March is a fantastic time to visit the stunning Algarve region on Portugal’s southern coast.
With spring in full bloom and pleasant temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius, this is the perfect month to travel Algarve.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an adventurous outdoor experience, there are a multitude of things to do in Algarve in March.
As someone who has had the opportunity to visit Algarve during this magical time, I can’t wait to share with you the best things to do and see in this breathtaking destination.
So get your bags packed, and let’s dive into my top recommendations for experiencing Algarve in March!
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Best things to do in Algarve in March – My top picks
- Go on a wine tour
- Go dolphin watching
- Try horse riding
- Bike through Ria Formosa
1. Explore the Historical Faro
Faro is the Algarve region’s capital—the Algarve’s pearl.
Faro in March is stunning, with all the activities and sights to see for tourists.
It features a scenic old town with cobbled streets, restaurants, an old church, museums, and historic statues, enough to give you a feeling of the city’s Moorish history.
A must-see are the city walls, which stand on top of former Roman fortifications, and the cathedral, featuring Renaissance and Baroque styles.
Situated opposite the cathedral is the Bishop’s Palace, which dates back to the 18th century.
Though it is not open to the public, simply admiring it from outside is more than enough.
The Faro Portugal weather in March makes for a perfect day out and sunbathing!
Book the best holiday rentals in Faro
2. Relax at Praia de Faro
Did I mention that Faro has numerous stunning beaches?
This is why people thinking about the things to do in Algarve or the best places in Algarve find themselves soaking in the refreshing waters of the Praia de Faro.
Imagine walking on its golden sands that stretch for 5 kilometers, facing Faro!
Plus, you get to enjoy astounding views as you overlook the Ria Formosa National Park lagoons.
With the weather in March, the water is perfect–not too cold or hot, letting you enjoy swimming for longer.
I’ve gathered that the Praia de Faro is not very well known among tourists, so you can have some quiet time here.
Amazingly, it is still pretty easy to get here.
I took the bus route no.16 for €2.60 (one-way), which is also the same bus servicing the airport route.
Catching a ride with departures every 30-40 minutes won’t be hard, which is why it is one of the best things to do in Faro in March!
Book boat tours around the Algarve
3. Discover the Ria Formosa Natural Park
So, I’ve mentioned the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
I was genuinely fascinated by this 60-kilometer-long wetland with barrier islands, canals, and marshes!
Coming to Ria Formosa is not hard, even when staying in other towns, as it is accessible from Tavira and other Algarve towns.
It offers a change from the usual beach with its varied fauna of numerous species of birds.
More specifically, this is where you can see the rare “galinha-sultana” or sultan hen, the park’s natural symbol.
Check tours to Ria Formosa here
4. Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Hiking on Algarve trails is one of the best things to try in the region.
Among the trails, I recommend the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, where your eyes can feast on stunning views and coves.
The sunset is also to be noticed!
In fact, it’s considered one of Europe’s very best hikes.
I enjoyed the ocean views, especially the stop at the Alfanzina Lighthouse, before taking in the sculpted coastal cliffs.
Book the best nature tours around the Algarve
5. Visit Algarve’s Caves and Grottoes
If you’re wondering what to do in Portimao during your stay, ask the locals. They recommend exploring the Algarve’s caves and caverns.
In case you didn’t know it already, this southernmost region of Portugal is home to a striking coastline characterized by grottoes and caves made of limestones.
Similar formations have been formed over thousands of years of erosion caused by the Atlantic Ocean’s waves.
I joined a boat tour and experienced the Ponta Da Piedade, whose incredible sandstone towers teased my eyes.
But if you don’t like boating, you can always hike on the beach and reach the caves, but be sure to join a group or book a guide for safety.
Book the best nature tours in Portimao
6. Experience the Algarve International Circuit
Another fantastic thing to experience in the Algarve in March is the Algarve International Circuit.
Opened in 2008, the circuit only dreamed of hosting the Formula One Grand Prix.
But this dream became a reality in 2020 and 2021 as it hosted the Grand Prix for Formula One and MotoGP.
If you’re a motorsport enthusiast like me, you should visit this place and explore the circuit to feel the excitement of a race!
7. Indulge in Local Cuisine
One of the best local cuisines I have ever tried is the Algarvian cuisine.
Whether staying in one of the best hotels in Albufeira or an average inn, you must try the Algarve’s dishes.
Try their sausages, which symbolize the Algarve’s culinary history focused on meats.
They are so into sausages that they have several yearly festivals, including the Festa das Chouricas and the Feira dos Enchidos.
Next on your must-try list is the Caracóis à Algarvia, which features cleaned snails simmered in water with oregano sticks.
