In today’s destination guide, we take a look at Faro and Algarve in Portugal.
When to go
The Algarve is one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal. Very friendly but also very gay friendly. The best time to go there is between April and November when you can have really nice temperatures. This region is known for its Atlantic beaches and golf resorts. Discover fishing villages on low cliffs overlooking sandy coves, and the central coast between Lagos and Faro is lined with villas, hotels, bars and restaurants.
Dating
Faro and its surrounding area offers loads of possibilities to meet people. You have the choice of bars and dance clubs around Faro. After Lisbon and Porto, Faro is without a doubt the new gay destination to discover in Portugal.
Zablucha, Cupido and Afrodite (sex shops)
Prestige dance club
Connection bar
The loft gay bar
Heaven club
If you enjoy being naked and enjoy an all-over tan, the following gay nudist beaches are the perfect places to also meet new friends and enjoy yourself!
Clothing-optional beaches around Faro:
Praia Grande
Praira do cavalota Preto
Praia do Submarino
Manta Rora
Unofficial nudist beaches:
Praia Da Bordeira
Praia do Beliche
Praia Cabana Velhas
Praia Das Furnas
Praia Do Zavial
Praia Dos Pinheiros and Meia Praia in Lagos
Praia Do Trafal
Praia Da Futeza
Praia De Ancao reached by boat from Sitio da Fabrica in Vila Real de Santo
Antonio just west from Monte Gordo
Accommodation
In terms of accommodation in Faro, I would strongly recommend the Pine Cliff Resort. I had the chance to stay there for a couple of days last year and I really enjoyed it. This amazing resort is very well situated in the Algarve. The resort is what I would call an affordable luxury resort. With your other half or a group of friends, the Pine Cliff offers standard rooms but also townhouses, standard villas, deluxe villas with private pool, suites and penthouses, and golf suites. Your private transfer and breakfast is included and you can also request a private cook. The resort also organises cooking classes. There’s also a private beach, and of course a swimming pool and spa. Experience the Pine Cliff you won’t regret it!
As an alternative, I would also suggest the Thermas Pride Guest House and Spa for men in Albufeira.
Food
Traditional food in Algarve includes:
Conquilhas a Algarvia (succulent clams fresh from the sea in a garlic sauce.
Cataplana de Marisco (mixed sea food and vegetables)
Petiscos de Taberna (Similar to Spanish tapas)
Feijoada (bean stew with pork and beans)
Dom Rodrigos (Tarts and pastries very popular in Potugal)
Leitao (suckling pig smothered in herb and roasted)
Caldo verde (succulent soup with potatoes, kale, bacon and sausages)
Queijo (local cheese)
Don’t forget to try the Portuguese wine which is one of the best in the world!
Gay restaurants in Algarve:
Aperitivo bar (Faro)
Cocktail and wine bar Columbus (Faro)
What to do
Bus tours
Horse riding
Kite Surf
Surf
Diving
Yachts and private boats for parties
Reef fishing
Big game fishing
2-hour boat ride to see the coastline and caves
Jeep safaris
Karting
Museums
Theme parks
Cooking classes
Wine testing
Tours
Yoga classes
