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Wheatless Wanderlust

How to Plan an Amazing Algarve Itinerary (3-7 Days)

Planning a trip to the Algarve, the gorgeous coastal paradise along the southern edge of Portugal? Lucky you! You’re in for a treat full of pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and charming small towns dotting Portugal’s southern coast.

In this guide to planning an Algarve itinerary, we’re going to use our experience spending a week on the Algarve to help you plan the perfect Algarve trip. 

The Algarve was the last stop on our three month European adventure, which had us arriving in southern Portugal at the end of November. We organized it that way because we knew that the Algarve was a safe haven from the cooler, grayer weather that would be descending on the rest of Europe at that time of year, and we were absolutely correct. 

The entire stretch of Portugal’s southern stretch from Sagres to Tavira is covered in a combination of beautiful beaches, coastal bluffs, and towering limestone cliffs that are practically begging to be explored. It’s also just a really, really pleasant place to relax on the beach with a book, or to get out on the water and do some surfing or kayaking. 

In this detailed guide to planning your trip to the Algarve, we’re going to go through the logistics you need to know to make the most of your time and avoid headaches, and a detailed 4 day Algarve road trip itinerary that takes you to some of our favorite spots from our trip. 

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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Much Time Do You Need on the Algarve?

In short, it depends on what you’re looking for. 

Here’s the long version. 

The longer you have, the more relaxed your trip will be. You’ll have more time to lounge on the beach, drive along the coast, and stop for whatever else catches your interest.

With a shorter visit to the Algarve, you’re going to be hitting the highlights without too much time to slow down and relax, which is the best part about the Algarve, in our opinion.

It’s a great addition to the other places you’ll visit on a Portugal itinerary – Lisbon, Porto, and other cities – because the pace is slower, and there aren’t any traditional “sightseeing” sights to see.

3 days on the Algarve gives you enough time to drive out to Sagres, a charming surf town at Europe’s southwest corner, explore the area around Lagos, and walk the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and explore its beautiful beaches. 

4 days on the Algarve, which is what we’ve written this guide for, gives you a bit more time. You’ll do the things we mentioned above, but you’ll also be able to rent a kayak and head out to the Benagil Caves, and explore the eastern Algarve’s beaches. 

A full week on the Algarve gives you plenty of time to split between activities and relaxing on the beach. If you’re looking for a more relaxing beach holiday, 7 days on the Algarve is a good choice.

If the Algarve is a part of a broader Portugal itinerary , we’d recommend between 3 and 5 days. 

Where to Stay in the Algarve

Before we talk specifics, let’s quickly step back and think about “strategy,” for lack of a better word. 

You have a couple of choices in terms of your approach to staying in the Algarve.

At one end of the spectrum, you could stay in a different place every single night, moving around, packing and repacking every day, and experiencing a bunch of different towns and cities. 

If there’s anything we learned on our three month trip around Europe, it’s that packing SUCKS. So we’d recommend avoiding it as much as possible. 

On the other end of the spectrum is staying in a single place for your entire stay. You’ll have the benefit of not having to worry about check-in times or packing your stuff multiple times, but you might have to do more driving. 

If you have four days or more, we’d recommend splitting your time between two places to get the best of both worlds. 

Choose one place in the western Algarve, between Lagos and Sagres , and one place further east, around Carvoeiro . This will give you two different experiences, cut down on driving, and not add too much repacking. 

Want more details on which towns to choose? We have an entire guide breaking down five great places to stay in the Algarve that you should read.

Which Towns on the Algarve Should You Stay in?

Now that we’ve talked strategy, let’s talk specifics. We chose Lagos and Carvoeiro as our two home bases, and really enjoyed both for different reasons.

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Lagos is a more developed city that sees a huge influx of tourists every summer.

The old town is charming, with plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops to choose from, all within walking distance of most of the places to stay. It’s lively and buzzing, so don’t expect a quiet stay if you’re here in the summer.

In Lagos, we stayed at The Salty Lodge , an apart-hotel with spacious apartments that had everything we needed for our stay, including a full kitchen. 

If you’re looking for something quieter than Lagos, look at the sleepy fishing village of Salema , about 20 minutes west. 

If you’re looking to spend your time surfing, look at staying in Sagres , which is very much a surftown.

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Carvoeiro has a very different vibe than Lagos. It’s more low-key and residential, though the small downtown area near the beach has a nice selection of places to eat and drink.

The draw here is the location, which is central to a bunch of amazing beaches and stretches of coastline to explore. 

We enjoyed relaxing on our deck at Hello Villas , which is a nice complex of townhouse style one and two bedroom units that we stayed in. 

If you’re looking for a smaller, more charming town on this beautiful stretch of coast, look at Alvor , or Ferragudo .

Getting Around the Algarve

After traveling by train and bus for part of our trip to the Algarve, and then renting a car for the second part, we have a strong perspective that the best way to enjoy the Algarve is by renting a car . 

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Sure, there is a regional train network that connects the major towns on the Algarve, but oftentimes the best beaches are going to be a bit outside of town, and a car makes it easier to get there. 

It will give you more flexibility, since trains aren’t that plentiful (they only come a few times a day) and it’s hard to figure out exactly when local and regional buses come (or if they come at all). 

Tips for Renting a Car in Portugal

We think you should definitely rent a car, it’s just a matter of figuring out the best way to do it for your particular trip.

Here are a few things to consider about renting a car in Portugal that we discovered over the course of our trip. 

  • If you’re picking up a rental car in one place and dropping it in a different place, your rental will be subject to a “one-way” fee that escalates based on the distances between locations. For reference, we picked up our car in Lagos and dropped it in Évora, which is about a three hour drive, and it was a 50 Euro fee. We imagine the fee would be similar for Lisbon. 
  • There is an airport surcharge of about 30 Euros, depending on the company, that applies when you are either picking up or dropping off at an airport (in this case, likely either Lisbon Airport or the Faro Airport). You could avoid this by picking up the car in Lagos instead, but if you are arriving at the Faro Airport, it makes more logistical sense to just pay the fee. 
  • Always always always rent a car through trusted multinational corporations like Avis, Hertz, and Europcar. To be completely honest, this basically goes against everything we believe about traveling (supporting local companies, mainly), but we recommend avoiding renting a car through local companies, who are usually more likely to nickel and dime you half to death. Trust us on this one. 

We rented a car twice during our three month European adventure, once in Sicily , once on the Algarve.

Both times we used AutoEurope to compare prices with different rental companies and find the best rates, and booked a car through Europcar , which was a pleasant experience both times. We’d recommend both. 

A Note on Toll Roads in Portugal

There are toll roads on the Algarve (and throughout Portugal), which means you will pay to use the bigger, faster highways. The two you’re most likely to encounter are the A2 between Lisbon and the Algarve, and the A22 between Lagos and Faro.

You have three options. 

  • Pay the tolls in cash as you drive or at the local post office if it’s an electronic toll road (don’t do this one, it seems super inconvenient to have to track down a post office at least 48 hours after using the toll road).
  • Pay a couple of Euros a day for a transponder through the rental car company (this is our recommendation and is what we did just in case we needed it, though we managed to avoid all toll roads).
  • Avoid using toll roads altogether and spend an extra 10-20 minutes on the road (we used the “avoid tolls” setting in Google Maps).

More information on toll roads in Portugal here . 

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A 4 Day Algarve Itinerary: Planning the Perfect Algarve Road Trip

Now that we’ve covered the important logistics you’ll need to know to plan your trip, let’s get into exactly what to do on the Algarve. 

Day 1: Lagos and Around

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On your first day, settle in and explore the area around Lagos. There are some amazing beaches within walking distance of the center of Lagos, which is a bustling little beach town with lots of bars and restaurants (many of them catering overtly to tourists).

A little further out, there are some beaches that are more easily accessible with a car. 

We’re assuming that it will take most of the morning to get to Lagos from wherever you’re arriving from, so consider this a half day. 

Walk from Lagos to Praia dos Estudantes and Praia da Dona Ana

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Two of our favorite beaches on the entire stretch of coast between Sagres and Tavira were within walking distance of Lagos. 

The first, Praia dos Estudantes , is one of the Algarve’s most famous beaches thanks to the Roman bridge that is visible from the beach. 

Next, stop by Praia do Pinhão , where you can pick up a coastal route up on the bluffs that takes you to the third beach on your tour-de-Lagos-beaches.

The last beach, Praia da Dona Ana , is also one of the most-visited beaches in the entire region. It’s a little cove, accessible from both ends, and the best views of the beach are from the bluffs on the eastern side (which is where you’ll find yourself if you follow the coastal trail). 

All three beaches would be a good spot to relax in the sun for a few hours. Make sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water. 

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Go to Lunch at Restaurante Chico Zé

For seafood that’s about as fresh as it can be, head out to Restaurante Chico Zé , which is a 10 minute drive north of the center of Lagos.

It’s a family run, lunch-only establishment where there is almost always a line out the door during the high season (and sometimes during shoulder seasons). Don’t miss the grilled sardines, served with potatoes. 

They also have a rotating selection of other grilled fishes and meats. Not a place for vegetarians – barely a vegetable in sight!

An alternative closer to town would be Tasca Da Lota , which is within walking distance of the city center near the train station. It’s cash only. 

End the Day at Ponta da Piedade

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For sunset, drive out to Ponta da Piedade , which is a unique rock formation surrounded by sheer cliffs. It’s a spot that most of the boat tours leaving from Lagos stop at because there’s a series of cool sea caves and hidden grottos. 

On foot, you can walk down the long set of stairs to get to the base of the cliffs – just remember that you’ll have to climb back up. Once you’ve done that, it’s also worth finding the trail that heads west from the parking lot and walking along the boardwalks for more amazing coastal views. 

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On the way, stop by Praia do Camilo , a small, hidden beach accessible only by climbing down a long set of steep stairs (and, again, climbing back up when you’re done, of course).

It should be mentioned that you can absolutely connect the beaches close to Lagos with Ponta da Piedade by hiking along the coastal bluffs, but it’s a long walk. 

Day 2: Sagres and the Western Algarve

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On your second day, head out to explore the windswept coast to the west of Lagos, eventually making it to the furthest point to the southwest in Europe. 

Sagres is a sleepy little surf town, at least when we were there in the early winter when only the most committed surfers were in town.

We’d start by driving all the way out to Farol do Cabo de São Vicente , the southwestern-most point in Europe, and making your way back east towards Lagos. 

Farol do Cabo de São Vicente

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First of all, this entire stretch of coast reminds us of the stretch near where Alysha grew up in California – Point Reyes National Seashore. This lighthouse in particular, along with the picturesque cliffs it’s perched on, are reminiscent of the Point Reyes Lighthouse.

It’s beautiful, but there’s really not a whole lot to do or see here. It’s mostly a spot to admire the views and to say you have visited the furthest southwestern point in Europe. 

Praia do Beliche

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The stairs leading down to Praia do Beliche are not for the faint of heart. Most of the stairs in Portugal, whether they’re leading up to a church bell tower or down to a hidden beach, are steep. These are a whole other level.

As we drove up, we noticed that, despite the fact that it was kind of a blustery and cold day (the blustery part is true of basically every day in Sagres, which is notoriously windy), the parking lot was full of campervans with surfboards and wetsuits strewn about.

Keep in mind, this is the last few days of November, which means the water is likely very, very cold. Hard pass from us. 

The beach itself is lovely, and because of the distance from the main cities on the Algarve, it’s relatively quiet compared to the beaches near Lagos.

It’s one of the best surfing destinations in all of Europe, so if you’re into surfing (or are looking to learn), this beach should be on your list. 

The Town of Sagres

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The town of Sagres is, well, tiny. There’s not a whole lot going on, and it has very “surf town” vibes. It’s a small town, and was very sleepy when we were around in November. 

It’s worth heading out to the Fortaleza de Sagres , which you’ll have to pay a few Euros to access, but the views from the point are worth it. It is going to be windy when you’re there – it almost always is. 

We liked Praia da Mareta ( here on Google Maps) too, a wide, sandy beach with cliffs on either end.

It’s one of the better swimming beaches because it’s protected by those cliffs, and it’s not too busy even in the summer season. Praia do Martinhal ( here on Google Maps) is another nice beach just a few minutes east of Sagres. 

To get there, you drive back out on the main highway you took into town, then take a winding road down to the beach (we took a wrong turn and found ourselves in the housing development that looks suspiciously like a retirement community in Florida). 

From here, you have a couple of options, and it depends on your appetite for more beaches and pristine coastline. 

  • Head back to Lagos and take a well-earned siesta before finding a place to have dinner and drinks. 
  • Drive north along the coast to Praia da Arrifana ( here on Google Maps), another great beach that will give you a nice taste of Portugal’s Atlantic Coast. There are plenty of other beaches in the area, but a lot of them are on questionable dirt roads that your rental car may not like so much. Praia da Amoreira ( here on Google Maps) is also worth a stop as it’s just north of the first beach and has a good road leading to the northern end of the beach. 
  • Head back to Lagos, but make a quick detour to Salema , a quiet fishing village with a wide, sandy beach where literally not a single place was open on the afternoon we were there. We’d imagine that changes drastically in the high season. 

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Day 3: The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

On your third day, move to your second home base and hike the best trail in southern Portugal – the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail .

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

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This hike, best done from east to west starting from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes , was one of our favorite experiences in Portugal. And we’re from coastal California, which we learned is very similar to the Algarve in terms of scenery, flora, and fauna.

The point is, it’s a great hike, and that’s coming from two people who have done countless hikes with similar views and scenery. 

First, an overview of the full out-and-back hike. 

  • Length : 7 miles / 11.4 km (shorter versions below)
  • Elevation Gain : 1,200 ft. / 365 meters
  • Season : Year round
  • Trail Type: Out and Back (we have ideas on alternate routes below)
  • Difficulty : Easy / Moderate
  • Trailhead Location : Either Praia da Marinha or Praia do Vale de Centeanes
  • Dog Friendly : Yes! 

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If that sounds like too much for you, you have a few options in terms of shortening the hike. 

  • Option 1: The Full Hike, Round Trip – 7 miles / 1,200 feet of elevation gain (11.4 km / 365 m). Hike the entire trail out-and-back from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes, and then back the way you came. 
  • Option 2: The Full Hike, One Way – 3.5 miles / 600 feet of elevation gain (6 km / 180 m). Do the entire hike, but only one way. This requires using either taxis, Uber, or hitching a ride to get back to your car at the first trailhead (or finding a way to get there without a car). 
  • Option 3: Partial Hike, Out and Back – 3.3 miles / 600 feet of elevation gain (5.6 km / 180 m). Hike the section between Praia da Marinha and Praia do Carvalho, which in our opinion is the best part of the trail. You can continue on to the nice lighthouse – Farol de Alfanzina, for an additional 2 miles (3.2 km) added to your round-trip distance. 

If you’re attempting this hike in the summer, you should plan on being either a) on the trail hiking by 8:00 am at the latest, with plenty of water and sunscreen for the journey or b) absolutely miserable hiking through the heat of the day. Seriously, get an early start. 

If you’re interested in doing the entire thing, you should head over and read our Seven Hanging Valleys Trail Guide , which has more details that will help you tackle it safely and have a great experience. 

Sunset at Praia do Vale de Centeanes

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End your day at the ending point for the trail you hiked earlier in the day, which is a pretty spectacular place to watch the sunset. 

Either head down to the beach, where you’ll be able to sit in the golden sand and watch the sun dip below the horizon line, or walk back up onto the bluff on the east side of the beach (where you came down on the hike) and walk out to the point, where there are a bunch of benches to sit on facing west. 

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Day 4: Benagil Beach and Caves

On your fourth day, get out on the water and explore the rugged Algarve coastline by boat.

In this case, we’d recommend exploring by kayak because there are a seemingly unlimited number of secret beaches and caves where you’ll be able to actually get out inside the cave, which is not possible on a speed boat trip (at least that I’ve ever seen).

If you’re a beginner in a kayak, we’d also recommend joining a guided tour rather than trying to do it yourself. We love kayaking, but the weather was a bit cold for us, and most companies were shut down for the winter by then. We added it to our list for next time instead.

Which tour you choose depends on where you’re coming from, as there are tours leaving from different points near Benagil Beach, which is just east of Carvoiero.

The easiest way is to do a tour that leaves directly from Benagil Beach (here’s a sunrise tour , which is the best time to be there thanks to calm water and fewer people). 

There are also tours that leave from nearby cities like Albufeira or Portimão , or tours with a stand up paddleboard rather than a kayak. 

The Headlands West of Carvoiero

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After a break in the afternoon, head back out to explore the beaches and bluffs around Carvoiero. We’re going to give you our favorite points, but be sure to do some exploring and ask around to see if you can discover one or two of your own. 

From east to west, here are the spots we enjoyed: 

  • Praia do Paraíso : Major Greece vibes as you head down the white steps to this small, secluded beach. Lots of steps to get down to the beach, but we think it’s worth it. 
  • Miradouro da Arriba da Salgadeira : Head out onto the spit for great views along the coast in both directions. It’s very windy. 
  • Praia dos Caneiros : Beautiful beach with golden sand and shallow, turquoise water that’s far enough from town to mean it’s quieter than other beaches in the area. 
  • Farol da Ponta do Altar : The lighthouse is fine, but the views over the beaches to the east of the lighthouse are the reason we included this. Walk east from the parking lot along the cliffside until you’re above Praia do Torrado (we couldn’t figure out how to get down to the beach without rock climbing, which we passed on). 

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Afterwards, grab dinner in Carvoeiro’s charming downtown area. Another good option is out at Quinta Dos Santos , a lovely winery / brewery / restaurant on a farm 15 minutes outside of town. 

You could turn this into a nice loop, starting in town, heading out to each of the beaches, eating dinner at Quinta Dos Santos, and heading back into town. 

More Time in the Algarve: Choose Your Own Adventure

Generally, if you have more time on the Algarve, we’d recommend spending it relaxing more rather than trying to do more activities. More beach time and coastal drives rather than planned activities. 

However, here are a few specific things we think are worth your time. 

Surfing Lessons : I’m not sure there’s a better place in Europe to learn how to surf (or go surfing if, unlike us, you’re already a pro). Unfortunately, winter wasn’t the time for us to try our hands at surfing, but during the warmer months we’d be in. 

Albufeira : A charming small town with wide white sand beaches nearby that is worth a full day, if not an overnight. It’s only a half hour by car from Carvoeiro, so it’s an easy day trip. Here’s a guide we liked.

Head to Faro and Tavira : Even further east, you’ll find the charming towns of Olhão , known for its fish market on the water, and Tavira , along with the major city in the region, Faro , which is home to the region’s only airport. We actually spent one night in Tavira, stopping there on our way into Portugal from Seville , and it’s a lovely little riverfront town. The best meal we ate on the Algarve was at O Tonel , in the heart of Tavira’s old town. Don’t miss Ria Formosa Natural Park and Ilha de Tavira , which are both accessible from this stretch of coast. 

What to Do with Less Time on the Algarve

If you have fewer days on the Algarve, what you choose to do is going to depend on your interests. For us, we’re not super into just hanging out on the beach, so we’d cut those portions out first and focus on road tripping and hiking along the coast. 

However, we also totally understand that you might be super into relaxing on the beach, which is why we’re putting our bias out there for you. 

The other thing to consider is where to stay. With 1-3 days on the Algarve, we’d suggest picking just one base and staying there the entire time. We’d recommend Lagos for most people, because it’s a central point between the eastern and western parts of the coast. 

However, like we mentioned above, there’s basically an unlimited number of charming little towns littering the Algarve, so Lagos is by no means the only place you could stay and have an enjoyable trip. 

With all that being said, here’s how we would spend three days on the Algarve. 

What to Do with 3 Days on the Algarve

On your first day, follow “Day 1” as written above.

On your second day, choose between either the Benagil Cave tour by kayak , or hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail .

You could also combine them by doing part of the hike (we’d recommend going from Praia da Marinha to Carvalho Beach ), then returning to Benagil Beach to meet a tour (or vice versa, depending on the timing of the tour). 

