The mesmerizing Algarve coast in southern Portugal attracts travelers from all across the globe for its captivating cliffs, sand-swept beaches, amazing surf, and enchanting fisherman’s towns. The best things to do in the Algarve all involve nature, and as there are more than 300 sunny days a year, you can explore most of it for free! Check out our recommendations for the best free things to do in Algarve to help you have the Portugal trip of a lifetime.
This is a Guest Post by Linn from Amused by Algarve
How to Visit the Algarve on a Budget
Having a budget holiday in Portugal is actually quite easy, as you can find some wonderful free activities in the Algarve to keep you busy! We’ve also found some great cheap hotels in the Algarve too so you can save money on accommodation as well as things to do.
However, if you do have the budget there are some awesome things to do in the Algarve that are worth spending money on if you can, here’s a couple of ideas for you!
The Best Free things to do in the Algarve
Hike Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
One of the best free things to do in the Algarve is to go hiking. And the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is definitely among the top hikes in southern Portugal.
Starting from Algar Seco it takes you across the top of the rugged cliffs lining the glittering ocean, taking you past sinkholes, natural arches, some of the most astounding Algarve beaches and sea caves.
The hike takes about 5-6 hours in total to walk there and back and you will need good footwear, enough water and snacks, and of course sunscreen! There is hardly any shade along the trail, so a cap or sunhat would be useful. But most importantly, bring your camera because the beauty along this hike is breathtaking.
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Check out these blog posts to learn more about fabulous things to do in Portugal, or click here to read all of my Portugal posts.Ponta da Piedade
One of the most astounding rock formations in Algarve are a half an hour’s walk from Lagos and is a fabulous place to visit if you are visiting the Algarve without a car. If you drive, there is also a large parking space free of charge.
Large rock cathedrals and towers stand elegantly in the glittering water below. There is a set of stairs that take you down to the waterfront and a viewpoint just past it where you can see all the coastline way past Lagos.
There is also a boardwalk on top of the cliffs from Ponta da Piedade that is well worth a stroll, especially at sunset.
Walk to Tavira Island and the Anchor Cemetery
One of the quirkiest free attractions in the Algarve is the Anchor Cemetery on Tavira Island. While most visitors go to the island by ferry, this is the only one of Ria Formosa’s barrier islands that is connected to the mainland by a footbridge.
Of those who cross the footbridge, most will take the little tourist train that takes you the next 1.3 kilometres across the island to Barril beach where the anchor cemetery is.
However, there is a walking trail next to the train line which is free, and it is actually the best way to get there. It gives you the chance to get close to nature and read up on the natural park on the information signs along the path.
Once at the Anchor Cemetery, you will be met by 203 old, rusty anchors lined in the sand dunes overlooking the beach. These are a reminder of the once flourishing tuna fishing community that occupied the island and the old fishing shacks have become restaurants and bathrooms to serve tourists. The anchors, like other fishing gear, was left behind when the tuna fishing declined, and no one really knows who placed them where they are today.
Walk Along the Top of the Sagres Cliffs
No trip to the Algarve is complete without heading to the jaw-dropping cliffs of Sagres. Algarve’s south-western-most corner is one of the best spots for tranquil sunsets and cliff walks.
There is free parking and though the Sagres Fortress costs a little to enter, you can see it from the outside and walk to Cabo St. Vincente and photograph the lighthouse too. Sagres is also popular among surfers so you can find a nice spot at golden hour to watch eager surfers ride the waves far below you before mazing at the pink colors painting the sky as the sun ducks under the horizon.
Enjoy Portugal’s Most Beautiful Beach
Marinha beach has been nominated the most beautiful beach in Europe – and even the world – several times and a day trip to this wild beach is a must when in the Algarve.
Once you find yourself at the foot of the steep, sun-kissed cliffs walking the golden sand, you’ll understand why. A multitude of tall, limestone rock formations are sprinkled out in the crystal clear water making it a wonderful snorkeling destination.
Bring your own lunch and beach blanket and you are up for a fabulous beach day. There is a restaurant at the entrance to the beach where you can use the toilets for free even if you don’t eat there.
