Whilst tourists flock to the bustling resorts of Albufeira and Lagos, the eastern region of the Algarve remains wonderfully unspoilt.

Here, authentic Portuguese life continues at its traditional unhurried pace. The Eastern Algarve offers a refreshing alternative for travellers seeking the perfect balance: golden beaches without the crowds, charming towns without the tourist traps, and natural beauty without the overdevelopment.

From the historic streets of Tavira to the working fishing port of Olhão, this region delivers a genuine Portuguese experience increasingly rare along the southern coast. The Ria Formosa lagoon system creates a network of barrier islands protecting some of Portugal's most pristine beaches, accessible only by boat or water taxi – ensuring they remain peaceful even in high season.

For those seeking Portugal as it once was, where time moves more slowly, the Eastern Algarve awaits.

Tavira's Riverside Charm - Wander through Tavira's cobbled streets lined with traditional Portuguese architecture, cross the Roman bridge spanning the Gilão River, and discover hidden plazas filled with orange trees.

Ilha de Tavira Beach - Crystal-clear waters and golden sands stretch for kilometres along this barrier island. Accessible only by ferry, it offers a peaceful beach experience with just enough facilities for comfort.

Olhão Market - Experience one of Portugal's finest food markets housed in distinctive red-domed buildings along the waterfront. Local fishermen and farmers bring their fresh produce here, creating a vibrant atmosphere of colours, aromas and authentic Portuguese trading traditions.

Vila Real de Santo António - This border town boasts unexpected grandeur with its striking Pombaline design - a perfect grid of elegant streets radiating from the central square. Its royal-commissioned architecture, pedestrianised shopping area and riverside promenade deliver metropolitan style in a charming small-town setting.

The Eastern Algarve suits travellers looking for a quieter, more authentic Portuguese experience. This region is perfect for people who enjoy:
• Long, peaceful days on uncrowded beaches where you can actually hear the waves.
• Genuine Portuguese towns where local life continues unchanged by tourism.
• Fresh seafood in small family restaurants rather than international chains.
• Natural beauty, from the Ria Formosa lagoon system to peaceful walking trails.
• Historical streets and buildings that tell Portugal's story without tourist crowds.

The Eastern Algarve is not for you if your ideal holiday includes:
• Lively nightclubs and bars open until sunrise.
• Constant organised entertainment and busy resort complexes.
• English-speaking staff everywhere and familiar food options.
• Water parks, golf courses, and commercial tourist attractions.

This is Portugal as it was before mass tourism arrived. Visitors here trade all-inclusive wristbands and bar crawls for pristine beaches and sunset strolls along ancient cobbled streets. If you value authenticity over convenience, the Eastern Algarve offers a holiday that refreshes both body and mind.

Tavira - The heart of the Eastern Algarve combines riverside charm with historical richness. Its Roman bridge, 37 churches, and maze of cobbled streets create a town of timeless beauty. Tavira balances tourism and tradition perfectly, offering quality restaurants while maintaining authentic Portuguese character - guide to Tavira.

Olhão - A genuine working fishing port with distinctive Moorish-influenced architecture. The bustling morning fish and produce markets housed in striking waterfront buildings make this town unique. Less polished than other Algarve destinations, Olhão gives a glimpse into modern Portuguese life - guide to Olhão.

Vila Real de Santo António - Built to a perfect grid pattern following the 1755 earthquake, this elegant border town features a striking central square and wide avenues. Its position on the Guadiana River facing Spain gives it a distinctive frontier atmosphere, with a pleasant riverside promenade and ferry connections to Spain - guide to Vila Real de Santo António.

Monte Gordo - The Eastern Algarve's most resort-like destination offers a vast, flat sandy beach and the region's warmest water temperatures. More developed than its neighbours with larger hotels and a casino, Monte Gordo provides more conventional tourist amenities while remaining relaxed compared to western resorts - guide to Monte Gordo.

Cabanas - A small fishing village turned low-key holiday destination centred around its boardwalk overlooking the Ria Formosa. With just enough restaurants and accommodation but no excessive development, Cabanas offers a peaceful base with boat access to its pristine island beach.

Manta Rota - Distinguished by having the Eastern Algarve's most accessible beach (no boat required), this small holiday community maintains a relaxed atmosphere. Popular with Portuguese families, it offers simple pleasures with limited development and a focus on beach life.

Fuseta - This tiny fishing village centres around its small harbour and simple town square. With just a handful of restaurants serving the day's catch and direct access to the spectacular Ilha da Fuseta, it offers one of the most authentic experiences in the region.

The following map details the towns (green markers) and the best beaches (yellow markers) of the Eastern Algarve. Note: zoom in or out to see all of the markers.

