Everyone has heard of the Algarve. A region of incomparable beauty in southern Portugal, with warm waters, endless sandy beaches, and stunning cliffs. A tourist destination that attracts countless visitors every summer. But beyond the most crowded beaches and the conventional holiday spots, there is another Algarve: a beautiful and surprising region, still largely unknown, which Immersive Journeys invites you to discover.
The Algarve reveals its true essence to those who explore it slowly and with an open mind. Along the cliffs of Costa Vicentina, in the rolling green hills of the interior, or within traditional fishing villages, we uncover a land of striking contrasts. Here, luxury is found in tranquility, in the quality of the experiences, and in the close connection with nature and tradition.
At Immersive Journeys, we design personalized holidays in the Algarve that allow you to discover its authentic side through exclusive experiences and carefully selected accommodations.
What is Algarve?
The Algarve is far more than Portugal’s most famous holiday destination. Over the centuries, it has been shaped by diverse peoples and cultures — from Phoenicians and Romans to the Moors, who gave the region its name (Al-Gharb, “the west”) and left a lasting mark on its traditions.
Geographically diverse, the Algarve stretches from the Monchique and Caldeirão mountain ranges to the coastline, where wild Atlantic beaches coexist with the unique ecosystem of the Ria Formosa. Its character is revealed in whitewashed architecture, cuisine blending land and sea flavors, lively traditional markets, and a way of life still guided by the rhythm of the seasons. This authenticity, combined with excellent infrastructure, makes the Algarve an ideal destination for exclusive and unforgettable luxury holidays.
Featured Journeys
On this Authentic Algarve trip: 3 Days between the Mountains and the Sea, Immersive Journeys invites you to discover an Algarve that few people know—far from the crowds, where the mountains meet the sea and traditions endure in harmony with nature.
Places to visit in Algarve
The specialists at Immersive Journeys have explored the Algarve in depth to uncover its hidden treasures. Here are some of the destinations we include in our exclusive itineraries, far from the conventional tourist routes.
COSTA VICENTINA
Algarve wild and untouched
In the far west of the Algarve, the Costa Vicentina surprises with its rugged beauty and breathtaking natural scenery. Cliffs plunge into the sea, while nearly deserted beaches — such as Praia da Bordeira and Praia do Amado — invite moments of pure connection with nature.
Our clients enjoy private boat trips along the Algarve coast, gourmet picnics prepared with local products, and stays in beautifully restored countryside estates, where silence is broken only by the sound of the waves.
MONCHIQUE AND CALDEIRÃO MOUNTAINS
The green Algarve
Just inland, the Monchique and Caldeirão mountain ranges feel like a different world. Thanks to their unique microclimate, they harbor rare habitats and unusual plant species. In Monchique, the highest peak of the Algarve, the small thermal village offers rejuvenating wellness experiences in its healing waters. Our itineraries include guided hikes with local experts to explore the region’s flora, followed by spa treatments inspired by aromatic mountain herbs.
In the Caldeirão range, clients meet artisans who preserve ancestral crafts such as basket weaving and cork work. To complete this immersion in the “other Algarve,” we arrange exclusive farm-to-table experiences with producers of honey, medronho (arbutus berry spirit), and organic herbs.
VIA ALGARVIANA
Discovering the “other Algarve” by foot or bike
For the adventurous, the Via Algarviana — a long-distance walking and cycling trail crossing the region’s interior — offers an exceptional way to discover remote landscapes and villages where traditions remain alive.
Immersive Journeys selects the most captivating sections of the route, complemented by comfortable transfers and luxury accommodations. This allows clients to enjoy the wild beauty of inland Algarve without compromising on comfort.
CACELA VELHA
The splendor of Ria Formosa
From the fortified village of Cacela Velha, visitors are rewarded with one of the most spectacular views over the Ria Formosa, especially at sunset. As the sun dips, golden light reflects on whitewashed houses, turning the landscape into a scene of rare beauty.
Our clients can enjoy this introspective moment with private experiences that include tastings of local wines and the famous Ria Formosa oysters, sustainably farmed.
Nearby, the artisanal salt pans of Castro Marim produce exceptionally high-quality “white gold.” We organize exclusive visits to this side of Algarve, where the master salt workers share the secrets of this ancient craft.
How much time to spend in Algarve?
For a first taste of the Algarve beyond the tourist trail, we recommend a stay of at least five to six days. This allows time to explore both the coast and the inland areas without feeling rushed.
For travelers seeking a deeper experience, an itinerary of eight to ten days reveals the Algarve in full, a balanced blend of landscapes, traditions, and moments of pure relaxation.
Best time to visit Algarve
With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, the Algarve is a year-round destination, each season offering a unique charm. Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and peaceful beach days.
Algarve’s mild winters provide a welcome retreat from northern Europe’s cold, offering tranquil walks and comforting culinary discoveries. Even in summer, when parts of the Algarve become crowded, our itineraries focus on hidden corners and preserved areas, ensuring you experience the region’s beauty in peace.
Things to do in Algarve
Authentic Algarve offers an extraordinary variety of experiences. Nature lovers can enjoy private boat trips in the Alvor or Ria Formosa estuaries, carefully timed to avoid the crowds.
Food enthusiasts can join traditional cooking workshops or sustainable fishing experiences with local fishermen, followed by exclusive meals prepared with the day’s fresh catch.
For wellness and introspection, we design yoga retreats in unique locations, from the cliffs of the Costa Vicentina to secret gardens in historic Algarve estates.
Travel in Algarve
Immersive Journeys invites you to discover a surprising Algarve through experiences carefully crafted by our expert team. Our itineraries combine exceptional accommodations — from restored countryside houses built with local materials to boutique hotels run by Algarve families — with activities that reveal the soul of this extraordinary land.
We work exclusively with partners committed to sustainable practices to ensure every experience respects the natural and cultural heritage of Algarve. In this way, your vacation not only creates unforgettable memories but also helps preserve the identity and beauty of this extraordinary region.
