Here’s a list of things to do in Algarve in April.
Have you ever wanted to escape to a secret paradise off-season, where you can soak up all the beauty yourself when the crowds have left?
Well, I’m here to tell you that the Algarve in April is where it’s at.
As the last remnants of winter fade into memory and spring burst into full bloom, this Southern Portugal transforms into a wonderland just waiting to be explored.
From breathtaking coastal hikes with scenic cliffside views to charming village squares filled with the scent of orange blossoms in the breeze.
Traveling Algarve in April offered unforgettable experiences at every turn during my most recent visit.
In this post, I’ll share my favorite things to do during this magical shoulder season, from secluded beaches to hidden grottos—all while protecting the land and sea.
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Table of Contents
Overview: Things to do in Algarve in April
1. Springtime Charm
Now, you’re maybe curious: is Portugal hot in April? Nope, and Algarve would agree.
April weather in Algarve can be generally sunny but mild. However, compared to other regions of Portugal, it’s slightly warmer.
A place of countless beach resorts backed by impressive cliffs, the almost perfect weather has graced the Algarve’s landscapes as much.
Species of beautiful wildflowers in the meadows and fields are refreshing attractions in April. Tourists can find exotic places near most western coasts, like the Monchique mountains.
Algarve weather in April is also ideal for those who wish to see a wide variety of rare orchids.
It is not a common feature in the Algarve, but the scenic hills and countryside of the west coast, where rich vegetation such as citrus fruits and eucalyptus groves grow.
They are among the finest places in the Algarve.
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2. Beach Escapades
Algarve is home to the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Praia da Marinha, with its pristine blue-green waters, was hailed as one of the top beaches in Europe.
Though the seawater in Algarve in April is still cold for a long dip, the golden and fine sands of the coastal resorts with nice warm weather can ease the pressures of a busy life.
With the water ordinarily calm and serene at the start of peak season, sunbathing and sunset on an Algarve beach are priceless.
If you’re up for a little fun, surfing, scuba diving, and hang gliding are just some of the water sports activities that town resorts offer.
Kayak rentals are also available to explore interesting coves and rock formations nearby.
Algarve in April is just ready for your ultimate beach experience!
3. Explore Algarve’s culture
Portugal’s rich past is deeply engraved in many parts of the Algarve.
Spring is an excellent time to walk around Lagos and Tavira’s historic and picturesque towns.
A pro tip: Among your things to do in Lagos, Portugal, enjoy walking the narrow tiled streets and whitewashed houses to feel that traditional Mediterranean vibe.
You can also visit cultural treasures such as the medieval town walls, the Slave Trade Museum, and the 18th-century Church of San Antonio, a prominent landmark of Lagos.
Another historical attraction is the Moorish Castle, located in Silves– once the capital of the Arab Kingdom.
The Algarve has numerous art galleries, too, selling everything from paintings and sculptures to hand-crafted ceramics.
You can check out more of these from various art exhibits in Faro in April.
4. Culinary Delights
Tourists can savor Algarve’s cuisine, which has specialties in fish and seafood, from Michelin-starred restaurants to small traditional restaurants.
Popular dishes include Cataplana, a seafood stew served in a metal pot, and Caldeirada, a fish stew.
You can’t afford to miss Algarvian desserts!
They have the traditional codfish cakes, a sweet delicacy passed down through generations, and the favorite, pastel de nata or custard tarts.
Like other European countries, visiting local wineries in Portugal in April is a highlight.
The Algarve produces excellent white wines from its native grapes, Arinto and Siria.
5. Enjoy the outdoors!
Algarve is a paradise for active travelers.
Let’s start with everyone’s favorite: hiking the Algarve’s breathtaking cliffs, sea caves, and rock formations.
From your things to do in Carvoeiro, take advantage of hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
Aside from the scenic views of the coastal region, there are hiking stops every few kilometers that will amaze you, like the famous Benagil Cave.
