For sun chasers and thrill seekers: Eat, drink and sightsee your way through the Algarve in Portugal

There’s a warm glow across the Algarve that’s hard to forget. As one of the sunniest regions in Europe, daylight washes over dramatic cliffs and turquoise seas, cobbled alleyways and centuries-old cathedrals.

The southernmost region of Portugal, the Algarve is home to postcard beaches as well as a dynamic mix of natural history, heritage and adventure. Travelling here, you can dive into a secluded cove, feast on freshly caught seafood or cycle through a citrus grove.

With direct flights from Toronto to Faro—running twice a week from May to October—and convenient vacation packages, Air Transat makes it easier than ever to get there. Here’s how to carve out your own slice of this Portuguese paradise with a guide to tasting, seeing and doing it all.

What to eat: Flavours of land and sea

Cuisine from the Algarve is deeply connected to its geography and heritage, where seasonal ingredients, coastal influence and a reverence for technique all shine through.

Seafood lovers will feel especially at home. For a Michelin-starred take on coastal cuisine, book a table at Al Sud, nestled in the Palmares Golf Course clubhouse overlooking the Bay of Lagos. Helmed by chef Louis Anjos, the restaurant celebrates the bounty of the sea with such standout dishes as violet prawns with goose barnacles and turbot paired with shellfish from the nearby Rio Alvor estuary.

For traditional, hearty Portuguese fare, Don Sebastião Restaurant in Lagos has served diners since May 1979. Be sure to try the shellfish rice or pork chops with figs, or Algarve regional specialties, including desserts like almond cakes. For wine connoisseurs, Don Sebastião boasts an impressive underground wine cellar to tour with over 240 wines and varieties from all over Portugal, along with multiple vintages and historic bottles.

No meal is complete without a glass of red wine made from indigenous negra mole grapes, often producing rich-bodied sips with notes of caramel and nuts.

What to see: Coastal wonders and quiet villages

While its beaches often steal the spotlight, the Algarve’s inland and coastal villages can’t be missed. Start in Faro and wander through the old town of Moorish architecture, Roman ruins and charming backstreets. Then make your way to the old town’s Arco da Vila and Largo da Sé before sampling local olives, cheeses and cured meats from nearby vendors.

Next, venture to the Benagil Cave, a cathedral-like sea grotto accessible by kayak or boat, or take in the grandeur of Carvoeiro’s clifftop boardwalks. Further west is Arrifana Beach, offering some of the Algarve’s most striking scenery.

Nature lovers should visit Ria Formosa Natural Park, a biodiverse haven of salt marshes, tidal flats, golden sand islands and lagoons that serve as a migratory stop for hundreds of bird species.

What to do: Choose your speed

Thanks to the Algarve’s diversity of landscapes, there’s no shortage of active thrills or opportunities to unwind, depending on your travel style.

Hikers should tackle the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, one of Portugal’s most stunning coastal treks. Spanning just over five kilometres one way, the route reveals hidden beaches and dramatic rock formations. Meanwhile, cyclists can find an ideal base in Salgados, where flat roads meet tougher inland climbs toward Monchique. Walk or bike your way through Rota Vicentina, an awe-inspiring trail stretching over 110 kilometres of the tranquil Alentejo coast, or challenge yourself to the limits by mountain biking through the Via Algarviana, which winds its way through the natural inland trails of the Algarve—an unforgettable experience for anyone willing to brave its demanding route.

For golfers, the Morgado Golf Course offers a true champion course in one of the most quaint regions in the Algarve, while the Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course—one of Portugal’s most prestigious (and photographed) golf courses—sets the mood perfectly on the coast amid pine trees, wildflowers and stunning lakes.

If you’re into surfing or bodyboarding, Algarve’s dual-coast geography is a gift. The west coast is a magnet for surfers chasing big waves, especially around such beaches as Arrifana and Amado. The south coast is more gentle, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to float between beach bars and quiet coves. Odeceixe Beach is especially versatile, offering both river and sea bathing and ideal conditions for families with young kids.

Why book with Air Transat?

Recognized six times by Skytrax as the World’s Best Leisure Airline, Air Transat combines comfort, punctuality and friendly hospitality. Their comprehensive in-flight entertainment system, family-first service and relaxing onboard atmosphere is the perfect, uncomplicated start to your Algarve escape.

To learn more, or to book your next adventure, visit airtransat.com.