Summer-like weather, golf, hiking by the sea and birdwatching are just some of the Spring-like activities you can enjoy in Portugal’s southern coast at the turn of the season.

If you’re wondering where to go during Spring Break, torn between the lively and the safe, the family and the fun… think no more.

Summer-like Weather

In Portugal’s southernmost coast, there is a place where Spring feels like Summer, and the warm, tranquil waters welcome visits every day.

The Algarve’s mean temperature during the months of Spring varies – but is seldom less than 20 and often close to 30 degrees Celsius. This means you can actually enjoy a beach holiday from March onwards – with the added advantage of lesser crowds and cheaper flights.

World Class Golf Courses

And for those of you looking for a bit more action, you mustn’t forget the golf. Come sunshine or, well, sunshine, golf is the preferred sport of the Algarvian native.

With over 30 golf courses in the region, most of them tucked away nicely inside luxury resorts, you will feel like the whole world has emptied just for you viewing put.

Hiking

But because golf isn’t for every member of the family, you can always go on long hikes by the sea, in famous trails like the Telheiro Beach Trail, the Cordoama Beach Trail, the Castelejo Trail and the Pontal da Carrapateira Trail.

Birdwatching

For those more of an introvert nature, who appreciate the fine things in life and the quiet of their own thoughts, bird-watching is the name of the game.

The Algarve is the best region in Portugal for bird-watching, because it is the one which homes the greatest diversity of avian species. In total, there are close to 400 different birds species and all of them keen on sunshine and warm weather, which makes bird-watching trips pleasant and often rewarding.

The bird-watching hotspots of the region include Cape St Vincent, Alvor Estuary, Cabranosa, Quinta da Rocha, Salgados Lagoon, Castro Marim Nature Reserve and Quinta do Lago in the Ria Formosa.

The Algarve isn’t all just fine sandy beaches and pristine waters. Portugal’s southernmost region is a gauntlet of history and religion. A place where Romans, Phoenicians, Christians and Moors clashed to form a rich and unique cultural heritage.

When walking through the cobble streets of Algarve’s fishing villages and quasi-metropolitan towns, you’ll often find yourself in narrow, uphill paths, surrounded by other pilgrims. If you’re wondering where the path will take you – it will most likely be a place where Kings and Queens reigned and armies fought off attempts to siege their land. You’ll find yourself in a castle.

Silves

A national monument of pride, Silves’ Castle is probably the first to warrant a visit. It might just be the single most important – and is certainly the largest – in all of the Algarve.

You’ll fight off tourists on your way up, but its Islamic roots and breathtaking views will make up for it.

Castro Marim

Widely considered one of the most important Middle Age legacies in the region, the Castro Marim castle dates back to the 13th century, and now stands oddly centred within a huge natural park and a tiny – but very touristic – town called Vila Real de Sto Antonio.

Among the castle’s biggest highlights are the medieval fair which it welcomes every year. That’s an absolute must-see even for the weariest of travelers.

Lagos

Again a monument of Islamic roots, the picturesque Lagos Castle was originally built by the Romans, and later occupied by the moors, who used their engineering know-how to reinforce it.

Unfortunately, it suffered the horrors of the great earthquake which shook the country and nearly destroyed the capital in 1755, causing a tsunami which brought the castle to its knees.

Paderne

If you look closely at the Portuguese flag, you’ll find 7 little castles pictured in the centre of the coat of arms. One of those, is the Castle of Paderne.

Built during the Moorish invasion, it is considered a national monument and remains one of region’s most treasured.

Aljezur

Another built by the Moors in the 10th century, this hill top castle features an impressive set of walls connecting two great towers. It was taken by the Christians three centuries later and offers visitors an impressive view over the land.

With over 3000 years of history, Portugal’s southern coast is an archeologist’s dream. Track the Algarve and you’ll find traces of Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors.

The Algarve, Portugal’s southern coast, has more than 3000 years of history. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that the mixed waters of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean encircle a place of ruins, temples and footsteps of ancient civilizations.

If you’re traveling to the white, sandy beaches of the Algarve, hoping to spend your days discovering hidden caves and secret waterfalls, take some time off the coast, and head inland for some history.

During different periods, the region was occupied by various Mediterraneans such as the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors.

The Romans took the region from the Carthaginians in the 1st century BC, and introduced Latin and structure, changing agricultural practices, building roads, bridges and villas.

The Roman Empire fell in the 5th century, but a few of those landmarks survived the test of time.

