As the mild spring breeze starts to embrace us and the days are getting longer, it’s safe to say that summer is just around the corner.
And what better way to kick off the warmer months than by exploring one of Europe’s most beloved destinations—the Algarve in May?
This stunning region in southern Portugal boasts a perfect combination of crystal clear waters, golden sandy beaches, lively towns and villages, and a vibrant cultural heritage.
Whether you’re a foodie looking for culinary delights or an adventurer seeking new experiences, traveling Algarve has something for everyone.
With so many activities and places to visit in May alone, here are my top picks to make your trip unforgettable.
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Table of Contents
Best Things to do in Algarve in May
- Visit Benagil Cave
- Go on a Ria Formosa segway tour
- Watch Sevillian dance with tapas tasting
- Try horseback riding
- Shop for souvenirs at Loulé Market
1. Enjoy the Beaches
Deciding which shore to spend the day on in the pleasant Algarve weather in May is both tough and easy.
It’s easy because stunning beaches are everywhere. At the same time, tough because choices are many.
Among over a hundred beaches in the region, I fell in love with Praia da Marinha, which consistently ranks as one of Europe’s best.
It’s known for its picturesque setting and clear blue-green waters, which you can reach by hiking a cliff-top trail near Carvoeiro or taking a full-day tour from Faro.
If you’re arriving from Lisbon, Praia de Odeceixe is a dramatic beach that extends from a curving river out of dark cliffs.
Boat and kayak trips are the main water activities to tour the Algarve’s coastlines. Among the things to do in Sagres, surfers can also brave the strong swells at the Praia do Beliche beach.
Book Benagil Cave and Carvoeiro tour
2. Explore Coastal Towns
From the sea, gorgeous coastlines are like a spectacular facade of the numerous towns in the Algarve.
Let me take you to some of the prettiest coastal towns, which the Algarve May weather complements, so you can get an idea of where to stay in the Algarve.
Just a 10-minute drive from Lagos, drop by the well-rested beach town of Bargau.
Hidden in a small bay, Bargau has narrow cobbled streets of flowery whitewashed houses and a handful of charming cafes and restaurants.
Between Lagos and Bargau, there’s another beautiful seaside town to discover– Praia da Luz.
This is where I spent some afternoons viewing pink skies and lovely sunsets along the beach.
If you prefer a larger town, Carvoiero is near Airbnbs in Algarve, known for stunning cliffs and a launching pad for boat trips heading to magnificent caves.
Explore more extraordinary coastal towns through a half-day Lagos and Sagres tour from Albufeira or day trips from Lagos.
Book Lagos and Sagres Highlights tour
3. Discover Nature Reserves
Sometimes, veering off the beaten path can be the best part of your journey.
From your things to do in Algarve in May, I highly recommend visiting a nature reserve.
It may be less known, but the Algarve is home to exciting nature reserves in Southern Europe.
Fun fact: In 2021, the first flamingos in Portugal were found in the Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marsh Natural Reserve. They are now growing in number and keenly protected.
Another refuge for flamingos is the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It’s a protected wetland where fishing, seafood farming, and salt extraction are still part of its sustainable preserves.
Don’t miss bird-watching through the Ria Formosa segway tour and seafood lunch.
Visitors can access these wildlife sanctuaries in the region through hiking and cycling trails.
4. Visit Historic Sites
Sun shines longer in May, so it’s the best time to visit the Algarve’s most treasured remains of the past.
Here are just some of the best places in the Algarve.
In Faro, I was amazed by the 19th-century architecture and the Cathedral of Faro in the old town.
This cathedral has a fascinating 13th-century pure Gothic-style main entrance.
Just as lovely, the old town of Lagos is also famous for its Moorish-style architecture and ancient city walls– a top attraction for your things to do in Lagos.
If you are captivated by castle ruins and old churches, head to Tavira.
This town also highlights a Roman bridge reconstructed in the 17th century. Add this to your list of things to do in Tavira.
To acquaint yourself with Portuguese roots, join the historical Algarve region tour from Albufeira.
5. Try Local Cuisine
Travel gets real as you explore the local cuisines during your Algarve holidays in May.
Traditional dishes in the Algarve have historical influences, but what makes them unique are their origins, such as mountains and coastlines.
For tourists craving exotic and a must-try from things to do in Algarve, is the famous Octopus salad “Algarvia.”
The dish’s main ingredient is octopus, made with native aromatic herbs, giving a flavorful taste and freshness.
