When you mention the Algarve in Portugal, most people picture crowded beaches, package resorts, and tourist restaurants with laminated menus. I’ll admit, that’s exactly when I visited. Instead, what I discovered was an Algarve that felt deeply authentic — full of charming towns, unforgettable food and wine, and experiences that most visitors completely miss.
This wasn’t the Algarve I’d been warned about. This was the real Algarve. Here are the places you must visit in the Algarve for a more authentic experience.
Tavira: A Riverside Charmer
My journey began in Tavira, a town that instantly stole my heart. Set along the river, it’s a place of tiled streets, graceful squares, and a pace of life that feels much more Portuguese than touristy.
While in Tavira, I had a fantastic lunch at Palacio de Tavira, a new boutique hotel that has recently opened. Both the hotel and the food were wonderful — stylish, warm, and a perfect introduction to the region’s more refined side. Tavira was my first clue that the Algarve had surprises waiting for me.
Staying in a Palace: Pousada Palacio Estoi
From Tavira, I moved inland to stay at Pousada Palacio Estoi, an 18th-century palace that feels like stepping into another world. The main building is breathtaking, surrounded by manicured gardens and extensive pools. It is the perfect spot for multiple photo opportunities.
The contrast between the grandeur of the palace and the modern, spacious bedrooms works beautifully. I particularly loved the breakfast buffet, which featured local products and was best enjoyed outside on the terrace. Dinner here was equally excellent — a memorable meal in an unforgettable setting.
Inland Flavours at Restaurant Veneza
Next, I ventured inland to Restaurant Veneza, a place that captures the heart of traditional Algarve cuisine. It’s also known for its extraordinary wine collection, with a strong focus on Portuguese bottles, including many from the Algarve itself.
The food here was unforgettable. We started with fresh crab and a bright, zesty octopus salad, before moving on to one of my favourite discoveries of the whole trip — Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado, a rich, gooey sheep’s cheese so soft it practically melts onto the plate. To accompany it all, we had a glass of traditional-method Portuguese sparkling wine, crisp and refreshing.
The courses kept coming: a hearty, homemade pork and bean soup, meltingly tender pork cheeks, and succulent beef that was packed with flavour. By the time the desserts arrived — a spread of traditional Algarvian sweets — I genuinely couldn’t manage another bite, no matter how tempting they looked.
A Day with Portugal 4U: Olhão, Culatra, and Farol
One of the highlights of my trip was a day trip with Portugal 4U, which showcased the Algarve’s fishing heritage and island life.
We began with a walking tour of Olhão, a charming fishing village with cobblestone streets and striking historical street art. The town’s vibrant market was alive with color and bustle, a reminder that fishing is still the backbone of local life.
From there, we boarded a boat to Culatra Island. With no accommodation allowed, it remains unspoilt and authentic. After strolling through its narrow streets, we sat down to a seafood feast I’ll never forget — complete with local oysters shucked in front of us by the island’s mayor, Silvia.
Alongside the amazing oysters came plates of fresh tomatoes garnished with local herbs, a hearty serving of xarem — a traditional polenta-like dish that in this case was a thick, comforting mix of beans, prawns, and pork — and the most amazing local clams, bursting with flavour and freshness.
The day ended at Farol (Lighthouse) Island, home to beautiful beaches and a tiny, charming town filled with seaside designs. Don’t miss dropping into Maramais for a drink or a meal, where the atmosphere is relaxed and the ocean views are nothing short of spectacular.
Wine Among the Olive Trees: Morgado do Quintão
No trip of mine is complete without wine, and Morgado do Quintão did not disappoint. This award-winning winery grows only indigenous grapes, keeping the Algarve’s viticulture alive and thriving.
I tasted their two most popular varieties: Negra Mole, a light, fruity red, and Crato Branco, a crisp white reminiscent of Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc. But the real magic was lunch — a long, leisurely feast held beneath a 2,000-year-old olive tree.
The food was every bit as memorable as the setting: courgette fritters light as air, perfectly grilled pork served with buttery potatoes that were packed with flavour, and to finish, a slice of local orange cake. Oranges simply taste better in the Algarve, and this cake was the perfect sweet note to end on.
Village Luxury at Viceroy Ombria Algarve
From rustic charm, I moved to modern luxury with a two-night stay at the brand-new Viceroy Ombria Algarve. Designed to resemble an authentic Algarve village, the property is spread across rolling hills with multiple pools, spacious rooms, and a wealth of dining options.
It’s the kind of place where you can relax in comfort while still feeling connected to the landscape and traditions of the Algarve. The hotel only officially opened in May of 2025 so right now it is amazingly good value for money – and just a 25 minute drive from Faro airport.
Dramatic Views: Algar Seco and Praia de Marinha
Of course, the Algarve is also about natural beauty, and two spots stood out. Algar Seco, a series of dramatic caves and rock formations, comes with the bonus of a café where you can sip a drink while admiring the view.
Then there’s Praia de Marinha, often called one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Golden cliffs meet turquoise waters, and it also marks the start or finish of the famous Seven Hanging Valleys Hike. Even if you don’t walk the whole trail, the views alone are worth the trip.
A Breath of Fresh Air in the Monchique Mountains
To finish my trip, I swapped the coast for the hills on a day trip into the Monchique Mountains with Georgraphic Algarve. We travelled in an open-topped jeep, feeling the cool mountain air as we climbed to viewpoints with sweeping panoramas.
Along the way, we visited a small medronho distillery, where this fiery local berry spirit is made. I’ll admit, the plain version wasn’t to my taste, but the honey-infused medronho was delicious.
Lunch was at a tiny rural restaurant, Malhada Quente, where I had authentic Portuguese grilled chicken — simple, rustic, and packed with flavour.
A Luxurious Final Night at Restaurant Paixa
On our last evening in the Algarve, we dined at Restaurant Paixa, a luxuriously beautiful spot not far from the sea in Almancil. The setting felt elegant yet relaxed — the kind of place where you want the night to linger.
The menu is laid out as two long lists of Portuguese treats, one hot and one cold, all served tapas style. We did go a bit mad ordering, and soon plate after plate of flavour sensations began to arrive. There were artichokes, sardines, asparagus with a local sauce, and oysters (again, of course). Then came thinly sliced pork, fresh crab, bowls of xarem, croquettes, quail eggs, and scallops.
For me, the highlight of the entire evening was the delicately roasted pork, seasoned simply with fresh herbs and garlic — melt-in-the-mouth perfection. And this time I made sure to leave room for dessert: a small pot of chocolate mousse that was so light it almost floated off the spoon.
I went to the Algarve expecting crowds, tourist traps, and little authenticity. Instead, I found a region full of charming towns, world-class wine, unforgettable food, and natural beauty that feels untouched.
The Algarve everyone warns you about? It’s not the one I discovered.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.