12 Fun Things to do in Algarve in July
Make the most of summer in Algarve in July with plenty of these activities.
The number of tourists who travel Algarve in July alone should tell you how amazing this destination is during this time.
There’s something to do no matter where you are in the region.
But unless you stay in Algarve for weeks, you probably have limited time to explore. In other words, you’ll need to choose your activities carefully.
That said, to ensure you experience only the best that Algarve offers in summer, I’ve compiled the top things to do in Algarve in July.
This post has it all, from relaxing activities like sightseeing and boating to more adventurous ones like hiking, windsurfing, and jet skiing!
I’ve also highlighted the top festivals to look out for and how you can savor the best local cuisine during your stay.
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Overview: My Favorite Things to do in Algarve in July
1. Relax on the Stunning Beaches
One mention of the Algarve online instantly brings up endless images of its breathtaking beaches.
So, it only makes sense to start this list with the best beaches in Algarve—especially since you’re visiting in July when these spots are at their peak.
You’ll find dozens of incredible beaches in the region, but let me highlight the must-visit ones!
If you don’t mind (or even prefer) lively, bustling places, Praia da Marinha and Praia do Camilo are top tourist picks.
These classic, picture-perfect spots feature emerald-green waters, dramatic sea stacks, and stunning cliffs.
Praia de Benagil, with its iconic sea caves, is another must-visit destination—no picture can truly do it justice (more on this place in the next activity).
On that note, to get the most out of this experience, book sightseeing tours that include visits to multiple beaches.
It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy kayaking, boating, and snorkeling without worrying about rentals or tickets!
And for the ultimate convenience, stay at Algarve Beach hotels to wake up just steps from the shore.
2. Explore the Benagil Cave by Boat
Speaking of beaches, the Benagil Cave (located in Praia de Benagil) is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Algarve.
What is the best way to experience it? Boat tours.
The Benagil Caves guided boat tour I tried was truly a one-stop adventure for enjoying these caves and everything around them.
We hopped on a small rubber boat, got up close with dolphins, and took a quick swim. When we finally reached the caves, we were able to explore on foot and had plenty of time to take pictures!
You can also opt for a kayaking tour as an alternative.
Reaching the Benagil Caves by boat is easily one of the most fun things to do in Algarve, Portugal.
If you don’t add this to your itinerary, you’ll miss out big time!
3. Discover the Historic Town of Lagos
Perhaps there’s no better place in all of Algarve for a stroll than the historic town of Lagos, which also offers many day tours.
This town has a unique charm that is common among Old Towns, with cobbled streets, quaint cafés and restaurants, and local shops that don’t end.
You’ll also find a 17th-century fortress built for defense during wartime (Forte da Ponta da Bandeira), murals depicting cultural heritage, and a church with stunning baroque interiors (Igreja de Santo António).
This town is a mix-and-match of exploration, excitement, relaxation, and—let’s face it—a shopping splurge.
You’ll find so many handcrafted items to buy on every street that you’ll be stocked up on souvenirs for your loved ones in no time!
This is one of the places in Algarve you must visit.
If you’re visiting this town from Albufeira, I recommend joining this 8-hour Lagos tour to make the most of your day trip!
4. Go Dolphin Watching
I mentioned spotting dolphins when I joined a boat tour to explore Benagil Cave.
But let’s be honest—if you’re like me and believe there’s no such thing as too many boat tours, add dolphin watching to your must-do list.
Dolphins dancing in and out of the water is truly one of the most magical, nature-given Algarve attractions.
Whether traveling as a family, as a couple, or on your own, there’s so much to enjoy about this activity!
The July weather is perfect for spotting as many dolphins as possible—we even saw seabirds and turtles.
I joined this dolphin-watching tour, which followed a similar path to the Benagil Cave tour I mentioned earlier.
It had a bigger boat, though, which is ideal if you’re prone to seasickness or traveling with little ones.
5. Hike the Rota Vicentina Trail
Wanna try hiking in Algarve?
Well, the best option is undoubtedly the Rota Vicentina Trail, which is composed of dozens of routes spanning over 1,000 km in total.
This coastal trail is pretty much every nature lover’s dream. It takes you along cliffs overlooking the ocean of the Algarve.
No wonder thousands of people hike these trails for days, not just hours, all year round (including me).
I hiked from Odeceixe to Porto Covo for about four days with just a backpack.
To make the journey more manageable, I spent the nights at luxury hotels in the Algarve. So, if hiking for days is your next adventure, I highly recommend it!
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6. Visit the Algarve’s Charming Villages
I love exploring metropolitan cities when visiting modern countries like Tokyo or Dubai.
But when visiting a place like the Algarve, which is so deeply connected to nature, I switch the agenda to quaint villages instead.
Good news: Algarve’s charming villages never disappoint.
If you’re a history or culture enthusiast, you’ll never run out of things to do in Silves, Algarve.
It has a castle, an Old Town, and a classic riverside aesthetic. There’s so much to see here; you’ll want to have a tour guide while exploring.