On your last day, follow “Day 2” as written above with a road trip out to the western Algarve and a stop in Sagres to see the southwesternmost point in Europe. 

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When to Visit the Algarve?

In every single guide, we say something along the lines of “summer is the busiest and hottest time of year – visit in shoulder season instead!”

And, to be clear, that’s probably more true of the Algarve than other places in Portugal (and Europe as a whole). 

But, ultimately, it comes down to when you are able to travel. If you have kids, chances are summer is when they have time off school and are able to go on longer trips.

Just know that if you visit the Algarve in the summer , you’re going to experience blistering hot temperatures that make it tough to be out in the sun for more than an hour at a time, and hordes of other tourists flocking to the same tiny seaside fishing villages that, all of a sudden, aren’t nearly as charming. 

So when we say “VISIT IN SHOULDER SEASON,” we really mean it. Fall and spring will bring milder temperatures and fewer people – particularly fewer kids and families . If you have the ability to avoid traveling in the summer, we’d strongly recommend it . 

We were actually in the Algarve over the winter – at the end of November into the beginning of December – and it was generally lovely. The weather was very mild, though too cold for spending a day on the beach (which isn’t really our thing anyway).

It’s a much more pleasant time to hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail , which is more what we’re into. 

The other thing to know about visiting in the off-season is that many places will be closed – bars, restaurants, other tourist related services – especially in the smaller beach towns that become very, very sleepy when the tourists go home for the winter. 

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Where to Start and End Your Algarve Road Trip / Getting to the Algarve

There are basically two ways to get to the Algarve that are going to be good for 95% of people, and it largely depends on what the rest of your trip to Portugal looks like. The two options are coming to or from Lisbon (by car or bus/train) or flying directly to the Algarve. 

Coming from Lisbon

If your trip starts or ends in Lisbon and you’re going directly to/from Lisbon to the Algarve, then you can rent a car or take a train/bus to make the journey. 

We definitely recommend that you rent a car for your Algarve itinerary , and if you’re flying in and out of Lisbon, then it probably makes the most sense to rent a car in Lisbon, drive to the Algarve, and drop the car off back in Lisbon. 

However, that proposition becomes a little more expensive if you’re renting the car for a one-way journey thanks to “one-way” rental car fees.

If you’re flying into Lisbon and out of Faro (or the reverse), then it probably makes more sense to train or bus to Lagos or Faro and rent the car from there to avoid the one way fee. 

Coming from Elsewhere and Only Visiting the Algarve

If your trip doesn’t involve going anywhere near Lisbon and it’s just a trip to the Algarve, then there’s only one airport that you’ll be able to fly into: Faro Airport . 

You can either rent a car from there, which incurs an “airport rental fee” of about 30 Euros, or take a bus or train to Lagos and rent from there.

For what it’s worth, we’d probably just shell out the extra Euros for the airport fee here given the public transit connections between Faro and Lagos aren’t great. 

Planning a trip to Portugal?  

Here are our other Portugal travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip (even if you have to eat gluten free!).

If there’s no link below, it means we’re still working on it – long, in-depth guides take time! We’re working on it, though, we promise.

  • 10 Days in Portugal: Planning the Perfect Portugal Itinerary
  • 25 Incredible Things to Do in Lisbon: A Complete Guide
  • 3 Days in Lisbon: Planning the Perfect Lisbon Itinerary
  • One Day in Lisbon: The Best of Lisbon in 24 Hours
  • Where to Stay in Lisbon: Our Guide to 4 Amazing Places to Stay
  • Gluten Free Lisbon: A Complete Guide to Lisbon’s Best Gluten Free Restaurants
  • The Best Coffee in Lisbon: 9 Amazing Lisbon Coffee Shops to Add to Your List
  • 3 Days in Porto: Planning the Perfect Porto Itinerary
  • One Day in Porto: How to See the Best of Porto in a Day
  • Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal: The 3 Best Places to Stay

The Algarve:

  • A Complete Guide to Planning an Algarve Road Trip (3-7 Days)
  • Where to Stay in the Algarve: 5 Charming Towns to Use as a Home Base
  • How to Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: Complete Trail Guide

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Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

Thank you so much for this post! Doing my research on the region for my upcoming road trip in Portugal late July… (already worrying about the crowd & heat , and fuel price…), super helpful!!

It will definitely be hot in late July! But I’m sure it will be amazing. Enjoy!

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Wapiti Travel

Algarve Itinerary: the best itinerary for 3-10 days

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: December 13, 2023

Are you getting ready to discover the impressive coast of southern Portugal? With this Algarve itinerary, you will see all the beautiful beaches, the charming towns and, not to forget, the artistic rock formations.

The Algarve is a refreshing mix of culture, nature, sport, and relaxation, bathed in lots of sunshine.

Planning a trip to the Algarve is electrifying but with so many sights spread over a coastline of nearly 200 kilometers, it can become a bit overwhelming.

With this article, we want to help you with your Algarve Itinerary. We have suggestions for trips of 2, 3, and 5 days, Algarve vacations of a complete week, and even an Algarve Itinerary of 10 days.

So jump in your car and let’s go.

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Is this your first trip to the Algarve and are you eager to see all the highlights?

Use our Algarve Travel Planner to create your itinerary. It comes with loads of suggestions and will make your travel planning less stressful and more enjoyable.

The best Algarve Itinerary

First things first. The easiest option to see all the eye-candy the Algarve has to offer is with a car.

For our latest trips, we’ve found the best cars at  Discover cars.

This is a website where you can quickly and easily compare the prices of different rental companies.

All rates include the CDW and we like that the deductible is already clearly shown on the comparison page. The fuel policy, included mileage, and the cancelation policy is also clearly stated.

Most cars are cancellable up to 2 days in advance without any fees.  In some cases, a fully refundable deposit is taken at the time of booking.

That’s why most of these Algarve itineraries are designed as road trips.

During short trips, we stay in 1 place and explore the region with day trips.

For longer itineraries, we use different bases in order not to spend too much time in the car.

We start with an Algarve Itinerary of 2 days showing the highlights around Lagos and then systematically add days as you have more time.

In this post we share everything about renting a car in Portugal. 

Without further ado, here’s our first Algarve Itinerary.

2 days in Algarve

Whether you arrive at Faro airport or come by car from Lisbon, if you only have 2 days to visit the Algarve, we recommend staying in or around Lagos.

Here is an overview of the best vacation homes and Airbnbs in Lagos. 

It is easy to spend 2 wonderful days in this region.

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Day 1: Beaches in Lagos, Lagos old town, Ponte da Piedade

Lagos is a popular resort town in the Western Algarve and is known for its historic center.

The town is surrounded by numerous picture-postcard beaches. Whether you are looking to enjoy the serenity of a cliff-enclosed beach or an adventurer chasing extreme water sports, there is a perfect beach for you.

Surfers will love the waves at Praia de Porto de Mos, while those who just want to stretch out in the soft sand can head to Praia Dona Ana.

  • The 9 best beaches near Lagos
  • 7 best beach tents for windy conditions

All beaches are beautiful but some are even more heavenly than others. It’s hard not to use superlatives when describing the rocky coastline and the sunkissed beaches.

You can choose to relax at one beach or go on a beach-hopping adventure and check out several Lagos beaches .

Algarve - Ponta Da Piedade

Ponte da Piedade

If there’s one section of coastline that you absolutely shouldn’t miss it’s Ponte da Piedade . Located only 2 kilometers from Lagos this part of the coastline offers an awe-inspiring view.

The caves, grottoes, and arches are the workmanship of natural elements for thousands of years.

You can walk along the coast and admire the cliffs from a series of vantage points. There’s also a staircase to go to the beach, which is actually more a concrete pier, from where you can join a boat tour.

This is a short tour that will show you the cliffs from the waterside.

To see more of the coast you can join a boat tour that leaves from Lagos and lasts for something over an hour.

Check prices and availability: Ponte da Piedade boat tour

algarve portugal travel blog

Lagos old town

By late afternoon you can return to Lagos to stroll through the old town.

Lagos is often used as a base to explore the West Coast and you will see that it is touristic with lots of bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

There is always a lively vibe in the tourist season.

You will also find some restaurants around the yacht harbor and the boardwalk from the marina to the fortress is ideal for a romantic sunset walk.

Where to stay in Lagos

Here is an overview of the best vacation homes in Lagos.

If you are looking for a hotel, take a look at the Lagos Tivoli.

algarve portugal travel blog

This centrally located hotel lies within walking distance from the Marina and Lagos old town.

They serve a good champagne breakfast buffet and you can park your car in the free outside parking.

We liked the signature restaurants.

The only thing we disliked is that the hotel is quite big and needs a little refurbishment.

But overall good price value.

Check prices and availability: Lagos Tivoli

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out Jupiter Algarve Hotel ( 4-star) or Clube Vilaorsa (3-star).

Benagil Cave - Algarve caves boat tour

Day 2: Benagil Cave tour and Sagres

The beautiful coastline is what attracts so many tourists to the Algarve so it will come as no surprise that these rock formations will also take the center stage on day 2.

We start the day with what is probably the most famous attraction of the Algarve.

Benagil cave

The Benagil cave is touristic but it is a majestic sight and a must-see when you visit the Algarve. Its sheer size is sure to leave an impression.

The true beauty of the cave can only be seen from the sea.

When hiking the 7 hanging valleys trail you pass the cave but all you can see from the top is a big gaping hole.

Inside the cave, you will find a small secluded beach. You can spend some time on this beach by joining one of the kayak or SUP tours to the beach.

There are also numerous boats that sail along the coast and show the Benagil cave along with other caves and rock formations.

When on a boat you see much more of the coastline but you don’t get to disembark inside the Benagil cave.

We discuss all options to see this breathtakingly beautiful cave in this article . It’s best to book your tour in advance.

Here’s all you need to know about the Benagil cave including a selection of high-rated kayak, SUP, and boat tours.

The Lighthouse at Cabo de Sao Vicente

Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente

Next, we head to Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente , the westernmost tip of the Algarve.

We first pass Sagres, a small fishing village.

This part of the coast is often terrorized by strong winds. Beaches here are not loved by sunbathers but attract hordes of surfers.

You will find many surfing schools if you want to start surfing or just want to up your game.

Driving further west we will arrive at Cabo de São Vicente, or the “end of the world” as it was known at the time of the great Portuguese explorers.

At the cape, you find one of the most powerful lighthouses in Europe. You can admire the dramatic cliffs and there are excellent birdwatching opportunities.

If you have the time you can go for a hike in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, an often forgotten and underrated part of the Algarve.

On clear days, bring a picnic and a nice bottle of wine, and enjoy a romantic sunset at the cape.

If you prefer spending the night in Sagres, take a look at this post.

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Algarve 3 day itinerary

On our third day, we head to the town of Carvoeiro.

Lagos is still a good base for these three days but if you want to stay a little more centrally you could look at Portimão.

If you prefer to stay in Carvoeiro, we recommend you to stay in Tivoli Carvoeiro ( 5-star), Placid village (4-star), or Castelo guest house (3-star).

If you are looking for a vacation home or apartment in Carvoeiro, click here. 

Day 3: Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is a picturesque white-washed resort town along the Algarve coast.

Its atmosphere and scenery will take your breath away. It’s an open-air museum with endless charm, perfect for sun-seekers and beach bums alike.

Carvoeiro boardwalk

Just outside the charming town, you will find the Carvoeiro boardwalk , a 600-meter-long wooden promenade that hugs the shore.

The promenade leads to the beautiful rock formations at Algar Seco , but halfway through is another gate where you can descend a flight of stairs to even more elegant rock structures.

Just some of the many slides in Slide and Splash

Visit a water park

For a little more adventure you can combine your visit to Carvoeiro with a side trip to a water park .

Both Slide ‘n Splash and Zoomarine can be reached in under half an hour.

Head to the beach

For a relaxing day, you can head to Carvoeiro beach or Marinha beach.

The second is a little further out and is one of Algarve’s favorites.

Quinta dos Vales

End the day in style in Quinta dos Vales .

This winery, about 15 minutes inland from Carvoeiro, is a feast for your taste buds.

Enjoy a gastronomic three-course meal paired with delicious wines or have a seat at the panoramic terrace for a wine tasting.

You can also tour their wine-making facilities with a pre-booking.

Jurassic River in Zoomarine, one of their latest additions

Algarve itinerary 4 days

Lagos is still a good base for this 4-day Algarve Itinerary.

Since the last 2 days are near Carvoeiro you could also opt to spend 2 days in Lagos and 2 days in Carvoeiro .

Day 4: Water fun at Zoomarine Algarve or Slide and Splash

After three days of imposing coastlines and quaint fishing villages, it is time for something a little different.

Spread across the Algarve you find several water-/themeparks. Ideal for cooling off during the sweltering summer days.

Slide and Splash and Zoomarine are arguably the most popular of the pack. We love both with maybe a slight preference for Zoomarine.

The truth is that both are hard to compare. Zoomarine is more of a theme park with lots of spectacular and entertaining shows whereas Slide and Splash is all about, you guessed it, slides.

Being adults, although young at heart, we found more variety in the combination of shows with water attractions in Zoomarine. That’s not to say that Slide and Splash isn’t fun.

Both parks have ample attractions. More than enough to keep you busy for a whole day.

When we were in Zoomarine this year we didn’t even manage to do them all. And that was without the crowds and queues you can expect in peak season.

Whatever park you choose, it will be a day well-spent!

The marina at Vilamoura

Algarve itinerary 5 days

For this 5-day Algarve itinerary, we recommend spending the last day in either Vilamoura or Albufeira.

We have hotel recommendations and a list of highly-rated Airbnbs in Vilamoura and Albufeira .

Day 5 : Vilamoura and Albufeira

After a day full of laughs we’re completely rejuvenated and ready to explore more of the Algarve coast. We’re heading east towards Albufeira and Vilamoura.

Vilamoura is an artificial town created to attract a high-heeled clientele to the Algarve coast.

The town is surrounded by award-winning golf courses and boasts an upscale marina where you can feast your eyes upon million-dollar yachts. Several posh bars and restaurants are lining the marina.

The difference with the rest of the Algarve is striking.

As you get closer to Vilamoura the roads turn into wide boulevards lined by perfectly manicured and watered gardens.

Many people actually mean the region of Vilamoura, including Quarteira and Quinta do Lago, when they refer to Vilamoura.

Here is a list of more great towns in the Algarve. For a list of the best places to visit in the Algarve, click here. 

The Ludo trail passes some salt flats in the Ria Formosa

Quinta do Lago

Quinta do Lago is a gated community to the east of Vilamoura that includes more magical golf courses.

It is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Ria Formosa lagoon and you can drive, bike, or take a segway tour through the resort to marvel at the impressive million-dollar villas, many owned by international celebrities.

We did this Segway tour on a relatively hot day and had a lot of fun. You can read more about this Segway tour here. 

Here you can find our complete guide on how to visit the Ria Formosa natural park.

The Vilamoura region is home to what many say is the most beautiful beach of the Algarve, Praia da Falésia.

Praia da Falésia

A large soft sandy stretch with striking red cliffs.

These cliffs gave the beach its name and also make the beach so popular. Sunset, when the cliffs seem to be on fire, is when this beach is at its best.

The region is a true effervescent tourist hot spot and you will find several, hotels, and Airbnb’s, as well as a wide choice of activities.

algarve portugal travel blog

Active types can go paragliding , water skiing, or wakeboarding while those looking for a moment of zen will find it in the spas.

We booked a paratrike tour in Albufeira and flew over Praia da Falésia by sunset. It was an unforgettable experience. Here you can read our full post about this unforgettable paragliding experience.

Check prices and availability: Paratrike tour

If you are looking for a great place to stay in Vilamoura, we definitely recommend  the Hilton Vilamoura. You can read our complete review here. Another great hotel is the Vila Gale Marina ( 4-star).

If you prefer Airbnbs, have a look at our selection of  Vilamoura Airbnbs

Albufeira beach sunset Algarve Portugal

Albufeira is the liveliest resort town in the Algarve. Visitors can enjoy the stunning beaches during the day and party in the many nightclubs in the evening.

Unlike Vilamoura, which was only founded in 1966, Albufeira has a quintessential historic center waiting to be explored. Still, most people choose the city because of the huge range of outdoor activities, the golden beaches, and the vibrant nightlife.

Quad-biking, ziplining, and a forest adventure park with high rope walkways are just a small selection of the evocative outdoor fun that is waiting for you at this resort town.

The city’s nightlife is spread across the old town and a 2-km long street called ‘The Strip’ a little outside the city.

In the old town, you will find bars and restaurants, not so much different from other tourist hubs at the Algarve.

‘The Strip’ on the other hand, is unlike anything you can find anywhere else in the Algarve. It is 2 kilometers of rowdy pubs where the beer flows freely after dark.

Looking for accommodation in Albufeira?  Here’s a selection of highly-rated Airbnb’s . If you prefer a hotel, we recommend you Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Spa (5-star), PortoBay Falesia ( 4-star) or Alfagar village ( 3-star).

With such a wide range of water and sports activities, you will certainly not be bored today.

You can end the day as you wish, in a chic restaurant or a lively pub.

The Faro Harbor in Portugal

Algarve 7 days itinerary

A full week in the Algarve doesn’t need to be all about beaches, coastline, and historic charming villages.

As entrancing as these villages are, and as impressive the coastline is, in 7 days you have time to go wild in both water/theme parks Zoomarine and Slide and Splash.

Here’s our suggested 7-day Algarve itinerary.

Day 1: Lagos and surrounding beaches

Day 2: Sagres and Benagil cave tour

Day 4: Slide and splash

Day 5: Zoomarine Algarve

Day 6: Albufeira and Vilamoura

Day 7: Faro

Faro is seen as the capital of the Algarve.

Its airport is where for many their vacation begins.

Most of them directly rush to their hotel and don’t return until their last day to catch their plane back home. That’s a shame because Faro has quite a bit to offer.

The town’s history dates back to the 4th century BC when the Ria Formosa lagoon attracted settlers.

The settlement quickly grew to one of the commercial ports of the region.

In the years that followed the town often was the center of conflicts. As you walk through its cobblestone streets you will see Roman and Moorish influences.

The city is still partly surrounded by the original 9th-century Romanesque walls. There are 3 richly decorated gateways to the old town.

Places worth visiting are, amongst others, the Capela dos Ossos, Igreja do Carmo, the Sé Cathedral, and the Bishop’s Palace which is only open to the public during exhibitions.

While the old town can feel deserted on a typical weekday the shopping streets in the new town will be lively at any time of the day.

If you are looking for an apartment or vacation home in Faro, take a look at this overview. For those that prefer a hotel, we recommend 3HB Faro ( 5-star), Golden Beach Guest house (4-star), and Lemon Tree Stay (3-star).

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Faro also borders the Ria Formosa . You can hike the Ludo Trail to explore this natural park or you can do a Segway tour.

Segway tour

The Segway tour treats you to all kinds of beautiful scenes in about an hour and a half.

It takes you past salt flats and golf courses and traverses part of Quinta do Lago to allow for some celebrity-house spotting. On the way back it follows a wooden boardwalk from where you have mesmerizing views. It was a great tour and we did see a lot of interesting places.

We definitely recommend this when it’s too hot to walk or when you want to try something different.

Check prices and availability: Segway tour

or read our guide about visiting the Ria Formosa.

The perfect place to end the day in Faro is at Faro beach. The beach is lined by beach bars from where you can admire the sunset with some snacks while sipping on a well-deserved cocktail.

Algarve itinerary 10 days

Day 6: Vilamoura and Albufeira

Murals Street art Olhão Algarve Portugal

Day 8: Olhão

Olhão is another gem along the Algarve coast.

It likes to call itself the gateway to the Ria Formosa but it deserves a visit for more than just that.

Olhão is the perfect place for street art lovers and other art fans.

There is so much street art that you’ll be left asking where do I start first?

