Welcome to Magical Portugal
the #1 Portugal tourism guide
Your journey to Portugal starts here.
Portugal tips, sights, activities & accommodations
Welcome to Magical Portugal, the only tourism guide you need for visiting Portugal. Nestled along the southern coast, the Algarve is renowned for its breathtaking beaches and picturesque coastal towns, while bustling Lisbon and Porto are full of exciting history. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, a history enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or a food lover, Portugal has something to offer for everyone. From exploring ancient castles and charming villages to indulging in delicious seafood and enjoying thrilling water sports, Portugal is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.
As locals living in Portugal, we are dedicated to providing you with easy to digest and up-to-date tourism information about our beautiful country. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventure-packed trip, this website serves as your go-to resource for planning and exploring Portugal. Do you have any specific questions or requests, feel free to reach out!
Algarve holiday tips & recommendations
THE MOST FUN
Activities
What is there to do in the Algarve? (click to unfold)
If you have never been to the Portuguese Algarve, you are in for a surprise. This paradise offers something different to do every day.
SUP past the iconic rock formations and caves in the morning, spot dolphins from a catamaran in the afternoon and taste the most delicious local wines at one of the vineyards in the area in the evening. Always wanted to learn to surf? Take a few lessons at one of the many surf schools or stay on land and explore the hilly landscape by mountain bike. You will never be bored in the Algarve!
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL
Sights
What is there to see in the Algarve? (click to unfold)
The Algarve is known for its many natural and cultural attractions that can be found along its 150 km southern coastline. From impressive rock formations that can be viewed from the footpaths above or from the deck of a catamaran, to old-fashioned sleepy cobbled villages with bright white painted walls, contoured with a cheerful colour of paint.
Experience a sunset at the most south-westerly point of Europe near Sagres or sail down the Gilão river by ferry to the paradise island of Tavira. Discover the domed Benagil cave that can only be reached from the water and later seek higher ground when you walk the castle walls of Silves.
SLEEP LIKE A BABY
Accommodation tips
Where to stay in the Algarve? (click to unfold)
The Algarve is rich in beautifully designed resorts and luxury hotels. But hidden inland and between the well-known places you will also find a number of oases of peace such as eco-campsites, tiny houses and even floating accommodations. Get inspired with my accommodation tips!
GET SOME WHEELS
Car rental
Looking for car rental in the Algarve? (click to unfold)
The best way to explore the Algarve is by car rental. By renting locally, you support Portuguese family businesses instead of big corporations. Enjoy the convenience of pick-up and drop-off at Faro Airport and save on two taxi rides. Here you will find the best car rental companies.
SUNBATHING ON PRISTINE
Beaches
What are the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve? (click to unfold)
The Portuguese Algarve is full of beautiful beaches, ready for you to discover. Along the south coast you will find the typical rock formations that you recognize from postcards, while on the rugged west coast the towering cliffs look out over the ocean that is rich in waves. Discover where you can relax or surf on the most beautiful beaches page.
DISCOVER
Towns & Cities
The most beautiful towns and cities in the Algarve (click to unfold)
The Algarve is full of charming villages and towns where you can discover the old-fashioned Portugal. From restored castles to remains of the Moors and Romans, in the Algarve your cultural heart will beat faster. Discover the most beautiful places in the Algarve and find tips for sights, activities and restaurants per destination.
Recent blogs full of Portugal tips
- The best supermarkets in the Algarve. Where to get your groceries in the Algarve?
If you are on holiday in the Algarve and want to prepare your own food, there are fortunately many supermarkets in the Algarve to do your own shopping. Just like in the… Read more: The best supermarkets in the Algarve. Where to get your groceries in the Algarve? - Can you drink the tapwater in Portugal?
Want to know if you can drink tap water in Portugal, and specifically in the Algarve? Or how drinking water is filtered in Portugal compared to the UK? Then you’ve… Read more: Can you drink the tapwater in Portugal? - Campsites Algarve near the ocean – Seaside campings Algarve
Fall asleep to the sound of the waves at one of the many seaside campsites in the Algarve . With over 150 kilometres of southern coastline and hundreds of campsites, there is… Read more: Campsites Algarve near the ocean – Seaside campings Algarve - Is wild camping in Portugal allowed? Wild camping in Portugal rules
For adventurers who travel through Portugal with their own or rented van, there is nothing more beautiful than wild camping . You choose a nice spot and cook a meal on your… Read more: Is wild camping in Portugal allowed? Wild camping in Portugal rules - Wintering in the Algarve – How is it to spend the winter in southern Portugal?
Despite its reputation as a beach destination, the Algarve is a great place to spend the winter months. The weather is mild, with average temperatures of 18-22 degrees Celsius, and… Read more: Wintering in the Algarve – How is it to spend the winter in southern Portugal? - Algarve in the winter: What to expect + tipsMost people think of the Algarve as a place where you can only enjoy sunny beaches and warm weather in the summer. But the truth is that the Algarve is… Read more: Algarve in the winter: What to expect + tips
- Tipping in Portugal – A guide for (not) tipping
When you are on holiday in Portugal, it is useful to know in which situations tipping is customary and what amounts are considered a good guideline. After all, you do not want… Read more: Tipping in Portugal – A guide for (not) tipping - What is the legal drinking age in Albufeira?
Fancy a good party on The Strip in Albufeira? As a young person, it is useful to know what the legal drinking age is in Albufeira, Portugal. It can be… Read more: What is the legal drinking age in Albufeira? - When are high season and low season in the Algarve?
Portugal’s many beautiful destinations, such as the Algarve, attract visitors from all over the world all year round. Whether you love the warm, sun-drenched beach days of summer or crave… Read more: When are high season and low season in the Algarve? - Surfing in the Algarve. Best surfspots, my experiences, surf trips and best surf lesons!The coastline of the Algarve is a paradise for surfers who travel to this part of Southern Europe for a surfing holiday. Not only is surfing excellent here, bodyboarding, kitesurfing… Read more: Surfing in the Algarve. Best surfspots, my experiences, surf trips and best surf lesons!
- Where to stay in the Algarve? Best places to stay in the Portuguese AlgarveThe Algarve region in southern Portugal is over 150 kilometres wide, stretching from the Spanish coast in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. If you decide to… Read more: Where to stay in the Algarve? Best places to stay in the Portuguese Algarve
- Car rental Albufeira without credit card
When staying in Albufeira during your holiday, it is highly recommended that you rent a car for the duration of your stay. Although public transport between the major cities is… Read more: Car rental Albufeira without credit card
More of our local tips for your Portugal adventure
⭐ Check out our favourite sights in the Algarve on this page
⛵ Check out this overview of all activities you can do in the Algarve
🚗 This is the best car rental company in the Algarve
📌 Discover the top towns and cities to visit in the Algarve here
🏖 These are our favourite beaches in the Algarve
🛎 Get inspired with our local tips for accommodations in the Algarve
Magical Portugal
Welcome to Magical Portugal. Your #1 tourism guide to Portugal
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