The Algarve attracts lots of visitors throughout the year. The Algarve has attracted more tourist development that the rest of Portugal combined. Whilst the area between Faro and Lagos, on the south coast, has suffered massive development, there are many areas of unspoilt landscapes and sandy beaches.
The west coast: many undeveloped and unspoilt bays and coves.
West of Faro: you'll find a series of tiny bays and coves. The most striking being around the resort towns of Lagos and Albufeira.
East of Faro: there are a series of islets, the ilhas, which pretty much front the coastline to the Spanish border. This is generally a quieter section of the coast, with warmer waters.
Inland: there are the Roman ruins of Estoi, the Moorish town of Silves, and the outstanding Serra de Monchique, the highest mountain range in the south.

Free camping has been banned in the Algarve. However, responsible free camping is still tolerated. You may be asked to move on the police. Free camping is becoming increasing popular in the Algarve during the winter months (December to April). It is quieter on the western Algarve (west of Lagos), as people seek the shelter of the southern shores. There are lots of year round campsites in The Algarve. In winter The Algarve is the warmest place in Europe. See the Winter in Europe section.

The Algarve has Portugal's best beaches. The west coast is exposed to the full force of the Atlantic winds are waves, yet there are many beautiful rocky coves where the high cliff faces provide shelter. The south coast is more sheltered, and offers the best beaches for swimming. There are great surfing beach breaks, reef breaks and point breaks on the west and south coasts. The west coast being one of the top three swell-receiving areas in the world. If the Atlantic storms make the west coast unsurfable it is a reasonably short drive to the shelter of the south coast. There are a lot of surf schools in the Algarve.

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Gas bottle refilling stations on The Algarve

There are a few places where you can get gas bottles refilled on the Algarve. This is very useful, and prevents having to buy a new type of bottle and regulator.

Vila Real di Santo Antonio (eastern end, near the Spanish border)

GPL filling station is behind the Blue Elephant car wash, on the Faro road out of the town. They have adapters for most european gas bottles.

Boliquime

50 metres off N125 sign clearly visible from main road.

Quelfes

Take the N398 (East of Olhao) signed Moncaraphacho, Faro & Espahne. Leave at first exit. The GPL station can be clearly seen on the left as you approach the exit.
From the A22 leave at exit 15. Take Quelfes turn off from N398 signed on left.

They are open seven days a week.
tel: 289 704 851

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Western Algarve

Free camping at Praia De Odeceixe

Parking is difficult in the village, but there is good parking on other side of estuary from village. Take the unsealed road on north side of bridge on N120.

Praia da Amoreira

Free camping at Praia da Amoreira

Vans often free camp in the car park

Praia de Monte Clerigo

A big beach in a beautiful setting. It is 5km from the main road. The road to the beach is of good quality, with some hills. Swimming and surfing is possible at this beach. There are a couple of cafes and restaurants at the car park. Has free camping possibilities (see below).

Free camping at Praia be Monte Clerigo

Off-season camper vans and motorhomes free camp in the big car park by the cafes. You can also try the smaller parking bays closer to hill, as the surrounding buildings are closed-up during the off-season.

Driving between Praia be Monte Clerigo and Arrifana

There are small lanes of various quality between Praia be Monte Clerigo and Arrifana. However there are few signposts, and it is not recommended. It is better to use the main roads. Although a longer journey it takes the same amount of time, and the main road is a lot smoother.

Arrifana

Arrifana is a small cliff-top village, which overlooks a stunning little beach cove. The village consists of whitewashed cottages and holiday homes. There is a cobbled, twisty, steep road that twists down to the beach. Only small and sound vehicles should tackle the road. On the steep road there is room for some parking, in bays, and along the roadside. There is a large sandy parking area at top of the road, overlooking the bay. There is a restaurant opposite the parking area at the top of the road, two further down the road, and also a cafe at the bottom of the road, with amazing views overlooking the beach, the savory pancakes are recommended. There are public toilets at the bottom of the road. Arrifana beach is sheltered from the big waves and winds, by the high cliffs. This make it a great place for swimming, and surfing when the swell is too big for other beaches.

