Embracing the New Cool: The Hipster Guide to The Algarve

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Written by / Last updated on June 12, 2024

For years, the Algarve has been synonymous with coastal resorts, orange groves, and sun-seeking expats from Northern Europe. While the region has always boasted a handful of trendy eateries, watering holes, and boutique accommodations, it has often been overshadowed by the undeniable coolness of Lisbon and Porto.

But hold on to your vintage fedoras, folks, because change is brewing in the south! Lisbon and Porto may have been hogging the hipster spotlight with their abundance of third wave coffee shops, craft beer breweries, artisanal food courts, global cuisine, and indie boutiques, but the Algarve is hot on their heels, ready to claim its rightful place on the cool kid’s block.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your vintage suitcase, don your most eclectic outfit, and get ready to discover an Algarve that’s as hip as it is sunny. Whether you’re sipping a perfectly-pulled espresso, rummaging through a quirky thrift store, or exchanging travel tales with a group of international backpackers, you’ll be part of the Algarve’s exciting new chapter. Embrace the change, and let the Algarve surprise you in ways you never expected!

Accommodation ideas for the Algarve

There’s no shortage of accommodation on the Algarve, from hotels and resorts to B&Bs, apartments, and campsites. It’s also home to a few unique accommodation options, like boutique hostels and yurts.

  • Camone Hostel, Lagos – A boutique hostel offering stylish dorms and private rooms just minutes from Lagos’ main beach, Meia Praia. Facilities include a shared kitchen, bike hire, and storage space.
  • BooDa Space Amber, Luz – Yurt accommodation in a tranquil location near Praia da Luz and Burgau.
  • Shepherd’s Hurt, Luz – Stay in a shepherd’s hurt on an organic farm just 15 minutes from Lagos by car.

Towns & Villages

While pockets of cool can be found throughout the Algarve, a few towns stand out as the ultimate havens for the artsy, free-spirited crowd.

Lagos

A street in Lagos

First up, we have Lagos – a town that seamlessly blends the charm of a traditional beach resort with the laid-back vibes of a surfer’s paradise. Stroll through the streets and you’ll find an eclectic mix of souvenir shops and budget-friendly eateries (for the beach bums) alongside trendy surf shops, gourmet burger joints, and bohemian clothing boutiques (for the wave-chasing hipsters).

Read our guide to Lagos or check properties for sale in Lagos.

Sagres

bars and shops in sagres

If you’re a true surf enthusiast, Sagres is the place to be. This small town is the undisputed surfing capital of the Algarve, where surf rental shops and burger bars reign supreme. While Sagres may lack the size and party atmosphere of Lagos, it more than makes up for it with its authentic surfer charm. Plus, it’s the perfect base for exploring the gnarly waves along the West Coast.

Read our guide to Sagres or check properties for sale in Sagres.

Faro

fisherman's houses in faro

Next on our list is Faro, the Algarve’s unassuming capital. Don’t let the presence of the region’s main airport fool you – Faro is a surprisingly chill city with a treasure trove of cool bars, restaurants, and coffee shops waiting to be discovered. It’s also an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park, where you can connect with nature and snap some Insta-worthy shots.

Read our guide to Faro or check properties for sale in Faro.

Ferragudo

street in Ferragudo

Last but not least, we have Ferragudo – a quaint, picture-perfect holiday village that’s sure to steal your heart (and fill up your camera roll). This tiny town is a haven for artists, craftspeople, and foodies, with an abundance of charming galleries, artisanal shops, cozy cafés, and intimate restaurants. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely half-day trip spent soaking up the creative atmosphere and indulging in some local delicacies.

Read our guide to Ferragudo or check properties for sale in Ferragudo.

Portimão

Portimao Riverfront

For years, Portimão was known primarily for its towering apartment blocks – a functional city that catered neither to tourists nor to the artistic crowd. But amidst the high-rises and newly-constructed buildings, a new sense of artistry and cool is emerging. Venture beyond the concrete facades, and you’ll discover a budding scene of craft beer havens, trendy coffee shops, and restaurants that are putting a fresh, plant-based spin on traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Read our guide to Portimão or check properties for sale in Portimão.

Cafés to look out for on the Algarve

We’re in need of recommendations for third wave coffee shops on the Algarve so, if you know of any, please get in touch. 

