I love adventures, solo or with my friends, so joining the vibrant crowds in the Algarve in June was new but surprisingly unique!
The stunning coastlines made the Algarve one of the top beach destinations in Europe. The region has never been more fascinating for tourists, from green mountains in the north to endless festivals.
Find out why they travel the Algarve as I feature more attractions you won’t dare miss in Portugal in June, when the summer comes over, and crowds are livelier.
The Algarve temperature in June averages 25°C (77°F)—32°C (90°F), hot as you expect from summer but pleasant enough for fun things to do in the Algarve in June.
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Table of Contents
Overview: Fun things to do in Algarve in June
- Boat Coastline Trip
- Try stand-up paddleboarding
- Explore Old Towns
- Visit Ria Formosa Natural Park
- Go on a wine tour
1. Hit the Beaches
There’s no better place to spend summer than the Algarve’s gorgeous beaches.
One of the most prominent ones in the Algarve and throughout Europe is the Praia da Marinha. This golden sand beach, just outside Lagos, features picturesque natural rock formations, like the iconic M rock.
Another popular beach, Praia da Rocha, is a must for your things to do in Portimao. It’s one of the first beach resorts developed in the region, and you’ll find some of the best luxury hotels in the Algarve.
These beaches are summer hot spots, but they are family-friendly and have numerous water activities that will beat the sun’s heat.
But if you’re looking for somewhere remote in the Algarve in June, the wide and uniquely beautiful shore of Praia da Amoreira in Aljezur is a great option.
Or, here’s my tip: stroll around small coastal villages, and you’ll likely find a quiet sandy beach where you can lounge in the sun.
2. Water Sports and Boat Tours
June offers aquatic adventures in the Algarve, from parasailing to snorkeling, a chance to explore the Atlantic surface, above or below water.
You’ll notice that surfing is the most common water sport on the west and south coasts, and a surfing school could be just around the corner from the hotel you’ve checked into.
But one thing you shouldn’t miss is the boat tour to the famous Benagil Cave. It’s a magnificent journey to a cave-hidden beach, windowed by arches and a large hole on top– one of the most photographed in the Algarve.
Paddleboarding or SUP is also a popular means of getting inside the cave or roaming much narrower spaces around the Algarve’s coasts and cliffs.
Hotels and resorts commonly partner with tour operators and rentals to arrange water activities. For more information, refer to Portugal’s official tourism website, Visit Portugal.
Book a stand-up paddleboard tour
3. Explore Old Towns and Villages
What’s great about traveling the Algarve is that there’s always a nearby old village to get a glimpse of the Algarve’s past.
In the lively city of Lagos, there’s so much to see from its beautiful old town, such as the 16th-century walls, the murals showcased throughout the city, and its vibrant fish market.
On the south coast, Albufeira was once a small fishing village that preserved a historic center featuring 18th-century churches and the Museum of Sacred Art.
There’s more in this old town among your things to do in Albufeira.
If you don’t mind being away from these coastal towns, Tavira lies in eastern Algarve. The village highlights the lovely Gilao river, which an ancient Roman bridge crosses, a must-see on your things to do in Tavira.
Dubbed the “Venice of the Algarve,” I found Tavira to be one of the unique places to stay in Algarve.
Book Lagos and Sagres Highlights tour
4. Enjoy Algarve Food
From small by-the-bay restaurants to sophisticated dining spots, local cuisine is one of the highlights of the Algarve in June.
Mainly Mediterranean-inspired, you can expect to have the best seafood and vegetable dishes on your plate.
However, the Algarve infused traditional cooking techniques, like the simple garnish of salt, pepper, and olive oil, to make one of the most favorite summer foods: grilled sardines.
If you want to try the local seafood without leaving the sparkling seas, eat at some of the most beautiful seaside restaurants in the Algarve, like the Casa Velha Do Pescador near Carvoeiro.
This restaurant overlooking Praia do Benagil is a personal favorite because of its pretty interior and cozy atmosphere. It is definitely one of my things to do in Carvoeiro.
If you’re planning something sumptuous, Gigi’s bar at Quinta do Lago Beach in Almancil, overlooks the Ria Formosa natural park and is known for its carabinieri (scarlet prawns).
Book the best Algarve food tours
5. Sunset Watching
Make the most of your vacation and spend some late afternoons admiring the beautiful sunsets in the Algarve in June weather.