To go inside and witness the spectacular interior of Benagil Cave, you can take a kayak or a boat from nearby towns like Lagos and Portimao.
I’ll share a secret for the adventurers: the Ponta da Piedade boardwalk outside Lagos. This site has vantage points of stunning cliffs, caves, and other natural elements.
I must say this is one of the best places in the Algarve.
On the western seaboard, Algarve has everything for your outdoor enjoyment.
A 10-kilometer dirt road is waiting for those who want a drive adventure to some of the best viewpoints of the west Algarve.
This road is a part of the Rota Vicentina trail, which is also a popular hiking destination.
Regarding the Algarve’s outdoors, it’s adventure till you drop!
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6. Festivals and Events
You’ll appreciate the Algarve’s vibrant culture through local events that you might only experience in the Algarve.
These are some of the festivals that you’ll love joining in Algarve in April:
- Fiesa – A beach exhibit of giant sandcastles, generally held between March and October.
- Festival Al-Buhera – It’s a festival that promotes local produce and one of the best things to do in Albufeira in April. Here, you’ll find a range of Algarvian food products, crafts, and locally-made alcohol.
- Liberation Day (25th April) is a historic and well-celebrated public holiday in the Algarve that commemorates the end of a dictatorship. It features fireworks displays and public performances.
The best places to stay and immerse yourself more in Portuguese culture are the smaller towns or the eastern side of the Algarve.
Larger towns sometimes organize beach parties, which are also excellent opportunities to mingle with the locals.
7. Nightlife in Algarve
Nightlife is even great in April as many restaurants and bars return after winter break.
Visitors who love street bar hopping and clubbing can head to cosmopolitan areas such as Albufeira and Portimao.
Algarve also offers gaming and dining venues around these areas, whereas known beach resorts are nearby.
But if you want a night of chill and drinks, there are cool live music bars in Lagos featuring Algarve’s local bands.
In Faro, rooftop bars overlooking the rich marina and charming after-dark views are great late-night options.
8. Family-Friendly Activities
There’s nothing happier than family trips, and visiting Portugal in April does sound like a plan.
Algarve offers guided kayaking trips where kids and the whole family can enjoy the best of Algarve’s marina.
Another highlight is the dolphin tour, where the main goal is to find dolphins frolicking in the waters.
Make this family activity a memorable part of your things to do in Albufeira.
Parque Aventura is also an excellent destination for families in the Algarve’s interior.
It’s a forest of challenging but child-friendly high rope courses for a different and unforgettable family bonding time.
Another inland must is the Krazy World Zoo. The exotic animal species will amaze the kids, and your little ones can enjoy the pony rides.
Check family activities in Algarve.
9. Go shopping
Travel won’t be complete without a little shopping, and the Algarve showcases a variety of shopping options, from flashy malls to local streets.
Some tourists prefer to shop at the elegant and quaint shopping malls around the major towns before roaming or leaving the Algarve.
Faro, the gateway city of Algarve, has the most modern and most extensive shopping center with designer brand boutiques, like the Forum Algarve.
While shopping malls are convenient, travelers are commonly fond of window shopping as they stroll around and go straight street shopping.
One interesting place I found was Rua Candido dos Reis in Lagos.
It has trendy boutiques for everyone and perfect souvenirs for friends and families, such as cork-made accessories and handmade crafts.
Some of the best souvenir ideas and Portuguese products are cork goods, soaps, leather, canned sardines, and ceramics.
10. Wellness and Relaxation
The beautiful and peaceful sunsets, perfect Algarve weather for April, and fresh sea breeze are enough to recharge your inner wellness.
But if you’re looking for a more pampering vacation, use a thermal spa (freshwater treatment), and thalassotherapy (salt water treatment).
They are widely popular natural therapies in The Monchique Thermal Spa.
Quiet wellness retreats, from smaller boutique hotels to country house accommodations, are relaxation treatments best experienced in a peaceful Algarve environment.