Do you prefer the buzz of nightlife, parties, and music? Albufeira is just a little over an hour from Lagos.
And, of course, if you want peace, Tavira’s locals and romantic atmosphere will welcome you with open arms. It’s one of the best spots in Algarve in July.
7. Take a Scenic Drive along the Coast
Rent a car through Discover Cars, free up your schedule, and spend time on a scenic drive from Faro to Cape St. Vincent along the coast.
When I first suggested this to my friend, she thought “just driving” would be a waste of time since she only had Algarve 3 days to spend.
But after trusting my suggestion and trying it out, she did a full 360 and mentioned it was one of the best experiences in Algarve!
You won’t just be “driving” during this activity.
You’ll be witnessing endless spans of Algarve’s beautiful coasts as you stop at seafood restaurants, random hidden gems, and local shops along the way.
This is how I found the not-so-popular village of Cacela Velha (and many other hidden treasures) that I’ll let you discover yourself.
If driving isn’t feasible, you can join an Algarve bike tour to experience the coastline in a different way.
8. Experience the Algarve’s Vibrant Nightlife
If you’re wondering where to stay in Algarve for nightlife, I have just the perfect recommendation.
Albufeira is everyone’s go-to for the wildest nights.
Visit The Strip for the most significant party scenes in town.
Portimão is probably your best bet for a more romantic nightlife—especially Tasca do Galo, which played traditional and romantic music all night long the last time we visited.
If you’re already in Lagos, start the nightlife scene by exploring nearby pubs! The Batata Beach Bar was my go-to stop. Just don’t expect full-blown parties here.
Whenever you’re running out of ideas on where to spend the night, just ask the locals!
They’re often more reliable than online suggestions. That’s speaking from experience!
9. Enjoy Water Sports in Alvor
The warm Albufeira weather in July is the perfect opportunity to enjoy water sports in Alvor.
If this former fishing village sounds unfamiliar to you, I won’t be too surprised.
It’s not as globally renowned as Albufeira, Lagos, or landmarks like the Benagil Cave.
After all, its beaches aren’t exactly dotted with dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, or rugged rock formations. Don’t get me wrong—the place still looks stunning.
But this secrecy and its calm waters make it the perfect spot for water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and jet skiing.
Are you not a pro? No worries! This town also has local schools that teach beginner water sports to tourists.
The inclusive resort I stayed in was the one that connected me to local windsurfing instructors. So if convenience is your priority, I recommend booking a resort with similar services.
10. Visit the Algarve’s Fortresses and Castles
We’ve talked briefly about some fortresses and castles (as bonus sights for some activities).
However, for history geeks like me, these are worthy of being primary destinations.
If you’re also someone who’s born curious about the past, I recommend going fortress and castle hunting in the region like I did.
The rich Moorish history of the region is reflected in facades and buildings that stand out against the panoramic views of nature.
You can start your castle exploration through a guided tour of Silves castle and continue your journey as you visit nearby fortresses like Forte de São João da Barra.
These are living reminders of Algarve’s rich history.
Pictures can never capture their magnificence. You’ve got to see them in person to really appreciate their value.
11. Attend a Traditional Portuguese Festival
You’ll never catch me visiting a new region without hunting for local festivals.
So, you can bet that when I stayed in the Algarve, attending every traditional celebration was one of my top priorities when looking for things to do in Algarve in June and July!
The Festa de São João, held in June, and the Festa de Nossa Senhora da Rocha, held in July, were some of the most enjoyable Algarve events I experienced.
The Festa de São João was a religious celebration that featured traditional music, dances, and food. It was a really eye-opening way to learn more about the local culture.
On the other hand, Festa de Nossa Senhora da Rocha was almost carnival-like.
I joined a street party with drinks, loud music, and treats.
When these festivals are celebrated, they can vary slightly each year. So, check the local calendar or ask locals if there’s any event worth attending during your stay!
12. Taste Algarve’s Traditional Cuisine
Now, one way or another, you’re bound to taste Algarve’s traditional cuisine during your stay.
But if you’re a food lover who thinks food isn’t just a necessity but an experience, schedule activities centered around food during your stay, too!
I personally joined food tours, went food stall hopping, and completed a “must-try delicacy checklist” during my stay in Algarve in July to truly immerse myself in its cuisine.
This activity often means being flexible with your food budget and sneaking an extra workout or two between meals.
But trust me, the food adventure in Algarve will be well worth your time, money, and calories!
For dessert, make sure to try cataplana (a Portuguese classic stew), grilled sardines, and pastéis de nata.
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My Final Thoughts on Algarve in July
If you’re planning to visit the Algarve, July is undoubtedly one of the best months to enjoy the region.
The weather is perfect for all the beach and hiking activities you can expect Algarve’s towns to offer.
Not to mention, every establishment is ready for the tourism season, so almost everything will be prepared to accommodate your needs in the best way possible!
Remember, July is one of the busiest tourist months in Algarve, and it can get quite hot.
So, plan and book your activities ahead and make sure to stay safe in the heat.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