I spotted this dish at Casa do Polvo Tasquinha in the coastal town of Santa Luzia near Tavira.
Another favorite is the famous Cataplana, a pork and seafood stew in Arab utensils.
Casinha do Petisco is a small restaurant in Lagos center known for its delicious Cataplana.
Try more traditional dishes from the guided walking food tour in Faro.
6. Experience Festivals and Events
Connect to the Algarve’s culture and attend the colorful festivals that the Algarve celebrates in May.
- FIESA Sand Sculpture Festival – This festival of giant sandcastles is usually held between April and October in Pêra, Algarve. Sand sculptor artists from around the world are invited to participate.
- Feast of the Pine Cone – Held every first week of May at the small village of Estoi. It’s a secular tradition that is said to have existed for several centuries, in which horse-drawn carriages, tractors, and lorries are beautifully decorated with flowers.
- May Day Celebrations – A spring tradition, the Algarve celebrates this event by crafting figures stuffed with straw, old rags, or newspapers and placing them next to their houses on the 1st of May.
Tourist can also watch the cultural shows hosted by hotels and restaurants, such as the dance nights and tapas tasting in Portimão.
Book Sevillian dance and tapas tasting
7. Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The perfect weather in the Algarve in May invites every outdoor enthusiast. From beach lovers to hikers, every tourist has a place to explore.
As part of my things to do in Monchique, I hiked Mount Foía.
It’s part of the region’s interior, and it will set you out on adrenaline-filled hiking in Algarve trails with windy mountain roads or fields with fragrant wildflowers and rocky patches.
But if you’re into golf, get to Vilamoura, where you can find four of the most luxurious golf courses in the region and fulfill one of your things to do in Vilamoura.
You can also admire the Algarve’s flora and fauna through the horseback riding tour in Carrapateira.
Likewise, you can enjoy biking during the average temperature in Algarve in May along nature reserves and long-distance bicycle tracks.
Book Carrapateira horseback riding
8. Relax at Spa Retreats
The Algarve is also a haven of relaxing natural treatments and spas, which you shouldn’t miss on your list of things to do in the Algarve in May.
After a strenuous outdoor adventure, the Algarve’s baths and massages are everywhere, restoring mind and body wellness.
At one of the unique places to stay in Algarve– Monchique, tourists seek the Monchique Thermal Spa. Probably one of the oldest spas, it’s well-known for its Monchique spring water.
I got the best water massage in this fantastic spa.
If you’re seeking wellness with anti-aging solutions, go to the exotic garden of Vilalara’s Longevity Thalassa & Medical Spa.
Otherwise, indulge in a deep-release massage treatment that uses a luxurious, organic oil.
9. Shop at Local Markets
Whether you’re looking for unique souvenirs or just love the bustle and colors around the fresh produce and native products, local markets can be an exciting part of your things to do in Algarve in May.
The most popular local market in the Algarve is the Quarteira Market, on the road to Almancil.
What makes this place vibrant is the ton of stuff being sold– from coasters to paintings, name it, and you can haggle for it.
Another vibrant market is the lively Loulé Municipal Market, an indoor market with a structure built over a hundred years ago.
I loved to see the market’s flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, and locally made products like ceramics and baskets on a day trip by bus from Algarve coast.
Book a bus day trip to Loulé Market
10. Kayaking along the Algarve Coastline
To approach the natural beauty of the Algarve coastlines, kayaking is the safest and most accessible way.
The kayaking routes are usually calm in May, and the best time to set forth is early morning.
The usual but famous kayaking destination is the Benagil Cave.
The kayak boat can take you inside this dome-shaped natural formation.
A kayak tour to Praia da Marinha is ideal for couples who want to see the sunset after visiting the famous heart-shaped rocks and some spectacular beaches in the Algarve.
Atop my things to do in Albufeira is to venture the Algarve coastlines by kayak.
Book a kayak tour along Algarve coastlines
My thoughts on Algarve in May
Thanks to the mild sunshine and longer daytimes of May, I savor the early morning walk along the beautiful coastal towns and stroll the historic ones.
Aside from hiking, kayaking to the marvelous caves was a fantastic adventure.
But among my things to do in the Algarve in May, visiting the natural reserves was an insightful travel experience. I admired the flocks of flamingos and wondered about their existence in Portugal.
A worthwhile experience, indeed!
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! 🌍🚀