There’s also growing support for medical spas, such as Longevity Health and Wellness Centres, which are creating programs to rebalance the body and mind and prevent diseases.
11. Local Markets
The vibrant local markets of the Algarve feature fresh produce and seafood, a variety of local goods, and haggling.
Whether you’re a culinary master or trying hard to be one, checking out the Municipal markets is another exciting way to explore the Algarve.
In these indoor local markets, you can sample Algarve’s local goods and regional delicacies, such as cheeses and cured meats.
Local farmers typically run stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and native-farmed meats.
Loulé Municipal Market is a popular municipal market over 100 years old and located in the heart of the Algarve.
Most towns, including Monchique on the west coast, have monthly markets.
This every-4th-of-Sunday market is unique because the sold items are mostly connected to Algarve’s culture and countryside.
The antique fair is an exciting and growing local market in Algarve. There’s one in the churchyard of the interior village of Boliqueime every 1st Sunday of the month.
12. Day Trips from Algarve
If you’re a busy traveler who wants to explore the Algarve for at least a day, numerous towns can still showcase the Algarve at its best.
You just have to know the kind of day trip you’ll enjoy.
But one thing is sure: there’s always a great beach to look forward to.
One of the most visited towns in the Algarve is Lagos. It has almost everything: stunning beaches and scenery, a historic old town, and the best accommodations.
The great news is you can experience them in a day.
If you’re on a romantic getaway or want to explore best places in Algarve, plan your things to do in Silves, Algarve day tour and visit Silves Castle. This red sandstone fortress stands magnificently.
Faro weather in April is also a great time to appreciate Algarve’s rich history, with cobbled streets and traditional Portuguese architecture.
A full-day trip is always a possible and available option in Algarve in April.
13. Photography Hotspots
You’ll never run out of picture-perfect hot spots in Algarve.
Praia da Marinha has “The Heart of Algarve,” one of the most photographed rock formations.
The quaint plaza squares around towns, traditional houses in fishing villages, fields of Algarvian flora, and fresh local market produce are some subjects you’ll enjoy photographing in the Algarve.
Among the most photographed and IG-friendly sites are Tavira’s charming cobblestoned streets, Alvar Seco’s “A Boneca,” and The Benagil Cave.
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14. Golfing in Algarve
Algarve has been voted the best golfing destination by magazines, not just once.
About 40 golf courses are in the region; most offer training programs and practice areas for those who want to play and learn golf.
Dom Pedro (Pinhal) in Quarteira, Central Algarve, has a well-maintained, lovely ground lined with umbrella pines, a stream, and several small ponds.
Vilamoura, a sophisticated town, is known for its four luxurious golf courses.
If you’re a golf enthusiast or a beginner who’d like to play golf in such a pleasant environment, add this to your list of things to do in Vilamoura.
Check out Vilamoura tours now.
15. Local Entertainment
Local entertainment adds color and fun to a region.
Carnival, music and food festivals, and historical re-enactments are the traditional forms of entertainment in Algarve.
Cultural dances such as Spanish and Arabian night performances with wine tasting are another highly recommended addition to your things to do in Portimao.
For a fun-filled holiday, many visitors enjoy the latest musical trends from the discotheques, casinos, bars, and restaurants, with outdoor seating and an easy atmosphere vibe.
My final thoughts on Algarve in April
My list of things to do in Algarve left me with profound travel memories. Still, there’s a lot to discover, just like their history.
You’ll have the most of your trip in Algarve’s beautiful coastlines, and the fantastic views will make your outdoor adventures incomparable.
You can also check out where to stay in Algarve when you visit.
The vibrant spring matches their lush surroundings, while their food, music, and festivals express value for their own identity.
Whether you’re traveling alone or with loved ones, hotels and resorts offer well-planned activities to ensure your safety and a great time.
Knowing your destination well is an ingredient to a satisfying vacation. See your travel options and plan accordingly. Then, leave the rest to the Algarve in April!
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! 🌍🚀