Here are three of the Algarve’s richest Roman ruins, which you can still visit today.

Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila

Visiting the touristy marina of the resort of Vilamoura, you wouldn’t guess there lies the historical remnants of a Roman villa.

Following its construction in the 2nd century, the villa was periodically occupied by the Visigoths and the Moors.

A group of silos from the Moorish period, in the interior of the Roman houses, still act as living proof of further occupation.

Roman ruins of Milreu

Located near the historical village of Estoi, 8km from Faro, Milreu shows its continuous occupation from the 1st all the way to the 11th century.

It was known to harbor rich and wealthy families, influential in politics and society. It’s also said that the villa would cater to the needs of the wealthy, by offering leisure and distractions from the squalor of rural living.

The richness of this villa lies on the sheer size of its archeological findings. From mosaics to ceramics and decorative sculptures.

Roman ruins of Abicada

If you’ve ever visited the Alvor Estuary, you’ll know of its many riches. But you might not have heard that it harbors a Roman villa dating back to the 1st century.

The centre of this villa, the “Domus” or main house, features a perfectly geometric plant, made of three independent constructions joined by a gallery which opens its view to both the estuary and the sea.

The bonus of living in it, if you were a Roman, was that you could take a boat directly from it onto the estuary.

White houses, Moorish chimneys and a trail of Arabian mist paints the village of Querença in the Algarve with the colours of luxury and privilege. But there’s room for everyone.

In the hinterland of the Algarvian mountains, the village of Querença emerges like a white, Arabian dream in a horizon of drylands and one thousand and one shades of brown.

In the blazing summer sun, you may think it’s a mirage, reflecting the harsh sunshine in the marble-white walls of its churches and the stone-polished edges of its many crosses.

In many ways, the small village of Querença encapsulates the Algarve, Portugal southernmost destination, in its full cultural richness – the fine line the whole region walks between Moorish influence and a heavy Christian heritage. The wars which were fought on its soil and the rich cultural tradition that emerged centuries after.

Today, walking through its hand-carved sidewalks, white squares of stone hammered into the ground one by one, you can see not Arab traders or Christian evangelists, but privileged tourists in it for the food, the weather and the many agro-tourism hotels which make an effort to make you feel welcome, and to give back enough so you forget you’re missing out on the sandy beaches of other, more coastal destinations.

Querença is located inland, sitting on top of a hill north of Loulé, in the transitional area between the fertile Barrocal landscape and Serra de Caldeirão.

Far from the cold breeze of the Atlantic, its traditional cuisine distances itself from the typical Algarve. No grilled fish or seafood here. Think rabbit stews, wild boar, 100 different types of game meat and sweets to make you doubt how French patisserie ever ruled the world…

Among its many sights to see, we highlight the Fountain of Benemola, the Roman Bridge of Tor, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção and the Water Mill.

Portugal’s southern favourite is known for many things, but idyllic water-falls isn’t one of them. Well, forget everything you know. Beaches are too packed anyway. Try falling water instead.

A beach holiday is unequivocally appealing. So appealing, in fact, that, every year, storms of tourists flock the Algarve in search of white sandy dunes and bursting waves.

But if you’re one to paint your life with more romantic overtones, and your ideal escape features you and your partner, alone in nature, surrounded only by trees and birds (but still a pretty quick car ride from civilization), you should try this water-fall tour, designed by us.

Barbelote Fall

Quietly buried in the Monchique council, the Barbelote waterfalls are one of the most beautiful in the country. The rocks there are dark and slippery, but the small lagoon which forms at its bottom is the perfect place for an idyllic swim.
You can access it by car from the road of Vale de Largo-Barbelote.

Vigario Fall

Sitting in the mouth of the Alte river, the Vigario waterfall is born in Quinta do Freixo and falls for 24 meters onto a lake, perfect for swimming.

Pego do Inferno

Disregard its name. Inferno means hell but this is the closest to heaven that you’ll ever be.
AKA Moinhos da Rocha, this small lagoon with green and blue overtones is located around 10km from the touristic resort of Tavira.
Rumour has it that the waterfall is connected by underground tunnels to the Guadiana River.

Penedo do Buraco

This is one of our favourites, by far. And it’s now 100% accessible through an unpaved road, making it slightly difficult to get to but just enough for it to be rewarding.

Much more than just a cave, the small fishing resort of Benagil also hosts one of the world’s most unique sea caves. Here are some tips on how to get there and how to make the best of your visit.

