Burgau: A Hidden Gem on the Algarve

Burgau is the Algarve’s best-kept secret. After finding Carvoeiro to be more like a tourist resort than the quaint fishing village we had hoped for, we feared that all of Portugal’s beaches had been overtaken by big hotels and become homogeneous. Then we found Burgau. Tucked away on the southern coast, this small, authentic Portuguese beach village restored our faith.

First Impressions of Burgau

Driving into Burgau, it doesn’t immediately seem like anything special. The familiar dusty scrubland of the Algarve stretches out around you, and the town itself is initially unassuming, with modern whitewashed apartments lining the roads. As you reach the end of the main road, that all changes. Cobblestone paths spiral downward, leading to a hidden seaside village.

Unlike the larger, more commercialised Algarve towns, Burgau has retained its small-town charm. There are no sprawling resorts or rows of neon-lit bars — just a handful of family-run restaurants, white-washed fishermen’s cottages, and a golden beach framed by rugged cliffs.

Despite its growing popularity, Burgau still feels like a well-kept secret, where locals and visitors mingle over a glass of vinho verde as the sun sets.

Best Things to Do in Burgau

Burgau is only a small beach town, so there aren’t loads of things to do. That, we think, is exactly what you want for a beach holiday.

1. Relax on Praia do Burgau (Burgau Beach)

Burgau’s beach is wide with soft, white-yellow sand. Sitting between the cliffs, the sandy cove offers calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming. At low tide, there’s plenty of space to stretch out, while high tide brings gentle waves ideal for bodyboarding. We visited in June and the beach was mostly quiet, especially in the evenings when holidaymakers staying out of town head off.

2. Hike the Coastal Trails

If you love scenic coastal walks, Burgau is perfectly positioned along the Rota Vicentina, a network of stunning trails that hug the Algarve coastline. The hike from Burgau to Salema is particularly beautiful, with dramatic cliffs, wildflowers and uninterrupted ocean views. It gets hot in the summer though, so start early.

3. Enjoy Coffee and Pastel de Nata Café do Burgau

Start your morning like a local with a coffee and a freshly baked pastel de nata at Café do Burgau, Beach Break. This laid-back café attached to the local supermarket freshly bakes Portugal’s iconic custard tarts, cinnamon buns and sourdough loaves.

4. Enjoy a Al Fresco Meal at Miam Burgau

Burgau may be small, but it has some excellent restaurants. Miam Burgau was our favourite. Located right be the beach slope, it’s a perfect place to end your beach day. Tables are outside with views of the sea. Enjoy a range of dishes from homemade bread and burrata, to courgette spaghetti and lemon meringue pie. Local white wines from the Algarve and the Douro are a must. Definitely make a reservation for evenings.

5. Browse in KAiLUZ

KAiLUZ is a small boutique store next door to Café do Burgau. They sell a selection of handmade, artisanal jewellery and clothing. The store is perfect for picking up a unique memento for your beach holiday with a beautiful collection of beaded necklaces that capture Burgau’s laid-back, beachy vibe.

6. Take a Day Trip to Lagos

With only a few days in Burgau, we decided not to visit Lagos. It is, however, just a 20-minute drive away. Spend the day exploring its old town, kayaking through sea caves or simply enjoying the buzz of a larger town before retreating back t0 quiet Burgau.

7. Visit Falesia Wine Vineyard

For wine lovers, Falesia Wine Vineyard is just a 20-minute drive from Burgau. The vineyard is set against the backdrop of rolling hills with an outside deck with seaviews. Enjoy a tour of the vineyard, have a guided tasting and sample local varieties like crisp white Arinto and smooth red Touriga Nacional. It’s a perfect afternoon activity for those wanting to experience the Algarve’s emerging wine scene.

How To Get To Burgau

The easiest way to reach Burgau by flying into Faro Airport (FAO), which is the closest international airport to the Algarve. Direct flights from London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton) take around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

From Faro, you have several options to reach Burgau:

Car Rental: The most convenient way to explore the Algarve is by renting a car at Faro Airport. The drive to Burgau takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes via the A22 motorway. This is the better option if you plan to explore further afield.

Private Transfer: If you prefer a hassle-free option, pre-booking a private transfer from Faro Airport to Burgau is a good choice, with a journey time of about 1 hour. This is the better option if you plan to spend the majority of your time just in Burgau.

Public Transport: Take a train or bus from Faro to Lagos, then transfer to a local bus or taxi for the final 15-minute ride to Burgau.

Where to Stay in Burgau

For such a small village, Burgau has some great accommodation options:

  • Casinha – A beautiful two-bedroom house with views of Burgau beach.
  • Amarguinha – A two-bedroom apartment just 200 metres from Burgau Beach.
  • Beach Apt 1 In Burgau – A one-bedroom apartment with mesmerising beach views.


Burgau is everything we had hoped to find in the Algarve — authentic, quiet and beachy. It’s a place where time slows down, where you can wander barefoot from your guesthouse to the beach in minutes. If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Portugal, Burgau is it. (But shhh, don’t tell too many people!)