A while ago I thought it was a great idea if I did a series of posts on my favourite spots in the Algarve. There were grand plans to do more posts in the series. And yet, I forgot about it. That silly thing called life (and watching too many films and TV shows) got in the way.

Well, I’m back on it now. And this time I wanted to share with you my favourite photographic places in the Algarve. I’m no professional photographer. I’m barely an amateur. But I love taking photos while I’m over there. There are several places I go back to time and again as they always inspire me. So I thought I’d share those places with you.

These are my tips for tourists visiting the Algarve who want to go out there armed with their cameras and capture something beautiful.

The beaches of Armacao de Pera

When anyone thinks of the Algarve the first things that come to mind are either beaches or golfing. For me, it’s definitely more beaches than golfing. In particular, the beach in Armacao de Pera. A huge, wide sandy beach with some expansive sand dunes as a precursor to the actual beach.

It’s a popular place for locals and tourists. Unlike many beaches, whenever you go, you’ll almost always find a spot. But forget going in summer. If you’re in the region in autumn/winter/spring time, head to this beach to get some really rather lovely photos.

The beaches are almost empty, save for some other walkers and you can capture one of the best beaches the Algarve has to offer. Here are some shots I took in December while I was there:

The cliffs near Carvoeiro

Sticking to the coastline, another highlight of the Algarve’s stunning coastal scenery are the stunning cliff formations. I’m sure you can visit any of the rocky cliff sides to get some beautiful views and photos. But my favourite place is near the town of Carvoeiro.

You’ll need to head in and out-of-town and head towards the Rocha Brava complex. Keep going and follow signs for Club Atlantico. Park up on the side of the road and head towards the cliffs.

Another great spot for photos of the cliffs in the area is Algar Seco. This is nearer the town of Carvoeiro and has some excellent views.

Portimao

Sticking along the coastline but moving west, one of my favourite towns to photograph is Portimao. More specifically, the marina. It’s a mix of old and new with crumbling buildings, graffitti covered buildings and some amazing yachts parked up in the marina itself. It’s also a great place to people watch and get some candid photos of said people. (Unfortunately whenever I go the place is a bit bereft of people!).

Here are some of my photos of the marina area:

Santa Clara

Moving away from the coastline but sticking with the water theme is one of my favourite places to not just take photos, but just to sit in relative tranquillity. Now, this place isn’t in the Algarve. But I didn’t want to leave it out of this post.

Santa Clara is in the Alentejo region. Probably just a couple of hours from the coastline not only is the destination worth it but the drive up there. You’ll get to see some amazing vistas whichever season you’re visiting in.

At Santa Clara is a huge baragem – a dam. This is my photo spot of choice. Take a look at some of the photos I’ve taken there:

Malhao

While you’re on the other side of the border of the Algarve, keep driving for another hour or so up north and go to a small town called Malhao. There’s not really much of massive note here. Oh well, except a Buddhist temple and views that you will not see in the Algarve.

See, Malhao is the highest point in the Serra do Caldeirão. Meaning from all the way up there you can see to the coastline on a clear day. The couple of times I’ve been to the town to take some photos, it’s been the height of summer. Down at sea level the temperature is at least 30 degrees. As the altitude goes up the temperature drops. Once it dropped all the way down to about 21 degrees C. For summer, that’s a hell of a drop!

More than just beaches and golf

There is so much to do in the Algarve. Heck, I’ve been going there my whole life and I still find new places to visit and take photos of. Hopefully this has given you some inspiration if you’re heading out that way or if you’re going on holiday anywhere in the world and just want some ideas.