Your Algarve Bucket List Starts Here
You’ve picked one of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines for your holiday. The best view of it isn’t just from the beach. It’s from the skies above the cliffs, the ocean and the Ria de Alvor. If it isn’t on your bucket list yet, it should be…
This is our team guide to the Algarve: there’s beaches, restaurants, boat trips and plenty of places we go with your friends and family, all within easy reach of Skydive Algarve centre.
The Algarve, in Short
The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region and has a 200 km stretch of Atlantic coastline, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, dramatic golden cliffs, hidden sea caves, sleepy fishing villages and some of the best food in the country. It is one of Europe’s most-visited holiday regions for a reason and it delivers year-round.
Skydive Algarve is based at Portimão Airfield Alvor. From our skydiving centre, everything below is within easy reach, most of it in under 30 minutes.
Our Favourite Beaches
Here are five beaches we send everyone to. Three are within 10 minutes of Skydive Algarve and the other two are worth the half-hour drive for the postcard views of the cliffs.
The iconic Alvor beach. Golden cliffs, sea arches, a small cave the kids love, and a Blue Flag every year. At low tide you can walk the sand and rock pools all the way through to Prainha next door. This is the one to see first.
- Distance: 8–10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Families, first-time visitors, sunset, easy afternoons after a jump
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
The tucked-away sister cove of Três Irmãos. Shell-shaped coves separated by cliffs, arches and wind-carved rock formations, one of the most photogenic corners of the Alvor coast. Small, quiet, and best at low tide when the sand opens up. No lifeguards, so this is a beach for confident swimmers and calm sea days.
- Distance: 8–10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Couples, photographers, quiet mornings, low-tide exploring
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
The long, wide sandy beach that runs beside Alvor village and out along the Ria de Alvor nature reserve. Wooden boardwalks through the dunes, calm water, Blue Flag, and enough space that it never feels crowded. The easiest beach day of the five.
- Distance: 10–12 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Families, long walks, birdwatching, watersports, accessible beach days
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Postcard Algarve. Consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe: turquoise water, sculpted cliffs, and the trailhead of the Seven Hanging Valleys clifftop walk right above the sand. If you only have one half-day for a beach trip, drive here.
- Distance: 30–40 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Couples, photography, cliff walks, calm-water swimming
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Go early as the parking fills fast in July and August. The light is best in the morning.
A hidden shell-shaped cove reached through a tunnel carved into the cliff, right next to Benagil. Fossil-lined stone steps lead down to a small beach completely surrounded by walls of rock, with a cave to one side and an islet just offshore. A short, memorable stop, so bring water and swim shoes.
- Distance: 30–40 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Couples, snorkelling, confident swimmers, hikers on the Seven Hanging Valleys trail
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Must-See Places in the Algarve
Landmarks worth building a day around. These are the region’s best-known sights.
Probably the most photographed natural wonder in Portugal: a vast sea cave with a natural skylight in the ceiling, only accessible from the water. Go by boat, kayak or SUP from Benagil or Portimão. Swimming into the cave is not allowed, so book a licensed operator.
- Distance: 30–40 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Boat/kayak tours, cave photography, half-day trips
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
A cluster of golden rock formations, sea arches and grottoes at the edge of Lagos. Best seen from the water on a small-boat tour, or walk the clifftop path at sunset.
- Distance: 25–30 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Small-boat tours, clifftop walks, sunset
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
The most south-westerly point of continental Europe. Wild, windswept and dramatic. The cliffs plunge 75 metres into the Atlantic. Sunset from the lighthouse is unforgettable.
- Distance: 1 h 15 min from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Sunset, road trips, dramatic cliff scenery, surfers
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Our home village. Whitewashed streets, a working fishing harbour, and a beautiful wooden boardwalk that runs across the Ria de Alvor nature reserve. Perfect for a morning walk before your jump.
- Distance: 10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Morning walks, birdwatching, fishing harbour, families
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
The Algarve’s medieval capital, 20 minutes inland. A red sandstone castle, cobbled streets and one of the best Saturday markets in the region.
- Distance: 25 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: History, Saturday markets, half-day trip
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
The Algarve’s green interior. Cork forests, thermal spas at Caldas de Monchique, and views from Fóia (the highest point in the region at 902 m) that stretch all the way back to Alvor.
- Distance: 45 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Nature, hiking, thermal spas, panoramic views
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
A protected lagoon system east of Faro. Flamingos, oyster farms, sandbank islands only reachable by boat. A completely different side of the Algarve.
- Distance: 1 h 15 min from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Birdwatching, boat tours, sandbank islands, nature lovers
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
The most elegant town in the eastern Algarve. Roman bridge, church towers, and boat access to Ilha de Tavira, one of the region’s least-crowded beaches.
