Algarve Region: Municipalities & Villages
Explore the Algarve's 16 municipalities. From the wild surf coast in the west to the calm Ria Formosa lagoons in the east.
The Algarve stretches 155km along Portugal's southern coast. Towering rock formations and sea caves in the centre give way to long barrier islands and salt marshes in the east, while the west coast is wild Atlantic surf. Inland, the landscape rises through limestone hills and farmland to the forested Serra mountains.
At the south-western tip of Europe, the Algarve was the last region of Portugal to be conquered from the Moors in the mid-13th century. The name comes from the Arabic "Al-Gharb" (The West). This was the western part of Muslim Andalusia, and one of the most important Muslim centres in the Iberian Peninsula.
After the reconquest, the Algarve became its own kingdom before being annexed to Portugal. Moorish influence remains visible throughout: in the whitewashed houses, the irrigation systems, place names like Albufeira and Alcoutim, and the almond and fig groves that still cover the Barrocal hills.
Western Algarve
Costa Vicentina – Wild coast, surf culture, dramatic scenery
Central Algarve
Sotavento – Golden cliffs, resort beaches, luxury & nightlife
Eastern Algarve
Home to Ria Formosa Natural Park – one of Portugal's 7 Natural Wonders
Compare destinations
Side-by-side data comparisons for the Algarve's most common destination decisions.
Lagos vs Tavira: Which is for you?
Popular destinationsTwo of the Algarve's most popular bases compared side by side — the lively western port town and its cliff beaches against the elegant eastern riverside gem.
CompareLagos vs Albufeira: Which is for you?
Resort townsLagos and Albufeira are the Algarve's two most visited resort towns — a historic port city with cliff beaches against the region's entertainment capital.
CompareAlbufeira vs Loulé: Which is for you?
Central AlgarveAlbufeira versus Loulé — the Algarve's resort capital against its most diverse municipality, from mass-market beaches to the Golden Triangle and inland culture.
CompareTavira vs Olhão: Which is for you?
Eastern AlgarveTwo eastern Algarve neighbours separated by the Ria Formosa — Tavira's Roman bridge and baroque churches against Olhão's fish market and island ferries.
CompareAlbufeira vs Faro: Which is for you?
Resort vs cityThe Algarve's biggest resort against its regional capital — Albufeira's beach hotels and nightlife strip versus Faro's walled old town and Ria Formosa.
ComparePortimão vs Lagos: Which is for you?
Western AlgarveTwo western Algarve neighbours compared — Portimão's long resort beach and sardine waterfront against Lagos's historic centre and dramatic cliff coves.
CompareLagos vs Faro: Which is for you?
Beach town vs gateway cityThe Algarve's western beach capital against its eastern gateway city — Lagos' cliff coves and surf culture versus Faro's walled old town and airport convenience.
CompareFaro vs Tavira: Which is for you?
Eastern Algarve basesTwo eastern Algarve bases on the same train line — Faro's airport convenience and city bustle against Tavira's riverside calm and island beaches.
CompareAlbufeira vs Portimão: Which is for you?
Central Algarve resortsThe Algarve's two biggest resort towns compared — Albufeira's nightlife strip and family hotels against Portimão's working-city character and Praia da Rocha.
CompareAlbufeira vs Tavira: Which is for you?
Resort vs heritageThe Algarve's resort capital meets its heritage town — Albufeira's nightlife strip and family hotels against Tavira's Roman bridge and island beaches.
CompareLagoa vs Lagos: Which is for you?
Cliff coast neighboursTwo western Algarve neighbours along the same cliff coast — Lagoa's Carvoeiro and Benagil sea cave against Lagos's walled old town and late nightlife.
CompareLagoa vs Albufeira: Which is for you?
Coves vs resortTwo central Algarve coastal neighbours compared — Lagoa's Carvoeiro and the Benagil sea cave against Albufeira's resort hotels and The Strip nightlife.
Compare
Albufeira
Resort capital of the Algarve with over 25 beaches and nightlife on The Strip
Alcoutim
The Algarve's most remote corner: a river town on the Spanish border
Aljezur
Surf beaches and clifftop trails on Portugal's wild Costa Vicentina
Castro Marim
Historic fortress town overlooking salt marshes and the Spanish border
Faro
The Algarve's cultured capital with a historic old town and gateway to Ria Formosa
Lagoa
Sea caves, cliff beaches, and wine estates along the Algarve's golden coast
Lagos
Historic port city with dramatic cliffs and a lively old town
Loulé
Moorish market town backed by serra hills and the Algarve's golf coast
Monchique
The Algarve's mountain retreat with thermal springs, cork forests, and Fóia peak
Olhão
The Algarve's fishing capital: cubist backstreets, serious seafood, and ferries to the Ria Formosa islands
Portimão
Sardine-grilled waterfront, resort beaches, and western Algarve's best shopping
São Brás de Alportel
Traditional market town in the Algarve's cork-growing heartland
Silves
The ancient Moorish capital with an imposing red sandstone castle
Tavira
The Algarve's most elegant town with a Roman bridge and baroque churches
Vila do Bispo
The southwestern tip of Europe with wild cliffs and legendary Cape St. Vincent
Vila Real de Santo António
Elegant 18th-century border town with Spanish views across the Guadiana
Natural Wonders & Protected Areas
Protected parks and distinctive ecosystems across the region
Ria Formosa Natural Park
One of Portugal's 7 Natural Wonders — a 60km lagoon system with barrier islands, salt marshes, and wildlife including flamingos, chameleons, and seahorses.
Costa Vicentina Natural Park
One of Europe's best-preserved coastlines — dramatic cliffs, rare plant species, and nesting storks on the sea stacks. The Rota Vicentina trail runs along it.
Moorish Heritage
Castles at Silves, Tavira, Castro Marim, and Aljezur, plus city walls, Moorish-era bridges, and the distinctive chimneys that trace back to Islamic architecture.
Serra de Monchique
Mountain retreat with thermal springs, eucalyptus forests, and panoramic views. The region's green lung and natural spa destination.
Geography & Climate
Understanding the Algarve's diverse landscapes
The Litoral
The coastal strip with its famous beaches, dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and resort towns stretching 155km.
The Barrocal
Limestone hills dotted with almond, fig, carob, and olive groves – the agricultural heart of the region.
The Serra
The mountainous interior, home to cork oaks, traditional villages, and the highest point at Fóia (902m).
300+ Days of Sun
Mediterranean climate with mild winters (12-18°C) and warm summers (25-35°C). Atlantic waters 15-23°C.
Choose Your Algarve
Find the area that matches your travel style
Surf & Nature
Western Algarve – Wild Atlantic waves, protected natural parks, eco-retreats, and dramatic cliff walks.
Golf & Luxury
Central Algarve – World-class golf courses, five-star resorts, fine dining, and the Golden Triangle.
Culture & Heritage
Eastern Algarve – Historic towns, baroque churches, authentic fishing villages, and traditional markets.
Mountain Escape
Monchique & Serra – Cool forest retreats, thermal spas, local gastronomy, and panoramic views.