Dreaming of a beach holiday?
I’m a beach lover myself, and luckily, I explored the beautiful beaches and seaside villages in the Algarve in August.
But is it worth visiting Algarve in one of the hottest summer months?
Home to fascinating attractions and cultural sights, from sun-kissed shores and scenic rock formations, I am a firm believer that traveling Algarve in summer is a fabulous idea!
Wondering where to start? In this post, I picked the top activities and spots you shouldn’t miss in South Portugal. Here are my favorite things to do in Algarve in August!
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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Algarve? Have a look at my other posts:
Overview: Algarve in August
- Explore caves and rock formations
- Go dolphin watching
- Visit Benagil Cave
- Attend Loulé White Night Festival
- Explore Ria Formosa Natural Park
Table of Contents
Why visit Algarve in August?
The Algarve temperature in August can reach up to 32°C (90°F), with reliable sunshine and peak summer vibes perfect for beach getaways.
This is also a great time to visit Algarve, as the festival season is coming up.
1. Sunbathing at Praia da Marina
It’s no secret that this coastal region in Portugal is brimming with stunning shores that are equally breathtaking. But do you know which beaches in Algarve charmed me the most?
It’s Praia da Marinha, also known as Navy Beach, located between Armação de Pêra and Carvoeiro.
Praia da Marinha is popular with beachgoers who love to bask in the sun. No wonder travelers frequent it in summer.
The beach is only accessible by car and the parking space is on top of a cliff. You’ll descend a long and steep staircase before reaching the beach.
Once you get there, you can explore many caves and rock formations. Then, rent a paddle boat to reach the adjacent coves.
2. Surfing at Praia da Arrifana
Want to hit the waves? Then, head to Praia da Arrifana, a popular Algarve surfing spot on the southwest coast of Aljezur.
When I went to surf in Praia da Arrifana, the waves were gentle and could hold some swell from 2 ft to 4 ft at most. But don’t let these waves fool you because they get big at some point.
August’s surfing conditions are relatively consistent and offer suitable swells for beginners. Surf schools and gear rental shops are also open this time of year.
Surfing is also one of the popular things to do in Sagres, just one hour away from Praia da Arrifana.
3. Dolphin Watching Tours
The best time to spot dolphins in the Algarve is during the summer months from June to August. Dolphin watching is also favorable in the Algarve in spring because the water temperature is warmer.
Seeing these playful marine creatures up close is one of my most treasured memories I’ll never forget.
I was incredibly lucky to spot different species, including orcas, Bottlenose, Striped, and Risso’s dolphins, gracefully roaming in the Algarve waters.
Dolphin watching is one of the most popular things to do in Albufeira.
You can book the Wild Dolphin Experience tour with Dolphins Driven or opt for dolphin-watching boat day trips from Lagos. Typically, a tour costs between € 25 to € 45 for one to three hours.
4. Kayaking in Benagil Caves
One of the most stunning sea caves in the world, the Benagil Cave is a light-filled, limestone-layered dome surrounding a beach near Lagoa.
The cave is nestled between two beaches, the Praia de Benagil and Praia da Marinha. But due to strong currents, I don’t advise you to swim from these beaches to the cave. Instead, you can ride a kayak to reach inside.
If you want to admire the spectacular Algarve coast from above, you can walk the Seven Hanging Valleys trail between the beaches and peek into the fenced sinkhole for a different view.
For my sea kayaking tour, I chose Secret Algarve since they offer kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours from Benagil Beach.
I explored caves near Benagil, including the Pirate Cave, which has barnacles on its limestone walls, and the Monster Cave, which has an arched entrance.
Most tours depart from Albufeira, so check the weather in Albufeira in August. But don’t fret—the average temperature in August is 23°C, so it’s usually a go.
5. Silves Medieval Fair
From August 9 to 17, the Silves Medieval Fair is a live-action event that pays homage to the Christian Reconquest era, which saw the clash of Moors and Christians in the Middle Ages.
Every summer, the historic city of Silves comes alive with food stalls under torch lights, noblemen processions, jousting tournaments, landmark dramas, and all things medieval to entertain visitors.
