What’s New in the Algarve for 2026

With its mild climate, golden beaches, luxury resorts and excellent connectivity, the Algarve in southern Portugal offers the perfect setting for every visitor type. Guests can enjoy a unique mix of leisure, gastronomy, sports and nature, making the Algarve one of Europe’s most attractive lifestyle destinations. The region recently won World’s Leading Beach Destination 2025 at the World Travel Awards, securing the title for the fourth time.

Visit Algarve continues to encourage visitors to explore different sides of the region, this includes a dynamic range of exciting new events that promote sports tourism from equestrian to golf. Excitingly, the return of the Formula 1® Portuguese Grand Prix to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA) has been announced for 2027 and 2028.

Alongside this, wellness, nature and outdoor adventure continue to evolve, supported by initiatives such as hiking and cycling trails, nature festivals and eco-tourism packages. The region also appeals to luxury travellers, who benefit from new premium resorts and carefully curated cultural and gastronomic experiences.

NEW HOTEL OPENINGS

Nomad Bay Algarve, situated in Carvoeiro, comprises 74 contemporary apartments with spectacular sea views. Opening in February 2026, the apartments are perfect for visitors looking to experience longer stays in the region. More information HERE

Wine & Books by the Sea – Algarve Resort, formerly VidaMar Resort Hotel Algarve, is a luxury 5-star beachfront resort in Albufeira, known for its blend of Portuguese culture with modern comfort, set in the Salgados Nature Reserve and re-opening in March 2026. More information HERE

Casa de Sada Algarve Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, in Armação de Pera, set to be open second quarter of 2026, with 183 quartos, reinforces the Curio Collection by Hilton presence in the Algarve, with a premium positioning close to local identity and proximity with the sea. More information HERE

Hyatt Regency Vilamoura opened in January following an extensive renovation from the former Dom Pedro Vilamoura Hotel and rebranded under Hyatt Regency. It is just step’s away from the vibrant marina and will offer the perfect mix between excitement and relaxation. More information HERE.

Expected to open in 2026, Canopy by Hilton Vilamoura Marina will comprise 155 rooms, a restaurant and bar, a spa, an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.

Bringing a new look to Lagos Marina is the 5* Lagos Marina Hotel, CurioCollection by Hilton. The hotel will feature 180 rooms, a restaurant, two bars, a swimming pool, infinity pool and other impressive amenities; set to open in 2026.

The renowned 3HB brand is bringing a new luxury hotel to the capital in 2026, 3HB Ria Faro. More information HERE

Riverside Hotel Faro is a 5* property with a rooftop pool, restaurant, and bar; opening late 2026/ early 2027. More information HERE

Recently opened hotels:

Having recently opened in 2025, 3HB Falésia Beach, has expanded the 5* brand’s national footprint by bringing 192 contemporary rooms along with an array of amenities and gastronomic experiences to one of the region’s most iconic beaches, close to Albufeira. More information HERE

The incredible Vale Palheiro Earth Resort opened in August 2025. The resort, located in Aljezur, is centered around agrotourism and brings a special accommodation option to the region, immersed within stunning countryside. More information HERE

The boutique Alfarrobeiras Nature in Olhão comprises just seven bedrooms. The hotel’s commitment to sustainable agrotourism is a stand-out feature and their rural location is unmatched for an authentic Algarve stay. More information HERE

FESTIVALS

Festival Med (June) – Festival Med takes place annually at the end of June in the historic centre of Loulé. The authentic and intimate feel of this international music festival makes it stand out with its impressive musical line-up, it also engages visitors with a mix of cultural manifestations ranging from food and visual arts, dance, theatre, cinema, poetry, workshops and much more, all celebrating diversity. More information HERE

Afro Nation festival (3-5 July) – The world’s biggest Afrobeats annual three-day music festival returns to Portugal and will take place at Praia da Rocha, Portimão. The festival was founded in 2019 to unite the African diaspora in a celebration of dance, food, fashion, music. More information and line up of artists HERE.

