</p><h2>The Algarve</h2><p>The southernmost region of mainland Portugal, The Algarve has a rich history, stretching back to pre-Roman times. The region was shaped by Moorish invasions, the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and the Napoleonic and Portuguese Civil Wars.</p><p>Today, the Algarve is the third richest region of Portugal boosted largely by tourism. It offers beautiful sandy beaches, fantastic golf courses, exquisite food (particularly seafood) and some interesting natural and historical sights.</p><h2>Gay Rights in Portugal</h2><p>For gay rights in Portugal, please check our <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/essential-guide-to-lisbon/">Gay Lisbon City Guide</a> page.</p><h2>Gay Scene in The Algarve</h2><p>In comparison to Lisbon or the Spanish Costas, the Algarve has a very minimal gay scene. This does not, however, mean that it is not popular with gay tourists who are drawn to the beautiful beaches, excellent food and beautiful scenery.</p><p>For gay nightlife, check out the <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/algarve-gay-bars-clubs/">Gay Bars</a> in Albufeira and Portimão.</p><h2>Getting to The Algarve</h2><p><strong>By plane</strong></p><p>Faro Airport (FAR) is the gateway to The Algarve and is situated 4km west of the city it's named after. The airport becomes extremely busy in the summer and is mostly served by European budget and charter carriers.</p><p>The main options from the airport to your hotel are:-</p><p>· Hire a car - there are plenty of rental operators at the airport, some just a short walk from the terminal (turn right as you exit the baggage reclaim area).</p><p>· Taxi / Private Transfer - can be expensive, so best book in advance.</p><p>· Hotel Shuttles - most hotels offer an airport transfer service.</p><p>There is a bus service to Faro, but that's not usually much help for arriving tourists who usually head west, away from the city.</p><p><strong>By  train</strong></p><p>There is a limited rail service between Lisbon and Faro - up to 5 trains a day. Journey time approximately 3 hours.</p><p><strong>By car</strong></p><p>Portugal and Spain both have generally well-maintained road networks. The motorway from Lisbon to the Algarve and the A22 dual carriageway that runs from Lagos to the Spanish border are toll road.</p><h2>Getting around The Algarve</h2><p><strong>By car</strong></p><p>The easiest way to get around the Algarve is to hire a car.  You need to be at least 18 years old and have held your licence for over a year (an under 25 surcharge may apply).</p><p>The A22 duel carriageway that runs through the Algarve is an electronic only toll road. Most hire companies will rent you a transponder with tolls being charged to your credit card.</p><p><strong>By public transport</strong></p><p>Outside of the major towns you may struggle to get from a to b due to a lack of infrastructure. EVA and Frota Azul are the main bus companies in the region and offer singles starting from €1. 3 day tourist passes are available for €29.50.</p><p>Both rail and bus services finish relatively early so it will be hard to get public transport late at night.</p><p><strong>By taxi</strong></p><p>All the main towns have taxi ranks and in busy times these are the only spots you'll be able to flag one. Licenced taxis are beige or green and black and will have a meter. Items of luggage add an extra surcharge to your final bill.</p><p><h5><img class="alignnone wp-image-65309 size-full" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67961/ALGARVE-Region-Guide-e1518101576286.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><em>Portimão Marina</em></h5></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Where to Stay in The Algarve</h2><p>The Algarve has a plethora of towns and resorts to stay in, each with their own flavour. For a list of recommended hotels in Albufeira and other popular areas, check our <a href="https://www.travelgay.com/gay-algarve-hotels/">Gay Algarve Hotels</a> page.</p><h2>Things to See &amp; Do in The Algarve</h2><p><strong>Lagos -</strong> take in for yourself the wonderful winding streets of historic Lagos. Appreciate it's colourful cafes, vibrant parties and general welcoming vibe. There is a good selection of gay beaches just outside of the town.</p><p><strong>Silves - </strong>the former capital of the region, Silves was of great importance during the time of the Moorish invasions. Evidence of this can be seen by the imposing red stone castle which is certainly worth a visit.</p><p><strong>Monchique -</strong> away from the beaches take a drive up to the top of Monchique. The views at the top are stunning.  On the way down stop off at one of the numerous roadside restaurants, then visit the beautiful little village Caldas De Monchique.</p><p><strong>Vilamoura -</strong> There is a nice beach, but we think Vilamoura is best visited in the evening for dinner. The town's marina is surrounded by restaurants and cafes. You can take boat rides along the coast from here.</p><p><strong>Play golf - </strong>not only is the Algarve famous for its beaches, there are numerous internationally renowned golf courses here for those who feel like they could be the next Tiger Woods.</p><h2>When to Visit The Algarve</h2><p>The Algarve is pleasant all year round. Winters are short and cool and summers are long and warm. May to early July is best for beating the crowds. July to September are peak for roasting on the beach, with good weather continuing into October.</p><p>Golf courses are open all year round but do get busier in the summer months. There are many festivals across the region such as Albufeira's Jazz festival in September, the Liberation Day parade in April, and Olhos de Água's uniquely Portuguese Sardine festival.</p><p><h5><img class="alignnone wp-image-65311 size-full" src="https://static.travelgay.com/media/67962/ALGARVE-Region-Guide-3-e1518101315899.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /><em><em>Ferragudo</em></em></h5></p><h2></h2><h2>Visa</h2><p>Portugal is within the Schengen zone. Those who do not hold an EU passport or a valid <a href="https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/portugal-visa/">Schengen Visa</a> should check requirements with their own embassy.</p><h2>Money</h2><p>Portugal’s currency is the Euro. Most bank branches in tourist areas provide foreign exchange services and you won't have difficulty finding a cash dispenser. However, be aware the maximum you can withdraw from a machine in 2 x 200 euros per day. Local banks tend to add fees to foreign card cash withdrawals.</p><p>Credit and debit cards are very widely accepted. Our advice is to take as much cash as you feel comfortable carrying and pay by card wherever possible.