You can get to Marinha beach by driving and there is a large, free parking space to use on top of the cliffs. This is also where the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail starts or ends, depending on which direction you choose to tackle it.
Beach-Hopping in Lagos
Lagos is famous for its unique and astounding beaches surrounded by cliffs, caves, natural tunnels, and tall rock formations. The best way to see them all for free is to walk from beach to beach.
Among the best ones are Praia de Los Estudiantes, Praia Dona Ana, and Praia do Camilo – all on the way towards Ponta da Piedade.
Take a bag with a towel, sunscreen, and a snorkel, and you will have a dazzling day!
Walk around Tavira and its Fisherman’s Quarter
Tavira is one of the most underrated towns on the coast, mostly because it is in the eastern Algarve. But it is also one of the most charming, especially its fisherman’s quarter.
Get lost in the streets and admire the traditional tiled houses, explore the churches with tiled azulejo interiors, and wander Tavira Castle’s walls and gardens that are open to the public free of charge.
The riverfront is also wonderfully peaceful for a stroll and for people-watching in the park.
Check out the natural pool at Algar Seco
In central Algarve, you find the astounding rock formations of Algar Seco including a cave with two natural windows giving a splendid view of the glittering blue ocean outside.
But the coolest thing you will find there is the natural pool fueled by ocean water pumping in from under the rocks.
While this is a unique and awesome place, you must be aware of serious underwater currents created by the waves on the outside of the cliffs. If you go for a dip, make sure you check out the water first, and by all means, stay next to the edge so you can hold onto the rock in case of underwater currents.
Stroll Along Carvoeiro Boardwalk
There are many beautiful boardwalks in the Algarve to enjoy the cliffs, but one of the most interesting is the Carvoeiro boardwalk. Starting from right outside the village after the famous viewpoint of Carvoeiro beach, it takes you all the way to Algar Seco.
Along the way, you can detour off the boardwalk to venture through tunnels in the cliffs, along paths, into caves, and off to see mesmerizing views. The boardwalk is also great for birdwatching, so bring your binoculars!
See Wild Flamingos
The Algarve is home to an important resting place for birds migrating between Africa and northern Europe. In Ria Formosa Natural Park you can spot a lot of interesting migrating and wading birds including flamingos for absolutely free. One of the most popular spots to see them easily and in abundance is the Ludo trail in Faro.
Where to Stay in the Algarve on a Budget
There are many great places to stay on a budget when exploring these free things to do in Algarve and the best places to base yourself are Tavira, Faro, or Lagos. Here are some options for where to stay.
Tavira
HI Tavira – Pousada de Juventude is the best budget option for anyone wanting to stay in a hostel and get to know other travelers. The great thing about hostels is that you can cook your own meals in the kitchen, thus saving money on eating out. They have private and dorm rooms to choose from.
If you prefer a budget hotel, check out Formosa Guest House which gets excellent reviews. There is a shared roof terrace and some rooms have private balconies overlooking the Gilão River.
Faro
Le Penguin Hostel is a great budget-friendly hostel where you can cook in and get to know other travelers. For a budget hotel, check-in at Happen!ng.
Lagos
Stay in a shared dorm at JJs Yard Hostel – one of the best hostels in Lagos for budget travelers. A great low budget hotel option is the LC’s Guest House.
Final Thoughts on a Budget Algarve Trip
With all these natural wonders laid out like pearls on a necklace along Portugal’s southern coast, you will have a great time exploring all these free things to do in the Algarve. Who needs to pay for an amusement park when you have so many amazing free things to do in nature?
This is not only a great way to travel cheaply, but also a good way to travel sustainably. I highly encourage you to leave no trace and be considerate of the people you meet.
About the Author
Linn Haglund is a travel writer and avid traveler who has been based in Andalusia in southern Spain for 10 years, thus spent a whole lot of time in the Algarve too. As she fell in love with Portugal’s southern coast, she created Amused by Algarve to help other travelers explore this corner of Europe too.
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Brilliant list, thank you!