It has some ripe tomatoes, chili peppers, and herbs for flavor.
So, try these and many other dishes in the Algarve.
Book the best food tours in Algarve
8. Enjoy Water Sports at Praia da Rocha
If there’s one thing I can never get enough of, it would have to be the beaches in Algarve.
The Praia da Rocha is where you can lounge on the beach while eating delicious dishes and enjoy the night in peace.
But there are more things you can do here, including taking boat tours and other fun water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing.
If you’re not into them, you can always walk on the beach and feel relaxed as you bury your feet in the soft sand.
9. Visit the Historic Town of Lagos
There are many things to do in Lagos.
This is another must-stop in Algarve, boasting stunning beaches and an old town.
I enjoyed breathtaking watersports, which I tried for the first time!
Then, walk on cobbled lanes like I did and enjoy the fantastic greenery.
As you explore the city, stop by some of the boutiques selling crafts, ceramics, and decorations you can take home as souvenirs.
Afterward, you can explore other day trips from Lagos to discover what else the region has to offer!
Book the best hotels in Lagos
10. Discover the Caves of Benagil
You might have already heard of Benagil.
It’s recently become popular, attracting tourists to experience its buzz.
I was there, too, and I was utterly stunned to see this unique natural formation featuring a sea cave and a hole in the ceiling.
There are various ways to explore the Benangil caves, but I did mine on a sunrise kayak tour and wasn’t disappointed.
The morning sunlight illuminated the cave and reflected the beautiful turquoise water.
A perfect way to spend a day!
11. Play Golf in the Algarve
If you’re considering where to stay in Algarve and you love to enjoy some tee time, I’d say choose to be close to where you can play golf.
The region has numerous golf courses, so choosing one wouldn’t be hard.
Many of these are lined along the coastline in the towns of Albufeira, Lagos, Loule, Tavira, and Portimano.
Many tourists find the services in the Algarve golf courses superb.
12. Attend the Loulé Carnival
Portugal is almost synonymous with carnivals; you can see some of the most exciting and beautiful ones in Loulé!
It’s considered the oldest pre-Lenten party in the country, having been continuously celebrated for 118 years.
You’ll be amazed to see floats, Brazilian dancers, samba groups, giant costumed characters, and thousands of revelers on the streets.
You can expect this carnival to be fun, exciting, crowded, and full of life!
Book the best tours around Loulé
13. Explore the Silves Castle
By now, you’d already have realized that the Algarve region is a beautiful mix of culture, arts, sights, history, and royalty.
And speaking of royalty, the Silves Castle in Portugal sits in the town of Silves and is popularly called the Castelo de Silves. It’s one of the best things to do in Silves.
Interestingly, it’s located on the highest point of the hill where it sits and is considered one of the most well-preserved castles in the area.
It’s made of red sandstone blocks and taipa, featuring 11 square towers.
I recommend exploring the interior to ensure you appreciate the Moorish history and design.
Book the best tours around Silves
14. Relax at the Thermal Springs of Monchique
If you want to take advantage of the Algarve weather at the end of March, break free from the salty beaches and unwind in natural thermal springs.
Your best place for this is Monchique, a mountainous area where thermal waters with healing powers abound.
Take a dip and feel rejuvenated and recharged after a few moments.
Since the town has only about 2,300 inhabitants, it is quiet and picturesque. You can surely feel relaxed before heading to the traditional market stores for their weaving crafts and basketry!
Book the best accommodation in Monchique
15. Head to Sagres
There are many things to do in Sagres, especially with the comfortable temperatures in Algarve in March.
Sagres is situated at the western tip of the Algarve region, making it one of the most remote regions in the country.
But the best part is that it gives you sweeping views of towering cliffs, landscapes, and seas.
So, what can you do here?
I tried hiking on the cliffside trails and cycled on some of its deserted roads.
But if you come here for relaxation, simply sit on the pristine beaches and enjoy the feeling of the sun touching your skin.
Its laidback atmosphere truly inspires anyone who comes here.
Book the best tours around Sagres
My Final Thoughts on Traveling Algarve in March
There are numerous things to do in Algarve in March.
The region’s beautiful mix of old and new, coastline and hills, makes it suitable for all types of tourists.
Though anytime is an excellent time to come and visit, the weather in March makes for a comfortable stay that allows you to be out and about without too much heat or rain.
And while here, you can also consider the things to do in Tavira.
Again, visit the Algarve in March!
Hola! I am Paulina, a fervent travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, I help you to make the most of your holiday. Get ready to enjoy outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling or sailing. Let’s hit the road!
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