About Algarve Unravelled

Discover the Portuguese Algarve like a local with this nearly 200-page Algarve travel guide, written by someone who has called this beautiful region home for over five years. Drawing on years of exploring every corner of southern Portugal, this guide features more than 350 carefully selected recommendations, including countless hidden gems that most visitors never discover. Find out not just the popular places, but also where the locals eat, where they spend their days off, and where talented artisans (often too busy creating to spend time on social media) showcase their unique work.

Quality Over Quantity

Unlike many other travel guides, Algarve Unravelled focuses on quality rather than overwhelming you with endless lists of places. Each town and village features a carefully curated selection of recommendations, accompanied by the stories behind the people, businesses and places that make them special. Discover why a viewpoint is worth the detour, what makes a restaurant memorable, or how a family-run business became a local favourite.

What’s Inside?

• The Algarve’s most famous landmarks alongside lesser-known hidden gems, giving you the freedom to explore beyond the crowds.
• Unforgettable experiences, including boat trips, wine tastings, surf lessons, pottery workshops, olive oil tastings and guided walks with rescued donkeys.
• A carefully selected mix of Portuguese and international restaurants, cafés and bakeries, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
• Independent boutiques, artisan workshops and galleries featuring work by both local and international artists.
• Accommodation for every style and budget, from charming quintas and eco-glamping sites to floating accommodation, boutique hotels and budget-friendly hostels.

Physical & Digital Combined

Every recommendation includes a QR code that instantly opens the correct location in Google Maps or takes you directly to the relevant booking page. No more searching for addresses or entering coordinates, especially useful in Portugal, where many rural roads and locations don’t have clear street addresses.

Created With Passion

Algarve Unravelled has been researched, written, designed and edited entirely by me, David Gorlitz. Nearly every photograph was taken with my own camera or drone while exploring the Algarve. A small number of featured businesses kindly provided their own images to better showcase their locations.