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Algarve favorites, as a local
21
items My go to places in Algarve. There are many more that I could add, but these are classics I keep going to and some new places I think to be worthy to give it a try.
Keep in mind that hospitality in Algarve during high season may face staff shortages ...
Map
Sections
3
Restaurants & Bars (locals mostly)
Beaches
Upscale Bars & Restaurants
Restaurants & Bars (locals mostly)
Places I always go to
You'll have to take a boat to get there, and it's open all year round for lunch! Amazing beach day- make the restaurant reservation when you book the boat ride - and book it through their website (Animaris)
Estamine restaurant - Ilha Deserta
You can't go wrong in Santa Luzia town for octopus dishes, but “polvo panado” is my favorite app in this restaurant
Polvo e Companhia Restaurant - Santa Luzia
Young vibes and great seafood. In the old part of Faro - fun to sit outside and people watch, as well. “Xarem a Lodo” is my favorite - very tasty.
Lodo Ostraria -Oyster bar and restaurant Faro
Between that cozy and homemade food and upscale for locals - don't let the side of the road localization fool you
Restaurante Malveiro - Almancil
Some of the best seafood and fish in Algarve
Restaurant O Capelo - Luz de Tavira
Don't disregard this by it's side road location. You can tell how good of a restaurant it is when they decide to close in high season because it gets too chaotic. They have their local clientele and even they get to line up- reopening in September.
O PRIMO DOS CARACÓIS, Moncarapacho
For lunch or dinner with a view. Amazing seafood quality.
RESTAURANTE A SARDINHA - Albufeira
Beaches
Some of my favorites - or easier for me to access
Amazing beach, with only a few sheds where you can eat and even daybeds to tent. With boats leaving the mainland every 5 min or so during high season
Ilha da Fuseta beach (island)
My favorite island in Ria Formosa, with the best restaurant to grab lunch
Ilha Deserta (boat ride from Faro)
Still an option in Albufeira - not as commercial as Praia dos Pescadores
Praia dos Alemães - BEACH SPOT RESTAURANTE BAR, Albufeira -
Where most Portuguese celebrities spend their Summer
Praia dos Salgados - Albufeira
Probably the one within this area where you have the rocky cliffs and a good amount of sand
Praia Sao Rafael - Albufeira
Not far from Faro and located in one of the most expensive areas (Quinta do Lago/Vale do Lobo/Ancão). This bar is the least expensive in that area and you can lay on their umbrella and puffs for free (if you grab one early).
Praia do Garrão - 3 Moço
Fun and big sand extension beach accessible by a special open train. I used to call it “train beach” while growing up. Good options for food too
Praia do Barril - Tavira
Big island with an amazing sand extension. Great for a day getaway! Although you can stay longer, as this island has their own camping park. Great cloister of restaurants that get their food directly from fisherman.
Get the boat from Tavira center or...
Praia da Ilha de Tavira
Upscale Bars & Restaurants
While some are seasonal, some have become an Algarve icon, like Vila Vita Michelin star
Great for a group dinner followed by dancing - note this is a “pop up” restaurant open only from mid July - end of August
Praia na Villa - Vilamoura
With an initial Lisbon location, now also in Algarve in the Falesia Vilamoura area. Eating by the sea with a 5 star menu- you might spot some celebrities as well
ÀCosta Algarve | ÀCosta by Olivier
The must go 2 Michelin star at Vila Vita Parc hotel
Ocean Restaurant- Albufeira
Although I loved their initial space where you would literally eat with your feet on the sand, it's now a more beautiful version with a privileged view and great seafood!
Restaurante Pezinhos N´Areia | Castro Marim (Praia verde)
Located at “Dunas”, an high end Outdoor Furniture store. Localy sourced farm to table food. (I only stopped by for brunch and it was delicious)
Austa - Sustainable Farm to Table in Almancil
Italian - for some meat options and pizza/pasta
𝔾𝔼ℕℂ𝕆 (@genco_restaurant)