- Distance: 1 h 20 min from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Historic town, quiet beaches, full-day trip
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
The Algarve has some of the most dramatic clifftop walks in Europe. Two long-distance trails cross the region, and several shorter walks are worth building a morning around.
- Distance: Trailheads from 10 minutes to 1 hour from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, active travellers
Here’s some of our favourites:
- Fisherman’s Trail (Rota Vicentina): The wild south-west coast between Odeceixe and Lagos. Cliff paths above the Atlantic, some of the most dramatic walking in Europe. Best done in day sections.
- Via Algarviana: The region’s inland long-distance trail, from Alcoutim to Cabo de São Vicente. Cork forests, hilltop villages, easy day sections around Monchique and Silves.
- Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: The Algarve’s most famous short walk. Six km along the clifftops between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes, passing right above Benagil Cave.
- Ria de Alvor Boardwalk: An easy flat walk right at our doorstep, through the estuary nature reserve. Birdlife, salt pans, and views back to the airfield.
- Fóia, Monchique: The highest point in the Algarve at 902 m. Short walk from the road with views all the way back to the coast.
Activities
The Algarve is set up for time outdoors, on and off the water. Boat trips to Benagil and the sea caves, sunset catamaran cruises, dolphin watching, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding across the Ria de Alvor, kitesurfing, surf lessons and jet-skiing along the Portimão coast. There’s plenty to do inland too from jeep and buggy safaris into the Serra de Monchique with medronho distillery visits, quad and ATV tours, horse riding along the coast and wine tasting at Algarve vineyards around Lagoa and Silves. Plus karting on the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (Portugal’s F1 and MotoGP track), paintball, world-class golf, water parks including Slide & Splash and Aqualand, the Zoomarine theme park and one of the biggest sand-sculpture parks in the world.
Whatever the age or energy level, there’s something for the day before, or after, your jump.
Surf lessons for all levels at Praia da Rocha in Portimão. Small groups, experienced instructors, and an eco-conscious approach. They treat the ocean with the same care we treat the sky.
- Departs from: Praia da Rocha, Portimão (15–20 min from Skydive Algarve)
- Best for: Beginners, kids, small-group lessons, eco-conscious visitors
- Phone: +351 918 755 823
- Website: future-ecosurf.com
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Skippered and self-drive boat rentals from Marina de Lagos. Head out to Ponta da Piedade, Benagil, or design your own coastline day on the water.
- Departs from: Marina de Lagos (25–30 min from Skydive Algarve)
- Best for: Couples, groups, private charters, self-drive adventurers
- Phone: +351 282 045 109
- Website: www.algarveboatrental.com
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Catamaran cruises along the Alvor and Portimão coast: cave tours, dolphin-spotting, sunset trips and private charters. One of the most relaxed ways to see the coastline.
- Departs from: Marginal de Alvor (10 min from Skydive Algarve)
- Best for: Families, sunset cruises, dolphin-spotting, groups
- Phone: +351 925 822 920
- Website: alvorsailing.com
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Outdoor paintball with natural obstacles and a covered lounge. Set up for stag/hen parties, birthdays and team-building groups.
- Distance: 10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Stag/hen parties, birthdays, team-building, groups
- Phone: +351 934 203 042
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
The largest sand sculpture park in the world: 6 hectares of monumental sand sculptures carved by international artists, new themes each year. Buggy rental, snack bar, fish spa.
- Distance: 20 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Families with kids, rainy days, half-day activity, groups
- Phone: +351 969 459 259
- Website: sandcity.pt
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
The original home of golf in the Algarve. Set within 360 acres of championship grasslands, Penina is a five-star resort with three courses, including the Algarve’s first 18-hole championship course.
- Distance: 5 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Championship golf, first-timers, resort stays
- Phone: +351 282 420 200
- Website: www.penina.com
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Where to Stay Near Skydive Algarve
Hotels we recommend within a short drive of Portimão Airfield. All within 10 minutes of Skydive Algarve unless noted.
Beachfront apart-hotel on Praia de Alvor with direct beach access, outdoor and indoor pools, and gardens between the dunes. Comfortable studios and apartments.
- Distance: 5 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Groups, families, beachfront stays, self-catering
- Website: pestana.com
A 4-star beachfront hotel overlooking Alvor beach, with calm, crystal-clear water, a salt-water outdoor pool, and a spa with indoor pool. 10 minutes on foot from Alvor village.
- Distance: 5 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Couples, families, spa stays, walking distance to Alvor village
- Website: pestana.com
Family-run apart-hotel in Montes de Alvor with two pools, gardens, on-site bar and a relaxed pace. Great value and walking distance from our facilities.
