Top 5 European Beaches

Looking for some of the best places in the Algarve to vacation this year?

Before I share with you three of the best places in the Algarve region, let me give a quick overview of the Algarve to give you an idea of what to expect from the region.

When to go

The Algarve region is located on the southernmost part of Portugal, and just like places in southern Spain like Seville, and Huelva Spain, the Algarve region boasts sunny weather and lovely temperatures all year round.

During the summer months, you can expect pleasant temperatures hovering on the 30 degrees C mark, which is ideal for beach activities and outdoor activities like tours, day trips, etc.

Even during the autumn, the Algarve region offer an ideal getaway which makes the Algarve one of the most popular warm places in Europe in November.

If you are planning a trip this summer to the Algarve for the first time, you’ll be traveling during the peak season so expect airfare, hotel accommodation and attractions to be much more expensive.

Getting around

For instance, the town of Albufeira has the lovely ‘Giro’ buses that you can use to get around, but if you’re looking to explore other areas in the Algarve, there isn’t really a proper transportation system, apart from private bus tours.

This is why car rental is, without a doubt, the best way of getting around in the Algarve, and with literary hundreds of car rental agencies to choose from, car rental deals are easy to come by.

Another thing to note, it’s that the Algarve is not such as large region at all, and you can actually drive from the western to eastern corners of the Algarve in less than two hours.

Despite the Algarve reputation for luxury hotel resorts and spas, if you are on a budget, there are a couple of things you can do to make a summer vacation in the Algarve more affordable:

Tips

Vacation Packages

If you’ve never considered vacation packages before, most vacation packages normally include things like your flights, car rental, hotel accommodation and tours. During the high season, booking a vacation package is one of the best things you can do for a more cost-effective vacation.

Off-season

Traveling during the low season is an obvious thing to do when looking into an affordable holiday vacation.

If you travel to the Algarve between the last week of August and beginning of September, you’ll find that many holiday operators slash their prices before the new school season.

Best Places in the Algarve: Top 3

From small villages, to towns and small cities, the Algarve region has many vacation spots to suit your needs and activities.

It is true that small villages and towns are great for getting away from large crowds. However, if you are not planning on renting a car, it is worth noting that smaller towns and villages won’t always offer conveniences such as supermarkets and food markets so, it’s important to bear this in mind.

As follows, I put three of the best places in the Algarve that in my opinion offer best of both worlds:

1. Albufeira Portugal

The town of Albufeira is, definitely, one of the liveliest destinations in Portugal and one of the best places in the Algarve.

The town of Albufeira Portugal is, indeed, one of the hot tourist spots in the Algarve, attracting both young and families alike.

Albufeira Portugal has a lovely old quarter with cobblestone streets, which is a joy to stroll along, as well as lovely sandy beaches and a buzzing nightlife that includes bars, pubs, restaurants and discos.

2. Portimao Portugal

If you are planning on enjoying many water activities like jet-skiing, windsurfing, or charter rental, the city of Portimao is one of the hot spots for water enthusiasts.

Portimao Portugal is also popular for the Praia da Rocha beach where you’ll find lovely apartment rentals and hotels right by the beach.

3. Lagos Portugal

If you are looking somewhere in the Algarve a notch-down from Albufeira but with plenty of outdoor opportunities, Lagos Portugal is one of the best places in the Algarve where you’ll find fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Apart from swimming, exploring the nearby grottoes are a popular past time here.

Also, if you consider basing your vacation in Lagos Portugal, the town of Lagos is one of the major towns in the Algarve closest to the beautiful Alentejano National Park where you can do bird spotting, as well as hiking.

4. Faro Portugal

Faro Portugal is the capital city of the Algarve region but it’s interestingly one of the vacation spots in the Algarve less geared towards tourism.

If you want a real taste of region and soak in Portuguese culture, Faro Portugal offers a pace of life, in par with the local population that other vacation spots in the Algarve simply don’t offer.

The main attraction in Faro is its lovely Old Quarter where you can marvel at beautiful Moorish buildings.

