24 Hours in Algarve: A guide to the charming Portugal town

You have 24 hours to spend in Algarve. What do you do? Algarve is a region of wide-ranging beauty. This coastal Portuguese locale is famous for its golden cliffs, sandy shores and perpetual sunshine. An ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing coastal escape, there is something here for everyone: stunning beaches and sea caves in Carvoeiro, vibrant towns and historic cultural hubs in Lagos and Faro, surf spots and national parks in Sagres and sunny skies and deep blue ocean everywhere you look. Whether you’re after a slow, lazy beach holiday or an action-packed sporty adventure in Portugal’s vibrant coastline, here we curate a guide for the best way to spend 24 Hours in Algarve.STAY | Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort

Perched atop the dramatic limestone cliffs of Vale Covo, Tivoli Carvoeiro is an icon in the Algarve coast. Here, the region’s natural beauty blends seamlessly with the art of refined hospitality, ensuring a truly spectacular stay in Carvoeiro – whether for leisure, business or celebration. From sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from the cliffs to the exceptional hospitality offered by the hotel’s incredible staff, Tivoli Carvoeiro leaves no stone unturned to ensure its guests have a wonderful stay. The hotel is also part of Carvoeiro’s 12k coastal walk, so guests who like to hike can embark on this walk and be met with beautiful views of the cliffs and breathe in the salty ocean air. 

Throughout the resort, every detail invites relaxation and discovery – from its diverse gastronomic experiences, including an exquisite fine dining restaurant with some mouth-watering Japanese cuisine and a panoramic rooftop bar, to the serene Tivoli Spa Carvoeiro, a wellness retreat featuring the award-winning Natura Bissé products. Guests can also enjoy the state-of-the-art Tivoli Shape fitness centre equipped with Technogym and LifeFitness technology, or host their dream wedding in the hotel’s well equipped premises. The cliffside backdrop makes for a gorgeous wedding background. 

So if you’re in Algarve and are looking for a stopover that prioritises your wellbeing and features a staff with immaculate attention to detail, it doesn’t get better than Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort. DINE | Sky Bar Carvoeiro

Algarve is home to some incredible fine dining destinations. In fact, there are many inside Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort itself – from The One Restaurant for exceptionally refined and sophisticated Portuguese cuisine to the more casual yet equally delicious Mare Bistro for some laid back seafood. But the hotel’s Sky Bar, in my opinion, takes the cake. Situated atop the hotel, here you will find exquisite cocktails, lots of entertainment and the best view in the Algarve. Whether you’re grabbing a drink with your friends or going for a leisurely date night, the tapas, delicious finger food and tasty appetisers will keep you sated. 

Not to mention a delicious menu filled with some of the freshest sushi you’ll have – given the restaurant’s close proximity to the ocean. From the melt-in-your-mouth sautéed scallops with mushrooms, crispy leek and spicy ponzu to the beautiful selection of sashimi and nigiri that feels like it was plucked straight from the ocean, the food here is simply unparalleled. Do not leave without trying their matcha creme brulé with roasted sesame ice cream – a showstopping dessert to end an equally amazing meal. If you’re spending just 24 hours in Algarve, this is one place you absolutely want on your to-go list.SHOP | Quinta Shopping

Quinta Shopping is a luxury boutique mall located at the entrance of the Quinta do Lago resort, and close to other resorts such as Vale do Lobo, Dunas Douradas and Pinheiros Altos. Here, you will find a wide range of luxury stores representing many well-known national and international brands selling everything from clothes, shoes and furniture to jewellery, perfumes and home decor items. There are also a bunch of restaurants, bars and cafes here for guests to rest their feet and relax after a long day of shopping. Besides Quinta Shopping, there are also many local shops and stores all around Algarve where you can find local trinkets and keepsakes to bring back home.EXPLORE | Benagil Sea Caves with Carvoeiro Tours

A great part of staying at Carvoeiro is the proximity to the stunning Benagil Sea Caves. These natural sea caves are famous for their massive domed ceilings and circular hole that lets sunlight shine onto an interior sand beach. If you’re staying at the Tivoli Carvoeiro, you’ll find that the hotel’s incredible staff can arrange for a private boat tour for you and your loved ones so you can explore the caves (and other breathtaking sites) at leisure. Our tour was arranged with Carvoeiro Tours – an agency I simply cannot recommend enough. 

The tour guides are extremely professional and deeply knowledgeable, and ensure they allow for enough time to not only soak in the beautiful views afforded by the caves, but also provide fun facts and lend their photography skills to ensure you get the best experience possible. You get to see over 20 caves (including Benagil) and are provided with all the important safety gear. The company’s experience of over 30 years also ensures that they know the ocean waves like the back of their hand, and they will not venture into areas that can put customers at risk. 

And the caves, well, they need to be seen to be believed. Each cave we explored was somehow more breathtaking than the last. You also get to see many kayaks and other speed boats on the water, with guests often waving at you in a delightful display of happy humanity. There are a lot of things you can do while you’re in Algarve, but this cave tour is one thing that will surely make your visit to Algarve an experience to remember.

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