Gay Algarve · Region Guide

First time in The Algarve? Then our gay Algarve travel guide is for you.

Now same sex adoption is possible for not only individuals but same sex couples.

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

Same sex couples in Portugal were previously not allowed to adopt or foster children. Between 2013 and 2016 various bills were put forward and rejected by parliament.

The age of consent in Portugal is 14 years of age for both homosexual and heterosexual sex.

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

In Portugal, blood donations have rules regarding sexual behaviour but they are the same for homosexual and heterosexual people. While discrimination is illegal according to the Portuguese Constitution, discrimination is widely reported amongst the LGBTQ+ community and new legislation was discussed in 2021 to address this.

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

In Portugal, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics.

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

The law allows adults to change their legal gender based on self-detirmination without any requirements. Minors aged 16 and 17 must have parental consent and a professional psychological opinion.

Legal recognition of sex reassignment by permitting a change of legal gender on an individual's birth certificate.

Individuals in Portugal can legally change their gender and name on their birth certificate.

The conversion therapy ban passed by Parliament last year was officially signed into law by the President over the weekend.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

There is no legislation prohibiting conversion therapy in Portugal.<br />
<br />
In 2023, Portugal's parliament passed a bill that includes a ban on conversion therapy, amongst other measures, but this needs to be passed by the President of the Republic before it becomes law.<br />
<br />
In 2019, after an open letter by 250 psychologists to the the regulatory <i>Ordem dos Psicólogos</i>, the body affirmed that conversion therapy is malpractice and has no basis in science and is not justifiable.

Article 13 explicitly prohibits discriminations on the basis of sexual orientations

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Gender identity is now an explicit protected ground in the labour code.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

Homosexuality was decriminalised within Portugal in 1982.

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

In 2010, the XVIII Constitutional Government of Portugal approved a marriage equality bill, making it the eighth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

Portugal  is not one of the 22 countries that allows trans military service.<br />
<br />
Trans people aren't explicitly banned from joining the army, but due to discrimination and regulations that also apply to cis people, but more commonly affect trans people, they are unable to join.

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

Even though gender self-identification is possible in Portugal, non-binary identities are not yet legally recognized here.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

Portugal

gay-algarve

Algarve Gay Bars & Clubs

Gay Algarve

Gay Algarve · Hotels

Casa Marhaba

full-gallery-image-4-e1550689963503

Algarve · Gay Guesthouses and B&Bs

IMG_0388

Palm View Guesthouse

Hotel Da Rocha main

Hotel Da Rocha

Where to Stay?

Time to Party!

Hotels

Gay Guesthouse / B&B

Bars & Clubs

Beaches

Massage

Services

Region Guide

Gay Map

Gay Algarve Guide. The best gay bars &amp; dance clubs, gay-popular beaches, gay-rated hotels and travel information for the Algarve, Portugal.

Gay Algarve Guide 2024 - gay bars, clubs, saunas & more

Algarve

The Algarve, renowned for its fabulous sunny weather, beautiful sandy beaches and excellent food.

Nauti Girl Lagos is an LGBTQIA+ friendly boat rental service and cruise operator in Lagos, Portugal. They are offering a variety of boat trips at affordable prices - from half-/full-day trips, to evening sundowners, proposal trips, to a Benagil cave experience, for up to 10 persons.<br>
<br>
Each trip includes all alcoholic and soft drinks on board with snacks also, as well as snorkeling kits and paddle boards. Cruise in exceptional comfort with everything you need; warm showers and a bathroom are available on board.<br>
<br>
You will be in the safe hands of Captain Max and Captain Chris who have many years of boating experience. Departing daily from Lagos Marina.

guys 2

Nauti Girl Lagos

Nauti Girl Lagos is an LGBTQIA+ friendly boat rent...

<p>High Class Algarve Chauffeurs is a luxury VIP LGBT+ friendly company that will cater to all your transport needs whilst staying in the Algarve. Covering the entire region, as well as parts of southern Spain and Lisbon, with a variety of transport options, the service will ensure you travel in style, comfort and convenience.<br><br>Airport transfers, Golf transportation, corporate, limo service, and chauffeur driven tours can all be arranged.<br><br>The service is available 24 hours a day, chauffeurs are professionally presented, and cars are always spotless.</p>

HCAC1

High Class Algarve Chauffeurs

<p>High Class Algarve Chauffeurs is a luxury VIP L...

Gay dance club in the heart of the Portimao city, away from the traditional nightlife scene.<br>
<br>
With 200 m² of space. The Loft has a capacity for 150 people and is divided into 3 zones: a dance floor, VIP room and lounge area.<br>
<br>
DJ, live music, themed parties, karaoke. The Loft hosts a range of events and stage shows by local and international artists. Open Friday and Saturday.

Algarve Gay Bar & Club Guide

The Loft

Gay dance club in the heart of the Portimao city,...

Check In

Check Out

Guests

Destination

  Browse a selection of tours in Algarve from our
                partners with free cancellation 24 hours before your tour
                starts.