There is so much to see and do in the Algarve that I had to write about it! For now I choose 7 hidden gems in the Algarve to write about. Of course there are many more cool places to visit and I will write about it but for now I will show you the 7 hidden gems in the Algarve that I think you need to visit!
7 hidden gems in the Algarve
1. Look inside Igreja São Lourenço de Matos and be amazed
One of the must things to see in the Algarve is the church, Igreja São Lourenço de Matos. It’s a small church in Almancil not far from Faro. So it is a perfect stop for when you leave the airport and drive to your next destination. But watch out if you are not paying attention you will drive past it!
The inside of Igreja São Lourenço de Matos is covered with blue and white azulejos (traditional tin-glazed ceramic tiles), designed by Policarpo de Oliveira Bernardes, dating back to the 18th century. It is said that Igreja São Lourenço de Matos is the most beautiful church of the Algarve or even of Portugal.
Address:
R. da Igreja s/n,
8135-027 Almancil
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am – 1pm / 3pm – 5pm
Sunday: Closed
Monday: 3pm – 5pm
Price: €2
2. Enjoy the gardens and more in Estoi
Estoi is a small town just 15 minutes away from Faro. This little town is famous because of the Palace turned into a hotel with its beautiful garden.
But there is much more to do. Besides wondering around the town and exploring the gardens you can also visit the church, have a bite to eat or just a drink and visit the ruins of Milreu.
Normally you can visit the hotel and walk from there to the gardens. But because of COVID-19 this isn’t possible. However! It is possible to explore a part of the garden thru a different entrance near the church.
If you want to explore the hotel, you can book a room or reserve a table for diner.
I will write a more detailed blog about Estoi soon.
Address gardens:
R. do Pe da Cruz 30
8005-411 Estói
Hours:
Monday to Saturday:
9am to 12:30pm / 2pm to 5:30pm.
3. Stroll thru Alte and enjoy a picnic at the river
Alte is a charming little town. It has the typical white houses and narrow streets that you find in the Algarve. Here you can find nice restaurants, a church and the biggest secret of all Fonte Grande Alte. There is also a smaller Fonte called Fonte Pequena Alte. Alongside the river, Fonte Grande, you can have a BBQ or picnic but you can also take a dip in the water.
Address:
Rua da Fonte,
8100-012 Alte
4. Look at some bones at Igreja do Carmo
(Chapel of bones), Faro
You will find a lot of churches in the Algarve and a lot will have blue and white tiles but you won’t see a lot of them with real life bones!
At Igreja do Carmo in Faro at the back of the church you will find a little chapel with bones. It’s a bit creepy but also a bit fascinating.
Well that’s what I think about it 😉
Address:
Largo do Carmo
8000-148 Faro
Hours:
Monday to Friday:
10am – 1pm/ 3pm – 6pm
Saturday:
10am – 1pm
5. Explore the ruins of the Castle of Paderne
The Castle of Paderne are the remains of a Moorish castle. There isn’t much to see inside the castle except the ruins of a church. Which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755. You also have a nice view. Well, when you ignore the highway ;-). Even though there isn’t that much to see I like to let my imagination do it’s thing.
It was a bit tricky to get there but when you know how it’s actually really simple. You park down the hill under the highway and hike your way up to the ruins. You can also do some other hiking here as well. Like walk to the Roman bridge.
Fun fact: I drove all the way up to the Castle but ones there I didn’t trust it and drove back down. I thought the drive up was a bit scary so don’t do it when you can’t drive well.
Address:
Cerro do Castelo
8200 Paderne
Parking location: coordinates: 37.160009, -8.200981
Only open on Wednesday from 10am till 5pm!
6. Hike near Querença and enjoy the sunset
Querença is a small town near Loulé. Even though it is a small town there are a couple things you can do. You can visit the Church, grab a bite to eat, visit the water museum or hike at Fonte da Benémola. The park has hiking trails where you can find a number of caves with archaeological remains.
You can also experience some beautiful sunsets!
I haven’t hiked there yet, but one day I will!
Want to read more? Click here.
Address:
Largo da Igreja Nossa Sra.
da Anunciação
8100-127 Loulé
7. Enjoy the view at the Carvoeiro Boardwalk
The Carvoeiro boardwalk is a short walk on a wooden walkway but because of the beautiful view it will take you much longer than planned.
Halfway the boardwalk you can walk down some rock formations and explore the cliffs a whole other way. But please be careful!
The boardwalk starts at Nossa Senhora da Encarnação fort and you can walk all the way up to the Algar Seco rock formation. Which is also a famous spot for tourists.
At the Algar Seco rock formation you can have a drink or a bit to eat. If you think this is too busy, you can also walk back and explore the town of Carvoeiro. And if you feel like it you can also relax at the beach.
I will write a more detailed blog about the Carvoeiro boardwalk soon.
