Should you wish to go out for the day, the Algarve has much to offer. You can spend a day in another village or town or enjoy the special and diverse surroundings.
Cave of Benagil
The most famous cave in the Algarve is the magnificent Benagil Cave, also known as Algar de Benagil in Portuguese. The cave is over 20 million years old and is the most famous and one of the most beautiful limestone caves in the Algarve. By erosion a huge natural cavity was created in the limestone and in the cave itself you will find a small sandy beach. The natural light in the cave provides an almost otherworldly spectacle, especially at sunrise and sunset. The easiest way to visit the Benagil Cave is by boat.
Praia da Marinha
There are many beautiful beaches in the Algarve with capricious rock formations in and along the water. Praia da Marinha is seen as the most beautiful. Praia da Marinha is situated near Lagoa and close to the cave of Benagil. This beach also has the typical rock formations, caves and cliffs that you find on many beaches in Portugal. However, this beach is even more beautiful than the others.
Serra de Monchique
An alternative to the beaches of the Algarve is the Serra de Monchique, a rolling mountain range that adds a special perspective to the region’s western landscape. The slopes of Monchique, are full of chestnut and eucalyptus trees. A network of nature trails winds through the shady forest landscape; one of these leads all the way to Fóia, at 900 metres the highest point of the Algarve.
Portimão
Another option is to go to Portimãote which is the second largest city in the region. The city has an award-winning museum and tells the history of the city’s fishing and canning traditions using state-of-the-art interactive effects. In addition, Portimão is also an international port of call for luxury cruise ships bound for the Mediterranean.