See. Best Small Beach Towns in Spain
Discover the Historic Villages of Portugal
A Tour of Portugal's Finest Wines
Things to do in Southern Europe
Things to do in the North of Portugal
Best Beaches in Southern Spain  

Top 10 Summer Destinations in Spain
Places to visit in the French Riviera
Spain’s Top Tourist Sites
Places to visit in Montenegro

The city of Lagos Portugal is another popular destination in the Algarve region, especially for those travelers looking for a less touristy destination in the Algarve region.

If you are looking for vacation spots nearby Portimao Portugal, Lagos Portugal is only 10 miles from the city, making Lagos Portugal such a great holiday destination to base yourself.

Apart from the many things to do in Lagos Portugal, the city is also within a short drive of the town of Albufeira.

Things to do in Lagos Portugal: Outdoor Activities

Beaches

Apart from all the attractions and outdoor activities, Lagos Portugal boasts some of the best beaches in the Algarve. Some of the most popular beaches include:

Meia Beach

Meia Beach (Meia Praia) is not the nearest beach to Lagos’ downtown area (around 30 minutes walk) but if you're planning on doing surfing, this is one of the best spots.

Bridge of Mercy

Visiting the Bridge of Mercy (Ponta da Piedade) is one of the must things to do in Lagos Portugal, to admire the beautiful caves, beaches and rock formations of the area.

The best way to explore the Bridge of Mercy is with an organized tour which will allow you to take a closer look at this amazing natural attraction.

Dona Ana Beach

Dona Ana Beach is located half way between Meia Beach and Bridge of Mercy, and it is the closest beach to downtown Lagos.

Apart from lovely sandy beaches, Dona Ana also boasts amazing rock formations that give this beach such a distinctive feel.

Day Trip

Adding a day trip or half day trip to your vacation in Lagos Portugal is another activity you can add o your itinerary.

For instance, you could take a trip to the coast of the Alentejano, which is an area protected by the Parque Natural du Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina.

Apart from taking a stroll along the town, near the Alentejano you can enjoy many outdoor activities such as bird watching, horseback riding and hiking.

Things to do in Lagos Portugal: Places of Interest

Church of St. Anthony of Lisbon

If you are interested in 18th century architecture, one of the must-see landmarks in Lagos Portugal is the Church of St. Anthony of Lisbon (Igreja de Santo António).

This church is perhaps one of the most beautifully constructed churches in Portugal, boasting lovely baroque paintings, a beautiful wooden carved vault and the polychrome statue of St. Anthony.

Regional Museum

The Regional Museum (Museu Regional) is located next door to St. Anthony's church and it is worth checking out. The Museum features interesting archeological findings, art and weaponry exhibits such as old spades and machetes from Mozambique.

Ponta Da Bandeira Fort

Ponta Da Bandeira Fort (Forte da Ponta da Bandeira) is another attraction located a short walk from the Regional Museum and St. Anthony’s church.

At this 16th century fort you can check out interesting displays on Lagos Portugal maritime history. You’re also allowed to walk to the top of the fort to glance lovely views of the area around.

Things to do in Lagos Portugal: Shopping

Shops in Lagos Portugal range primarily from small shops that sell things like pottery and ceramics to medium size stores where you can do some retail shopping.

Places such as Africa Craft Shop and Antiga Casa do Papagaio are great places where you can get charming ceramics, crystals and antiques.

For clothing shopping, you can visit Happy Days or Leather Shop Pelagos. The latter actually sells good quality Portuguese leather goods such as bags, jackets, etc.

Things to do in Lagos Portugal: Nightlife & Entertainment

Lagos Portugal has a very relaxed and pleasant nightlife with bars and restaurants offering live entertainment like karaoke nights. A few bars worth mentioning include Rosko's bar and SouthBar located in Lagos Marina.

For a more varied and exciting nightlife you can check out Portimao Portugal where you can find many more live music venues, hotel resorts, bars and nightclubs such as Katedral Disco and Bar 1,2,3.