- Distance: Walking distance (5 min on foot from Skydive Algarve)
- Best for: Value stays, families, groups, self-catering
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
A short walk from Alvor’s historic centre. Modern, comfortable rooms close to the Ria de Alvor, the beach and the local restaurants. Well set up for skydive groups.
- Distance: 5–10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Skydive groups, couples, walking distance to Alvor village
- Phone: +351 282 490 210
- Website: www.aguahotels.pt
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Where to Eat Near Skydive Algarve
The Algarve has some of the best food in Portugal: fresh seafood, wood-fired grills, cataplanas, sardines straight off the boat. These are our team’s favourite spots in and around Alvor:
Relaxed Portuguese cooking in Alvor’s old town. The kind of place that reminds you why you came to Portugal.
- Distance: 10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Traditional Portuguese food, relaxed lunches, first-time visitors
- Cuisine: Portuguese
- Phone: +351 924 142 859
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Right by Praia dos Três Irmãos. Fresh fish, sea view, no fuss, and a favourite for a long lunch by the beach.
- Distance: 10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Long lunches after a jump, sea views, fresh fish
- Cuisine: Portuguese seafood
- Phone: +351 282 459 688
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
In the heart of Alvor village. A Portuguese menu built around organic and local produce, one of the most consistent kitchens in town.
Distance: 10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
Best for: Farm-to-table Portuguese, date nights, dependable dinners
Cuisine: Modern Portuguese (organic, local produce)
Phone: +351 282 458 627
Google Maps: View on Google Maps
On the Marginal de Alvor overlooking the Ria. Portuguese and European cooking, outdoor seating, a good spot at sunset.
- Distance: 10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Sunset dinners, outdoor seating, Ria views
- Cuisine: Portuguese and European
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
The craft-beer bar in Alvor. Wide selection of Portuguese and international craft beers, good cocktails, casual food, live music. Open late.
- Distance: 10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Late nights, groups, craft beer, live music
- Cuisine: Craft beer, cocktails, casual food
- Phone: +351 964 718 410
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
A stylish steakhouse in Alvor serving top-tier cuts (Argentina, New Zealand, Portugal) alongside Angus burgers and signature sauces. Best in Alvor for a proper steak.
- Distance: 10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Date nights, celebrations, meat lovers
- Cuisine: Steakhouse (Argentina, New Zealand and Portuguese cuts)
- Phone: +351 932 408 539
- Website: steakhousefaustinos.pt
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza in Alvor’s old town. Fresh pasta, daily specials, an easy place to bring a group.
- Distance: 10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Groups, families, quick post-jump dinners
- Cuisine: Neapolitan pizza and fresh pasta
- Phone: +351 939 871 800
- Website: pizzeriapepperino.pt
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Mexican cantina in Alvor. Tacos, quesadillas, margaritas, and a lively evening spot with vegetarian and vegan options.
- Distance: 10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Lively evenings, groups, vegetarian/vegan diners
- Cuisine: Mexican (vegetarian and vegan options)
- Phone: +351 282 035 442
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
The sports bar in Alvor, with 20 screens, live football and rugby, burgers, ribs and pizza. By night it turns into a party venue with karaoke, DJs and a dance floor.
- Distance: 10 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Match days, late nights, groups, party
- Cuisine: Sports bar (burgers, ribs, pizza)
- Phone: +351 935 441 229
- Website: sportscafe.pt
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
A Lagos favourite. Argentinian-style empanadas, casual atmosphere, worth the 20-minute drive.
- Distance: 20 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Casual lunches, quick bites, worth the drive
- Cuisine: Argentinian empanadas
- Phone: +351 928 058 917
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Casual pizzeria and bistro on the Estrada da Barca, close to the Alvor dunes. Pizza, pasta, burgers, salads, and an easy family option.
- Distance: 5 minutes from Skydive Algarve
- Best for: Families, easy dinners, kids’ menu
- Cuisine: Pizza, pasta, burgers, salads
- Phone: +351 282 035 326
- Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Events & Festivals in the Algarve
The Algarve has a busy calendar all year: international music festivals in summer, motorsport at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, traditional markets, religious festivals and food fairs celebrating everything from sardines to medronho. For the most up-to-date listings, we recommend checking:
- Visit Portimão · visitportimao.com
- Visit Algarve · visitalgarve.pt
- Portimão Câmara Municipal · portimao.pt
Getting to Skydive Algarve
Skydive Algarve is based at Portimão Airfield in Alvor, right in the heart of the Algarve and easy to reach from anywhere in the region.