The murals are based on archive pictures and some are made to show what life used to be like inside the buildings.

Near the fish market, you will find rich images of women working in canning factories and fishermen returning with their catch.

Olhão’s port is the departure point for many boat trips through Ria Formosa .

It is also where you can take the ferry to Ilha da Cultura and Ilha da Armona , 2 unreal inhabited islands in the lagoon where it looks as if time has stood still.

In addition to tiny villages, both islands also have some quiet beaches.

Where to stay

Olhão can be visited from Vilamoura and Albufeira. If you prefer staying in Olhão, check out the following hotels: Real Marina Hotel & Spa (5-star), Monte das Perdizes (4-star), and Pure Formosa Concept hotel (3-star ).

If you’re staying for 10 days or more and will also be visiting Tavira you can also opt to already head to your accommodation in Tavira .

Tavira Portugal

Day 9-10: Tavira and East Algarve

Tavira is often described as the Venice of the Algarve. While you won’t find any gondolas maneuvering in canals like in Italy or Aveiro, it’s not hard to see how Tavira got its nickname. If you enjoy a beer at the riverfront market in the evening, you cannot deny that this village exudes a certain charm and romance.

The old city has retained much of its yesteryear’s charm. There are numerous elegant historic buildings and lording the town is the impressive Tavira castle.

The iconic sight of the town is the seven-arched Roman Ponte Antiga Sobre o Rio Gilão .

Tavira is a coastal town and naturally also features some beautiful beaches such as the picturesque Praia do Barril .

Being located in the east of the Algarve the town is an excellent base from which to discover the less-visited gems of the eastern Algarve.

Cacela Velha

Eastern Algarve

There is Cacela Velha beach , a pristine beach separated from the mainland by a wide lagoon. It can only be reached by a long hike or short boat transfer and is therefore usually quite deserted, even in high season.

You can also do a day trip to the Spanish border and visit Vila Real De Santo António and the adjacent natural park, Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim.

The village of Vila Real De Santo Antónia sits on the banks of the mighty Guadiana river which to a large extent defines the border of the two countries.

The town is a small-scale copy of Lisbon, when it was constructed in 1774 several design ideas, including

North of the town is Castro Marim where 2 castles can be found and the nature park, named after it.

The park is a great place for bird watching. Around 50 bird species are commonly spotted including flamingos, storks, bee-eaters, ibis, and many others.

The region is especially worth a visit during the Medieval festival in August.

Where to stay in Tavira

We stayed a couple of days in Vila Gale Albacora.

algarve portugal travel blog

This hotel lies in the middle of Ria Formosa a bit outside Tavira ( 5minutes by car to the city center). Here you will stay in a unique, historical setting. The hotel is a restored tuna fishing camp. We found the rooms quite small and dark but the hotel certainly has a unique look to it. There is a good breakfast selection and a nice pool area. We also loved the small spa with a jacuzzi and sauna.

Check prices and availability: Vila Gale Albacora

Another great option is the 3 star hotel Tavira Monte.

If you prefer staying in an apartment or vacation house in Tavira, click here. 

Algarve FAQ

What is the best time to travel to the algarve.

You can visit the Algarve all year round but your experience will differ greatly based on the season you’re there.

Most tourists head to the Algarve in summer.

It can be extremely busy in July and August and that can take away quite a bit of the charm of the destination.

That’s why, if you can, you’re better to plan your visit during the shoulder season when the temperatures are still very pleasant and most of the crowds are gone.

You can also visit the Algarve in winter.

While you have to keep in mind that there will be higher chances of rain, in general, the temperatures are not too bad. With lows around ten and highs in the high teens, it can be ideal for more active hiking holidays.

It is also nice to have all the impressive sights all to yourself.

A disadvantage is that in winter some towns feel deserted because shops, restaurants, and pubs are closed for the season.

Read more about visiting the Algarve in winter.

How to get around in the Algarve?

The Algarve is a vast area, from east to west it has 160 km of the beautiful coast.

Public transportation is limited so whatever you wish to do, a road trip as we described here, or a few day trips. It’s best if you have a car.

When renting a car, as already said above we advise you to check out Discover cars.

If you don’t want to drive it’s best to base yourself in one of the larger towns such as Albufeira, Vilamoura, or Lagos. The boat trips depart from here and also most other tours offer pickups from the hotels in these towns.

The church at the main square in Lagos

Where to stay in the Algarve?

That depends on many factors, not in the least what you want to see and do.

This is the most popular resort town in the western Algarve.

It has managed to retain its charm in the historic center but can become crowded in the high season.

There are many hotels here, from large to small, and there is also no shortage of hotels and bars.

Lagos can appeal to everyone, both those on a family outing or a group of friends traveling together.

This is a great place to stay if you want to explore the western Algarve.

Here is an overview of the best apartments and vacation homes in Lagos.  If you are looking for a hotel, take a look at the Tivolo Lagos hotel.

Portimão

Lagos and Portimão are just 30 minutes apart. Both towns grew out of what was once a small authentic fishing village.

Lagos has largely retained its charms, Portimao, which is also larger and more expansive, feels more artificial.

In Lagos, the old town borders the beach and many beaches are within walking distance.

Portimao is located on the banks of the Arade River.

Meanwhile, the city has expanded to the beach where you will find many resort hotels. From the beach to the old center it is about a half-hour walk, which means that it is difficult to combine the best of the two.

That is why we would prefer Lagos to Portimão.

For an overview of the best apartments and vacation homes in Portimão, click here. If you are looking for a hotel in Portimão, click here.

Here you can find a complete post about the best places to stay in the Algarve. 

The cathedral in the old town of Faro

Faro feels more like a normal city and less like a resort town.

You will not find large resort hotels here. This is partly because Faro’s city center, including the old town, is not adjacent to the beach.

The beach is located on a long narrow spit of land called Faro Island where you will only find a handful of small-scale hotels. Both are separated from each other by the Ria Formosa lagoon. If you’re staying in the city and don’t have a car you will need to take the bus or the ferry to reach the beach.

The ferry is obviously the most scenic option as it traverses the lagoon. Faro has some budget hotels where you could spend the first or last night if you have a late/early flight. The city is also relatively good connected with the other resort towns by train or bus. Buses and trains run approximately every hour.

Here is een overview of vacation homes in Faro. If you are looking for a list of hotels, click here. 

A lively seaside resort that is overrun with tourists in the high season.

Known for its wide range of watersports and other activities, as well as the nightlife scene where you can easily socialize with other travelers.

A good location to discover the central part of the Algarve. Less than ideal for family-style vacations.

If you value a good night’s sleep, you should definitely avoid the area around the strip.

Here is an overview of the best vacation homes in Albufeira. If you are looking for a hotel in Albufeira, click here. 

Also a vacation hotspot with a wide range of activities. Loads of restaurants and bars, more upscale and not as wild as the neon-lit bars lining the Strip in Albufeira.

In Vilamoura, you will find more chich and sophisticated hotels and villas for rent. It’s more easterly location makes it better suited to explore the east of the Algarve.

Here is an overview of vacation houses in Vilamoura. If you prefer staying in a hotel check out our review of the Hilton. This is an amazing hotel and home to one of the best spas in the Algarve.

In Tavira, you’ll find fewer of those big resorts that have cropped up everywhere else in the Algarve.

It’s not that Tavira isn’t touristy, but it still retains more of its charm than the other places on this list.

This is a good place to avoid the crowds in the high season.

In fact, the more easterly you go, the less touristy the Algarve seems to become. Tavira is a good place to discover the eastern Algarve and the eastern spurs of the Ria Formosa.

Here is an overview of the best vacation homes in Tavira. If you prefer a hotel, take a look at Villa Gale Albacora hotel which is just outside Tavira. We stayed here a couple of days and had a great time.

  • Best family resorts in the Algarve
  • Where to stay in the Algarve as a couple
  • Best couples resorts in Algarve

Bird watching at Lagoa Dos Salgados in the Algarve

How many days do you need in the Algarve?

The Algarve lends itself to both short weekend trips and holidays of 2 weeks or longer.

But, if you’re coming here for the first time, you’ll probably leave feeling disappointed if you’ve been here for less than a week.

There is so much to see and do that 7 days is the very minimum to see the highlights and leave some time to relax at one of the many beautiful beaches.

What is the nicest part of the Algarve?

Being nature lovers we like the vast Ria Formosa lagoon and the Costa Vicentina Nature Park.

Both are marvelous and not as overrun by tourists as popular rock cliff formations like Ponta da Piedade.

Algar Seco

What should I not miss in the Algarve?

The Algarve offers something for everyone.

Absolute highlights that are sure to impress everyone are the Benagil Cave and other rock formations such as Ponta da Piedade and Algar Seco.

Water sports enthusiasts will find something of their liking in the many water sports activities, while golfers can easily discover a different golf course every day.

Hikers can explore hundreds of kilometers of trails in the Algarve.

The 7 hanging valleys trail is undoubtedly one of the more famous, but there are many others that are also very worthwhile. A walk in the Ria Formosa and the Costa Vicentina park should not be missed.

Bird lovers can indulge in their hobby in the Ria Formosa Lagoon, Lagoa dos Salgados, Cabo de São Vicente and several other places.

The Algarve is truly an all-around destination that will appeal to everyone.

These sample itineraries combine a mix of cultural and natural highlights while also allowing time for some water fun, either in the ocean or in one of the water parks.

If you continue your trip and are looking for a Portugal itinerary, click here.

Greta's Travels

Algarve Itinerary – How To Spend 5 Days In The Algarve, Portugal

Posted on Last updated: June 10, 2023

Need help planning your Algarve itinerary? This guide is exactly what you need!

The Algarve is one of the most famous and visited areas of Portugal, and it’s easy to see why. With its pristine beaches, turquoise sea and dramatic golden cliffs, it’s a region of stunning natural beauty.

It’s the perfect destination for anyone searching for great beach holiday, but it’s also much more than that.

It’s perfect also for active travellers who want to surf, SUP or kayak, or for history fans that want to explore cute Portuguese towns.

In this article I will go over exactly how many days you need to visit the Algarve, a detailed day-by-day breakdown of the best activities and places to see, tips on where to eat, where to stay and more!

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and start planning your perfect Algarve itinerary!

  • 1 Do you need travel insurance to visit the Algarve?
  • 2 How many should you spend in the Algarve?
  • 3 How to travel around the Algarve
  • 4.1.1 Tavira
  • 4.1.2 Explore Faro
  • 4.1.3 Beach & Nightlife in Albufeira
  • 4.1.4 Where to stay in Albufeira
  • 4.2.1 Sunrise kayak tour to Benagil Cave
  • 4.2.2 Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys trail
  • 4.2.3 Relax at Praia da Marinha
  • 4.2.4 Do a stop in Carvoeiro
  • 4.2.5 Visit Ferragudo
  • 4.2.6 Spend the night in Lagos
  • 4.2.7 Where to stay in Lagos
  • 4.3.1 Visit Praia do Camilo
  • 4.3.2 Hike along Ponta da Piedade
  • 4.3.3 Relax at Praia de Dona Ana
  • 4.3.4 Do a boat tour to Ponta da Piedade
  • 4.3.5 Visit Praia dos Estudiantes
  • 4.4.1 Surf at Praia do Telheiro, Praia do Amado or Castelejo Beach
  • 4.4.2 Explore Sagres Town
  • 4.4.3 Watch the sunset at Cabo de Sao Vicente
  • 4.5.1 Where to stay in Sagres
  • 5 What to pack for your Algarve trip

Enjoying the view over Ponta da Piedade in the Algarve, Portugal

Enjoying the view over Ponta da Piedade in the Algarve, Portugal

Do you need travel insurance to visit the Algarve?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance .

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo .

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance !

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

View over the beach and town of Carvoeiro in the Algarve, Portugal

View over the beach and town of Carvoeiro in the Algarve, Portugal

How many should you spend in the Algarve?

If you’ve only just started planning your Algarve itinerary , you might be wondering how many days you should spend in the Algarve.

It ultimately depends on your personal interests and your overall Portugal itinerary , but I would say the bare minimum is 3 days in the Algarve.

In this guide I have included a day-by-day breakdown for my Algarve 5-day itinerary. Three days will allow you to see all the main sites, but you will be rushing around a bit, spending a lot of time driving from one place to the next.

If you spend five days in the Algarve you will have enough time to visit all the most famous spots, do fun activities and relax at some world-renown beaches.

For those who want to relax and spend more time at the beach, then you can easily spend up to one week in the Algarve, taking it slow at every beach and discovering all the gorgeous seaside towns.

So to answer your question; how many days should I spend in the Algarve? I would say 3 days is the bare minimum, but I personally recommend 5 days for an awesome Algarve itinerary.

The unique rock formations of the Algarve

The unique rock formations of the Algarve

How to travel around the Algarve

The easiest way to get around the Algarve is to rent a car and do an Algarve road trip. That way you will have the maximum flexibility over where you want to go and travel times.

There are also trains and buses that run across the whole region, but they might not go to the smaller towns or unknown beaches.

Especially if you’re travelling as a group of friends or family, renting a car might also work out cheaper than with public transport. Just make sure to check all the details of your car rental before booking.

I rented two cars in Portugal and both times we had to argue with the car rental, as they include lots of hidden charges and on one occasion they also didn’t include all the damage the car already had in the initial check-out document.

If you want to save money on your car rental, you can use Rental Cover for your car insurance. I always purchase my insurance for car rentals with them as they are much cheaper than the insurance rental companies offer.

The gorgeous Praia do Marinha - a must see on any Algarve itinerary

The gorgeous Praia do Marinha – a must see on any Algarve itinerary

The best Algarve 5-day itinerary

Day 1: faro, tavira & albufeira.

Located a short 30-minute drive away from Faro, I thought I’d start this Algarve itinerary with something a little off the beaten path. This small city sits on the mouth of the Gilao River, and is right next to the famous Tavira Island.

This part of the Algarve coast is famous for its long sandy beaches and saltpans, which attract flamingos and other birds. They’re very different from the other beaches you will see in this Algarve itinerary.

Tavira town is also worthy of a visit. The old town centre is characterised by the typical Portuguese white houses and cobbled streets. There’s also the medieval Tavira Castle from which you get great city views.

You can also do a fun tuk-tuk city tour of Tavira ! That way you will have a local guide taking you to all the must-see spots, and telling you about the history of this cute Portuguese town.

Click here to book your Tavira tuk-tuk city tour , or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Igreja do Santa Maria do Castelo in Tavira, Portugal

Igreja do Santa Maria do Castelo in Tavira, Portugal

Exploring Tavira in the Algarve by tuk-tuk

Exploring Tavira in the Algarve by tuk-tuk

Rooftop views in Tavira, Portugal

Rooftop views in Tavira, Portugal

Explore Faro

Being the capital of the Algarve, no Algarve itinerary would be complete without a visit to Faro. You can spend a few hours exploring the gorgeous old town of Faro, its unique architecture and quirky shops.

Some must-see sights are Arco da Vila, Faro Marina, Igreja do Carmo and Faro Cathedral. Walking around the white cobbled streets and cute white houses will give you all the Portuguese vibes you’re looking for.

After a busy morning of sightseeing you can sit down, relax a bit and eat at one of the many local restaurants. We ate at A do Pinto and had a delicious acorda, a traditional Portuguese dish. It looks ugly, but tastes delicious!

Sunset in Faro Marina, Portugal

Sunset in Faro Marina, Portugal

Exploring Arco da Vila in Faro, Portugal

Exploring Arco da Vila in Faro, Portugal

Beach & Nightlife in Albufeira

With a full belly it’s time to hit the road again! Albufeira is one of the most famous seaside towns in the Algarve, and it’s easy to see why. It used to be a fishing village, which became a major holiday hotspot.

You will find a huge beach waiting for you, where you can relax and tan after a busy sightseeing morning. Right behind the beach is the promenade and town centre, so that you can easily explore it.

The old town is perched on the hill above the beach. You can walk up there and wander around the cute white streets, as well as enjoying the epic view over the beach and coast.

Albufeira is also known for its busy nightlife. Once the sun goes down you can enjoy the many restaurants, bars and clubs of the town centre. But don’t stay out too late, as you have an early rise on tomorrow’s itinerary!

Praia dos Pescadores in front of Albufeira city centre, with Albufeira old town behind it

Praia dos Pescadores in front of Albufeira city centre, with Albufeira old town behind it

Where to stay in Albufeira

Deciding where to stay in the Algarve can be hard, which is why I have listed below some great places to stay in every town of this itinerary , for every budget.

Budget – Alfagar Cerro Malpique :  This residence has lovely studios that are perfect for budget travellers. It’s located a bit outside the centre of Albufeira, but it has a huge pool and epic views over the sea and town.

Click here to book your stay at Alfagar Cerro Malpique!

Mid-range – Casa dos Arcos :  This charming guest house is the perfect place to stay for those who want to treat themselves without breaking the bank. You can relax in their lovely courtyard after a long day of exploring the Algarve.

Check out prices and availability at Casa dos Arcos here!

Luxury – Hotel Baltum :  If you want to treat yourself, this is the place to do so. This hotel has modern rooms and a huge rooftop terrace with epic views over the white houses of Albufeira and the sea.

Book your stay at Hotel Baltum here!

Exploring the streets of Albufeira Old Town

Exploring the streets of Albufeira Old Town

Day 2: Benagil Cave, Praia da Marinha & Lagos

This day was probably the best day of my Algarve trip. It’s a pretty tiring one, but you will be very happy by the end of it.

Sunrise kayak tour to Benagil Cave

If you’re planning an Algarve itinerary, chances are you’ve seen photos of Benagil Cave. Benagil Cave is a huge sea cave, with two entrances on the sea and a hole on the ceiling.

You can only access it by the sea, so you will have to join a kayak, boat or SUP tour to reach it.

| READ MORE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING BENAGIL CAVE |

Me in Benagil Cave at 7:30AM

Me in Benagil Cave at 7:30AM

It’s one of the most popular stops on every Portugal itinerary, so be ready to either get up at sunrise or battle thousands of other tourists to visit it, especially in summer.

We joined a 7AM kayak tour starting from Benagil Beach and it’s the best decision we could have taken. We kayaked along the gorgeous coast of the Algarve as the sun was rising, and were the only group inside Benagil Cave.

The tour lasts around 1.5 hours, of which about half an hour is spent inside Benagil Cave, taking photos and enjoying the beauty of this natural formation. Being alone inside this sea cave is well worth the early alarm.

After that we went to three more sea caves, and kayaked all the way to Praia do Marinha, before returning to Benagil Beach, just as many other kayak, SUP and boat tours were getting ready to get in the water.

Click here to book your kayak tour to Benagil Cave , or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Kayaks ready for a sunrise tour to Benagil Cave

Kayaks ready for a sunrise tour to Benagil Cave

Being one of the most popular attractions in Portugal, you want to make sure you book your Benagil Cave tour beforehand. I have linked below some of the most popular tours to Benagil Cave.

Benagil Caves Kayaking Experience – This is the same tour we did, which will take you to explore Benagil Cave, other sea caves and this part of the Algarve coastline.

Benagil Caves Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour – If kayaks aren’t your thing, you can reach Benagil Cave by SUP!

From Portimao: Benagil Caves 2-Hour Speed Boat Tour – If you don’t want to paddle in a kayak or SUP (understandable if it’s 7AM) you can also join this comfortable speed boat tour.

From Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour – This tour is perfect for those who want to combine visiting Benagil Cave with a bit of dolphin spotting!

Exploring Benagil Cave in the Algarve, Portugal

Exploring Benagil Cave in the Algarve, Portugal

Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys trail

The Seven Hanging Valleys trail is a 12km trail that starts in Praia da Marinha and runs all the way to Praia de Vale Centenaes, passing by Benagil. It’s famous for its gorgeous views over the cliffs and coastline.

We didn’t want to do the whole trail, as after we had woken up before sunrise and had already spent 1.5 hours kayaking. So we only did the part of the trail that goes from Benagil to Praia do Marinha, and takes around 40 minutes.