Legend: 1) Tavira 2) Olhão 3) Vila Real de Santo António 4) Monte Gordo 5) Cabanas 6) Manta Rota 7) Fuseta 8) Castelo de Castro Marim 9) Santa Luzia 10) Cacela Velha
Beaches: 11) Praia da Ilha da Culatra 12) Praia da Fuseta 13) Praia do Barril 14) Ilha de Tavira 15) Praia de Cabana 16) Praia de Cacela Velha 17) Praia da Manta Rota 18) Praia da Alagoa 19) Praia de Monte Gordo 20) Praia de Santo António

If you're staying in the central Algarve (Faro, Albufeira or Vilamoura) but want to experience the region's more authentic side, the Eastern Algarve makes for an excellent day trip. Here are three day-trip suggestions which can be easily done independently and free for organised tours:

Olhão – Begin at Olhão's famous waterfront market to see the incredible array of fresh seafood and local produce. Walk along the attractive waterfront promenade with views across the fishing harbour where colourful boats unload their daily catch. Explore the distinctive Moorish-influenced backstreets with their cube-shaped houses and narrow lanes. Consider joining a boat tour of the Ria Formosa to spot diverse birdlife and visit barrier islands. Olhão is easily accessible by train from the central Algarve.

Tavira – Devote a full day to this riverside town with its Roman bridge and historic centre. Visit some of its 37 churches, explore the castle ruins for panoramic views, and stroll the peaceful gardens. Take the ferry to Ilha de Tavira beach for a few hours of relaxation on one of the Algarve's most beautiful stretches of sand. The train connects Tavira to the central Algarve, though a car offers more flexibility - a day trip to Tavira.

Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim – Spend the morning in Vila Real de Santo António exploring its elegant waterfront and grand central square. In the afternoon, drive to nearby Castro Marim to visit its impressive medieval fortress with commanding views across the surrounding salt pans where you might spot flamingos in season. This trip requires a car to connect these locations easily.

Tavira offers the perfect balance for visitors seeking authentic Portugal without sacrificing convenience. This riverside gem sits just 40km from Faro Airport yet feels worlds away from tourist traps. The town's excellent transport connections—including regular train service—make it ideal for exploring the entire Eastern Algarve without needing a rental car.

What truly sets Tavira apart is its liveable charm. Large enough to provide variety but small enough to feel intimate, you'll find family-run restaurants serving fresh seafood alongside traditional tascas, all at prices below the western resorts. The town's cobbled streets host enough quality shops and attractions to fill leisurely mornings, while afternoons can be spent on the spectacular Ilha de Tavira beach, accessible by a short ferry ride.

Accommodation options range from boutique hotels in converted historic buildings (such as the Pousada Convento Tavira) to comfortable rental apartments, allowing visitors to experience Portuguese daily life while enjoying sufficient tourist infrastructure. Tavira simply delivers what most travellers seek: authenticity without sacrifice.

The Eastern Algarve enjoys Portugal's most favourable climate, with over 300 sunny days annually, hot summers and mild winters.

The beach season extends longer here, typically from mid-April through late October, with water temperatures remaining pleasant well into autumn. Summer (June-August) guarantees perfect beach weather with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C, though July and August afternoons can become uncomfortably hot for sightseeing between 12-4pm. During these months, structure your day around morning exploration and late afternoon activities, with beach or siesta during peak heat.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the ideal balance—pleasantly warm for both exploring historic towns and enjoying uncrowded beaches. During winter, tourist numbers significantly drop, but larger towns like Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António remain fully open due to their permanent populations.

The average day time maximum and the nighttime minimum temperature for Tavira and the east Algarve

The average hours of sunshine per day and monthly rainfall (in mm)

The Eastern Algarve's beaches offer a distinctly different experience from the western region's dramatic cliffs and powerful Atlantic waves. Here, the Ria Formosa lagoon system creates a series of barrier islands with powder-soft golden sand and calm, shallow waters perfect for families and relaxed swimming.

Ilha de Tavira - This magnificent 11km stretch ensures plenty of space even in high season. Accessible by ferry from Tavira town (April-October) or Quatro Águas (year-round), this Blue Flag beach combines pristine natural beauty with just enough facilities—beachside restaurants, sunbeds, and clean facilities without excessive development.

Praia do Barril - Reached by crossing a wooden bridge and riding a quirky miniature train across the marshes, this beach offers a unique approach and stunning setting. The "anchor cemetery"—hundreds of anchors standing in the sand as a memorial to the tuna fishing industry—provides a hauntingly beautiful landmark and photo opportunity before you reach the immaculate shore.

Ilha da Fuseta - This smaller island beach accessible by quick ferry from the fishing village of Fuseta offers the region's most translucent waters. Less developed than Tavira's beaches, it's perfect for those seeking a more natural experience while still having a simple beach restaurant for refreshments.

Praia da Manta Rota - Unlike most Eastern Algarve beaches, this expansive stretch can be reached directly without a boat, making it ideal for those with mobility concerns or families with young children. The gentle slope into the sea creates safe swimming conditions with exceptionally warm water.

Praia de Monte Gordo - This wide, flat sandy beach stretches for several kilometres and stands out for its direct accessibility from town. The sheltered position near the Spanish border creates the Algarve's warmest water temperatures. With full facilities, beachfront hotels, and a palm-lined promenade, it's the Eastern Algarve's most resort-like beach while still avoiding the overcrowding found further west.

Praia de Cacela Velha - For those seeking pristine nature, this isolated beach beneath the historic village of Cacela Velha requires effort to reach but rewards visitors with what many consider the Algarve's most unspoiled coastline—no facilities, no development, just perfect sand and sea.

Our most popular guides to the Eastern Algarve