In Mediterranean garden design, the existing local landscape, such as rocks, walls, or terraces, is incorporated into the design.

Existing plants, slopes, rocks, and caves define the garden's layout and are highlighted whenever possible. Garden paths are predominantly paved with natural stone and polygonal slabs, while dry stone walls and water features are essential elements of a Mediterranean garden. Garden statues, sculptures, and planted terracotta pots are indispensable features.

The selection of plants is vast, but for ecological reasons, it should consist largely of succulents and drought-resistant perennials and shrubs. Typical plants in a Mediterranean garden include cypresses, pines, olives, oleanders, almonds, carob trees, and citrus fruits. Of course, trees and shrubs native to Australia, Brazil, or Africa can add interesting accents. Aromatic herbs such as immortelle, lavender, or rosemary provide variety in the flowerbeds.

Saving water, or rather, minimizing water consumption, is a highly relevant topic in the Algarve. Gardens are irrigated exclusively using drip irrigation. Water consumption is reduced to the necessary minimum, and the plants can be trained to be water-efficient.