Along the trail you’ll walk past the hole of Benagil, so that you can peek inside the famous sea cave from above. You will also walk past some gorgeous spots like the “Heart of the Algarve” and other iconic coastline sights.

If you do the 7AM kayak tour you’ll be able to hike the Seven Hanging Valleys trail and still arrive in Praia da Marinha by around 10AM, before it gets too hot to hike and before the big crowds arrive.

Hiking the Seven Valleys Hanging trail to Praia do Marinha from Benagil

Hiking the Seven Valleys Hanging trail to Praia da Marinha from Benagil

Praia da Marinha as seen from the Seven Hanging Valleys trail

Praia da Marinha as seen from the Seven Hanging Valleys trail

Relax at Praia da Marinha

Praia da Marinha has been ranked amongst the most beautiful beaches in the world , and it’s easy to see why. This beach is characterised by fine white sand, clear emerald water and picturesque sandy cliffs up to 50m high behind it.

After your sporty morning, you can spend a few hours relaxing at this gorgeous beach, lying on the soft sand and cooling down in the crystalline water.

There is a café at the start of the beach and food trucks in the parking area above it, so you can grab food and drinks there if you didn’t want to bring them on the hike.

Being such a famous beach, you can expect loads of people to arrive in the course of the day. We stayed until around 2PM, by then the tide had come up and the beach had gotten smaller, and too many other people had arrived.

Grab some cold water and get ready to hike 40 minutes back to Benagil (and be ready to be shocked by the amount of people that will have arrived in Benagil compared to 9AM)!

Relaxing at Praia da Marinha in the Algarve, Portugal

Relaxing at Praia da Marinha in the Algarve, Portugal

Praia da Marinha at high tide seen from above

Praia da Marinha at high tide seen from above

Do a stop in Carvoeiro

After hiking back to Benagil Beach it’s time to continue this Algarve road trip! You’ll be driving to Lagos, where you will be spending the night, but not without doing a couple of scenic stops first!

The first stop will be Carvoeiro, which is around a 15-minute drive from Benagil. This cute town is home to one of the most picturesque beaches of the Algarve.

Imagine a white sand beach with bright turquoise water, lined by tall sandy cliffs and pristine white houses perched behind it. Sounds like a postcard picture? That’s what you can expect to find in Carvoeiro.

There are two viewpoints above the beach where you can stop to enjoy the view, then maybe go for a wander in the town centre and even relax at the beach there.

View over the beach and town of Carvoeiro in the Algarve, Portugal

Visit Ferragudo

Another stop you can do to break up your drive is Ferragudo. Ferragudo is a cute seaside town with a beautiful beach and a picturesque old town centre.

You can spend a bit of time wandering around the cobbled streets, discovering pretty white houses and flower-lined streets, and maybe stop at one of the local pastelarias for a pastel de nata!

The colourful streets of Ferragudo, Portugal

The colourful streets of Ferragudo, Portugal

Spend the night in Lagos

By the time you arrive in Lagos you will probably by a bit knackered. Head to your hotel, take a shower, relax a bit and get ready to head out before the sun goes down!

Lagos is a town famous for its walled old town, picturesque architecture and nearby beaches.

I personally wasn’t expecting much from Lagos, I thought it was just going to be a good place to stay to explore the Algarve, but the town itself amazed me.

You can explore the cobbled streets of the old town centre, admiring the houses with azulejos facades and lively atmosphere of Lagos.

There are lots of great things to do in Lagos , as well as lots of delicious places to eat in Lagos , with many local seafood restaurants.

Exploring the old town centre of Lagos in Portugal

Exploring the old town centre of Lagos in Portugal

Where to stay in Lagos

Lagos offers a huge variety of accommodation for every budget. Here are some with excellent reviews.

Budget – Topcity Hostel & Suites : This is the hostel we stayed at for two nights and a great choice for budget travellers. They have a rooftop pool, spacious terraces for every dorm and a fun sociable atmosphere.

Click here to see prices and availability at Topcity Hostel & Suites!

Mid-range – Hotel Marina Rio :  Located in the heart of Lagos, this hotel is perfectly located for your evening wanderings around town. It also has a panoramic terrace and spacious rooms, without breaking the bank.

Check out prices and availability at Hotel Marina Rio!

Luxury – Cascade Wellness Resort :  This 5-star resort is perfect if you want to treat yourself. With their epic pool, garden and sea view, you can fully relax after your busy exploring days. It’s also really close to Ponta da Piedade.

Click here to book your stay at Cascade Wellness Resort!

The rooftop pool at Topcity Hostel & Suites in Lagos

The rooftop pool at Topcity Hostel & Suites in Lagos

Day 3: Lagos Beaches & Cliffs!

Today will be a relaxing beach day with limited driving, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be rich of gorgeous cliffs and views!

The Algarve is one of the most popular winter sun destinations in Europe , and these are the beaches you can visit all year round.

Visit Praia do Camilo

If you want to make the most of this beach, I highly recommend you visit it early. We arrived around 10:30AM and there were already quite a few people there, but the big crowds didn’t arrive until 1PM.

Walking down the famous wooden stairwell of Praia do Camilo in Portugal

Walking down the famous wooden stairwell of Praia do Camilo in Portugal

Praia do Camilo is one of the most famous beaches in the Algarve , and it’s easy to see why. Praia do Camilo is surrounded by tall sandy cliffs, has clear emerald water and soft golden sand.

To reach it you have to walk down the 200 steps of a wooden stairway, which add to the picturesque scenery. It’s the iconic beach you always see in photos of the Algarve.

Don’t make our mistake and put your towel too close to the sea, as the tide comes up really quickly and high, meaning you’ll have to retreat a lot.

However if by then more people arrived, there might not be much space left on the beach!

Praia do Camilo in the Algarve, Portugal

Praia do Camilo in the Algarve, Portugal

Hike along Ponta da Piedade

When the tide rose at Praia do Camilo and started splashing our towels we decided it was time to leave. We headed on foot for Ponta da Piedade, a headland famous for its stunning rock formations.

To say Ponta da Piedade left me speechless would be an understatement. We spent around an hour walking along the cliffs, and each viewpoint we stopped at amazed me more than the previous one.

The stunning views of Ponta da Piedade, Portugal

The stunning views of Ponta da Piedade, Portugal

The golden cliffs and coastline of Ponta da Piedade

The golden cliffs and coastline of Ponta da Piedade

Enjoying the view over the cliffs and sea from Ponta da Piedade

Enjoying the view over the cliffs and sea from Ponta da Piedade

From Ponta da Piedade you can stand at the top of these golden cliffs, looking down at the towers and arches of these unique rock formations, emerging from the crystal clear emerald sea.

It’s a sight that should feature on everyone’s Europe travel bucket list . There’s an unofficial trail all along the cliffs, so take your time wandering along the cliffs and taking in the views from every side.

From here you will also see little boats setting off for Ponta da Piedade tours. If you want to do one, I recommend you wait before doing one, more on that in the next section!

Admiring the rock formations and boats cruising at Ponta da Piedade

Admiring the rock formations and boats cruising at Ponta da Piedade

The golden cliffs and coastline of Ponta da Piedade

Relax at Praia de Dona Ana

After hiking along Ponta da Piedade you will probably want another break. You can walk down to Praia de Dona Ana, a gorgeous beach a short 15-minute walk away.

Similarly to Praia do Camilo, this beach is characterised by turquoise water, towering golden cliffs and soft white sand. Praia de Dona Ana is bigger, which means it can get busier but also that there is more space to accommodate everyone.

At Praia de Dona Ana you will also find bars, restaurants and sunbeds and umbrellas to rent. It might be less famous, but its equally beautiful and a must-see on any Algarve itinerary.

View over Praia de Dona Ana in the Algarve, Portugal

View over Praia de Dona Ana in the Algarve, Portugal

Do a boat tour to Ponta da Piedade

I know you’ve already seen Ponta da Piedade from above, but believe me when I say you will want to see it also from below.

Cruising along the base of these giant golden cliffs, winding your way below arches and through narrow cracks and inside sea caves is completely different.

If seeing these rock formations from above left me speechless, admiring them from the sea left me even more thunderstruck. From below the sea will appear even more clear and turquoise.

Click here to book your Ponta da Piedade boat tour , or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Cruising through the arches and sea caves of Ponta da Piedade

Cruising through the arches and sea caves of Ponta da Piedade

Cruising through the arches and sea caves of Ponta da Piedade

We hadn’t planned to join a boat tour, but when we saw boats setting off from Praia de Dona Ana, we couldn’t help but inquire.

The tour costs 20 EUR per person, independently from how many people you have on board, last around 45 minutes and don’t need to be reserved beforehand, just ask the stand on the beach and they’ll call you a boat.

I personally think it’s better to join a tour from Praia de Dona Dana or Lagos, as you’ll be able to enjoy more of the coastline than those starting directly in Ponta de Piedade.

Cruising along the coast of Ponta da Piedade

Cruising along the coast of Ponta da Piedade

Some of the gorgeous coast and beach views you can see during your Ponta da Piedade boat tour

Some of the gorgeous coast and beach views you can see during your Ponta da Piedade boat tour

Cruising through the rock formations of Ponta da Piedade in Portugal

Cruising through the rock formations of Ponta da Piedade in Portugal

If you’re visiting Portugal in high season you might not want to risk booking your tour on the beach on the day. After all, if there aren’t any available you will be missing out on a great experience!

To be sure you’ll be cruising along Ponta da Piedade, you can book online beforehand one of these popular tours.

From Lagos: 75-Minute Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade – This is similar to the boat cruise we did, except it starts in Lagos so you’ll be able to see more of the coastline.

From Lagos: Algarve Golden Coast 4-Hour Catamaran Cruise – This tour is much longer, since the boat you’ll be cruising with is much cooler! It wouldn’t just be a sight seeing tour, but a proper catamaran sailing experience.

Ponta da Piedade Sunset Cruise From Lagos – If you want to do something more unique, cruising this coastline at sunset and enjoying the beautiful golden light is simply magical!

From Lagos: 2-Hour Kayak Cave Explorer Tour – For the more active travellers, this tour is perfect! It will allow you to get close to these gorgeous rock formations, and really appreciate their natural beauty.

Kayaking through the arches and sea caves of Ponta da Piedade

Kayaking through the arches and sea caves of Ponta da Piedade

A kayak tour in Ponta da Piedade in the Algarve, Portugal

A kayak tour in Ponta da Piedade in the Algarve, Portugal

Visit Praia dos Estudiantes

On your way back to Lagos at the end of the day you can do a stop at Praia dos Estudiantes. I didn’t personally love this beach, but there’s no denying it’s one of the most famous beaches in the Algarve and a must-see.

It’s famous because you have to walk through a rocky tunnel to reach it, and because of the Roman bridge that connects two of the cliffs that tower above it. It’s similar to other beaches in the area, but arguably more scenic.

If you visit it towards the end of the day it will be less busy, so that you can enjoy the scenic beach all to yourself.

The famous bridge of Praia dos Estudiantes in Lagos

The famous bridge of Praia dos Estudiantes in Lagos

Days 4 & 5: Sagres & surroundings

I grouped the final two days of my Algarve itinerary since, while I believe you need two days to properly enjoy this part of the Algarve, the order in which you do the activities is flexible.

The drive from Lagos to Sagres is only around 30 minutes, once there it’s time to hit some of the most famous surfing beaches in Portugal!

Surf at Praia do Telheiro, Praia do Amado or Castelejo Beach

The whole western coast of Portugal is famous for its world-class waves, but the southern region around Sagres is especially popular. Even if you don’t surf, these beaches are still spectacular and worthy of a visit.

Praia do Amado in Portugal

Praia do Amado in Portugal

The main surf beaches are Castelejo Beach, Praia do Telheiro and Praia do Amado. I tried surfing at all of them, but since I was visiting Portugal in summer I got unlucky with the conditions and there were no waves.

The beaches here are much bigger than their neighbours on the southern coast of the Algarve. Here you will never have issues of space or rising tides pushing you onto the towels of other travellers.

My personal favourite was Praia do Amado. It won me over with its soft white sand, the unique cliffs behind it and the clear turquoise water. There were also two very affordable bars overlooking it.

Castelejo Beach is also very scenic, with the tall behind it and the wide beach. You can find surfing schools directly on the beaches or book your lessons online beforehand.

Castelejo Beach in Portugal

Castelejo Beach in Portugal

Praia do Amado in Portugal

Explore Sagres Town

Sagres might not be as unique and quaint as some of the other towns in this Algarve itinerary, but it’s still worth exploring. You will find lots of unique shops, bars and restaurants.

There is a very famous ceramics shop called Artesanato a Mo. If you’ve seen photos of someone standing in front of a wall of ceramics, chances are it was the front of this shop.

We also had lovely dinner at Laundry Lounge. As the name suggests, it’s a bar and restaurant where you can also do your laundry.

It’s a bit on the higher price end, but the food and cocktails were great (and we really had to do laundry).

The colourful shop front of Artesanato a Mo in Sagres

The colourful shop front of Artesanato a Mo in Sagres

Watch the sunset at Cabo de Sao Vicente

Along with the surfing and beaches, Cabo de Sao Vicente was one of the highlights of our time in Sagres.

Make sure to bring an extra jacket as it can get very windy, we didn’t plan for that and were freezing while watching the sunset!

Cabo de Sao Vicente is a rocky headland with steep cliffs and a lighthouse perched at the end. Here you can watch as the sun sets directly into the ocean, and turns the cliffs pink.

There are also food trucks from which you can get food and drinks to nibble on while watching the sunset. It can get very busy, so make sure to head there a bit early if you don’t want to park miles away!

The cliffs of Cabo de Sao Vincente at sunset

The cliffs of Cabo de Sao Vincente at sunset

Enjoying the sunset at Cabo de Sao Vincente in Portugal

Enjoying the sunset at Cabo de Sao Vincente in Portugal

The sunset at Cabo de Sao Vincente in Portugal

The sunset at Cabo de Sao Vincente in Portugal

Costa Vicentina

From Sagres you can then drive along the Western coast of Portugal to the Parque Natural de Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina.

This 900km squared natural park is one of the few places where you can find wild European coast.

Here you will find long wind-beaten beaches with fine white sand, strong waves and dramatic landscapes. It’s very different from the rocky cliffs of the Algarve, but equally beautiful and much less crowded.

Being a natural park, there are restrictions in place to avoid it becoming an overdeveloped tourist destination. This wild and rugged beauty is exactly the main selling point of the Costa Vicentina.

Depending on your Portugal itinerary, you can then also drive north onwards to Lisbon , Sintra , Porto and all the other main attractions of Portugal. 

If you like seaside destinations, you’re bound to enjoy Nazaré and Ericeira , whilst destinations like Obidos and Evora are best suited for history lovers who want to see cute medieval towns.

And if after moving around so much in the Algarve you don’t want to drive as much anymore, you can easily visit all these famous destinations on day trips from Lisbon and Porto (even the Douro Valley )!

Castelejo Beach in Portugal

Where to stay in Sagres

I found Sagres was much more expensive than other parts of the Algarve. However thanks to its surf vibe there are lots of fun hostels and surf houses. Here are some accommodation options for every budget.

Budget – The Lighthouse Hostel :  We stayed here for two nights and loved it. They have dorms, private rooms and bungalows, so there’s an accommodation style for everyone. They also have a pool, a lovely garden and friendly vibe.

Click here to book your stay at The Lighthouse Hostel!

Mid-range – Casa Azul Sagres :  If you’re looking for something nice that won’t break the bank, this hotel is perfect. They have both cheaper double rooms and apartments for families or those who want more space.

Book your stay at Casa Azul Sagres here!

Luxury – Mareta Beach House : If you want to treat yourself, this boutique residence is the place to do so. With their spacious rooms and infinity pool with sea views its the perfect place to relax after a long day of surfing and beaching.

Check out prices and availability at Mareta Beach House!

The pool and garden of The Lighthouse Hostel in Sagres

The pool and garden of The Lighthouse Hostel in Sagres

What to pack for your Algarve trip

Besides the usual travel essentials , there are a few things you’ll want to be sure you pack for your Algarve trip.

Waterproof bag – Whether it’s to protect your electronics during your Benagil kayak tour or your boat tour of Ponta da Piedade, a waterproof bag is always handy in these situations.

Sun protector – The sun in this part of Portugal can get very intense, make sure to stay protected!

Power bank – You don’t want your phone to die while you’re taking photos of the gorgeous Algarve or while you’re trying to Google Map your way around a new city.

Exploring Carvoeiro in the Algarve

Exploring Carvoeiro in the Algarve

Cruising through the rock formations of Ponta da Piedade in Portugal

Final thoughts on the ultimate Algarve itinerary

There you have it, the ultimate Algarve itinerary! Have you been to the Algarve before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Visiting the Algarve had been on my travel bucket list for ages, and finally exploring this part of Portugal was a dream come true.

From the dramatic cliffs of Lagos, to the scenic Benagil sea cave and the epic surfing beaches of Sagres, you will have an unforgettable time in the Algarve.

My Algarve itinerary is based on my trip and my five days in the Algarve. You could easily spend more or less time there, but this Algarve 5-day itinerary will allow you to see all the main sights, while also having time to relax a bit.

I hope you find this article useful in planning your own Algarve itinerary! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

Looking for more Portugal travel guides? Check out my other articles!

  • The ultimate Azores 10-day itinerary
  • Everything you need to know about hiking in the Azores
  • 10 best things to do in Sao Miguel, Azores
  • 11 awesome things to do in Terceira Island, Azores
  • The best whale watching tours in the Azores

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Photo collage of Ponta da Piedade, Praia do Marinha and the sunset from Cabo de San Vincente with text overlay saying

Johnny Africa

The Ultimate Algarve, Portugal Travel Itinerary

Johnny

  • Last Updated On: September 8, 2023

Portugal’s southernmost region is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, fresh seafood, and white-washed fishing villages. With more than 100 beaches, Algarve is a premier beach holiday destination in the summer that attracts visitors from all over the world. In the shoulder months, it is an absolute paradise as you can still expect beautiful warm weather but with a fraction of the crowds and a significant discount on costs.

Praia do Camilo Lagos Algarve

This Algarve Itinerary can be combined with a broader Portugal itinerary if you have extended time to see this beautiful country.

Where I went in the Algarve

In total, I spent just under a week traveling the Algarve region of Portugal.

I think this is a good amount of time to see all the main sights of the region. If you are keen to have more time on the beach, as well as explore all the sights, you might want to add a few more days to relax.

Ferragudo Town Portugal Algarve

I rented a car and visited most of the spots along the Algarve, as well as a day drive along the Alentejo coast. Most of my trip involved visiting numerous beaches and lookout points, as well as a few traditional looking towns. These are some of the highlights of the trip:

  • Benagil Caves (famous caves)

Praia Do Albandeira

  • Praia Do Marinha
  • Praia Do Carvalho
  • Praia Do Carmilo

If these places ring a bell and sound like the places you want to visit, this is the perfect Algarve itinerary for you!

algarve portugal travel blog

How to travel through the Algarve

Without a doubt, the best way to visit the Algarve is by car. It’s not like traveling in Lisbon or Porto where there are buses that connect the cities to the nearby attractions. The problem is if you want to visit beaches outside of the main towns, you will have a very hard time getting there and back via taxi.

Olhão Portugal Algarve

Almost all trips in the Algarve will start from Faro Airport if you are not already in Portugal. There are plenty of car rental shops in Faro that offer very cheap prices for your trip. Make sure to pay for the toll pass as the highways in Portugal all function on e-tolls.

Algarve Coast Praia Da Albandeira

The roads are perfectly find in the Algarve, and even the roads leading up to the beaches are in great condition. This is not like driving through Albania for example where the roads to beaches were questionable at best.

When to visit the Algarve

The Algarve is a very popular destinations for Europeans. As you’d expect with all Mediterranean destinations, the summer season is the most popular. June to September is high season in the Algarve and you will see a flood of tourists from the UK and Germany swarming the beaches of the Algarve.