It is good to note that Portimao Portugal is only half hour drive from Lagos Portugal, which really makes it an ideal stop for checking the nightlife.

See. Top 5 European Beaches
Discover the Historic Villages of Portugal
Things to do in the North of Portugal

Goa India, located on the west coast of India, is one of the smallest states in India and one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world.

A former colony of Portugal, Goa India is home to a wealth of colonial landmarks such as Se Cathedral, as well as Persian influences from the Adil Shah dynasty, found in Goa Old Quarter (Goa Velha).

There many things to do in Goa India, and those looking for day trips, the region is an ideal base for exploring nearby Indian cities such as Mumbai, north of Goa.

Things to do in Northern India

Apart from the rich historical and architectural past, Goa India is home to stunning beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and breathtaking landmarks such as the majestic Dudhsagar waterfall.

Beautiful Places in Asia to visit on vacation

If you are an outdoors enthusiast, apart from spending time at the beautiful beaches, the state of Goa India offers plenty of outdoor opportunities to explore the natural beauty of this region.

Things to do in Goa India: Beaches

North of Goa

Shiroda Beach

Shiroda Beach, located in Sindhudurg District, has miles of white sandy beach with beautiful greenery perfect for those looking for a relaxing time. Apart from the beach, the actual village is home to some temples such as Sateri Temple and Mauli temple.

Tarkarli Beach

Tarkarli Beach, also located in the Sindhudurg District, is one of the most popular beaches in the district, and it is here where you can find the famed Sindhudurg Naval Fort.

The beach also has pristine waters ideal for snorkeling and one of the popular things to do here is to take a dolphin tour.

West of Goa

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach, located south of Panaji, is one of the touristy beaches in Goa and the closest one to the capital city (a 5 minute drive).The beach has around a mile of pristine sandy beach with secluded areas.

Snorkeling is also popular here due the diverse marine life, and one of the main points of interest in the area is the Aguada Fort.

Dona Paula Beach

Dona Paula Beach is another popular Goa beach, just 8 minutes drive from the capital city of Panaji.

This beach is also a tourist hot spot and if you intend to enjoy some water activities, Dona Paula Beach is home to a water rental facility.

Also, Dona Paula Beach is home a bird sanctuary, where you can spot migratory birds during the winter months.

Things to do in Goa India: Outdoor Activities

Trekking

One of the most popular and scenic places to explore in Goa is the Dudhsagar waterfall area which is located 30 miles east of Margao city.

This majestic waterfall is one of the largest falls in the world and one of the popular things to do here is to trek to the top to get stunning views of the waterfalls.

The best way to reach the waterfalls is by train from either Margao or Vasco-de-Gama train stations.

Hiking & Wildlife

Anshi National Park

Those of you based in the city of Margao (south of Goa) can enjoy wildlife spotting at the Anshi National Park (just an hour’s drive from Margao) which is located in the Indian state of Karnataka, bordering the state of Goa.

The park is a home to forests where you can find a wildlife sanctuary where you can enjoy spotting an amazing diversity of flora and fauna that includes the Indian Bison and the Malabar giant squirrel.

Mollem National Park

The Mollem National Park is another popular place to explore Goa’s wealth of natural beauty. Here, you can also find another wildlife sanctuary where you can see different rare species of flora and fauna.

If you are based either in Punaji or Margao, the Mollen National Park is only a fifty-minute drive from either city.

Things to do in Goa India: Places of Interest

City of Panaji

The district of Fontainhas is one of the best places in the capital where you can experience the Portuguese influence on this small state. Here, you can see beautiful Portuguese-style streets and villas.

City of Margao

If you are interested in historical landmarks, the town of Margao is another excellent place to visit. Here, you will find many churches such as the Holy Spirit Church and the Grace Church, and temples such as the Damodar Temple, and the Saibaba Temple.

City of Goa Velha

If you are a history buff, a visit to the 15th century city of Goa Velha (Old Goa) is one of the most popular things to do in Goa India, and a must-add in your itinerary.