Free camping in Arrifana

You can try on the parking area at the top of the road. There is a sign saying no motor homes, however free camping is tolerated out of season. Small vehicles can try on the steep road itself, but it isn't very level. The nearby beach of Monte Clerigo (see above) is a popular free camping spot.

Carrapateria

A small village with a mercado and a mini-mercado selling basic goods including water, fresh bread, milk, etc. There are a couple of cafes also.

Praia do Amado

Praia do Amado is a popular beach, just south of the village of Carrapateria. Take the signposted lane on the main road just south of the shops in Carrapteria. The lane is quite long, and although a hard surface it is a little rough. Can be very busy in summer. A popular free camping spot for camper vans and motorhomes. There is a cafe, restaurant and surf school at the beach.

Free camping at Praia do Amado

There are two parking areas. A larger one, set back, where motorhomes gather, and a smaller area on the cliff edge where camper vans get together. The police sometimes visit, often late at night. They rarely speak to anyone.

Free camping at Praia do Cordoama

Free camping is possible at by the beach at Praia do Castelejo. It is an isolated beach, and the road is rough. Good for long stays.

Free camping at Praia do Castelejo

Free camping is possible at by the beach at Praia do Castelejo. There is limited parking here though.

Sagres

Sagres is a small town, not really a resort, more of a old fishing village that is turning to tourism. The town has no sights of its own. The Fortaleza and lighthouse on the cape are the only things of interest. There are many beautiful beaches around Sagres.

There are 3 Alisuper supermarkets in town, with the biggest being near the post office in the centre. The Dromaderio bar have a 'all you can eat' for €7 on a Wednesday night. The Bubble Lounge have a show free movies with a 'meal deal' for about €4 on a Thursday night,

Free camping in Sagres

Vans free camp at several areas in Sagres. There is a fresh water tap by the turismo, which is closed out of season.
The Fortaleza car park: a massive car park with views over Tonel beach to the west, and Mareta to the east. A good spot to gauge the surf on both coasts. It is recommended to camp close to other vans.
Car parks at Mareta beach: on the road down towards Mareta beach there are two car parks where camper vans and motorhomes regularly camp. The upper car park is bigger and popular with motorhomes. The lower car park, which is hidden from the road at the top, is smaller and better for camper vans. There is also a small area lower down, behind the large restaurant on the eastern side of the beach.
Between Sagres and Cabo de St Vincente: There is parking on the cliff tops here. It is very exposed though.
Sagres quayside: Small vehicles often park by the quay side.

Praia do Barranco (Branco's)

A beautiful, remote beach, down a very bad track. Barranco is a lovely bay, with a sandy beach, with rocky edges. Due to the poor access, many travellers stay here for a long time. The only locals you will ever see are the local surfers, and the goat farmer. It is possible to stay here during the summer months. The surf here is excellent. When the conditions are right you will see hoards of surfers, local and travelling, arrive in numbers. They will disappear as soon as the conditions change again. A right hand wave peels from one side of the bay to the other. Barranco is not signposted. To get there, from the N125 take the turning signposted for Praia da Ingrina and Praia do Zavial. The lane to Barranco is the first turning on the right. The lane is 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long, and not sealed. In some places massive pot holes fill with water. After heavy rains most vehicles will not be able to drive on the lane. 4WD vehicles should not have a problem.

Free camping at Praia do Barranco (Branco's)

Barranco is a popular free camping area, throughout the year. However, access is along a long 3.5 mile (5.6 km) rutted track that can be a problem in wet weather. The bad lane means in summer you wont be moved on. There are bins at the beach, but nothing else. Take plenty of supplies with you. There is a little supermarket at the turning on the N125.

Praia da Ingrina

A pretty beach with a restaurant, and free camping possibilities. The surf here can be great in the right conditions. The beach is sign posted from the main N125. The road varies in quality. The car parks are to the right as you near the beach. Praia do Zavial is also close by. There is a megalithic monument on the right of the road as you approach the beach.

