The Algarve off the beaten track: Six things you didn’t know

Yes, everyone knows about the sun, the sea, the sand, and the string of cheap flights to the Algarve. But while the more touristy sides are well-trodden, the region has a few secrets if you venture just a little way off the beaten track to explore the Algarve off the beaten track.

Whether you’re looking for history or Michelin-starred food, are planning to venture inland or under the waves, there’s a whole side to the area that many visitors never see.

But this undiscovered Algarve is easy to fit into a family holiday in Portugal – here are my top things to discover beyond the usual attractions.

1. It’s perfect for foodies

The Algarve is home to the only two restaurants in Portugal with two Michelin stars – one in Gale, on the edge of Albufeira, the other at Vila Vita Parc‘s Ocean restaurant in Porches nearby.

It’s also known as the home of piri piri chicken, if you’re visiting on a rather smaller budget. Ramires restaurant in the village of Guia is one of the best places to try it.

And with seafood galore as well as fish straight from the waves, you’ll find fantastic food all along the coast.

2. 70% of the area’s land is protected

You might not think it when you see the lines of resorts and hotels in some parts of the region, but there are two protected Natural Parks, one of which includes a 350km network of walking trails, the Rota Vicentina, in the western Algarve.

Or if you head to the eastern coast, the Ria Formosa natural park is also a protected area – you can take boat trips out to explore some of the uninhabited islands and learn more about the wildlife, as well as walking here.

Keep your eyes peeled, and you can also spot over 200 species of bird in this region.

For more of the best Algarve boat trips with kids, check out my top picks

3. It has one of the world’s largest artificial reefs

With 150km of coastline, the Algarve is already a great destination for watersports, including surfing, but an ongoing project is tranforming the area into an unmatched diving destination.

The Ocean Revival Project has sunk four decommissioned Navy ships off the Portimao coast to create the Ocean Revival Underwater Park, one of the largest single artificial reefs in the world.

Scuttled metres from each other, they’ve created a huge artificial reef site in the calm waters to encourage marine life, with a new ecosystem evolving for divers to discover.

4. It has natural thermal springs

Head inland to the area around Monchique and you can discover the Algarve’s natural thermal springs which have been known since at least the time of the Romans, who called them ‘sacred waters’.

The Caldas de Monchique are set in the hills of the Serra de Monchique, 250m above sea level, and you’ll find the local mineral water served in the area’s restaurants.

If you want to enjoy the water’s benefits, you need to book into the spa hotel, but it’s also a lovely place to wander around, with waterfalls and other water features in the woodland.

5. It produces the country’s best quality cork

Portugal is the world’s biggest cork producer, but the best quality comes from the Algarve, especially in the hills behind Sao Bras de Alportel in the Serra de Caldeirao.

There’s a Cork Route travelling through the Algarve’s interior, including walking and cycling routes, but the easiest way to learn more is to take a tour of a cork factory to discover how the tree bark is processsed and used – not just in wine bottles!

6. There are ancient castles

In Silves, you can find the best-preserved castle in the Algarve, built on the site of the 11th century Moorish Palace of the Verandahs. The red sandstone structure fell to King Sancho I in 1189 after a three-month siege, and still overlooks the quiet market town.

Nearby, the 13th century Gothic cathedral, itself on the site of a former mosque, contains a number of Crusader tombs as well as a jasper statue believed to date from the 14th century.

It’s one of the easiest castles to explore in the Algarve with kids, a short drive from Lagos, Portimao and Albufeira, although there are several others to discover if you want to find out more about the area’s history.

Driving on the Algarve’s toll road? You need to read this first…

*First published 2013, last updated 2024*

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All opinions on the best parts of the Algarve off the beaten track are my own

Main image/Monchique courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright Mummytravels

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