Here, you will find the famed Se Cathedral which is one of the largest cathedrals in Asia, and the Bom Jesus Church.

Apart from these landmarks, Old Goa is home to a wax museum, similar to Madam Tussaud's (one of London top tourist attractions), where you can see life-like statues of India’s prominent figures.

Things to do in Goa India: Shopping

If you are looking for shopping opportunities, one of the most popular things to do in Goa India is to visit one of the traditional markets which offer an experience in itself.

Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations in India

Goa’s traditional markets can be found in all major cities and offer an excellent opportunity for souvenir-gift shopping.

For instance, the town of Anjuna is home to a popular market held here every week on Wednesdays. Here, you can purchase anything from fabrics to traditional handmade jewelry.

Panaji and Margao are two other popular shopping hot-spots for traditional Goa items. In Panaji and Margao you can also find modern shopping malls such as Orsans Shopping center and Goa Shopping center respectively.

Things to do in Goa India: Nightlife& Entertainment

Experiencing the nightlife during a vacation to the region is, undoubtedly, one of the most popular fun things to do in Goa India. Goa’s nightlife is particularly geared towards tourists, although the locals are known to enjoy the night scene just as much.

North of Panaji, along the coast, is where you can find some of the most popular venues, bars and nightclubs such as Club Tito’s (located along Baga Beach), Club Cubana (located near Calagunte Beach) and Paradisio nightclub (located near Vagator Beach).

Things to do in Goa India: Events & Festivals

Goa Carnival

Goa Carnival, held in February, is one of the most colorful events in Goa and it is reminiscing of the Sao Paulo carnival in Brazil, with stunning floats and large street parades.

Dindi festival

The Dindi festival, held in Margao Town on the 2nd day after Diwali, is a Hindu procession that takes place in an open-air market at the Vithal Rakhumai temple.

Fontainhas Festival

The Fontainhas Festival, held in February in Panaji, is a great event aim promote Goa's cultural heritage through music performances and art expositions.

Feast of the Holy Spirit Church

The feast of the Holy Spirit Church, held just before the Monsoon in the town of Margao is a popular food event that draws people here from all over Goa to buy produce such as dried fish and spices.

See. Sights to see in New Delhi India
Top things to do in Chiang Mai
6 places not to miss in Myanmar
best beaches in SE Asia
Top 10 Places To Go In Southeast Asia
Places in Singapore to visit

Popular Tourist Destinations in Brazil

The colorful city of Sao Paulo Brazil is sometimes referred to as the New York City of the Americas, which isn't surprising since Sao Paulo is one of the biggest cities in the world!

Sao Paulo Brazil (or Sampa, as it is known locally) is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in South America, so it boasts lots of cultural attractions, a lively nightlife and a ton of international restaurants.

Cultural Attractions in Sao Paulo

If you are traveling to the city for the first time, one of the most popular fun things to do in Sao Paulo Brazil is to take a walking tour of Sao Paulo's neighborhoods such as Bela Vista (Little Italy) and Liberdade (Japantown).


See below for more fun things to do in Sao Paulo Brazil:

Outdoor Attractions

Beaches

Heading to one of the nearby beaches to escape Sao Paulo's busyness is one of the most popular fun things to do during a trip to Sao Paulo Brazil.

One popular beach spot nearby Sao Paulo Brazil, it’s Praia Grande which is only an hour’s drive on the SP-160 highway. The beach offers all kind of water recreational activities such as jet skiing and banana boats.

The Sao Paulo Zoo and Gardens

The Sao Paulo Zoo and Gardens is one of the most popular fun things to do in Sao Paulo, if you are traveling with kids. Apart from visiting the Zoo’s amazing variety of local animals that include toucans and macaws, the zoo is home to beautiful gardens where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll.

The Ibirapuera Park

The Ibirapuera Park, Sao Paulo’s own version New York’s central park, is a beautiful park where you can enjoy a myriad of fun family outdoor activities, as well as visiting a few of the museums located there.