Free camping at Praia da Ingrina

Off season it is possible to free camp in the beach car parks. It is a remote spot, so there are not normally too many visitors. There is a restaurant here also.

Praia do Zavial

Continue down the road, past Praia da Ingrina, and you will come to Zavial. A good beach for surfing. The car park is not very level, but you could consider free camping here. There is a restaurant at the beach.

Praia da Salema

Salema is a pretty little village. There is some parking down by the sea front.. This is a good place to escape winds. There are public toilets in the square, and a little supermarket on the opposite side of the square. This is a nice beach for swimming, and can have good surfing waves in the right conditions. There seems to be a lot of sea life in the water.

Free camping at Praia da Salema

Out of season it is possible to free camp on the sea front. Toilets are in the square.

The road between Salema and Boca do Rio

The coastal road from Salema to Boca do Rio (signposted from Salema), is tarmac from Salema, but then becomes a dirt road. The road is of reasonable condition, and most motorhomes a will not have a problem travelling on it.

Free camping at Boca do Rio

Great location for long term parking, and a popular spot in winter. There are no facilities here, but also no homes or residents, therefore you are unlikely to de moved on. The only visitors are people enjoying a walk or day on the beach here. Great views. Can get very windy at times.

Praia do Cabanas

A very secluded beach, with a nice beach bar (open during summer), and great surf in the right conditions. It can be difficult to find.
From Burgau: drive west until you get to the crossroads with the bus stop, where the senior gents of the village sit. You will see the sign for Cabanas on the northerly side of the road, and a sign for Bocca do Rio on the southerly side of the road. Take this road and keep driving. The road becomes a rough but sealed track. After about 1km you will see the lane to the beach as you near it.

Free camping at Praia do Cabanas

Out of season, it is possible to free camp in the beach car park.

Espiche

Campsites in Espiche

Camping Turiscampo, Espiche

tel: 351 282 789 265 - www.turiscampo.com
Estrada Nacional, 125
Espiche, Lagos
Good and well equipped campsite, with a swimming pool, bar & restaurant and a supermarket. Between the two turnings for Luz on the N125. Popular with Brits, Germans and Dutch for their winter stay. Open year round. Moderately priced.

Luz

Luz is a pretty little resort, that isn't too hard on the eye. It is a great place to escape the crowds of Lagos. The beach is great, with good surfing. There are good bars here. The British pub, "The Duke", on the main street back from the beach, up a hill, serves a a great Sunday roast (Sun 12 - 8). There is a supermarket on the main street also. The post office is up the main street, then turn right.

For those with DVD players or laptops, it is possible to rent dvds in Luz. The Eureka shop, and another smaller shop tucked away, near the Baptista Supermarket, rent DVDs to non-residents, using a cash deposit system. Both places also offer internet access.

Free camping in Luz

Do not free camp overnight near the beach, in any of the car parks. You will be moved on by the police, or local residents. However, parking during the day there is fine. There is a toilet block, open during the day, that has cold water showers inside. There is a fresh water tap at the end of the mens toilet.

Further west on the seafront: There is a large strip of sandy lane, further west from the beach. It is in front of homes, but overlooks the rocky seafront, and has great views. This is a popular spot for motorhomes. To get there, from the downhill road that heads into town, from the Burgau road, turn right on the biggest turning. You drive past new developments of apartments and houses. There is ongoing construction work here, and free camping here may not be possible in the future.

Lagos

There is a large Intermarche supermarket (well signposted), a cheaper Pingo Doce on the way to Meia Praia, and a Lidl store behind the town area. There is a good value jet wash, that smaller vehicles can use, at the petrol station near the first roundabout in Lagos, when coming from the N125.