  • Bean17 (map) – Loulé’s go-to spot for the discerning coffee connoisseur. This hipster haven boasts an ever-rotating selection of top-notch beans, offering a global array of caffeinated delights like flat whites, cappuccinos, and iced coffees.
  • Al-Gharb (map) – Albufeira’s new town secret weapon for speciality coffee lovers. From cold brews to lattés, this café has got your caffeine fix covered. Plus, with a tempting selection of cakes and main dishes, you can fuel up while you sip. Need to get some work done? Al-Gharb’s got you with wifi and plenty of power outlets.
  • Coffee & Waves (map) – Where surf culture meets café culture in the heart of Lagos. This surf shop slash café serves up hipster faves like açai bowls and avocado toast alongside a killer coffee menu featuring cold brew, lemonade coffee, and v60 pour-overs (low season only). The house beans are a medium roast Ethiopia Sidama for filter and a Peruvian single origin for espresso, but keep an eye out for guest roasts to mix things up.
  • Abigail’s Café (map) – Lagos’ plant-based powerhouse, dishing out flat whites, kombucha, and a mouth-watering array of vegan eats. Come for the coffee, stay for the cruelty-free vibes.
  • Coffee Studio Lagos (map) – Your one-stop-shop for speciality coffee and tea in Lagos. From flat whites and cold brews to chai lattes, flowering tea, and hot chocolate, this cozy spot has something for every type of sipper.
  • Black and White Coffee Shop – Melbourne-quality flat whites in the heart of Lagos? Believe it. This coffee shop is slinging some of the best flat whites this side of the equator, and the hipster vibes are strong. Whether you’re a homesick Aussie or just a lover of a damn fine coffee, Black and White is the place to be.
  • Sugar Rabbit Kaffe – Albufeira’s go-to spot for all things hipster and caffeinated. This joint is serving up killer flat whites and Instagram-worthy avocado toast that’ll have you feeling like a true millennial. But that’s not all – they’ve also got a mouthwatering selection of bowls, smoothies, and pancakes that’ll make your brunch dreams come true. Come for the coffee, stay for the food (and the photo ops).

Hipster bars & Breweries

  • Laundry Lounge Sagres – Part launderette, part bar, all hipster hangout. This Sagres spot is the place to be for live music, digital nomad meetups, and chilling over a beer or coffee with an eclectic mix of locals and visitors. Come for the suds (both kinds), stay for the funky atmosphere.
  • Grains864 – Faro’s hipster haven, pouring a curated selection of craft brews alongside a menu of burgers, bagels, grilled cheese, and doughnuts. It’s like a grown-up version of your favorite childhood eats, with beer.
  • Saaz Saaz Craft Beer Lounge – Olhão’s premier destination for craft beer lovers. This bar showcases the best of Portugal’s brewing scene, including local Algarve standouts like Dos Santos, Marafada, and Algarve Rock. Sip your way through the country’s finest pints.
  • Dos Santos – A countryside gem nestled between Carvoreiro and Lagoa, this craft brewery, bar, and restaurant is the real deal. Sample their house-made IPA, lager, and pilsner while you take in the rural vibes.
  • Boheme – One of Faro’s most beloved craft beer bars, Boheme stocks an impressive lineup of international and Portuguese labels, including brews from Musa, Gyroscope, Lindemans, and local favourite Marafada. Come for the beer, stay for the bohemian atmosphere.
  • Algarve Rock Brewery – Faro’s own craft brewing powerhouse, offering tours and tastings for the true beer geek. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, then sample the fruits of their labor. It’s like a field trip for your taste buds.
  • NanoBrew Fuzeta – Get a taste of the Algarve’s local brewing talent at this cozy pub in Fuzeta. NanoBrew Fuzeta serves up their own handcrafted beers, brewed right on-site. The catch? You’ve got to time your visit right. They’re only open Friday through Sunday from 5-9 pm, so plan accordingly. But trust us, it’s worth adjusting your schedule for.
  • Nova Vida – Want to take your craft beer obsession to the next level? Nova Vida’s got you covered with their guided tours and workshops. For just €23 per person, you can take a tour and sample five of their tasty brews. Or, if you’re ready to get your hands dirty, sign up for one of their workshops and brew alongside a real brewer using their top-notch equipment. Whether you’re a beer newbie or a seasoned homebrewer, Nova Vida’s workshops are a unique chance to up your beer game.

Find any cool spots in the Algarve? Share you favourite bars, hotels, restaurants, and cafes and help other travellers make the most of their time on the Algarve. 

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