Loulé Saturday Market

Often coined as the "budget" alternative to Greece or Italy, Algarve is the southern-most region of Portugal, graced with teal-green waters, picturesque rock formations, sandy beaches, and much more. There are many different towns in the Algarve region, with each one providing a unique and memorable experience. However, if you do not plan ahead, you may find yourself traveling for hours to your next destination. Check out this FREE guide for a run-down on some popular locations in Algarve to help narrow down your choice(s)-of-stay.

Adding a few days in the Algarve on to your Portugal itinerary? Here are the must-visit spots. I have a home in the small fishing/resort town of Olhos d'Agua and have found some real gems in my visits there. The Algarve is a mix of natural beaches and beauty with great weather, small to medium sized towns focused on tourism, especially in the summer months. It gets much quieter in the "off season," so keep that in mind if you're planning to visit outside of summer, as some places shut down in winter. Getting around the Algarve either from Lisbon or Faro typically means renting a car so you can visit off-the-beaten-path locations, but taxi/Uber/Bolt are plentiful and pretty affordable. I'll continue to update this guide on a regular basis as I go deeper and explore the region that's my 2nd home!