Traveling to the Algarve in September?
Portugal has numerous must-visit destinations; one of those I love most is the Algarve coast. Even after the summer peaks, I discovered that the sun-soaked region is more than just beautiful beaches.
As many tourists start to leave in September, travel Algarve and enjoy a unique coastal experience, from its hidden beaches and vibrant markets to sprawling vineyards. Still, the warm nights overflow with cocktails and beach parties.
Wondering what to do in Algarve in September? Here’s a guide on my favorite things to do in Portugal’s southernmost region.
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Table of Contents
Overview: Algarve in September
- Kayak through Ria Formosa Natural Park
- Go on a walking tour of Lagos
- Try standup paddleboarding in Benagil Cave
- Take a wine tour with an expert
- Visit Silves Castle
1. Relax on the Beautiful Beaches
Ideal for beach getaways, the weather in the Algarve in September ranges from an average temperature of 19°C to 26°C (66°F to 79°F).
Praia da Marinha or Navy Beach is among the popular beaches in Algarve between Armação de Pêra and Carvoeiro. Here, you can hop on a boat to reach the nearby coves.
At Praia da Falésia, I enjoyed a long beach walk on its soft sand. This magnificent beach stretches more than six kilometers from Vilamoura in the East to Olhos de Água in the West.
Both beaches are quieter compared to the beaches of Monte Gordo, Praia da Cacela Velha, and Quinta do Lago in September. So if you wish to escape the crowds, you know where to go.
2. Explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park
Hiking in Algarve is more fun in September. Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to traverse a maze of sandbars, creeks, marshes, and lagoons at Ria Formosa Natural Park.
The nature park stretches for 60 kilometers from Faro to Tavira. I’d recommend you hop on a full-day boat tour from Olhão or take the route from Faro.
Ria Formosa Natural Park is a haven for chameleons, flamingos, and migratory birds. Here, the bird-watching season starts in September.
After my unforgettable kayaking experience, I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to explore the beautiful waters of Algarve.
3. Visit the Historic Town of Lagos
Lagos Old Town is also worth visiting in the Algarve in September. I enjoyed walking along its cobblestoned streets, where whitewashed churches with baroque interiors caught my attention.
One of the best day trips from Lagos lets you pass by Ponta da Piedade, a sculpted headland with spectacular rock formations and caves.
You can also sign up for the Lagos walking tour and visit historical sites, including Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, a 17th-century fortress with panoramic city views.
Try Lagos local cuisine at one of its many restaurants such as O Pescador for grilled fish and Prato Cheio for cataplana (soup stew with pork, clams, and prawns).
4. Take a Boat Tour to the Benagil Cave
Benagil Cave is a light-filled, limestone-layered dome near Lagoa along the beaches of Praia de Benagil and Praia da Marinha.
To reach the cave, ride a kayak or paddle inside. The kayak tour starts from Benagil Beach then will proceed to the so-called cathedrals of the sea.
The Benagil Caves SUP tour with Blue Xperiences conducts a safety briefing session beforehand, but all participants must be swimmers (ages 12 and up). Remember to bring sunscreen, a towel, and snacks.
A boat tour to the Benagil Cave with a sunset option is one of my favorite things to do in Portimão.
5. Discover the Charming Village of Carvoeiro
With its laid-back but picturesque charm, Carvoeiro is one of the best places in Algarve.
Once a fishing village, Carvoeiro is now a promising resort town with beautiful beaches such as Praia de Carvoeiro, Praia do Vale de Centeanes, and Praia do Paraíso.
Scenic walks and coastal hikes are the popular things to do in Carvoeiro. I walked up the 570m-long wooden Carvoeiro Boardwalk to enjoy clifftop views.
The boardwalk also leads to incredible rock formations and caves at Algar Seco. If you get hungry, pop by Boneca Bar for a glass of iced cold beer paired with grilled fish or chicken.
6. Enjoy Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards
The Algarve has a burgeoning wine scene, which makes wine-tasting among the best things to do in Silves and Lagoa.
At Morgado do Quintão, I sampled some of their signature wines that are also available to several three-star Michelin restaurants worldwide. The historic estate has a 2,000-year-old olive tree and indigenous grape varieties.