My favorite highlight of the fair is the nighttime castle show.
For 10 nights starting from 6 pm, you can expect to see artisans, snake charmers, acrobats, fire-eaters, court jesters, jugglers, musicians, and veiled dancers.
The reenactments happen in the Silves Castle or outside the Sé (Cathedral). There’s also a horse tournament that takes place in Praça Al’Mutamid.
6. Loulé White Night Festival
Held by the last week of August, the Loulé White Night Festival is a one-night celebration of contemporary art and the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The historic city of Loulé becomes livelier in August as local and international artists come together for a jam-packed entertainment treat.
Last year, I was fortunate enough to witness impressive performances and stunning art installations.
After all, what better way to end summer than dancing and partying all night at one of the best places in the Algarve?
From the name itself, the dress code is strictly white. The main attractions include light installations, art exhibits, and interactive workshops.
7. Hiking in Ria Formosa Natural Park
The Algarve is famous for its beaches and being home to scenic cliffs and spectacular viewpoints.
Hiking in Algarve trails is a must-do if you want to immerse in the region’s beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife.
When I went there, I visited Ria Formosa Natural Park, where I spotted flamingos and chameleons. It was truly amazing!
Three trails worth exploring: Ludo, São Lourenço, and Quinta do Lago. São Lourenço is the shortest (3km) and overlaps with the Ludo trail (7km), both popular for bird-watching.
Quinta do Lago is famous for cyclists and has a boardwalk that features charming coastal views.
8. Exploring Ponta da Piedade
Famous for its stunning cliffs and picturesque beaches, Ponta da Piedade is a natural wonder clad in limestone arches, caves, and sea pillars.
The best way to explore Ponta da Piedade is on foot or by boat. I did both — walked the boardwalk trail and rented a boat.
Upon arriving, I was in awe of the rock formations, which, according to my guide, were formed millions of years ago.
Birdlife International also recognizes Ponta da Piedade as an Important Bird Area (IBA). It is one of the few places in Portugal where rock pigeons and egrets reside.
Walking from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade takes around 30 minutes, but there’s a longer route with better coastal views. You can also book a boat trip from Ponta da Piedade to Lagos.
9. Seafood Dining in Olhao
Just less than 20 minutes away from Algarve’s administrative capital Faro, I’ve reached the fishing town of Olhão by taxi from the airport.
From simple grilled fish to a savory seafood platter, the local dishes in Olhão are a must-try.
Chá Chá Chá is one of my favorite seafood restaurants, offering authentic Portuguese cuisine. Casa Corvo serves the best octopus salad in town.
Mare Shrimp & Stuff also serves fresh seafood such as clams, shrimps, and scallops.
For dessert, I recommend you try pastéis de nata custard tarts at Kubidoce café and bakery.
10. Wine Tasting in Lagoa
I never wanted to conclude my visit to the Algarve yet, so let me cap this off with a splendid wine-tasting tour in Lagoa.
With its verdant vineyards and cool-climate estates, the traditional town of Lagoa is home to the best wineries to visit in the region. Its neighboring town is also famous for wine tasting, one of the best things to do in Silves.
Admire the Algarvian countryside while enjoying a dinner accompanied by a traditional tiborna (fresh bread and olive oil) amid spectacular views of the Monchique mountains.
Among the must-see vineyard estates in Lagoa is Morgado do Quintão, where you’ll find a 2,000-year-old olive tree and indigenous grape varieties.
You can also drink wine and dine at Quinta dos Vales on a 1.5-hour guided winery tour and the barrel cellar.
My Final Thoughts on Algarve in August
Pristine beaches, trendy festivals, scenic hiking trails, award-winning seafood restaurants, and verdant wineries — there’s a lot to cover in August, the best time to go to the Algarve.
Need a place to stay? Follow my blog for more insider guides and recommendations for unique places to stay in Algarve, luxury hotels in the Algarve, and the best accommodation in Algarve.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Algarve in August? Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments!
For more tips on traveling Algarve in summer, check out my top things to do in Algarve in June.
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! 🌍🚀