One of the best places in Algarve where I witness this natural beauty of Algarve is the Ponta da Piedade. The scenic views of the golden cliffs and the glimmering Atlantic Ocean create a magnificent sunset panorama.
If you’re hunting for an unforgettable sundown, move southwest and head to Sagres.
This remote attraction features an old fortress overlooking the sea, where sunset culminates its glorifying beauty. It’s one of the best things to do in Sagres: enjoy the views from Cabo de São Vicente.
You won’t run out of perfect spots. A picnic on the beach, a seaside bar cocktail, or a yacht cruise are excellent opportunities to wait and watch a fantastic sunset with your loved ones.
6. Golfing in Algarve
The pleasant Mediterranean weather and the flawlessly designed golf courses made the Algarve one of the world’s premier golfing destinations.
Among more than 40 golf courses in the region, The Quinta do Lago South Course has already hosted 8 European Tours. It overlooks the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the Atlantic Ocean.
While in Central Algarve, near the town of Vilamoura, the luxurious Vale Do Lobo ranks among the finest golf courses in Portugal. With upscale design and accommodation, it houses 15 restaurants and The Royal Spa.
Not playing for a long time, I took a half-day golf training program, and as part of my things to do in Vilamoura, I was happy to book a tee time the next day!
Book Quinta do Lago accommodation here
7. Visit Natural Parks
For nature lovers out there, the Algarve is home to marvelous nature parks.
The Ria Formosa Natural Park is the most popular, picturesque wildlife sanctuary along undisturbed beaches, dunes, and wetlands.
The park attracts over 200 species of birds, including flamingos, so birdwatching is a common but wonderful attraction in this natural hub.
Another remarkable natural preserve is the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. The park is a refuge for unusual bird species and a wide array of flora and fauna. This one is a great day trip idea since it’s a drive away!
Guided boat tours and walks are available, particularly to Ria Formosa, but I vouch for the hiking trails, which offer the most scenic routes around the parks.
Book the best Ria Formosa tours
8. Attend Festivals and Events
One of the reasons crowds start to pour in June is the much-anticipated events in the Algarve.
The Med Festival in Loulé is a prominent world music festival the Algarve hosts every last week of June. It features some of the world’s finest artists performing on different stages in the Algarve.
Aside from music, I appreciated the fusion of cultures through different artistry, such as street performances, handicrafts, and culinary exhibitions at this event.
For local festivals, Portimao’s Marchas E Santos Populares is a fun festival with parades and overflowing grilled sardines, while Silves Beer Fest is for the beer lovers making the most of things to do in Silves.
9. Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours
Among your things to do in Algarve, opt for an exquisite vineyard and wine-tasting tour.
In Lagos, the base town of most tourists, a 3-hectare organic winery Monte da Casteleja offers a 2-hour tour with wine tasting and tapas.
One of the most recommended Algarve wine tours, I booked a night’s stay in one of its spacious rooms with a vineyard view. Indeed, it is a must on your list of things to do in Lagos!
Also in the western Algarve, Quinta dos Vales is a wine estate with a pretty statues garden. In addition to tours, visitors can participate in a winemaking workshop.
Wine-making is a growing regional industry and is increasingly acknowledged for high-quality Portuguese wines.
Book the best Algarve wine tours
10. Relax at Spa Retreats
End your holidays with a rewarding spa day as you wind down from all the adventures and get excited about what’s next.
In the sophisticated town of Vilamoura, I indulged in the luxurious Vale do Lobo Royal Spa hydrotherapies to relax and de-stress.
If you’re staying in the vibrant city of Albufeira in June, the top choices are Bali Spa and Serenity Spa.
Bali Spa boasts exclusive traditional treatments like the Balinese full-body massage.
At the same time, the latter is a haven of calm and elegance, where spa treatments use the Algarve’s natural ingredients, such as flor-de-sal salt from the Ria Formosa.
You can also join a mindfulness experience boat trip, where you can relax while cruising through the serene Atlantic waters.
Book a sunrise mindfulness experience
My Final Thoughts on Algarve in June
The exciting beaches in the Algarve are the highlights of visiting Portugal in June. With the various activities, you’ll enjoy beach holidays without beating the crowds.
Make the most of your boat tours and water sports—it’s the coolest way to seize the Atlantics. Then, balance the adventures with a nice walk or a fantastic sunset view in the old towns.
For something different but delightful, join Algarve’s June festivals or go hiking in Algarve’s natural parks.
The peak of fun in the peak season of the Algarve!
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! 🌍🚀