Here’s a list of the top vineyards to visit in Algarve:
- Quinta dos Vales in Lagoa
- Adega Do Cantor in Albufeira
- Quinta Da Tor in Faro
- Quinta Do Francês in Silves
- Quinta Do Canhoto in Faro
For a perfect wine-tasting experience, book an Algarve wine tour guided by a wine expert and learn about the whole wine-making process.
7. Go Dolphin Watching in Albufeira
The weather in Algarve in September is warm and pleasant, the best time for dolphin-watching, one of the best things to do in Albufeira in September.
I went on a 2.5-hour boat trip to see Orcas and bottlenose dolphins up close. It’s best to embark on the tour in the morning while the dolphins are hunting for breakfast.
The Dolphins Guided Boat Tour comes with a visit to the Benagil Caves and natural rock formations. A skipper will watch for dolphins as you cruise along the Algarve coast.
Regardless whether you have seen dolphins in the wild already before, it’s always an experience on its own.
8. Explore the Markets in Loulé
Almost every town in Algarve has its own market, and the most famous among them is the municipal market of Loulé.
You can go on a day trip by bus from Algarve and browse through artisan crafts, such as handmade bags and jewelry. It was delightful to find fresh flowers and plants in addition to vegetables and fruits.
Loulé Market is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Saturday mornings, more stalls are set up outside. Be there early to get the freshest meat, fish, and local produce.
About 20 minutes from Loulé, shopping is also one of the best things to do in Vilamoura.
Book a day trip by bus to Loule Market
9. Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Have you seen the Algarve coast from above? You can walk the six-kilometer Seven Hanging Valleys Trail between Marinha Beach and Vale Centeanes Beach in Lagoa.
This trail showed me spectacular views of the Benagil Cave and other stunning coves surrounding the coast. Other notable stops I made were the Alfanzina lighthouse and Carvalho beaches.
Watch out for painted markings and rocks along the way, as these will be your guide.
Don’t forget to wear sturdy footwear for a comfortable hike and keep a safe distance from the cliffs. The sinkholes are fenced for your safety.
10. Visit the Silves Castle
Silves Castle is the largest and among the most beautiful Arab fortifications in the region.
Perched on top of a hill, the castle was declared a national monument in 1910. Its history dates back to 1910. The castle’s reddish hue is due to the red sandstone used alongside clay, gravel, and sand.
The two highlights of the castle, the Citadel and the Medina, remain intact after the earthquake that struck the city in 1755.
On a guided tour to Silves, I also entered a Gothic-style Cathedral and an archaeological museum.
Silves Castle is about 50 minutes by car from the Faro airport.
11. Experience the Nightlife in Vilamoura
Nightlife in Algarve is the best, but have you tried partying in Vilamoura? Mind you, it’s epic.
The famous beach clubs in Vilamoura are Tivoli and Purobeach. I liked how both venues come alive with fairy lights and live music that are not too loud.
Vilamoura’s top three bars are The Lake Resort Bar, Atlantic Bar, and Zu Yi. Here, you can sip fruity cocktails right by the water.
Things can turn up late in Vilamoura and dinners might be served around 9 or 10 pm. Try local drinks like Ginja, sweet and strong but my three euros are worth it!
Nightclubs open around 11 pm until 4 am. It’s safe to walk around Vilamoura but stay cautious.
12. Take a Day Trip to the Vicentine Coast
The Vicentine Coast is an unmissable spot to visit in Algarve in late September.
In the southwestern tip of Portugal, you’ll find Cape St Vincent, which consists of cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
There’s a small lighthouse just above the cape. Within the coast, the Natural Park of Costa Vicentina is brimming with nature views and diverse wildlife such as otters and fishing eagles.
Make the most of your Costa Vicentina road trip by visiting its many beaches, including Malhão, Praia do Amado, Porto Covo, Monte Clérigo, and Arrifana and by watching the sunset on Praia da Mareta, one of the best things to do in Sagres.
My final thoughts on Algarve in September
For a coastal region steeped in history, Algarve is surprisingly big on activities such as hiking, caving, and dolphin-watching.
Visit Portugal in September and start planning your itinerary to explore and enjoy the things to do in Algarve.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more travel tips on what to do in Algarve in September. Stay tuned for our next insider guides on the things to do in Algarve in October and activities in Algarve in November.
What’s your favorite activity in Algarve? Share it in the comments!
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! 🌍🚀
