Road trip through the Algarve: The most beautiful photo spots in southern Portugal 📸🌊

The Algarve is a photographer’s dream. From dramatic cliffs and hidden coves to picturesque villages and colorful sunsets, this region in southern Portugal offers endless inspiration. During our campervan trip through Europe, we explored the Algarve extensively and captured the most beautiful places. In this blog, I share my favorite photo spots, insider tips and how you can take your travel photography to the next level.

Want to learn how to take the perfect travel photos? Check out my photography e -books for all the tips & tricks! 📖✨

1. Ponta da Piedade – The dramatic cliffs of Lagos 🌅

If you have to photograph one place in the Algarve, it's Ponta da Piedade . These impressive rock formations, with their steep cliffs and crystal clear waters, are perfect for landscape photography.

📌 Best time to shoot: During sunrise or sunset for warm, soft light.
📌 Pro tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the dramatic shapes of the cliffs and play with the reflections in the water.

Bonus tip: Arrive on location on time so you can calmly search for compositions and not have to stress!

2. Praia da Marinha – Portugal's Iconic Beach 🏖️

Praia da Marinha is often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – and rightly so! The golden cliffs, turquoise sea and natural rock arches make this spot perfect for breathtaking photos.

📌 Best time to shoot: Early morning to avoid the crowds.
📌 Must-have shot: The famous heart-shaped rock formation that you can photograph from the cliffs!

💡 Want to know how to take the most beautiful beach photos with good light and strong composition? I have educational e -books on these topics written for you!

3. Benagil Cave – A Natural Cathedral ⛵

The Benagil Cave is one of the most impressive natural phenomena in Portugal. With a large hole in the ceiling that lets in sunlight, this cave feels almost magical.

📌 How to get there? By kayak, supboard or boat trip from Praia de Benagil.
📌 Best time to shoot: Morning for less crowds and softer light.
📌 Photography tip: Use a long shutter speed to smooth out the water and create a dreamy effect.

Want to take these kinds of unique travel photos yourself? In My Complete Photography Guide you will learn how to play with light and composition!

4. Silves – The hidden historical gem 🏰

Away from the coast? Then Silves is a must-visit. This charming town is known for its red castle, narrow streets and authentic Portuguese atmosphere.

📌 Photo spots:
✅ Castelo de Silves – For a panoramic view of the surroundings.
✅ The white houses with colorful azulejos (tiles).
✅ Local markets and cafes for atmospheric street photography.

📸 Best photography style here? Go wild in different styles. Find out what you like to do and what you don't! 🙌🏼

5. Costa vicentina – Wild, unspoilt Portugal 🌊

Want to see the Algarve at its most rugged? Then drive to the west coast , where waves crash against the cliffs and surfers dominate the horizon. Here you’ll find deserted beaches, steep cliffs and raw, natural beauty.

📌 Photo spots:
✅ Cabo de São Vicente – The most south-westerly point of Europe with an epic sunset.
✅ Arrifana beach – For dramatic cliffs and surf scenes.
✅ Odeceixe beach – A mix of river and sea, ideal for aerial photography with a drone.

🔥 These places bring out pure wanderlust. Check out my dibond artprints and bring the stories of my journey into your home!

My best photography tips for the Algarve

Want to get the most out of your Algarve photos? Here are my pro tips:

📌 1. Get plenty of variety – The Algarve is incredibly varied. From rocky cliffs to quiet villages, unspoilt nature to luxury holiday resorts.
📌 2. Shoot in RAW – This way you retain all the details and can play with exposure later in post-processing.
📌 3. Play with foreground and background – Use rocks, plants or architecture to create more depth in your images.
📌 4. Move! – Sometimes just moving a few feet is enough to get a completely different composition.

👉 Want to really learn how to take your travel photos to a professional level? Download my complete photography guide e -book and discover all the secrets of travel photography!

Your next photography adventure in the Algarve

The Algarve is a photographer’s paradise . Whether you’re fascinated by dramatic cliffs, golden beaches or atmospheric villages, this region offers endless inspiration . By being in the right place at the right time and experimenting with light and composition, you can capture images that are not only beautiful, but also tell a story.

Have you visited the Algarve? Which places inspired you the most? Think about it and if you want to share it with us, feel free to send a message on instagram @dennishuitema.nl 📸✨

Thanks for reading and see you next week!