I visited in mid September and it was very busy all around. The beaches were packed full of people and the main towns were quite busy as well. The temperatures in mid September were warm but comfortable between 25-30 degrees during the day. July and August can see temperatures at 35+!

I would recommend visiting the Algarve in the shoulder season. Late April to early June, and the month of October are great times of year to visit. The temperatures are still enjoyable but the big crowds have largely died down. The winter months, tourism has died down completely and it’s mostly just a collection of locals and the pensioners from the UK and Germany that now call it home.

Where to stay in the Algarve?

One of the questions I kept asking myself is deciding where to stay. There seemed to be so many towns and beaches in the Algarve, it was impossible to decide which place I wanted to stay in.

The Algarve is quite small. It is only about 200km from Sagres to the Spanish border after all. This means you can essentially stay in one place for the entirety of your trip and just make day trips to the other parts of the coast. As I stayed a week in the Algarve, I decided to break it up and stay three nights in the small town of Carvoeiro, and three nights near the city of Lagos. These towns are only about 40 minutes away from each other, but I felt like it would be nice to see different parts of the coast even though I could have easily made Lagos a day trip from Carvoeiro and vice versa.

Carvoeiro

Where are the best beaches in the Algarve?

The Algarve is littered with beautiful beaches all along the coast. It only stretches for a few hundred kilometers but there are too many beaches to count. The landscapes are quite different depending on which part of the Algarve you are in.

Beaches of the Algarve

The beaches east of Faro near to Spain are characterized by more flat, sandy, and endlessly stretched out beaches similar to those you’d find in the Eastern coast of the USA.

Beaches Algarve

West of Faro, and you start seeing more cliffs and bluffs dominating the landscape. The beaches here are small enclosed sandy beaches surrounded by beautiful rock formations. These are the quintessential beaches of the Algarve that most people know it for. There are numerous large rock arches that adds to its beauty.

Praia Das Furnas Algarve

Most of the beaches were quite packed when I visited in mid September. I’m not a fan of densely packed umbrella chairs and swarms of people. Perhaps I’ve just been spoiled visiting some of the most amazing beaches in the world that my standard has gotten too unrealistic. Nevertheless, I did find one  amazing beach just west of Lagos. More details on that later.

Full Algarve Itinerary

The Algarve itinerary starts in Faro which is where my flight flew into. I did not stay or visit Faro because everyone told me to simply avoid it. From Faro, I drove to my accommodation in Carvoeiro and enjoyed my town for the first night.

The second day was spent hiking and visiting the numerous beaches in the area. Carvoiero is a great base to explore the numerous beaches between Lagos and Albufeira which are probably the most popular beaches in the region. In the morning, I hiked to Algar Seco from Carvoiero (only 20 minutes) which is home to the famous windows of the Algarve.

Praia das furnas algarve portugal

I visited Praia da Marinha, Praia da Carvalho, and Praia da Albandeira by car for the rest of the day and had some aperitivos in Albufeira. Albufeira is a bit too commercialized for me so I didn’t feel the need to stay for long.

The third day, I spent the morning visiting the popular Benagil caves which was a bit of a letdown but still well worth the visit. In the afternoon, I went to Ferragudo town which was definitely one of my favorite places in the region.

The next day, I drove to Lagos and visited a few more beaches along the way. If I had to pick a bigger town to stay in, Lagos would probably win out over the rest of the towns. From Lagos, I spent a day driving to Sagres and through the southwest coast of Portugal which was just stunning and wild.

Arrifana Portugal

The next day was just a relaxing beach day which I spent at the Praia das Furnas, easily the best beach in all of the Algarve.

Day 1: Land in Faro and drive to Carvoeiro

The trip starts off in Faro where my international flight from Frankfurt landed. From all my previous research and from speaking with other travelers, Faro seemed like the place to avoid. Not because it is overly ugly or anything, but because there are just much better places to visit along the Algarve.

After picking up my rental car, I proceeded to drive the 40 minutes to my first town, Carvoeiro.

Carvoeiro Town

I chose Carvoeiro Town as my base for the the Algarve for three nights. I used it as a way to explore the numerous beaches and viewpoints along the central coast of the Algarve.

Carvoeiro Town Portugal Algarve

Carvoerio is a former fisherman’s village turned into a tourist destination. The town offers an abundance of restaurants and bars but with a much more lowkey feel than neighboring towns like Albufeira and Lagos.

Carvoeiro Town Portugal Algarve

For sunset, make sure to head up to the Mar D’Fora restaurant for a quick drink while enjoying the beautiful views with its white washed stairs winding down into the sea. Even better, bring your own drinks and watch the views yourself!

Carvoeiro Town Portugal Algarve sunset

Day 2: Algar Seco, Praia Marinha, Praia Albandeira

Day two was a jam packed day of exploring different beaches and viewpoints. I’m not big into laying on the beach for hours on end so this will seem way too rushed for most people. However, I do like beautiful geological formations and there are famous rock arches to be seen today.

Pasteis de Nata Algarve

After a delicious breakfast of Pasteis de Nata and coffee in Carvoeiro, I set out to hike to Algar Seco. Carvoeiro has a beautiful road that leads to another boardwalk that hugs the coastline of the Algarve. It’s absolutely stunning here and makes for a great morning stroll.

Located within walking distance of Carvoeiro, Algar Seco is a rock formation that’s famous for its windows into the Algarve.

Algar Seco Portugal Algarve

This beautiful rock formation is located near to the water and has two window like holes built into the rock that makes for stunning photos of the Atlantic. Nearby is a beautiful bar and restaurant which makes for a great drink spot.

Praia Do Marinha and Arco Natural

Praia Do Marinha is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches of the central Algarve coast. It offers a long stretch of sandy beach surrounded by dramatic cliff formations.

Praia do marinha

However, the star of the show is definitely the Arco Naturele located near to the beach. There is a double arch here that

Praia Do Albandeira is probably my favorite beach in this area between Albufeira and Portimao. It’s a smaller beach with slightly smaller crowds.

Algarve Coast Praia Da Albandeira

Its claim to fame is the beautiful arch. Similar to the arch at Praia Do Marinha, this arch is huge standing at over 50 meters. This is a fantastic spot for the sunset and makes for amazing photos as the colors turn.

Praia do Carvalho

Completely surrounded by high cliffs, this small beach is known for its soft, golden sand and crystal clear water. This is definitely one of the most picturesque beaches in the Algarve and well worth a visit. However, during high season, this place was absolutely packed which was a bit of a turn off to me.

Praia do carvalho algarve portugal

Albufeira Town

Albufeira town Algarve Portugal

Day 3: Benagil Caves, Silves, and Ferragudo Town

Day 3 starts with a visit to the ever so famous Benagil Caves. I’d recommend starting as early as possible so you can get here before the crowds come. However, I found that the best lighting for taking photos of the caves were around 11am-12pm. It’s absolutely stunning when the sunrays shine through the holes of the cave.

Benagil Caves

The Benagil caves are without a doubt the most popular and visited attraction in all of the Algarve. This huge cave formation is located right near the town of Benagil.

Benagil Caves Portugal Algarve

he Benagil Cave is a  natural cave formation in the oceanside cliffs of Portugal’s Algarve region . Though many caves and rock formations line the coast of the Algarve, the Benagil Cave is unique for the “skylight” in the cave’s ceiling. The cave, like much of Portugal’s coastline, is made up of limestone.

It is a huge cave and definitely one of the most visually stunning caves I’ve ever visited. To reach the caves, you will want to either do one of the following:

  • Take a boat tour from Lagos, Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Portimao, or pretty much anywhere. This is one of the most popular tours in the Algarve
  • Rent a kayak or SUP from the nearby Benagil beach and paddle roughly 10 minutes to the cave adjacent.
  • Swim from the beach to the cave (about 100 meters)

I rented a Kayak which is quite expensive especially for little time you spend on it. In total, I paid 15 euros per person for a two person kayak boat (that’s all they have). If you’re two people, expect to pay 30 euros for a 2h kayak rental! It is crazy expensive for what it is. SUP boards are also not much cheaper.

benagil caves portugal algarve

Swim to Benagil Caves

I couldn’t find much information on the internet about swimming to the cave. I just figured it was far away and not a great way to reach the cave. It turns out, the water is quite calm in the summer months and the distance is only 100 meters. If you are a semi-comfortable swimmer like myself who completed his divemaster, this is super easy and safe to do. I would totally just grab a dry bag and swim to the cave next time. It’s free, easy, and a good workout!

Expectations vs Reality

The cave itself is beautiful. It’s huge and stunning. The only problem is  it is packed full of people . Upon arrival, there must have been at last 100 other people. This was at 9:30am no less. It’s one of those perfect expectations vs reality photos. I would not rush to do this cave again.

Silves Town

Silves is located 20km north of the coastline. It’s an absolutely beautiful town and was the ancient capital of the Algarve region. Under the Moors, Silves was a major defensive stronghold and important trading center. Nowadays, Silves is a peaceful town with a beautiful historical center that includes the imposing red break castle, the town walls, Gothic cathedral, and more.

Delicious frango Silves

I actually did not know about Silves at all. What brought me here was my search for grilled chicken (or Frango) which is famous along the Algarve coast. I found a frango restaurant in this town that looked amazing (and it absolutely was). Upon arriving, I immediately noticed the big red castle at the top of the town and knew I had to at least walk through it.

Silves Town Portugal Algarve

Turns out it’s a good decision!

Ferragudo Town

Without a doubt, Ferragudo is the most idyllic and prettiest town in the Algarve. Like Carvoerio, it was a traditional fisherman’s town that has been turned into a tourist town but there is still a fishing industry here.

Ferragudo Town Algarve

The town is built along a hill and offers beautiful traditional Portuguese houses, cobblestone streets, and colorful bougainvillea trees. Walking through the narrow streets of the town really reminded me of being in the Greek islands which is probably my favorite part of Europe. The Portuguese houses are more colorful however but the overall feel is perfect for those that want to take beautiful photos and be in a more relaxed setting.

Ferragudo Town Algarve

Ferragudo still offers plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you entertained so if you’re looking for a quiet getaway surrounded by beautiful traditional houses this is your stop.

Ferragudo Town Algarve

Day 4: Lagos Town, Praia Do Camilo, Praia Das Furnas

The next day I moved locations to the town of Lagos. This is only 30 minutes driving from Carvoeiro but I just wanted a change of scenery to see what all the Algarve had to offer!

Lagos is the second largest city in the Algarve after Faro. It is a very popular base for travelers coming through the Algarve as it is close to all the sights, has an abundance of restaurants and nightlife, as well as plenty of great accommodation options.

Lagos Town Algarve Portugal

Its history is long and expansive as well dating back to the time of the Ancient Phoenicians . Lagos took control over the African trade and became the most important town in the Algarve and its capital between 1576 and 1756. The town was greatly destroyed by the terrible earthquake of 1755. As a result, the capital from the Algarve changed from Lagos to Faro.

Lagos Town Algarve Portugal

Lagos has a beautiful old town that I found to be prettier than say Albufeira (but of course not as charming as Ferragudo or Silves). At night Lagos can be quite loud and the heart of the party so keep that in mind if you are noise sensitive.

There isn’t a whole lot to see as far as sights in Lagos. Its old city surrounded by the old walls is pretty to look at but in the end, the Algarve is all about the natural scenery. Once you’re done exploring the town, simply walk (or drive) south towards the beautiful viewpoints and beach.

There are plenty of amazing bars and restaurants in Lagos. Make sure to eat at the Reis restaurant to sample the famous Seafood Rice (Arroz con Marisco).

Praia Do Camilo

This is one of the most famous beaches in the Algarve. It’s located within walking distance to Lagos so if you do not have a car while visiting, this is the place for you. This small beach is enclosed by towering cliffs which makes the water calm and warm to swim in.

There is also a long windy set of stairs that lead to this beach and this makes for some fantastic photos.

Praia Das Furnas

Without a doubt, this is the best beach in the Algarve . If you like powder soft white sand, turquoise water, small crowds, and a stunning mountain backdrop, this is the beach for you.

I visited the Algarve in September and most of the beaches while beautiful, were packed full of people. If you like being with a lot of other people, then the above beaches will more than suit your fancy. However, if you are like me and like to visit the beach for just the natural beauty, aka without all the beach bars, fancy beach chairs, and the general scene, then this is the spot for you.

Praia Das Furnas, definitely the best beach in the Algarve

It’s located about 30 minutes west of Lagos and it is totally off the beaten path. When I arrived here, I knew I was in the right spot. A huge swatch of the softest powder sand I’ve ever felt was upon me. The water was crystal shallow and crystal clear. There were only a handful of people here on a Saturday in September. There were no beach chairs, and no restaurants here which is just how I like it.

One thing to note, this is a  nude beach . Prepare to see naked people. If this is not your thing, the beach is plenty of big where you can get away from people. Nevertheless, this is the nicest beach I found on my Algarve trip.

Hiking the Hanging Valley Trail

Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful landscape of Portugal and its rugged coastline. In particular, hiking in the Algarve will lead you through rocky hills with panoramic views over cliffs and sandy beaches.

The Hanging Valley Trail is located on the western coast of Portugal between Portimao to Lagos and they were recently named one of the top 10 hiking trails in Europe by Lonely Planet Magazine.

These trails go through a natural park called Ria Formosa Natural Park, which is home to many different species of birds and animals including falcons, eagles and flamingos. This area was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has been inhabited since Prehistoric times.x

Day 5: Drive up the southwest Coast of Portugal

The next day is dedicated to a road trip along the Atlantic coast of Southern Portugal. The stretch between Sagres in the very south to Sines half way to Lisbon, is the Vicentina Coastline and home to stunning cliffs and beaches.

Alentejo coast

The Atlantic ocean is wild and the waves crashing into the beach makes it a hotspot for surfers and those looking for a more relaxed getaway.

Sunset from O Paulo

The drive from Sagres to Sines is roughly two hours nonstop, but you’ll want to stop along the coast for the various beautiful beaches and viewpoints. I would dedicate a whole day to this especially if you are keen to lounge on the beaches.

The drive itself is actually not so picturesque. It’s not like Chapman’s Peak in Cape Town where the road hugs the cliff edge offering you nonstop stunning views. Most of the drive is through forest as the road is inland.

First stop is Sagres, considered the furthest southwestern point on Continental Europe. It’s home to a vibrant surf community and is also the base for numerous hiking trails.

Laundry cafe sagres

There is not much to see in Sagres except for the famous Sagres Fortress. This fortress is a huge structure and was constructed in the 15th century as a way to fend off invaders from North Africa.

Fortress of Sagres

It offers stunning views of the peninsula and the bluffs surrounding the structure. There is also a lighthouse at the very tip of the peninsula which you can walk to from the fortress.

Fortress of Sagres

I also stopped here for breakfast at the Laundry Lounge Cafe. This beautiful hipster style cafe actually does your laundry while you eat their delicious food.

Arrifana is a popular surf town with a great viewpoint and beach. There is also a fabulous restaurant here called O Paulo which is a perfect place to eat lunch or watch the sunset. The views are simply amazing.

Arrifana Algarve Portugal

Praia Amoreira

Praia Amoreira is located just north of Arrifana and is home to a big sandy beach surrounded by cliffs.

Praia do Amoreira Alentejo

Azenha Do Mar Lunch stop

Further north is the town of Azenha Do Mar. I stopped here for lunch at the famous Azenha Do Mar seafood restaurant. This local style Portuguese restaurant serves delicious seafood at reasonable prices and has a terrace with stunning views of the Atlantic.

File:Azenhas do Mar.JPG - Wikimedia Commons

I had the seafood rice which is a typical Portuguese seafood dish and it was absolutely divine.

Make sure to reserve ahead of time for this place as it gets quite busy.

Zambujeira do Mar

Zambujeira do Mar is another typical coastal city on Portugal’s western coastline. I didn’t actually stop in this town but rather stopped to take some beautiful photos of the beach and town.

Zambujeira do Mar alentejo

Vila Nova de Milfontes

Vila Nova de Milfontes is one of the most popular towns in the Alentejo coast. It is home to beautiful beaches and white washed buildings in the town.

Vila Nova de Milfontes

Porto Covo is a traditional fishing village north of Vila Nova de Milfontes and has stunning beaches. This is also a popular starting point for numerous hiking trails that hug the Alentejo coast.

Day 6: Relax day

Yes, even I like to relax! The sixth day was spent doing not much of anything. I went back to Praia das Furnas and just laid out for the majority of the day before having drinks and dinner in Lagos. Sometimes you need a day (or three) like this when traveling to places like the Algarve!

Praia das furnas algarve portugal

Day 7: Bonus day to Tavira, Olhao, and Praia Do Barril

This was my last day on the Algarve. My flight didn’t leave until 3pm that day so I had the morning to either relax or explore more of the Algarve. I opted for the latter of course and decided to explore the towns east of Faro before my flight out.

The main areas on my list were the towns of Tavira and Olhao, as well as the famous Praia Do Barril beach.

Tavira Town

Located 30km east of Faro, Tavira is definitely one of the prettiest towns in the Algarve. It’s adorned with a plethora of historic buildings, ornate churches, and beautiful cobbled streets. Portuguese architecture is on full display here as the small streets are just begging to be photographed.

Tavira Town Portugal

The city center is perfect for a nice cafe to start the day.

Praia Do Barril

Praia Do Barril is located just south of Tavira and is one of the most picturesque beaches in the eastern Algarve. To get to the beach, you’ll have to park your car well before the beach and walk about 1.5km. There is also an old school train that you can take which costs €1.30 one way.

Train praia do Barril portugal algarve

Barril beach not only provides idyllic white sandy beaches, but also has an insight into the fishing history of the region. The beach was once the location of a small tuna fishing community which you can see from the numerous buildings next to the beach that have been turned into restaurants and bars for tourism.

Train praia do Barril portugal algarve

Located right on the beach is the famous anchor monument of the numerous fishing boats that called this place home.

The other must visit town east of Faro is Olhão. Olhão was also once a fishing town that has been turned into a city of tourism and commerce. The old town is very picturesque and had some of the most beautiful streets in all of the Algarve.

Olhão Portugal Algarve

The Mercado by the waterfront is unique but there’s not much here to see. There are plenty of good restaurants in the area as well.

Olhão Portugal Algarve

Algarve Itinerary Day by Day breakdown

Hopefully you’ve gotten a better sense of how to prepare your trip after reading this article. Again, the Algarve is all about taking it slow and easy. If you are into lounging on the beach endlessly, then following my Algarve itinerary to a tee is probably not for you.

Nevertheless, hopefully you can now decide which beaches you want to spend all that time on. This is my Algarve itinerary on a day by day basis.

Day 1: Land in Faro, pick up rental car from rental car company and drive to Carvoeiro for the night Day 2: Explore Carvoeiro area by foot, visit the numerous beaches nearby like Praia De Marinha and Praia do Carvalho Day 3: Benagil Caves in the morning, Visit Silves town Day 4: Drive to Lagos and explore the town, go to Praia do Camilo Day 5: Road trip through Alentejo (Sagres, Arrifana, etc.) Day 6: Relax day at Praia das Furnas, aka the best beach in the Algarve Day 7: Go back to Faro for the flight home: Stop in Tavira, Olhao, and Praia do Barril along the way

Continue Reading:

  • The Best Beach In The Algarve: Look No Further Than Praia Da Furnas
  • The Perfect Portugal Travel Itinerary: One, Two, Three Week Itinerary Ideas
  • Exploring the Douro Valley: An Epic Day Trip From Porto
  • Paxos and Antipaxos: Travel Guide For The Hidden Ionian Gems
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  • Visiting Lefkada And The Most Beautiful Beaches In Greece
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Hello! Great article on Algarve. Just your thoughts on visiting in early March. Taking my 83 year old mom, who is fit and active. I realize not the ideal time but she’s not much for actually being in the water. She’s at the age where she knows travel might be limited and would like to see Portugal. I was thinking 3 days in the Algarve and 3 days around Lisbon/Sintra and then maybe up to Porto/Douro Valley. I was just cycling in Douro and loved it but also not certain if that’s too much to do.