Places of Interest: Top places to visit in Sao Paulo


As mentioned earlier, exploring Sao Paulo's many neighborhoods and museums are other activities you can add to your list of fun things to do in Sao Paulo Brazil. A few must see places in Sao Paulo include:

Liberdade District

Visiting the famed Liberdade district or Japantown is one of the most popular fun things to do in Sao Paulo Brazil.

The district is characterized for being home the largest Japanese community outside Japan, and it is a great place to find delicious eateries and Asian produce.

Ipiranga Imperial Museum

The Ipiranga Imperial Museum, located in Ipiranga Park, is one of the most important museums in Sao Paulo Brazil, and for history buffs this is a must-see attraction.

The museum features paintings, period costumes, photographs and videos that tell visitors more about the history of Sao Paulo.

The Sao Paulo Museum of Art

The Sao Paulo Museum of Art, located on Paulista Avenue, is another interesting stop for those interested in local and international art. The museum hosts a variety of art collections that include African, Brazilian and European art.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Exploring the city's night scene is no doubt, one of the fun things to do in Sao Paulo Brazil. The nightlife hotspots in Sao Paulo are plentiful, though they're spread out all over the city’s neighborhoods.

If you are looking to enjoy nightclubs and prefer a busier night scene, Vila Olimpia district is perhaps one of the most popular places to hang out for clubbers, and it is where you’ll find some of the best nightclubs in Brazil.

Vila Madalena district, in the other hand, is more suited for those of you who want to enjoy a more relaxed night scene, as the district is mostly home to bars and lounges.

Festivals & Events


Attending Sao Paulo's events and festivals is without a doubt, one of the fun things to do in Sao Paulo Brazil. If you're flexible with your travel plans, you could make your trip to Sao Paulo coincide with one of the events below:

Anniversary of Sao Paulo

One of the biggest and most popular events in Sao Paulo is the Anniversary of Sao Paulo held on the 25th of January. During this day, Paulistas commemorate the date the city of Sao Paulo was discovered (1500’s).

The Sao Vito festival

The Sao Vito festival, held in May, is another popular event in Sao Paulo where visitors can soak in some Italian heritage while sampling Italian food and enjoying Italian traditional music.

Fun Things to do in Sao Paulo Brazil: Shopping

Sao Paulo is a shopper’s paradise and grabbing a bargain is undoubtedly, one of the most popular fun things to do in Sao Paulo Brazil for first time visitors.

For those of you interested in hand-made goods and all kinds of crafts, the Liberdade district is also a great place to find a variety of Japanese, Korean and Chinese goods.

Those of you looking to enjoy some retail shopping, the Ibirapuera Shopping Mall is one of the many shopping malls in Sao Paulo where you can find a variety of department stores to choose from.

For a more upscale shopping scene, head to Rua Oscar Freire which located on Paulista Avenue, and it is where you’ll find the popular designer names.

Fun Things to do in Sao Paulo Brazil: Sports

Those of you who are football (soccer) aficionados and even if you are not, should not miss the experience that is watching a football match among Brazilians.

Sao Paulo is also the birth place of famed footballer called ‘Pele’, and those of you who want to see football memorabilia of the famed footballer can do so at the Museum of Football (The Museu do Futebol )

See. Nice beaches to visit in Northeast Brazil
Top places to visit in Belize
South America top sights
Things People do on a Vacation in Nicaragua
Places to visit in Guadalajara Mexico
Tourist attractions in Kyoto Japan
Places to visit in Yucatan Mexico
Places to visit in Quintana Roo
Places to visit in Rio de Janeiro state
Best Colonial Towns in Latin America

Portugal is one of the best international beach destinations in the world, home to some of the best places in Algarve where you can find some of the most popular cheap summer destinations in Europe.

Top 5 European Beaches

Apart from clear skies and white sandy beaches, Portugal is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Portugal is also one of the most popular destinations in autumn and one of the best warm places in Europe in November to travel.