Sardine Festival (August) – Sardines are synonymous with the Algarve and the long history and traditions of these salty morsels is celebrated each year with the Sardine Festival Portimão in the historic city. For five nights, the streets will be lined with craft stalls and grilled sardines. There are also concerts and historical reenactments of the unloading of the sardine and a ‘sardinhada’ – a classic charcoal grilled sardine – for all visitors. More information HERE

Medieval Days of Castro Marim Festival (August) – For five lively days and five mysterious nights, Castro Marim, located approximately 60 kilometres east of Faro and close to the border of Spain, it is one of the Algarve’s most popular festivals – offering an unforgettable journey back into the life in one of Portugal’s most important garrison towns. Visitors will be able to get a real sense of what life would have been like in Portugal during the Middle Ages with street entertainers, pageantry, music, dancers, parades, livestock, arts and crafts. More information HERE

WALKING FESTIVALS remain popular in the Algarve in 2026, providing an unbeatable way to explore the region’s natural beauty and culture. Upcoming festivals include:

• Caminheiros Border Experience, Alcoutim and Sanlúcar de Guadiana (13-15 March)
• Ameixial Walking Festival, Loulé (24-26 April)

More information HERE

Via Algarviana is a 300 km inland route connecting Alcoutim in the far east to Cabo de São Vicente in the far west that consists of rural paths across the mountains and valleys that will allow keen walkers to see the great variety of fauna and flora of the region and to immerse into the local culture of rural villages.

To celebrate 17 years of Via Algarviana (officially on 29^th May 2026), free guided walks will take place every Sunday throughout 2026 covering different small routes of Via Algarviana. Walkers can register ahead of time, more information about the routes, distance and difficulty can be found HERE

Loulé Rural provide guided walks across different parts of the region, all focusing on ecotourism, local biology and nature. The company was founded by local guide, gardener and avid birdwatcher, Joana Almeida. Tours include: From Rocha da Pena to the Honey of Serra do Caldeirão, the birds around Loulé, guided hikes of Via Algarviana and night walks. More information HERE

Other:

Volta ao Algarve (18-22 February): The 52nd Volta ao Algarve  race will start in Vila Real de Santo António and finish at Alto do Malhão, over five stages, covering a total of 697.41 kilometres, in a route that introduces several sporting innovations and promises a more dynamic, competitive, and unpredictable race from the very first day. More information HERE

The World Superbike Championship 2026 (27-29 March): The Portimão circuit at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve will once again host one of the most thrilling events in the Superbike calendar, with adrenaline-filled races and fierce on-track battles. The event will feature non-stop action, world-class riders and the unique atmosphere that only World Superbike can deliver. More information HERE

Algarve 7s Sports Festival 2026 (5-7 June): A multi-sport festival with elite and open competitions, mixed sports (rugby, netball, padel, etc.) attracting international teams and spectators across different venues in the region. More information HERE

“Portugal Invitational” on the PGA TOUR Champions Circuit (31 July – 2 August): The Algarve is poised to raise its profile once again in world golf with the announcement of the Portugal Invitational, a new PGA TOUR Champions event to be held at The Els Club Vilamoura. This landmark tournament will mark history. More information HERE

 2026 MotoGP Portuguese Grand Prix, Portimão (13-15 November): Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (AIA) in Portimão continues to strengthen its place on the world motorsport stage with the Portugese Grand Prix MotoGP locked in again for November 2026. These are not just entries on the calendar, but landmark events signalling commitment, growth and excitement for the region. More information HERE

NEW SPORTING EVENTS

Equestrian:

Vilamoura, in the heart of the Algarve, is preparing to welcome the world’s best riders and horses with the relaunch of the Vilamoura Equestrian Centre, now transformed into one of Europe’s most modern equestrian facilities. More information HERE

Algarve Vilamoura Classic – (October – December): This new flagship event reinvents the competition season under the Algarve sun combining top-level equestrian sport with the comfort of a completely renovated venue. Nestled between the ocean, pine forests, golf courses, and lively marinas, riders enjoy an unparalleled sporting experience, just minutes from Faro International Airport. Designed for those seeking excellence, the Algarve Vilamoura Classic offers modern facilities, an exclusive welcome, and optimal conditions for both horses and teams. The season is punctuated by several CSI 4*, CSI 3*, and CSI 1* competitions, as well as Portugal’s only CSI 5*, making Vilamoura a must-attend event for elite show jumping in a relaxed and sunny atmosphere.

More info HERE

Algarve Marathon 2026:

The marathon will take place in Vilamoura on the 6^th of December 2026 and will include:

• Marathon (42 km): The flagship distance for experienced runners
• Half Marathon (21 km): For athletes not yet prepared for the full distance
• 10 km Race: An accessible distance that challenges speed limits
• Solidarity Walk (5 km): An inclusive community event with the participation of wheelchair athletes