Geography of the Algarve: a brief overview
The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, stretches roughly 155 kilometers along the southern coast and 50 kilometers along the western Atlantic. Spanning about 5,000 square kilometers, it features a striking mix of golden beaches, rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and forested mountains. The geography of the Algarve not only shapes the region’s natural beauty but also plays a key role in its culture, climate, and way of life. In this article, we take a closer look at the unique landscapes that define the Algarve.
Natural borders of the Algarve
The Algarve has three natural borders:
- The Atlantic Ocean in the west and south
- The Guadiana river in the east, which separates the Algarve from Spain
- A series of mountain ranges in the north, dividing it from the Alentejo and the rest of Portugal
Geographical zones of the Algarve
The Algarve consists of three different geographical zones, each with its own character:
- Litoral, which includes the coastal region and its beaches
- Barrocal, the transitional inland zone known for rolling hills and agriculture
- Serra, the mountainous northern area that borders the rest of Portugal
Litoral
The litoral is the Algarve’s vibrant coastal region, home to its most popular beaches, resort towns, and bustling urban centers like Albufeira, Faro, Lagos, Portimão and Tavira. It is the heart of the region’s economy, especially driven by tourism, hospitality, and fishing. While the entire coast is scenic, it varies greatly from east to west. East of Faro, the coastline is flat and shaped by the Ria Formosa, a protected lagoon system with barrier islands that shield the mainland from the Atlantic. This unique ecosystem supports rich biodiversity and offers some of the longest, most tranquil beaches in the region, from Faro through Tavira to Monte Gordo. These beaches are ideal not only for swimming and sunbathing but also for long, peaceful walks in nature.
To the west of Faro, the beaches are protected by beautiful rock formations. You can also find some grottoes here. The area from Faro to Lagos is also the most touristic one.
In the southwest of the Algarve you can find the village of Sagres. Here you can find the Cape of St. Vincent, which is the most southwestern point of continental Europe. The west coast of the Algarve from Sagres to Odeceixe also is very different from the rest of the Algarve. This unspoiled stretch of coastline, known as Costa Vicentina, is ideal for nature lovers and hikers looking to explore the Algarve’s wilder side.
Barrocal
The barrocal is a key part of the geography of the Algarve, acting as the central transition zone between the Algarve’s coast and mountains, stretching across the central part of the region. Characterized by gently rolling hills and open plains, the landscape here is shaped by a mix of clay and limestone, a combination reflected in its name (barro + cal = clay + lime). In many areas, the earth takes on a distinctive reddish hue. This fertile land supports diverse agricultural activity, including groves of orange, fig, almond, carob, and olive trees. Greenhouses dot the terrain, producing strawberries, melons, tomatoes, and other vegetables. The barrocal is rich in aromatic plants like rosemary, thyme, and lavender, along with holm oaks and rock roses. With its quiet rural charm, it offers a striking contrast to the busier coastal areas and a glimpse into the Algarve’s traditional way of life.
Serra
The northern Algarve is made up of several mountain ranges that cover a large part of the region. These mountains help protect the Algarve from the cold northern winds and are much less populated than the coast. Life here is slower, more traditional, and deeply connected to nature. If you want to see a quieter, more authentic side of the Algarve, this is a great place to explore.
There are three mountain ranges in the Algarve:
- Monchique. This mountain range of Monchique is known for its hiking trails, peaceful nature, and the famous Caldas de Monchique thermal springs. The highest point in the Algarve, Foia (902 m), is located here, along with Picota (774 m). Thanks to the rich soil and humid climate, you will find many trees and plants, including eucalyptus, cork, orange, and mimosa trees.
- Serra do Caldeirão. This mountain range marks the natural border with the Alentejo region. Its highest peak is in Pelados (598 m). The area has plenty of cork and oak trees, along with typical Mediterranean plants and shrubs.
- Serra de Espinhaço de Cão. Located west of Monchique, this smaller range reaches 297 m and is covered with forested hills. You will see arbutus berry trees, eucalyptus, and a mix of other native vegetation.
Map of the Algarve
From golden beaches and saltwater lagoons to fertile plains and rugged mountain ranges, the geography of the Algarve is as diverse as it is beautiful. Understanding these landscapes helps you appreciate the Algarve beyond its popular resorts. To get a clearer sense of how these areas are connected, take a look at the map below.
FAQ
The region is commonly divided into three belts: the litoral (coast), the barrocal (rolling inland), and the serra (mountains). Each zone has distinct landscapes, soils, and land uses. This variety explains why short drives can feel like crossing different countries.
The eastern coast is flatter, dune-backed, and shaped by lagoon systems and barrier islands. Central sections feature golden sandstone cliffs, coves, and sea caves. The far west opens to the Atlantic with wilder surf beaches and dramatic headlands.
Ria Formosa is a protected lagoon system stretching roughly from Faro to Cacela Velha. It consists of tidal channels, saltmarshes, and barrier islands that shield the mainland. The area is crucial for biodiversity, migratory birds, traditional salt pans, and shellfish beds.
Three ranges define the northern skyline: Serra de Monchique, Serra do Caldeirão, and Serra de Espinhaço de Cão. Monchique is the highest, peaking at Foia (902 m). These ranges block colder northern air and create local microclimates.
The barrocal is a transition belt of gently undulating hills and karstic limestone. Fertile red and clay-rich soils support orchards of citrus, almonds, figs, olives, and carob. Its villages feel more rural, with traditional farming patterns still visible.
Yes. Shorter, seasonal rivers such as the Arade, Sequa/Gilão, and Aljezur carve valleys from the hills to the sea. Their flow varies with rainfall, influencing agriculture and estuarine habitats. River mouths often form small wetlands or harbors.
Much of the central coast is made of soft, porous sandstone and limestone layers. Waves, rainwater, and groundwater slowly dissolve and erode these rocks to create caves, blowholes, and arches. Famous formations, like around Benagil and Ponta da Piedade, are classic examples.
Prevailing northerlies in summer and Atlantic lows in winter shape waves, dunes, and sediment movement. Along the central coast, refracting swells carve headlands and stack offshore rock pinnacles. In the east, gentler conditions help maintain barrier islands and tidal flats.
Mountains shelter the coast from colder air, while the Atlantic moderates temperatures. Coastal belts are breezier and milder; inland valleys can be hotter in summer. The west is slightly cooler and windier than the east due to Atlantic exposure.
Foia, in the Serra de Monchique, reaches 902 meters above sea level. From its summit you can see the coast, hills, and patchwork valleys. The elevation creates cooler, wetter microclimates compared to seaside towns.
The eastern Algarve is more enclosed by barrier islands and influenced by warmer currents and winds. Shallow lagoon areas heat up quickly in summer. The west, open to Atlantic swells, stays a few degrees cooler.
They formed from sediments reworked by waves and currents along a gently sloping shelf. Inlets open and close over decades as storms reshape channels. Human-built jetties now help stabilize some passes.
Few regions pack barrier-island lagoons, iconic cliffs, surf coasts, fertile orchards, and mountain microclimates into such a compact area. The short distance between zones creates quick landscape transitions. This mosaic shapes the Algarve’s scenery, livelihoods, and visitor experiences.