Anyway, my real question is our timing. Weather and whether things will be too shut down. Would love your thoughts. Now off to read your Lisbon post.

Hi Andrea glad you like the post! I think march will be cool but not super cold. Weather will be variable but still pleasant. You’ll just have to hope for lucky weather :). I think there will still be plenty of restaurants open in the main towns so that will be fine. I think it might be a lot for your mom to handle all of those places in a short time however. Are you driving? If so maybe just stick in one place around algarve. Then Lisbon for 3 days and then just Porto for another few days. It’s very easy to get distracted and want to see everything!

Thanks for you quick response!

The Smooth Escape

Nature & adventure travel blog

Algarve itinerary: The perfect 5-day Algarve road trip

algarve portugal travel blog

The Algarve is undeniably one of the most beautiful regions of Portugal. With its jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, golden beaches and turquoise water, the region is blessed with a spectacular coastline attracting visitors from all over the globe. Besides its incredible nature, the Algarve is also known for its delicious seafood, laid-back surf culture and charming towns packed with history.

Whether you like lounging on beaches, exploring picturesque towns or hiking in nature, I’ve put together a 5-day Algarve itinerary that will give you the perfect mix of all of these. 

The best way to see the region is to rent a car or a campervan and go on an Algarve road trip. This way you’ll have the freedom to stop wherever you feel like and also visit the more remote areas, like the western Algarve and the mountainous interior of the region. Driving in the Algarve is safe and easy, and the roads are in good condition.

A woman gazing at the turquoise sea on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in Algarve, Portugal

Ready to start planning your 5-day Algarve road trip? Below, you’ll find my recommendations on the best things to do on each of the days plus tips on where to stay. I’ve also included a map at the end of the post, where you can find the exact locations of all the stops included in this Algarve itinerary.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

5-day Algarve itinerary for an amazing road trip

Day 1: arrive in faro, drive to carvoeiro.

Start your trip by flying to Faro, the capital of the Algarve. With many connections to Lisbon as well as other large European cities, Faro Airport is the main gateway to the Algarve region. Alternatively, you could also fly to Lisbon and then drive to the Algarve, which is about a 2.5-hour journey.

Once you arrive at Faro Airport, pick up your rental car. There are lots of car rental companies to choose from and the prices are great. We paid just €18 per day for our small car from Sixt but we were also visiting the Algarve in winter when the prices are the lowest.

Although Faro is the region’s capital, I recommend heading west straight away and not spending much time here because there are much more interesting places to visit in the Algarve.

Tip: Instead of renting a regular car, you might want to consider renting a campervan or a motorhome for your Algarve road trip. Thanks to its good roads and stunning scenery, Portugal is a fantastic destination for campervanning and motorhoming. Check out Motorhome Republic for the best motorhome and campervan rental deals in the Algarve.

Kick off your Algarve road trip by driving to Carvoeiro, a lovely seaside resort town just 40 minutes from Faro. Here you can expect to find traditional whitewashed houses, a variety of restaurants, sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and a peaceful ambience. 

sandy Carvoeiro Beach surrounded by limestone cliffs, whitewashed houses and turquoise water

The town is also home to the picturesque Praia do Carvoeiro beach. With its golden sand and clear turquoise water, it’s a beautiful place to relax, though it can get pretty crowded in July and August. For amazing views of Praia do Carvoeiro, walk up to the viewpoints on the cliffs surrounding the beach.

Make sure to also take a stroll along Carvoeiro Boardwalk. Hugging the jagged coastline of the Algarve, this clifftop walkway offers some pretty cool views of the coastal scenery, complete with rock formations, sinkholes and natural arches. We did this walk at sunset and the views were incredible!

A woman watching the sunset on the cliffs near Carvoeiro, a must-visit spot on any Algarve itinerary

At the eastern end of the boardwalk, there’s the magnificent Algar Seco cave system. This place is known for its tunnels, natural pools and windows that the wind and powerful waves have carved into the rock over thousands of years.

Where to stay

Spend the next two nights in Carvoeiro.

BUDGET: Apartamentos Solar Vale Covo Located about a 15-minute walk from the center of Carvoeiro, these apartments have spacious rooms, a large garden and an outdoor pool. It’s a great choice for budget travelers or families.

MID-RANGE: Castelo Guest House This oceanfront guest house looks like a small castle and is perched on top of a cliff overlooking Carvoeiro Beach. With its amazing ocean views and proximity to all the restaurants, the location couldn’t be more perfect.

Day 2: The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Benagil Cave and Praia da Marinha

The second day of this Algarve itinerary will be all about coastal hiking, exploring sea caves and discovering gorgeous sun-soaked beaches.

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is considered one of the best hikes in Algarve . It leads you through epic coastal scenery with breathtaking views of the dramatic cliffs and turquoise ocean. The trail starts at Praia do Vale de Centeanes Beach, just a short drive from Carvoeiro, and ends at Praia da Marinha Beach (or vice versa). 

Yellow limestone cliffs and turquoise ocean at Praia do Vale de Centeanes beach in Portugal

You can do it either as a 5.7-kilometer (3.5-mile) point-to-point hike (and get a taxi/Uber on the way back) or a 11.4-kilometer (7-mile) return hike. 

P.S. If you’re doing this hike in the summer, start early in the morning, otherwise you’ll be walking in the scorching midday sun.

For more details on what to expect from this trail, read my detailed guide for the Seven Hanging Valleys hike .

Craggy orange cliffs at the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, a mandatory part of every Algarve road trip

Benagil Cave

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail also passes by Benagil Cave, one of the most famous attractions in the Algarve, so I recommend that you make a stop here to visit this beautiful place.

This huge limestone sea cave features a large hole in its ceiling and can only be accessed by the sea. To get inside the cave, you can take this kayak tour from Benagil Beach. Alternatively, if you’re not into kayaking, you can take this speed boat tour from Portimão or this boat tour from Lagos.

If you’re visiting the Algarve in the summer, be aware that Benagil Cave can get packed with tourists. To see it without crowds, you should visit it as early in the morning as possible so you could be there before other groups arrive. Or you can visit the Algarve in the low season when the tourist herds are gone. For the best lighting conditions for taking photos, head there at around noon. 

If you want to visit the cave first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds, take this Benagil Cave sunrise tour that departs from Benagil Beach. Once you’re done with the tour, you can simply hike the remaining portion of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail to Praia da Marinha Beach.  

People standing on a small beach inside Benagil Cave, one of the most famous attractions in Algarve.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t visit Benagil Cave during our Algarve trip because the waves were too big to access it. This can sometimes be an issue if you visit the Algarve in winter as we did. In the spring, summer and autumn, however, you won’t need to worry about this.

Praia da Marinha

At the end of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail lies the famous Praia da Marinha, which has frequently been ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe. With its yellow cliffs, rock formations and irresistible blue-green water, this place is a true marvel of nature.

It’s the perfect spot to cool down and relax after all the hiking. In case you get hungry, you can grab some food at the small cafe down at the beach or at the food trucks up in the parking lot.

Golden cliffs rising from the sea at Praia da Marinha beach, one of the best beaches in Portugal

As Praia da Marinha is one of the most popular beaches in the Algarve, you can expect it to get pretty crowded in the summer months, especially when the tide comes up and swallows most of the beach.

Once you’re done relaxing at the beach, you can either hike back along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail or grab an Uber or a taxi.

Spend another night in Carvoeiro at Castelo Guest House or at Apartamentos Solar Vale Covo .

Day 3: The cliffs and beaches around Lagos

On day 3 of your Algarve road trip, head to Lagos, which is only a 40-minute drive from Carvoeiro. It is one of the most charming towns in the Algarve and a popular tourist destination. Get ready to explore the striking cliffs and beaches around the town and visit the historical Old Town of Lagos.

Lagos beaches

Start your day by visiting some spectacular beaches just outside Lagos. The first one is called Praia dos Estudantes. This small cove is sheltered by ochre-colored cliffs and can be accessed via a man-made tunnel carved into the rock. What makes this beach stand out from the rest is the Roman-style bridge connecting two cliffs.

Even though Praia dos Estudantes is a fun place to explore, I recommend that you don’t spend too much time here since the other beaches are even more scenic.

A man standing in front of a tunnel carved into limestone cliff at Praia dos Estudantes

Next, head to Praia da Dona Ana. Accessible via a set of wooden stairs, this beach boasts a large stretch of sand, the classic golden cliffs of the Algarve and impressive sea stacks. 

It’s a picturesque beach and has even been named the best beach in the world by the renowned Condé Nast Traveler magazine! Although I think this title is a bit of an exaggeration, there’s no doubt that Praia da Dona Ana is gorgeous and a must-visit spot on every Algarve itinerary. 

Sea stacks and a large stretch of sand at Praia da Dona Ana beach near Lagos, Portugal

Last but definitely not least, is the wonderful Praia do Camilo, one of the most famous beaches in Algarve. Bordered by towering cliffs and rock arches, this beach is pretty tiny but what it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in beauty. 

The sea here was pretty rough during our visit in December but in the summer the water should be calm, turquoise blue and perfect for swimming. The beach can be accessed by a long wooden staircase, which you might recognize from Instagram since it’s a popular spot for photos.

A man standing on a wooden staircase at Praia do Camilo, one of the best beaches in the Algarve.

If you’re visiting the Algarve in the peak season (aka the summer), it would probably be a good idea to come to Praia do Camilo in the morning before the crowds roll in. Otherwise, there might not be any space left for your towel.

A coastal walking trail surrounded by green vegetation and ocean views near Praia do Camilo in the Algarve region

Each of these three beaches can easily be reached by foot from Lagos, so if you’re up for a bit of walking, go for it! Otherwise, you can also just drive.

Ponta da Piedade

After exploring the beaches, walk or drive to Ponta da Piedade. This magnificent headland is known for its dramatic rock formations, grottoes and arches sculpted by wind and waves over thousands of years. 

Along the cliffs, there’s a boardwalk as well as various smaller trails offering awe-inspiring views in every direction. I remember how I was just standing there and staring at this incredible scenery in disbelief! Ponta da Piedade was my favorite place in the entire region and is definitely one of the highlights of this Algarve itinerary.

Rugged golden cliffs pounded by strong Atlantic Ocean waves at Ponta da Piedade, one of the highlights of this Algarve itinerary

Make sure to also walk down the stairs to the small cove at the base of Ponta da Piedade. Usually, the water here is very calm and you can take a boat or a kayak tour to explore all the grottoes and arches. However, if you’re here on a windy winter day like we were, you can witness an amazing show of waves mercilessly pounding the cliffs.

A picturesque cove full of rock formations and grottoes at Ponta da Piedade, a must-visit spot if you have 5 days in Algarve

Although we weren’t able to do a boat or a kayak tour, I’ve heard it’s a wonderful experience to see the cliffs from the sea and is well worth the money.

Instead of taking the boat tour from Ponta da Piedade, many people choose to take a boat tour from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade as it allows you to see a lot more of the spectacular coastline and learn about the region from your guide. For a truly unique experience, consider taking this Ponta da Piedade boat tour on a traditional sailboat .

Spend your evening exploring the Old Town of Lagos. The best thing to do here is to wander its narrow streets and marvel at the colorful tiled facades, the traditional whitewashed houses and lovely squares.

Some of the most notable attractions in the Old Town are the Church of Santo António, Ponta da Bandeira Fortress, the medieval town walls and the Slave Trade Museum.

A building with a green tiled facade in Lagos Old Town in Portugal

You’ll also find lots of shops, bars and restaurants in Lagos Old Town (although in the winter many of them are closed). Be sure to try some local seafood dishes such as cataplana . It’s a stew served in a large metal pot and a dish that should definitely be on your Algarve food bucket list .

We had a cataplana at a tiny traditional restaurant called Casinha do Petisco , which I can highly recommend

A large pot of seafood cataplana, a tasty Portuguese dish you should try during your Algarve road trip

Spend the next two nights in Lagos.

MID-RANGE: Lalitana Townhouse This is the place we stayed for two nights. It’s a lovely, clean, budget-friendly guest house in the heart of the historic center of Lagos, near all the shops and restaurants. A delicious breakfast is included in the room rate as well.

LUXURY: Casa Mãe This beautiful, sustainably-minded 5-star hotel has three buildings, each with its own aesthetic – vintage, boho chic and minimalist. It is definitely one of the most stylish hotels in Lagos and it also features multiple pools, spa facilities and an on-site restaurant.

Day 4: Monchique and Algarve west coast

Day 4 of your Algarve road trip will take you to the mountains in the interior of the region as well as the wild and rugged Algarve west coast.

A visit to the Serra de Monchique mountains allows you to experience a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path side of the Algarve. From Lagos, it’s a 45-minute drive, which takes you through scenery that’s very different from the coast of the Algarve. 

You’ll notice that the climate here is cooler and more humid and the vegetation is lush. The landscape is dominated by rolling green hills covered with citrus orchards, cork oak forests and eucalyptus groves. 

A mystical cork tree forest near Monchique, a scenic off-the-beaten-path destination to add to your Algarve itinerary

The Monchique town itself is also worth a quick stop. Walk along the hilly streets in the historic town center, grab a cup of coffee in one of the traditional cafes and taste some medronho liquor (a strong local spirit made of arbutus berries).

If you’re into alternative and eerie attractions, visit the abandoned 17th-century Nossa Senhora do Desterro Convent overlooking the town of Monchique. 

For panoramic views, head to the Fóia viewpoint, which is the highest point of the Algarve at 902 meters (2,960 ft). On a clear day, you can see the Algarve coastline and the ocean from here.

A shop with a colorful facade selling Medronho liquor in Monchique

Pontal da Carrapateira

The next stop on this Algarve itinerary is the rugged west coast of the Algarve, also known as Costa Vicentina. Since this stretch of coastline is a part of a nature reserve, it’s much less developed than the south coast and maintains its wild and unspoiled beauty.

From Monchique, it’s an hour-long drive through mountainous landscape and scenic countryside until you arrive at the Pontal da Carrapateira headland.

Here you’ll find a circular 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) dirt road with several viewpoints overlooking secluded beaches and colorful cliffs. This road is a small part of the famous Rota Vicentina trail, which is considered one of the best hikes in the Algarve . If you’re not in the mood to hike, you can also visit the viewpoints by car.

A woman walking on a boardwalk at Pontal da Carrapateira headland with a backdrop of the large Bordeira beach

My favorite viewpoint by far was the one overlooking Bordeira Beach and its giant stretch of sand. Because of its large and consistent waves, this beach is a popular spot among surfers. I think we spent at least half an hour just watching the surfers catch the rolling waves – it’s quite entertaining!

Make sure to also take a walk across the massive golden dunes down at the beach. It feels like being in the middle of a desert.

vast golden sand dunes at Praia da Bordeira beach on the Vicentine Coast in the Algarve

Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente

After exploring Pontal da Carrapateira, drive south to Sagres. It’s a popular surf town known for its long sandy beaches and the 17th-century Sagres Fortress, which was used to defend the town from raiders from North Africa. 

The most famous attraction in Sagres though is Cabo de São Vicente aka the Cape of St. Vincent. This bleak and windswept headland is the most southwestern point of continental Europe and was believed to be the end of the world up until the 13th century. 

Here you can visit the iconic lighthouse and marvel at the steep craggy cliffs and turbulent ocean. It’s a popular place for watching the sunset so you might want to time your visit accordingly. Remember to bring some warm layers though because Cabo de São Vicente is known to be very windy.

Drive back to Lagos and spend another night at Lalitana Townhouse or Casa Mãe .

Day 5: Drive back to Faro

On the last day of your Algarve itinerary, start driving back towards Faro. Depending on how much time you have until your flight, you might still be able to squeeze some activities into this day.

If you’d like to see some more cute Portuguese towns, consider visiting Ferragudo or Tavira. These are small fishing towns with cobblestone streets, traditional houses and a laid-back atmosphere. Although I didn’t have the chance to visit these towns myself, I’ve only heard great things about them.

If you’re craving some beach-time, stop by Praia dos Três Irmãos, which is known for its beautiful rock formations or Praia Albandeira, where you can see a huge rock arch.

Algarve road trip itinerary map

On this map, you can find the locations of all the stops in this Algarve 5-day itinerary. Click on the top left corner of the map for more details.

Have more than 5 days in the Algarve?

If you have more than 5 days in the Algarve, you’re in luck! You could easily spend more than one week in the Algarve since there are plenty of exciting things left to do.

For instance, you could extend your Algarve road trip by spending another day in Lagos and Carvoeiro. This way you’ll have more time to explore these cute towns and properly relax on the dreamy beaches around them. Near Carvoeiro, you could hike the Trail of the Headlands, which is another scenic coastal walk. In Lagos, you could take a dolphin-watching tour to see bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins in their natural habitat.

Another activity you could add to your Algarve itinerary is visiting the Ria Formosa Natural Park just outside Faro. The park consists of coastal wetlands and salt marshes home to countless bird species, including flamingoes.

If you want to experience the infamous nightlife scene of the Algarve and see the bigger resort towns, spend some days in Albufeira or Portimão.

You might also be interested in my other blog posts about Portugal:

  • Best hikes in the Algarve
  • Visiting the Algarve in winter: What to expect
  • The Seven Hanging Valleys Walk in the Algarve
  • 7-day Madeira road trip itinerary

Best beaches in Madeira: from black sand to volcanic pools

Enjoyed reading this algarve itinerary pin it.

algarve portugal travel blog

Hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in Algarve, Portugal

algarve portugal travel blog

Algarve in winter: What to expect + best things to do

algarve portugal travel blog

Hiking Algarve: Best hikes in the Algarve, Portugal

algarve portugal travel blog

Madeira itinerary: The perfect 7-day Madeira road trip

algarve portugal travel blog

Great blog with good informarion!

Thank you Craig! 🙂

I just read (& commented) on your Sicily blog. We have 2 weeks and can’t decide between Sicily & Portugal (we would do the duoro, porto, lisbon, alentejo & algarve – 3 nights in each. So hard to choose. Thoughts? Did you have a favorite? Thanks!!

That’s a difficult choice indeed! Both are amazing destinations. It depends on what you like. I think Portugal would give you a wider variety of experiences. On the other hand, Sicily has better food (best pasta I’ve ever had) and really charming historical towns. Both have beautiful beaches. If you’re into hiking, then I’d recommend Portugal.

Really information, thanks! I’m off to the Algarve next week and have saved all your suggestions!

Glad to hear Zara! 🙂 I hope you’ll have a great trip!

Hello,,,Very useful information,,,i just wonder if you can swim in the pool in january?

Hi. No I think it’s too cold to swim unfortunately, unless the pool is heated.

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Algarve Travel Guide

Though most people tend to see the Algarve as all about the beaches and a holiday on the Med, there’s far much more to this sun-baked corner of Portugal. There’s actually a load of fascinating culture and history, superb cuisine and enthralling adventures to be had, though we’d be the first to admit that the beaches are pretty special too, with lots of sand and wonderfully clear water. But while you’re enjoying one of our fantastic villas in Algarve , you may well want to take some time out from all that sun worship to explore everything else the region has to offer – so we’ve put together this handy travel guide to give you a little help and inspiration!

When to visit |  Hidden gems | F or families | Things to do | For foodies

Why visit the Algarve?

Beach on the algarve coast

The Algarve has been on the tourist map since the ‘60s yet this beautiful and diverse region is not all heavily developed. Away from the high-rise resorts is a natural, unspoiled coastline that’s well worth writing home about – a network of wide sandy stretches and rocky coves, edged on one side by clear-as-glass water and on the other by a sweep of distinctive red-hued cliffs. Venture inland and you’ll find verdant woodland, punctuated by pretty white-walled market towns and fascinating Roman ruins. Coupled with fantastic rustic Mediterranean food and excellent local wines, the Algarve is undeniably alluring.