Free camping in Lagos

There are a few free camping options in Lagos.
Meia Praia: Free camping is possible in the car park behind the Meia Praia beach during the off-seaon, it's packed during the summer. The police do move vehicles along occasionally.
Car park by the Marina: On the road from Lagos to Meia Praia, turn right at the roundabout towards the marina. First left is a car park. The signs say no motorhomes, but it's ok outside of summer. The police have been seen checking all is ok at night time.
Just before Meia Praia: On the road from Lagos to Meia Praia there is a garage on right. Some people parking on hard standings between the beach and the road.
Behind the railway station:
People also free camp behind the railway station in the large car park in front of school. There are toilets at the Marina.
Praia de Porto Mos: A lovely beach with a big car park, but only some of which is level. There are several restaurants, and public toilets here. Turn right at the roundabout after the Intermarche, when heading into town, signposted from here.

Wifi in Lagos

Try the lower Intermarche car park.

Free camping in Alvor

Lots of parking on the seafront at the eastern end of town near Ocandeerio Restaurant. Also parking behind the swimming pool.

Free camping in Praia Da Rocha

Some parking for vans at eastern end of promenade opposite Hotel Concorde. Some parking behind the Hotel Concorde at lower level.

Free camping at Armacao de Pera

There is parking at the car park at the western end of town and at the eastern end. Parking behind football pitch.

Free camping in Quarteira

Parking at Praia Forte Novo at the eastern end of the town.

Free camping in Fuseta

Go through village and there is parking on the sea front car park next to camp site. The camp site cab be very crowded.

Free camping at Pedras D’el Rei

Clearly signed off N 125 west of Tavira. Follow road to lagoon, turn right and the parking area is ahead.

Free camping at Cabanas

Enter village then turn left at seashore. There is limited parking at the far end of the coast road. Water tap in municipal market, bin area on right.

Free camping at Praia da Manta Rota

Parking on large beach car park behind sand dunes. Water available.

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Eastern Algarve

Faro is the largest town and administrative capital of the region. The coastline east from here is protected by stretches of mud flats and sandbanks. This area is generally less crowded than the rock bays west of Faro. Inland the only real temptation are the Roman remain at Estoi.

Faro

Once a sleepy town, development has left Faro as a bustling centre of tourism. Faro has an attractive harbour area, pedestrianised shopping areas and excellent local beaches. During the bustle of summer there is a great nightlife scene in Faro.The Great Earthquake of 1755 destroyed most historic buildings, leaving only the Ciadade Velha, across from the harbour. The Museu Arqueologico is an impressive museum housed in a sixteeth-century convent on Praca Afonso III. There is also the Museu Regional on Praca de Liberdade. A popular and curious sight is the twin towered, Baroque Igreja do Carmo. It is near the post office on the Largo do Carno. The turismo is close to the harbour front at Rua da Misericordia 8, where you can get maps. The town centre is small enough to negotiate on foot.

Praia de Faro, the main town beach, is a long sweep of beautiful sand with a sea-facing and a more sheltered land-facing side. There are cafes, restaurants and the campsite there. You can take a ferry shuttle through the marshy channels to the local sandbar beaches.

For food and drink head towards the pedestrianised shopping centre at Rua de Santo Antonio. Almond delicacies are the regional specialty. The pavement restaurants have the bustling street life that make central Faro so attractive. For cheaper and better quality food scout the back streets, but you will lost the street life there. Nightlife generally gets going after midnight. The outdoor seating around Rua Conselheiro Bivar and the parallel Rua do Prior being the place to head.

Parking in Faro

Faro is not the easiest place to park. Smaller vehicles can try around the mercado, which is free, and the mercado is easy to find when driving and on foot. Larger vehicles can try near the harbour.

Campsites in Faro

Faro campsite

tel: 289 817 876
At Praia de Faro. Busy and cramped during the summer.

Santa Luzia

Santa Luzia is a pretty village, overlooking the river and sandbars. There are excellent seafood restaurants here. It's a nice place to unwind and watch the boats with a drink.

Free camping in Santa Luzia

Try along the river. Some people camp in the car park of the football stadium, although there is limited room there and the ground men of the stadium are unlikely to be thrilled. There is a large, unsealed, fairly level car park; from the riverside head towards Tavira, then turn left at the junction, signposted centro, the car park is just on the right.