Around that, build in a sunset cruise, a round of golf, surf on the wild west coast, and at least one day trip to Seville. Here’s the full menu.
Experiences worth booking
Benagil & cave tours
Boat into the famous domed sea cave and the grottoes along the Lagoa coast.
Dolphin watching
Fast RIB trips out of Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos to find wild dolphins.
Kayak & paddleboard
Paddle into caves and hidden coves — the only way onto the sand inside Benagil.
Sunset cruises
Sail the golden coast with a drink in hand as the cliffs light up.
Surf the west coast
Lessons and board hire on the wild Atlantic beaches around Sagres and Aljezur.
Golf getaways
Over 40 courses, many of them championship-level, in a mild year-round climate.
Day trip to Seville
Cross into Spain for a day of tapas, flamenco and the Plaza de España.
Water parks
Slide & Splash and Aquashow — the family day-out fix when the beach won’t do.
Walk the cliff trails
The Seven Hanging Valleys and the Fishermen’s Trail, cliff-edge and unforgettable.
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Who are you travelling with?
With kids
Water parks, a dolphin trip, and the calm island beaches of the east coast.
Couples
A sunset cruise, the caves by kayak, and a long lunch in a cliff-top town.
Adventure
Surf the west coast, coasteer the cliffs, or paddle the grottoes at dawn.
Rainy day
Lagos’ old town and museums, a covered market, or a wine cellar inland.
When to do what
Boat trips and kayaking run mainly from April to October, when the sea is calm and operators sail daily; in winter, swell often shuts cave access down. Surf is best in autumn and winter on the west coast. Golf and walking are year-round — the mild winters are a big part of why people come off-season.
Common questions
What is the number one thing to do in the Algarve?
Visit the Benagil sea cave — by boat, kayak or paddleboard from Praia de Benagil or a nearby town. It’s the region’s signature sight and pairs well with the surrounding cliff coast.
What can you do in the Algarve when it rains?
Explore Lagos’ old town and museums, visit a covered food market, tour a wine cellar inland around Silves or Lagoa, or spend the day at an indoor spa — the Algarve rarely has long spells of rain.
Is the Algarve good for families?
Very. Water parks like Slide & Splash and Aquashow, dolphin-watching trips, and the calm, shallow island beaches of the eastern Ria Formosa all suit children well.
Can you do a day trip to Spain from the Algarve?
Yes. Seville is a popular full-day trip — organised tours cross the border and include the Plaza de España and the old town, usually returning the same evening.
When can you visit Benagil cave?
Boat and kayak trips to Benagil run mainly from April to October, when the sea is calm. Winter swell frequently closes access, so keep a flexible day if you travel off-season.
Do you need to book Algarve tours in advance?
In July and August, yes — popular boat, cave and dolphin trips sell out, so book a day or two ahead. Outside peak season you can often book same-day.
Guides
Benagil Cave: how to actually visit (kayak, SUP or boat)
There is no walking route in — here are the three real ways to reach the famous dome.
The best beaches in the Algarve (and how to pick yours)
Cliff-backed coves, lagoon islands and wild surf — a shortlist and how to choose.
When to visit the Algarve: a month-by-month guide
The sweet spot is late spring and September — here is why, and what each season feels like.
Turn the list into a trip
Find a place to stay, sort your airport transfer, and book the tours worth doing.