Our mini Algarve guide to the best sights

Woman on street in Faro Algarve Portugal

  • Faro – Wander the atmospheric Old Town.
  • Golf – Choose from around 35 top-of-the-range courses.
  • Silves – Visit the castle at this charming Moorish town.
  • Caldas de Monchique – Soak in hot springs at this thermal spa town located in the cork-forested interior.
  • Praia da Arrifana – Ride the waves at this surfing mecca.
  • Tavira – Traverse the Roman bridge at this elegant fishing town, west of Faro.
  • Ria Formosa Natural Park – Discover an unspoilt paradise teeming with birds, flora and fauna

When to visit?

Algarve coast

Let’s start with a statistic: the Algarve has over 300 days of sunshine a year. That sunshine can be felt even in February when temperatures sometimes allow for alfresco lunches. Dinners outside are less likely as nights can get cold at this time of year. Early spring is pretty with warm temperatures, fields of wild flowers, fragrant blossoms and fewer crowds. Come May , the sea starts warming up too.

The sun is at its strongest over the summer months of July and August , which coincides with peak tourist season. September and October tend to be much quieter, but still have some of the last straggling remnants of the summer’s heat. Most of the Algarve’s little rainfall occurs in winter .

Getting around the Algarve

Colourful street in Faro Algarve

  • Airport:  Travel from UK to Faro Airport, the only airport in the Algarve.
  • Public Transport:  Two reliable bus companies, Eva Transportes and Renex , service the Algarve and also head inland too via Loulé. Trains run along the coast between Faro and Vila Real de Santo António, and between Faro and Lagos.
  • By Bike:  While the roads in the more built-up coastal stretches can be busy, the Algarve’s rural bike routes offer a very enjoyable, although often hilly, way to explore some of the region’s smaller villages. Guided tours are available and you can hire bikes around Albufeira and Faro.
  • Taxi:  Taxis in the Algarve are easy to spot: they all have a sign saying ‘taxi’ on the roof. They are available from the stands at the airport. In towns you can hail from the street, although it’s usually better to call from a hotel or restaurant when you are ready to leave.
  • Car Rental:  Car hire is very popular in Portugal and gives the maximum freedom. Roads are good, and many of the coastal routes boast sensational sea views, though motorways do have toll charges. Pick up a car at the airport, where Hertz , Avis and several other reliable companies, can be located.

Hidden Gems

The view of Algarve from Foia, Monchique

The view of Algarve from Foia, Monchique

  • If you are en route to pretty Tavira, east of Faro, take a detour to discover the tiny, whitewashed village Santa Luzia . Join the locals in eating octopus at the harbour-side restaurants, and after lunch, take the vintage train to wide and lovely Barril beach on the Ilha de Tavira.
  • For an off-the beaten track beach, head to Zavial . But instead of joining the sunbathing hordes here, drive onto the next headland to secret spot Ingrina . This picture-perfect cove has silky sand and an arc of turquoise water. The calm sea is great for swimming and there’s an excellent restaurant with a laid-back vibe serving daily fish specials. You could easily idle a day away in this idyllic setting.
  • For sensational views that will give you a real perspective, head to the highest point in the Algarve: Foia , the summit of the magnificent Monchique mountain range. From your elevated vantage point at 900 metres, you’ll be able to look out over the lush rolling carpet of cork and pine trees, eucalyptus scrub and orange groves. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the northern mountain ranges. Be prepared for much cooler temperatures up here and a few unsightly communications towers at the summit itself.
  • You may well be planning a trip to Sagres , on the southwest peninsular, as part of your holiday in the Algarve. After all, this historical village was the domicile of Prince Henry the Navigator, the 15th-century explorer and cartologer. However, not many people know that this is also one of the best places in the Algarve to catch a sunset. The stunning vista of the white fort atop the red cliffs with burnt orange sun hitting the shimmering sea behind it, could well be your most memorable holiday moment.
  • Just eight kilometres east of Faro is the large fishing port of Olhao , home to one of the biggest indoor fruit, vegetable and fish markets in the Algarve. A veritable explosion of colours and smells, the market is also a fantastic opportunity to see an authentic, untouristy part of everyday life in the Algarve. The cafes that line the streets around the market a great spot to chat to locals and sample freshly cooked seafood.

Algarve travel guide for families

If you’ve come to the Algarve with your family, expect to have a jam-packed itinerary – there is a lot to occupy you and your brood here. Our selection of resorts in the Algarve are particularly family-friendly, with activities, entertainment and great facilities.

With a climate that is dependably sunny, staying steadily warm and dry from May to September, it makes sense to start in the Algarve’s great outdoors. As we all know, busy children are happy children, and in the Algarve you can cherry pick from the plethora of child-friendly outdoor pursuits.The beaches are the best place to begin: older kids can learn to surf in the baby waves, little ones can explore rock pools and budding ornithologists can bird-spot in the sand dunes. Out at sea, the family can take a boat trip to explore hidden caves and perhaps even do a bit of marine wildlife spotting – what little explorer wouldn’t want to see a dolphin on their holiday? Back on shore, tennis lessons, waterparks and treetop climbing adventures will add to the long list of amazing experiences that await your family in the Algarve.

Children running at the beach, Praia da Boneca, Lagos, Portugal

Family-friendly activities

  • One of the main appeals of the Algarve is its coastline, and thanks to the fact there’s some 125 miles of it, you and the kids will have plenty of opportunity to play on the beach, as well as indulging in some slightly more exhilarating activities!
  • Dream Wave Algarve  offer several sorts of boat cruises around the Algarve’s coast, but the kids are bound to be utterly spellbound by the one that takes place on a pirate-themed sailing vessel.
  • Older kids might be more tempted by the challenges at Albufeira Surf and SUP . Everyone can try their hand at surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding is an easy and low-impact water-sport if you’re feeling a little less energetic.
  • Also heading out from Albufeira is Dolphin Driven , which can take you out on an exciting (and ecologically responsible) excursion to see some dolphins in the wild.

If this guide is going to prove anything, it’s that heading in the opposite way to the sea is a great way to keep everyone entertained too! The Algarve’s beautiful interior doesn’t just provide some beautiful landscapes to hike or bike around – there’s some serious fun to be had too.

  • Top of the list must be Parque Aventura , which will bring the family together in a whole new way as you traverse a challenging treetop tour on bridges and ropes – and children as young as four are welcome on the easiest routes.
  • Sport-mad kids might enjoy a few games at the Valo do Lobo Tennis Academy , where they can sharpen their game and make new friends at the same time. Better yet, there’s leisure facilities that parents can enjoy while the kids improve their serve!

If these fantastic tips have got you inspired, be sure to take a look at our incredible list of the best family activities in the Algarve .

Family-friendly beaches

  • Ingrina can be found near the village of Raposeira, and its gentle and shallow waters are great for smaller children. Older kids can enjoy exploring the rocks that surround the beach, and there’s a nearby restaurant to make sure everyone’s fed and watered.
  • Meia Praia near Lagos is a bit more lively, and you’ll find a huge range of beachgoers enjoying the atmosphere no matter when you turn up. There’s plenty to do and plenty of places to eat, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking for a more active day over relaxing.
  • Galé Beach is fairly central and can also get quite busy, but the rock pools are great for adventurous little ones.

Things to do in the Algarve on group holidays

Taking a holiday with a group of friends is one of the best kinds of breaks: long days leave plenty of quality time for catch-ups and chats. But getting the balance between lazy days and fun activities takes a little planning. The beauty of the Algarve is that there’s a fantastic range of activities to keep everyone happy, from surfing to cycling, as well as a sun-drenched climate that makes it possible to enjoy getting out and about all year round.

You might canoe on the sparkling turquoise waters of the Atlantic one day then try a spot of wine tasting the next. Add a bicycle tour of whitewashed Moorish villages, a dolphin safari on your own private charter and a bout of bird-spotting in a lush nature park onto the agenda, and you’ve got yourself a truly memorable holiday your friends will be raving about for some time. Take a look at our fun-filled ideas and start planning your group holiday.

hiker on hiking trail along coast portugal , rota vicentina. HDR image

Adrenaline-fuelled activities

  • The further inland you go in the Algarve, the more of the region’s landscape you’ll get to see. Rocky outcrops and groves of orange trees vie for space, creating a land of stark contrast and beautiful colours. There’s many ways to see it, from day-long hikes to bike rides, or you could always rent some snazzy wheels for that extra touch of glamour.
  • Bike My Side is a great alternative to the average tour – you’ll be whisked around the countryside in a motorbike side car!
  • If you’re looking to cycle, Bike A Wish can not only provide you with bikes to hire but can also take you on guided tours tailored to your tastes – you can visit historical sites, local landmarks or even sneak in some horse riding as part of your trip.
  • Something a bit different (but perhaps slightly less hair raising) is to see the Algrave by Segway – you can rent one through Algarve by Segway .
  • Taking advantage of the Algarve’s expansive coast is a must if you and your friends fancy some high-octane activities. There’s a huge amount on offer including diving, sea fishing, windsurfing and more.
  • Or why not hire a boat through Southwest Charter ? The skipper will do all the hard work, but you can kick back in the stern or enjoy the thrills of life at sea at your leisure.

We have more inspiration when it comes to things to do, why not read our top 7 things to do in the Algarve .

Laid-back activities

  • If you’re up for broadening your cultural horizons a little bit and feel like experiencing some of the more sophisticated things to do in the Algarve, there’s a surprising amount of museums and churches just ripe for exploration. You might have to head out of the more developed towns and cities to find them, but that’s all part of the fun!
  • An interesting day trip can be found at Novacortica , a factory that showcases one of Portugal’s premiere products – cork. You’ll be shown around the floor and given an introduction into the production of cork, as well as an insight into a fascinating local industry.
  • Natura Algarve runs tours that explore the swamps and wetlands – and they even provide you with your own set of binoculars, as well as stopping on the picturesque island of Cultura for a spot of lunch. As well as the more famous port, Portugal’s wine scene is burgeoning. As a result, you won’t just be able to enjoy a tasty tipple with your dinner, but you can visit a number of wineries and vineyards for some top-notch tasting.
  • Quinta dos Vales produces some of the Algarve’s best wines, and as well as the tasting tours available, the estate maintains a beautiful flower garden that contains numerous artworks and sculptures by local artists.
  • The coastline of the Algarve isn’t all sandy beaches – there are some beautiful wetlands off the coast of the city of Faro that’s home to some wonderful birds and wildlife – so grab your binoculars or head on a boat tour to explore the other side of Portugal’s coastal landscape.

A foodie’s guide to the Algarve

Whether it’s a casual feet-in-the-sand beach café, a bustling market-side restaurant or a rustic hilltop eatery, dining out in the Algarve will mean sampling the fantastic Algarvian produce – all sourced from the sea, the forested hills and fruit-filled groves. Seafood understandably plays a big part in the menu of almost every establishment: octopus, squid, sardine, bream and lobster are in abundance, whilst Iberico pork, sheep’s cheese and black pudding are also big in the region. If you want to indulge in some haute cuisine on your holiday, the Algarve has some fantastic Michelin-starred restaurants delivering impressive and innovative creations. Fortuitously, the Algarve wines happen to pair quite happily with the high-quality Algarvian ingredients. The fertile soil and fine climate of the Algarve is ideal for growing grapes and though it can’t claim the cachet of Douro, for instance, its burgeoning wine industry is producing some superb reds. Here are some of our suggestions for experiencing the best of the Algarve’s food and wine.

Fish feast: sea bass, golden, horse mackerel accompanied with tomato salad, clams, bread and white wine, Portugal

Best restaurants

  • You can enjoy some of the finest dining on the Algarve at the Ocean Restaurant in Alporchinhos. Boasting two Michelin stars, the name might give you a bit of a clue as to what kind of food is on offer, but the sumptuous preparation and indulgent menus are something that’s really worth savouring.
  • Sao Gabriel in Quinta do Lago can also lay claim to a Michelin star, but don’t expect super-chic surroundings. The restaurant enjoys a cosier, more rustic feel, so it’s great for intimate dinners where the food is just as spellbinding as the ambiance.
  • For something a little less formal but just as impressive, try the beachside eats available at Ferragudo’s Restaurante Rei das Praias . With sumptuous and relaxed decor, wonderful views and the freshest of seafood on the menu, it’s a relaxing and totally unique experience – and you can even get a massage if you need to relax just a little bit more!

Must-try dishes

  • A dish that sums up everything that’s wonderful about cuisine in the Algarve is the cataplana – seafood in a delicate, savoury broth served in a hinged copper pot. They’re usually made to share, so grab a friend and order up.
  • There’s also the famous Portuguese piri piri chicken to try – trust us, it leaves Nando’s in the dust.
  • Another meaty treat is Ibérico pork , which comes from the highly prized Black Iberian breed of pig. It makes fantastic ham, but you’ll also see it on menus grilled with a range of sides.
  • You can get some amazingly fresh seafood on the Algarve, and while it’s worth trying a range of what’s on offer, a trip to the region isn’t complete without a plate of grilled sardines . Simple, delicious and utterly unforgettable.
  • And for dessert (or as a little pick-me-up with a nice cup of coffee) you’ll find pastel de nata sold pretty much everywhere. This small custard tart is a national treasure in Portugal, and if you’re really lucky you can grab them warm and freshly-baked.

For more delectable suggestions, take a look at our blog on the best foodie experiences in Algarve .

That brings our jam-packed Algarve travel guide to an end – we hope you’ve found plenty of information, handy tips and places to visit to add to your upcoming itinerary! If you’re still looking for a place to stay, have a look at our collection of stylish Algarve villas – some with pools, some near the beach and others just a short walk to a local village! If you need some help or have any questions, our concierge team are on-hand! 

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3 Responses

algarve portugal travel blog

The Benagil cave is one of the most amazing things I saw whilst in the Algarve along with the Praia Da Marinha beach!

algarve portugal travel blog

Thanks for guiding about the Iberian world and its mesmerizing landscape. Therefore, gear up for an excellent vacation to this part of the world. We are planning a vacation in September, it will be very helpful for us.

[…] ended up driving to Tavira, a small town on the Algarve coast. This town has several famous beaches and is home to many historical sites. Like other parts of […]

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Discover the stunning beauty of the Algarve, Portugal's ultimate beach destination. Beyond its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, the region boasts a laid-back lifestyle, breathtaking landscapes, and friendly locals. Follow me at @totheseastories as I uncover hidden gems and insider tips to help you explore the best of the Algarve. 🤍

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Looking for the best travel tips, encounters and recommendations for your Algarve trip? Look no further than my Algarve travel blog! As an avid traveler and Algarve enthusiast, I share my top recommendations and insider tips to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful region.

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Visiting Algarve, Portugal: 19 Tips & Tricks for First Trip

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 1, 2024

Visiting Algarve, Portugal: 19 Tips & Tricks for First Trip

Visiting Algarve (Portugal) for the first time and wondering what to expect?

When is the best time to visit? How long and where to stay? Should you rent a car or can you use public transport? Can you use credit cards or do you need cash? What to pack?…

You’ll find answers to these and other questions about visiting Algarve in this guide.

Whether you are going to the Algarve for a relaxing beach holiday or are planning a road trip and are mostly interested in sightseeing, our experience-based tips and practical information will help you get the most out of your trip. Find out!

Top 3 Experiences Not To Miss in the Algarve:

  • Benagil Cave boat tours . More info: How to visit Benagil Cave .
  • Ponta da Piedade boat trips . More info: How to visit Ponta da Piedade .
  • Dolphin watching .

Travel tips and information for visiting Algarve region in Portugal

Here are our top tips for visiting the Algarve:

1. Visit in the shoulder season

Algarve is a year-round destination that has a lot to offer at any time of the year. However, there is a huge difference if you visit the Algarve in the summer or in the low season.

If you are looking for warm weather, sunshine, beach life, and water activities, then you’ll love the Algarve in the warmest months.

However, Algarve is one of the most popular summer vacation destinations in southern Europe. So it will come as no surprise that the whole coast gets really busy in the summer months , particularly in July and August.

If you don’t absolutely have to take your annual holidays in July or August, consider coming in May – June or in September – October. It will still be nice and warm (and busy too), but not nearly as much as in the summer.

Also if your primary focus of visiting Algarve is sightseeing, consider traveling in the spring or in the fall . Not only will it be less busy, but it’s also not as warm and the weather is more comfortable for excursions. Plus, accommodations and rental cars are cheaper.

Winter months are very quiet and many seasonal businesses are closed between November and March. The weather is usually still mild with cold nights and there is always some chance for rain. But it’s a very nice time to visit if you want to experience the region without the crowds. Sunrises and sunsets are absolutely amazing in the colder months too.

TIP: One of our favorite months to visit Algarve is April and the end of October – the beginning of November. The weather is usually warm and sunny, but not too hot for sightseeing and long walks. Most places are open and it’s pleasantly lively but never too busy. The negative side is that it’s often too cold to swim in the sea or even in an outdoor pool, but if you are lucky with the weather, even this is possible. Plus, you can enjoy the most amazing sunsets at this time of the year.

LEARN MORE: Algarve in April – Algarve in November – Algarve in December

Traveling in Algarve in the low season - enjoying a beautiful sunset near Sao Rafael Beach

2. Do some research on what you’ll want to see and do

The Algarve region is quite big and has a lot more to offer than it looks at first sight.

Many of the nicest places are spread out along the long coastline, but there are some hidden gems inland too. In addition to the nicest towns and natural landmarks, Algarve has lots of water parks , fun activities , etc.

So be sure to do some research and decide which places you want to see and what you want to do. This will influence some other choices that you have to make, such as how many days to spend in Algarve, where to stay, or whether to rent a car.

TIP: Even if you are visiting Algarve for summer vacation and your main goal is to sunbathe, swim, and eat delicious food, be sure to book at least a few excursions to explore the beautiful Algarve coast!

Also, if you want to experience the more traditional side of the Algarve region, explore beyond the most popular coastal areas. Take a day trip to the old capital of the region, Silves, drive up to the Monchique mountains or visit the more authentic towns of eastern Algarve, etc.

LEARN MORE: Top Places to See & Best Things to Do in Algarve

Traveling to Algarve - Albufeira town

3. Book in advance!

This is the most important tip that we give our readers nowadays. No matter where or when you travel, booking ahead is the best way to guarantee that you get the best rates and – when it comes to experiences – that you can actually visit certain places.

Anyway, for the Algarve, you just need to book your flights, accommodations, and potentially a rental car in advance. There are also a few tours – like boat trips to Benagil Cave or kayaking at Ponta da Piedade – that are best booked ahead.

How long in advance to book also depends on when you travel. If you are visiting Algarve between May and October, we advise booking your accommodations and rental car as soon as you know your travel dates. The prices soar in the peak season. Plus, the later you book, the less choice you’ll have.

As far as activities go, we recommend booking them at least a few days in advance. But if you’re not flexible with your schedule, just reserve them when preparing your itinerary.

In July – August, you may want to make reservations for the most popular restaurants as well (usually a day or two in advance is enough).

PRO TIP: We personally use and recommend Booking.com for accommodations, RentalCars for car hire, and GetYourGuide for tours and excursions. Not only can you find all the best offers in one place, but all these companies also offer free cancellation (often even up to 24-48 hours before the trip), so you keep all flexibility and can always rebook if you find a better deal later or if your travel plans change.

Also, book everything yourself! It’s really not difficult these days. That way, you know exactly what you are getting, can read customer reviews, compare prices, etc. You can’t imagine how often I see people complaining in Facebook groups about the location or quality of their hotel (room) and it’s always the people who booked package holidays. The worst thing is that most of the time they also pay much too much for what they are getting.

READ ALSO: Algarve Itinerary for First Trip

Algarve travel tips - Benagil Cave

4. Stay at a nice resort with beach access

No matter when you visit Algarve, I highly recommend looking for a hotel close to the beach. The closer the better. If you can, book a room at one of the seafront resorts. It will make your vacation so much more special!