Portugal is a great destination as it is within driving distance of tourist attractions in Spain. In fact, if you are staying in the town of Albufeira Portugal, it is only a couple of hours drive to Seville Spain attractions.

Fun Things to do in Portugal: Places of Interest

Fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar

Santa Catarina de Ribamar is a 17th century fortress located in Praia da Rocha in the Algarve. The fortress is open to the public and offers lovely views over the sea and the beach from one of its esplanades.

Things to do in the North of Portugal

Monastery da Serra de Pilar

Monastery da Serra do Pilar, located in Gaia Porto, is a 16th century building and church which is a replica of one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome Italy, the Church of Santa Maria Redonda.

Albufeira Old Town

The Albufeira Old Town is another interesting place where you can explore historic landmarks. The Old Town is home to the Bell Tower and the 19th century Clock Tower.

Discover the Historic Villages of Portugal

The city of Evora

The city of Evora, is one of the best places in Portugal to soak in Portugal’s rich history, and explore a wealth of landmarks, which includes a temples such as the Diana Temple and churches such as the Church of Sao Francisco.

The Old Town of Faro

The Old Town of Faro is another great destination if you are looking to explore more historical sites. The town is home to Central Cathedral or ‘Se Catedral’, and Arco da Vila or ‘Arch of Vila’ built in the 19th century.

The city of Porto

The city of Porto is another destination to add on any Portugal itinerary. Porto is home to a thriving Wine industry which has its hub in Vila Nova de Gaia. Gaia is home to many port wine lodges, over 200 years old, which offer tours of their cellars where you can learn about the wine making process.

While you are in Gaia, you may also want to check out the Port Wine Museum where you can learn more about how port wine came about.

Fun Things to do in Portugal: Beaches

Praia do Tonel

Praia do Tonel, located in Algarve, is a great beach where you can enjoy wind water sports such as para-sailing and surfing.

Praia da Luz

Praia da Luz, located west of Algarve, is a popular beach resort among families due to its many amenities and its closeness to the town of Lagos, which is only a ten minute drive.

Meia Praia 

Meia Praia, located nearby the town of Lagos, is another popular beach resort as it has a wide bay which protects the beach from rough waters making an ideal destination for families with young kids. Meia Praia is also home to strong winds ideal for wind sports such as kite flying, paragliding and windsurfing.

Praia Figueiras

Praia Figueiras is a great secluded beach and one of the best beaches to head to if you are looking for peace and quiet.

Praia da Rocha

The Praia da Rocha, located also in the Algarve region, is perhaps one of the most scenic beaches in Portugal and also one of the busiest. Beautiful cliffs and large rock formations give this beach a picturesque appeal that you won’t find anywhere else.

Fun Things to do in Portugal: Shopping

Shopping is one of the most popular fun things to do in Portugal and the country is renowned for its hand-made crafts and knit wear that include embroidered linen, jewelry and pottery.

Portugal offers a variety of shopping opportunities and all Portuguese towns are home to boutiques shops and markets where you can enjoy souvenir shopping.

For instance, Baixa de Faro is a charming town home to boutique shops and nice jewelry stores. If you are looking for more upscale shopping, the Chiado district, in the city of Lisbon, has many high-end shops and small boutiques where you can enjoy designer shopping.

Fun Things to do in Portugal: Festivals & Events

* The Festas de Cidade e Gualterianas or ‘City Festival and Gualterianas’, held in early August, is a week long festival that features live music, bullfights, parades, and more.

* The Jazz Festival, held in Guimaraes in November, is a fun event for jazz enthusiasts as it showcases new talent, and brings jazz artists from all around the world.

* The ‘Festival do Marisco’ or Seafood Festival, held in August, is one of the most popular fun things to do in Portugal in terms of fun events. The event features live musical and an extensive variety of seafood which you can sample.

See. Top 10 Summer Destinations in Spain
Places to visit in the French Riviera
Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Europe
Spain’s Top Tourist Sites
Best Party Beaches in Europe