Located along the southern coast of the Algarve, Benagil sits between two of the most sought-after beaches in the region. With Carvoeiro on one side and Pera on the other, it’s sometimes easy to overlook the small fishing village of Benagil. But you shouldn’t.

Other than an authentic feel and all-around fantastic weather, Benagil is mostly famous for its cave. A tremendous rock formation sitting with two legs inside the sea, secluding you from the sun but not the fresh breeze of the ocean, which swings through it with the carelessness of a place which doesn’t know the change of seasons.

The cave itself is now an absolute “must” in all respectable travel brochures, but it doesn’t mean it’s not secluded. It will still give you the feel of being there all alone, lost between its giant, rocky legs.

While you’re not advised to swim to the cave from the sea, it’s certainly a possibility. For those more adventurous. But be mindful of strong currents which shift as quickly as the wind.

There are other, easier ways to reach, though. Try paddling, if you’re the sporty type, or grabbing a boat, if you’re in your golden years’ travelling. There are cheap, easy boats from both Armação de Pera and Carvoeiro.

If you’re getting to Benagil itself, the quirky fishing village, expect just a single road as you enter it from the EN125. Just follow the signs to Benagil after that, or try the GPS instead. The closest city to Benagil is Lagoa, where you’ll find better accommodation.

The parking for the beach is very limited. If the official car park is full, you can leave your car along the main road.

If you want to visit the cave, but are not that keen on venturing on your own, cave tours can be booked from mostly any travel agent in the Algarve. They vary from 1 to 7 hours long, depending on whether you’re traveling with a local fisherman or in a big, touristic catamaran.

Forget about trekking to all the way up to Machu Picchu or climbing the hardships of Everest Base Camp. If, like a grumpy detective from an 80’s blockbuster, you’re “too old for this s-“, try the Seven Hanging Valleys instead.

First, let’s make one thing clear: this is no trekking. It’s trailing. As in it’s pleasant, and breezy, and stunning. It’s not meant to make you sweat or wish you had gone for the XL khaki shorts instead. No, this isn’t that.

This is literally a walk in the park. But the park here consists of sky-reaching rocks, growing from the depths of the sea, aiming for the stars. These warm-colored cliffs are one of the most stunning views the Algarve has to offer – and all with the added comfort of being a 5-minute drive away from the nearest tapas bar.

Situated in Lagoa, one of the most beautiful municipalities in the Algarve, the Seven Hanging Valleys trail is close to other sightseeing gems like the Chapel of Senhora da Rocha and the Carvoeiro beach – elected one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.

Tailored for any age or fitness, this hike is mostly a spiritual one, which gives you nature and nurture. The paths are extremely clean and well marked, and you can slowly trail them while taking in the flora, indulging on bird watching or just dreaming about the cold bottle of fizzy green wine which you’ll deserve after such strenuous exercise…

The scenic route runs from Praia da Marinha, in the east, to Praia de Vale Centeanes, in the west. Both of these are beaches, which gives you a clear picture of how this trail is gonna go. From the top of coastal cliffs (thus the ‘hanging valleys’) to the dense vegetation of the trail, you may want to leave your boots at home and bring comfortable shoes instead.

Ideally, ones you can then drop before a quick dive in one of the stunning beaches which surround the valleys.

Enjoy and remember: chose the path less taken, but also the easiest. Life is full of hardships, the Seven Hanging Valleys are there to be savored

Steep cliffs, silver-white sand and the promise of a holiday far from the maddening crowds. This useful listicle will tell you everything you need to know to plan your next weekend escape.

A few warm days in April are enough to get anyone dreaming of switching wardrobes and putting aside beany hats and umbrellas. It’s nearly May now, and you need dream no more.

Book a flight to Faro, in Portugal’s ever-sunny Algarve, and to engage in a little beach hopping for some peace and quiet. That’s right – no tourists, no fish and chips, no fuss. Just a warm southern breeze and the sound of the waves crashing into shore.

Praia João de Arens

You can start here. Easily accessible, this hidden gem sits between Portimão and Alvor, and will ask you for the smallest effort in exchange of the most beautiful scenery in the Portuguese southern coast.
A word of the wise to those more prudish: the occasional nudist may be spotted. Luckily, João de Arens has enough stone arches to cover the more pervious bathers.
To get there, follow the Prainha Clube Resort and turn right from the Casa do Caracol.