Vacation Packages

Algarve

The California of Europe
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A coastal escape, where outdoor adventures take center stage.

Adored for its golden beaches, turquoise waters, hidden sea caves and steep, honey-colored cliffs, the Algarve region spans nearly 100 miles of Atlantic coastline. With upwards of 300 days of sunshine year-round, it’s one of Europe’s warmest regions, offering easy access to nature, paired harmoniously with a relaxing Mediterranean lifestyle.


Algarve Hotels

Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resortimage
 
Pine Cliffs Ocean Suites, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spaimage
 
Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resortimage
 
Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resortimage
 
W Algarveimage
 

More About Algarve

Overview

Unlike Lisbon and Porto, Algarve isn’t a single city, it's a region on the southwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, located in the southernmost region of Portugal. Blending whitewashed towns and fishing villages with lively resort areas, it provides a year-round escape for sunseekers and seafood lovers alike. Outdoor activities are heavily centered on coastal exploration, including both land-based and water-based adventures, such as cave exploring, dolphin watching, golfing, hiking, kayaking, surfing, swimming and more.

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Top Experiences

  • Benagil Cave: A cathedral-like limestone sea cave with a sandy beach hidden inside, lit up by a "skylight" hole at the top of its natural dome.
  • Lagos Historic Center: A pedestrian-friendly area featuring 16th-century walls, baroque churches, and whitewashed streets.
  • Ponta da Piedade: A headland featuring golden limestone cliffs, grottoes, sea arches, turquoise waters, and a lighthouse.
  • Praia do Camilo: Just north of the Ponta da Piedade, this secluded cove accessible by a 200-step wooden staircase features calm turquoise waters and a tunnel that connects two small, sandy beaches.
  • Praia da Marinha: Considered one of Portugal's most beautiful beaches, it’s a premier spot for photography, snorkeling and swimming. From a specific viewpoint, two sea arches and a sea stack align to form the shape of a heart.
  • Ria Formosa Natural Park: A protected lagoon system known as one of the seven Natural Wonders of Portugal, including a labyrinth of barrier islands, sandy beaches, salt marshes and tidal flats, it serves as vital habitat for migratory birds and marine life.
  • Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: A coastal hiking route that traverses limestone cliffs, offering scenic views of secluded beaches and hidden sea caves – such as the Benagil Cave – and deep ravines between Praia de Vale Centeanes and Praia da Marinha.
  • Silves Castle: The largest and best-preserved Moorish fortification in the Algarve. Located in Faro, the castle is perched above the town, dominating the skyline with its striking red-colored sandstone (Grés de Silves). Built primarily between the 8th and 13th centuries, it features four towers, seven crenellated posts and two underground cisterns – these subterranean reservoirs were designed to collect rainwater.

Content provided by Costco Travel experts. Copyright © Costco Travel. All rights reserved.