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If you are in the Algarve this summer and looking for some inspiration for things to do, have a look through our list of 22 for Summer 2022
With summer temperatures here to stay for the foreseeable future, this is the best time of year to be outdoors, soaking up all that vitamin D and generally living with a smile on your face and a drink in your hand. Summer is when the Algarve comes alive, there are beach parties, sunset drinks and water park shenanigans there to be enjoyed every day. These are just some of our favourite things to do during the summer.
1 - See us! A trip to the Algarve would not be complete without spending a day with us! Obviously, this really only applies to those of you looking to buy or sell property in Portugal, but we are pretty friendly so even if you aren’t in the market for a new apartment or villa we’d still love to say hi, you never know we might even convince you that being a property owner in Portugal is for you.
2 - Check out the beaches. There are so many gorgeous beaches all along the Algarve we would spend all day naming them. You are never too far from the coast so please spend a day or two on the beach. We have over 370 blue flag beaches and many are in the Algarve. The water is crystal clear, the sand is picture perfect and there are even guys there selling the best Bolas de Berlims you will find – not sure what a Bolas de Berlim is, head down to a beach near you to find out.
3 - Benagil caves. There are hundreds of caves to check out along the coast, but the ones at Benagil are something else. You’ve seen the pictures of people kayaking onto the beach surrounded by caves with a big hole above them, well that’s Benagil. It’s one of the most Instagram-able places in the Algarve and there are kayak, boat and SUP trips you can book to get there running every day throughout the summer.
4 - Water parks. I love having friends and family come to stay because I have a valid excuse to become a 12-year-old again and spend the day at the waterpark! When it’s super hot there is nothing better than sliding down water chutes, swimming in the wave pools, or taking it easy on a rubber ring floating along the lazy river. My favourite park is AquaShow in Quarteira, but there are many others to choose from.
5 - Take a boardwalk. If lying on the golden sands is a little too relaxing for you, then there are a multitude of boardwalks that take you along the edges of beaches, rivers and towns. You can enjoy a great afternoon walking along the ocean, breathing in the fresh sea air and finishing things off with a well-earned cold beer, sangria or fresh orange juice at one of the beach bars along route. Some of our favourite boardwalks are in Alvor, Carvoeiro, Armação de Pêra and Vilamoura.
6 - Chill out at a marina. Sitting watching the world go by and the boats come in and out of the harbour is a great way to spend a lazy afternoon in the Algarve. The award-winning marina at Vilamoura has a wealth of bars and restaurants for you to enjoy lunch or dinner and the Lagos marina is great for enjoying a cocktail or two before heading out for the evening.
7 - Krazy World or Lagos Zoo. If you are on holiday with the family, then a day at Krazy World near Algoz or the zoo in Lagos is ideal. At Krazy World you can feed the farm animals, splash around in the pool and even try your hand at tree climbing and zip wiring. Lagos Zoo has plenty of cute animals to keep the “aahs” and “oohs” going all day long.
8 - Head to Foia, the highest point in the Algarve. Out of season, when temperatures are not quite as high, taking a bike ride up to Foia – the highest point of the Monchique mountains is fantastic – the coming down bit is even better! But in these temperatures, unless you are a Tour de France wannabe we suggest taking a drive up to Foia and enjoying the views from the top of the world. Take a walk through Monchique and pick up some Medronho on your way back as well.
9 - Head to Cape St.Vincent the most westerly point of Europe. Once you’ve been to the top of the Algarve, it’s only right you should follow it with a trip to the end of the world. Well, the end of Europe anyway. Cape St. Vincent is a great spot to enjoy the sunset, take a walk or just relax in the very different landscape to the tourist areas of the rest of the Algarve.
10 - Get in the water. You’ve sampled how great the beaches are and now it’s time to head onto the water to appreciate just how amazing the coastline of the Algarve is. Take your pick from motorboats, pirate ships, yachts, catamarans, speed boats, jet skis, kayaks or SUP, just get out there and take in the scenery. Many people say why did you choose the Algarve rather than Spain – get on the water and you’ll see just one of the reasons why the Algarve is way better than our neighbour to the east.
11 - Loulé market. Most weekends will see fruit and veg markets in any local town, but the market in Loulé is the one to go to. With stalls ranging from food and drink to handmade products and clothing, this market has it all.
12 - Cocktails at a beach bar. It doesn’t have to be cocktails, but chilling out in one of the many beach bars dotted along the coast is an absolute must-do, whatever drink you fancy. With chilled music, bean bag chairs, sun beds and friendly staff if we didn’t have to work this is where we would be all summer long!
13 - Zoomarine. A close second to a day at the waterpark is a day at Zoomarine. You can watch the dolphin shows, sea lions, birds of prey as well as go on rides, relax on their own beach and pool and this year there is the new addition of the butterfly enclosure. A truly great day for all the family.
14 - Surfing in Lagos. Lagos is a mecca for surfers of all ages. The waves here are great and the surfer vibe is definitely felt throughout the city. It’s not just surfing you can have a go at, there is water skiing, kite surfing, and body boarding to name a few. Take a lesson or if you are a pro hire a board and ride the waves until the sun sets.
15 - Go-karting in Portimão. Formula One has come to the Portimão racetrack, so if it’s good enough for Lewis Hamilton and co it’s good enough for the rest of us. The go-karts may not have quite the same horsepower as the F1 cars but it is a really great day out for everyone. If you didn’t think you had a competitive streak then put that to the test around the circuit.
16 - Quad bike adventure. Although the beaches and coastline of the Algarve are stunning, its interior is not too shabby either. Going on a quad bike, 4x4 or buggy tour is a great way to see the more rural Algarve. Many tours will end up taking you to smaller country villages to sample local foods and drink, as well as taking you to see some stunning spots along the way.
17 - Winery tour. Portugal has some amazing wines and there are many vineyards in the Douro region that produce award-winning bottles. The Algarve is slowly starting to make a name for itself in the wine business too and you can tour some of the wineries and sample the local tipple.
18 - Silves castle and medieval fair. Silves is a fantastic city – the old Moorish capital of the Algarve – and with its imposing castle, you can see why. If you are lucky enough to be here from the 10th to the 20th of August make sure you go down to Silves in the evening for its medieval fair. It is really something you won’t experience anywhere else, we would highly recommend this.
19 - Art gallery in Lagoa. The art gallery in Lagoa, opposite the bus station, is fantastic. I never thought I would say that, but I had a great few hours there when my friends suggested we go while they were here on holiday. Some of the artwork is out of this world and the setting – an old winery – gives the whole place a great atmosphere. A great way to spend an hour or two.
20 - Family golf park. Who doesn’t love a bit of crazy golf? The family golf park in Vilamoura is a great choice for a morning or afternoon channelling your inner Faldo, Poulter or Rose. There are 2 courses to choose from, a more sedate mini golf, or the crazy option with lots more obstacles to hinder your attempt at par!
21 - Vilamoura Casino. There is always some kind of show or entertainment at the Casino and with its proximity to the marina is a great option for a pre-dinner event or after-dinner show.
22 - Sand City. This is a must-see, even if it is just to marvel at the skill and talent of the artists who make the sculptures out of sand. If you can go at night as all the sculptures are lit up and it is truly a magical experience.