Imagine waking up and watching the sunrise in the distance, enjoying sea views during breakfast or dinner, and going for a walk at the beach at sunset…

If you are here for the beach holidays, it will also be so much more relaxing not having to carry all your beach stuff for several miles or struggling to find parking space close to the beach, etc.

But also if you are road-tripping and are mostly interested in exploring the sights, staying at a nice seafront hotel will make your Algarve road trip so much more memorable.

TIP: If traveling between April and October, be sure that your accommodation has air conditioning and that there is a swimming pool. In the winter months, an indoor pool is a big plus because it’s usually much too cold to swim outside (most pools in the Algarve are not heated).

Here are some of the best-value seafront resorts in the most scenic part of the Algarve coast, from the center of the region to the west:

  • Alfagar Village in Albufeira.
  • Grande Real Santa Eulalia in Albufeira.
  • NAU Sao Rafael Atlantico in Albufeira.
  • Tivoli in Carvoeiro.
  • AP Oriental Beach in Portimao.
  • Pestana D. João II Beach & Golf Resort in Alvor.
  • Carvi Beach Hotel in Lagos.
  • Cascade Wellness Resort in Lagos.
  • Memmo Baleeira in Sagres.

Good to know: Even the best 4-5* resorts in Algarve are usually very affordable in the lower season. So if you are looking for a special treat, you don’t have to break the bank. We’ve stayed at some really nice hotels in the fall and in the winter for 100-150 euros per night/room. Those same hotels can cost 300-500 euros per night in the summer. However, it’s important to compare and book ahead, which brings us to the next point.

Alfagar Hotel pool with sea view in Albufeira Algarve Portugal

5. Pick the location of your accommodation wisely

Where exactly to stay in Algarve will depend on what you plan to do and which places you want to see.

You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you booked a hotel in Faro just because it’s close to the airport whereas all the places you want to see are located in western Algarve and require at least an hour’s drive each day.

Also, keep in mind that many places in the Algarve are quite hilly, especially in the western part of the region. So if you have mobility issues or are using a stroller, be sure to double-check the location of your accommodation, how accessible it is, etc.

However, keep in mind, that the most scenically located hotels are usually standing high on the cliffs, and getting to many of the nicest beaches in Algarve involves steep staircases.

As already mentioned, the Algarve region is big, so we recommend picking a place (or several) depending on the location of the sights that you plan to visit.

TIP: If you are looking for just one centrally located place to stay in Algarve , we recommend staying anywhere between Albufeira and Lagos. (See these guides for more info: Best Places to Stay in Lagos and Best Places to Stay in Albufeira ).

Whereas if you are making a road trip, you may want to stay at a couple of different locations. For example, start with a few days in the east (e.g. Faro or Tavira ), followed by a couple of days in the center (e.g. Albufeira or Carvoeiro), and then finally, a day or two in the west (e.g. Sagres ).

Of course, the best place to stay will also depend on how you plan to travel around – more info below.

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Algarve

Steep cliffs of Falesia Beach in Algarve Portugal

6. Decide if you’ll rent a car

The majority of visitors to the Algarve come here for beaches and don’t rent a car. Indeed, if you are planning on spending most of the time in and around your resort, then it’s better not to rent a car.

Car hire can be pricey and parking is difficult in the summer season. Plus, taxis are quite cheap and you can also use apps like Uber or Bolt which makes it very convenient if you need to travel short distances. And if you want to see one or two places further away, there are plenty of organized tours or private companies offering transfers.

Public transportation is available in Algarve, but it’s not always ideal unless you have lots of time and are very flexible. For example, some trains don’t run between noon and 4 pm, etc. Many buses only run a few times a day. Plus, many coastal sights are really not easy to reach by public transport.

So if you want to explore Algarve to the fullest, then renting a car is by far the most convenient way to make the most of your trip. Just be sure to double-check that your accommodation has parking!

We always use RentalCars for car hire in Algarve (and take the full insurance option through them too). Most of the time, we rent a car from Faro airport, but you can also easily drive to Algarve from Lisbon in about 2-3 hours. No matter which airport you fly to, you can find all the best deals for car rental in one place on this website.

PRO TIP: Take pictures and/or videos of any scratches that your car might have when picking it up. Some companies will make you pay a lot of money for any tiny scratch, even if it was there when you got the car. That’s just one of the reasons why we prefer to pay a bit more for the full insurance option with Rental Cars – it’s just not worth the stress.

Good to know: Most highways in Portugal have a toll system that only works electronically. Car rental agencies will explain to you how it works. Also, if you are planning on driving to Spain, inform the rental agency about it when picking up the car. You’ll need to pay an additional fee (usually around 80 euros), but if you don’t do this, your insurance and/or roadside assistance may not be valid outside of Portugal.

Renting a car is the best way to explore Algarve

7. Read the small letters

When booking rental cars or accommodation in the Algarve, be sure to read the small letters.

For example, some hotels ask for security deposits, especially if you are traveling with a big family or a group of friends. We’ve heard of places asking for 200-400 euro cash deposit per person. Imagine having to leave 1000 euros in cash if you are traveling with a family…

Luckily, this is not the case in most places and we never experienced it ourselves anywhere. From what I hear, this is also something that they usually only ask from people who booked package holidays, come for hen and stag parties, and/or don’t have a credit card. Most of the time, the hotels simply swipe your credit card in case of any incidentals and that’s it. We personally never had any issues anywhere. But it’s worth checking if it’s mentioned anywhere when you book, just in case.

The same with rental cars . First, you will need a credit card to rent a car, that goes without saying. But some companies also block rather big amounts (sometimes as high as 1200-2500 euros!) on your credit card to cover potential damages. The only way to avoid this is to take additional – often overpriced – insurance through them…

As already mentioned, we always rent our cars through RentalCars and take insurance via them (it’s much cheaper than with rental companies directly!). But also there, we always check the conditions of the provider that we chose and try to only rent with companies that take no more than 300-600 euros deposit. That way, our credit cards remain usable for the rest of the trip.

Pink sunset and palm trees on a beach in Algarve Portugal

8. Stay longer

There’s a lot more to do in Algarve than just the main sights that everyone goes to. Even for the main sights, you really need at least 4-5 days, but you can also stay for a few weeks and still just scratch the surface of what the Algarve has to offer.

So if you can, plan a longer stay! It’s always nice to have some extra time to enjoy the beaches and other sights rather than just take a picture and move on.

Staying longer, you will be able to visit a few lesser-known villages (don’t miss Alte !) and explore the rugged Atlantic coastline in the west and not just the famous sights in the south… You will also have more opportunities to try local food and enjoy all kinds of fun activities (such as parasailing, kayaking, or hiking – just a few of our favorites).

Good to know: Quite a lot of hotels in Algarve have a minimum stay requirement, and not just in the summer season. It’s not always the case, and even if they have it, it’s often just 2-3 days, but you will have more (and nicer) accommodation options to choose from if you stay in one place a bit longer.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Algarve with Kids

Traveling in Algarve region in Portugal

9. Making a road trip? Prepare a good itinerary!

If you are traveling to Algarve with the purpose of exploring the nicest places in the region, you really should take some time to prepare a good itinerary.

A lot will depend on how much time you have, but even if you are only visiting for a few days, you can see some of the nicest places – if you plan well.

Depending on the season, pick the places and activities that interest you the most and see how to best fit it all in with the time that you have. If you can, plan some extra time too.

TIP: When preparing your trip itinerary, keep in mind that everything will take much longer in the high season. First, it’s very warm so exploring is more tiring and you’ll likely want to take more ice cream breaks, cocktail breaks, and use pretty much any other excuse to look for some shade or cool off a bit. And second, traffic is busier, parking is hard to find, ferries and restaurants are full, etc.

This brings us to the next point.

Algarve travel tips - Cape St Vincent Lighthouse

10. Start your days early

No matter when you are traveling or what you plan to do in Algarve, it always pays off to start your days early.

First, it’s quieter on the roads and there is more chance that you’ll find a convenient parking spot. Second, it’s not as warm in the morning. And finally, it’s not as busy meaning that you can enjoy the sites and activities to the fullest.

Here are a few examples to illustrate what I mean:

If you want to explore the nicest sea caves and grottos of Algarve coast , it’s best to book the very first available tour (usually 8-9 am). The most popular places get so busy by 10-11 am that the experience is just not the same anymore. Plus, the ocean is usually calmer in the morning which makes it easier to kayak or enter the sea caves by boat.

If you are visiting the most popular beaches in Algarve, you should also try to arrive early. Parking is a big issue at most beaches, so that’s the main reason to get an early start. But even if you are not taking a car, you may want to come early in order to be able to rent beach chairs and umbrellas or secure a nice spot with some shade, etc. This is especially the case in the peak season, of course.

If you want to enjoy the scenery of the famous Seven Hanging Valleys Trail , it’s also best to start early. Not just because of limited parking, but also because of the sun and the heat. In the summer, you really don’t want to be hiking here in the afternoon.

The same counts for Algarve’s water parks . Most of them open at 10 am. If you arrive early, you can usually do quite a few rides without having to queue. In the peak season, the water parks get so busy that people complain about being able to do just 5 or 6 rides in an entire day. We did more rides in these parks during the first hour simply by arriving early and going to the most popular attractions immediately.

READ ALSO: Best Water Parks in Algarve (+ Top Tips for Your Visit)

Algarve tips - kayaking at Ponta Piedade in Lagos

11. Bring cash

While more and more businesses in the Algarve accept credit cards and other electronic means of payment these days, cash is still king in Portugal . So it’s always good to have some euros in your pocket.

Also, be sure to double-check if a restaurant accepts cards before sitting down at the table. Otherwise, you’ll have to do the dishes afterward (just kidding, of course). But they will politely point you to an ATM nearby.

Good to know: We noticed that many businesses in the Algarve have pretty much permanent signs ‘Multibanco out of service’ or ‘cash only’ . While not always the case, often it simply means that they prefer you to pay in cash. If you inquire about it, very often it turns out that they take cards anyway.

PRO TIP: Be careful which ATMs you use. In Portugal, look for ‘Multibanco’ ATMs that belong to local banks. They are usually located next to the bank building or in the shopping centers. However, 99% of ATMs that you see in the Algarve, belong to ‘Euronet’. They are literally on every corner, sometimes a few of them lined next to each other. Avoid these at all costs if you can. They charge notorious fees and give the worst exchange rates…

Also, if your card is in another currency than euro, make sure that you always choose to do the transaction in euros. That way, the conversion will be handled by your local bank and not a bank or a company that operates the ATM. The rates you get from your bank are always better. Always.

This also counts for making payments by card. If the machine offers to do an exchange for you, always refuse it and proceed in local currency (in the case of Portugal – in euro).

Multibanco out of service sign at a restaurant in Algarve Portugal

12. Dine at local restaurants

Algarve might be known as a beach destination with some fantastic resorts offering an All-Inclusive formula, but we highly recommend that you skip those hotel buffets and give local restaurants a chance.

Even if your hotel has a half-board package or an All-in, go out for lunch or dinner at least a few times. It’s just part of the experience of traveling in the Algarve!

Not only will you eat better, but often it’s cheaper too. Plus, you will be supporting local businesses and helping preserve the authenticity of the region.

There are so many amazing restaurants all over Algarve. Just keep in mind that the location of the restaurant doesn’t always say much about the food quality or the service. There are some amazing restaurants at the most touristy locations and not every restaurant that looks super local is great either.

One thing that is usually constant though – if you have a nice view, you often pay a lot more. In some cases, it’s well worth it, and in some – not so much.

TIP: Do some research, check recent reviews on Google Maps, and you will find more great options than you’ll ever have the time for.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ: Our Favorite Restaurants in Albufeira

Seafood Cataplana - traditional dish at a local restaurant in Algarve Portugal

13. Don’t worry about the weather

Algarve enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year. And even if it rains, it hardly ever lasts longer than a few hours. So the weather is the last thing you should worry about.

Yet, somehow, it seems to be the biggest concern most people have before their trip to Algarve.

I am a member of a few Algarve groups on Facebook and there is literally not a day that someone wouldn’t ask about the weather. No matter if it’s summer and there is not a cloud in the sky or if it’s shoulder season and some weather apps show 30% chance of rain, so many people seem to be really worried about how it will influence their trip.

Stop worrying, really! First, you can’t influence the weather. Second, there is no way anyone can predict what it will be like in a few months or weeks from now. And finally, the weather is usually great and the sun is shining all the time. Even if your app shows rain, it hardly ever rains. But if you do get some rain, remember that the region needs it really hard and that locals are happy with every drop of water.

Good to know: Most rain falls between November and February, with an average of 4-6 ‘rainy’ days in the winter months. But you really never know.

Just a few examples based on our recent experience. Usually, April can be rainy and September is dry. Yet, we recently spent 3 days in Algarve in April and it didn’t rain once, and September had a few days with heavy rain in a row. I was once in Algarve in February for 5 days and the weather forecast showed rain every day. In reality, it rained for 1.5 hours one morning and that was it.

Important! Please be considerate of how you use water when you are visiting Algarve. Remember that every drop counts!

Algarve beach on a sunny day in November

14. Pack wisely

What to pack for the Algarve depends so much on the season when you visit and what you plan to do while you are there.

In the summer , packing for Algarve is easy since it’s always warm. Swimwear, light summer clothes, and sandals/flip-flops is all you really need. However, you should always bring a sweater with you (or you’ll be cold on the plane), but you’ll likely never need it in Algarve unless you like to stay up very late. In that case, you will be very happy to have a sweater as the nights can get cold even in the summer.

TIP: We highly recommend packing a UV T-shirt if you are planning on spending lots of time in the water. It’s especially great for kids since you don’t have to worry about applying sun cream every few hours. If you are thinking of visiting some water parks, water shoes can be a lifesaver too. The ground gets very hot and you can’t use the slides wearing flip-flops.

In the spring and in the early fall , it’s always wise to pack a sweater and a light rain jacket, in addition to summer clothes. Most likely, you will be wearing shorts and T-shirts all the time, but sometimes it won’t be enough, especially in the evenings. Also, if you are taking a boat tour, it is always good to have a windbreaker.

In the late fall and in the winter, definitely bring a pair of long pants and a few sweaters, plus a somewhat thicker jacket. You may not need a jacket (every day), but you can’t count on it. Plus, the moment the sun goes down, it gets quite chilly. The best way to dress is in 2-4 layers because it can get really warm during the day and freezing cold at night. Sometimes, you can go from three layers to T-shirts and back to sweaters and jackets in a matter of several minutes.

Additional recommendations:

  • Pack good walking shoes or sneakers if you are planning on doing any sightseeing or hiking.
  • Leave high-heeled shoes at home. There are cobbled stones everywhere and it’s quite hilly in many places too.
  • If you have some space in your luggage, pack a towel. There are so many places to go for a swim, plus many hotels/resorts charge for pool towels. We usually take our quick-drying travel towels with us.
  • Bring a swim cap with you. Every hotel and resort we have been to in Algarve asks you to use pool caps in indoor pools. Otherwise, you can usually buy one at your hotel.
  • Pack a waterproof phone case if you are planning on taking any boat trips.
  • Don’t wear your best clothes for boat excursions by speedboat, kayak, and similar. Ideally, you wear swim clothes since everything gets splashed with salt water.
  • Pack a reusable water bottle and fill it up whenever you can – you’ll need it, especially in the summer.

Algarve coastline in Ferragudo

15. Don’t forget sun protection

The Algarve sun can be really harsh and if you are not careful, you will get burned very quickly. Every single day, we see people who look like red lobsters.

And this is not just in the summer and definitely not just on the beach or by the pool. Even if you are just exploring the towns or taking a short boat trip, you really should use sun protection.

Be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen lotion, wear sunglasses and a sun hat, cover your shoulders, and look for some shade whenever possible. And do this from day one because the first day is usually when it happens before you even think of it.

Lazy river at Zoomarine Algarve

16. Know that things are laid back

Just like in many southern European countries, things are a bit more laid back in Portugal than you might be used to at home. Remember that it’s part of the culture and that people are more relaxed and happier because they don’t stress about everything all the time.

Sometimes, it may take them a bit longer to bring you the menu or take your order at the restaurant, so be patient.

That being said, we find that everything runs pretty smoothly and efficiently in Algarve, even more so in the most popular tourist areas. It really doesn’t happen often that we find the service too slow, but that’s also likely because we learned to relax.

TIP: Don’t go to a restaurant if you are in a hurry, take things easy, relax, and you’ll be just fine.

Spring flowers and colorful buildings in Tavira Portugal

17. Be respectful

However, please also remember that the fact that Portugal is more relaxed and laid back does not mean that you can be disrespectful. Algarve might be a holiday destination for you, but it’s home to so many people, and you are just a guest.

Just a few examples.

While you can wear very casual clothes at most places, many (beach) restaurants ask you not to come inside in swimwear. And even if they don’t say anything, remember that nobody enjoys seeing someone walk or stand next to their table wearing nothing more than a string… It really doesn’t cost much effort to put on a T-shirt and some shorts or a dress, even if you are just going for a cocktail or an ice cream.

Oh, and don’t get me started on beach chairs. Yes, the never-ending beach chair dance that you see in so many beach destinations… 🙂 Nowadays, most hotels in the Algarve ask you not to ‘reserve’ the chairs if you are not around. And yes, they sometimes remove your stuff too. If everyone simply uses the chairs when they need them, there is usually no shortage. So there is really no need to run to the pool at 7 am. You are on vacation, so enjoy it (and let others do the same).

If you are on holiday with a bigger group of friends, don’t act like an a$$. If you wouldn’t do certain things at home, don’t do them here either. There is no need to be loud at the restaurant, scream in the middle of the night, leave rubbish behind, or let the water run for no reason… It’s all so passé ;).

I know, I probably sound like a grumpy old woman now, but if you spend as much time in Algarve as we do, you start to wonder why some people are determined to ruin such beautiful destinations with their inappropriate behavior…

Ok, rant over. 🙂 We have some more tips for you – see below!

Algarve hotel sign saying that it's forbidden to reserve chairs

18. Learn a few words of Portuguese

There is probably no bigger insult to a Portuguese than to hear you speak Spanish to them. So either stick to English (it’s really easy in Algarve as pretty much everyone speaks English), or learn a few words of Portuguese.

Just a simple ‘hello’ or ‘thank you’ and a smile goes a long way!

Here are a couple of words that you may find useful:

  • Hello – Ola!
  • Good morning – Bom dia (used until noon).
  • Good afternoon – Boa tarde (used after lunch).
  • Good evening – Boa noite (used after dark).
  • Please – Por favor .
  • Thank you – Obrigado (if you are a man) or Obrigada (if you are a woman).

People walking in the old town of Lagos Portugal

19. Relax & Enjoy

I can’t describe it in words, but there is just something about the Algarve that immediately puts you in a vacation modus.

The moment you step off the plane in Faro, you see the sun, the palm trees, and people walking around in shorts, and you forget all the worries…

This beautiful region is truly one of the best vacation destinations in Europe. With stunning coastlines, rich culture, and a wide array of activities, the Algarve truly has something to offer to all types of travelers. Add blue skies, sunshine, amazing food, and wine, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect trip.

So relax and enjoy it!

Cocktails at a beach in Algarve at sunset

So, these are our Algarve travel tips. I hope that it gives you a better idea of what to expect and helps you plan a great holiday or a road trip.

Have a great trip!

TIP: On our blog, we have tons of travel guides for the entire Algarve region, but also the rest of Portugal, plus the most popular islands. If you are planning a longer trip and are looking for more travel tips and information, you can find a few of these articles highlighted below and the entire overview on our Portugal travel page . Check it out!

More travel inspiration for Portugal:

  • Best Things to Do in Lisbon
  • Best Things to Do in Sintra
  • Best Towns and Cities in Portugal
  • Best Day Trips & Tours from Lisbon
  • Best Things to Do in Madeira
  • Best Things to Do in São Miguel (Azores)

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Visiting Algarve for the first time - tips and tricks

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HELPING YOU PLAN YOUR PERFECT TRIP TO PORTUGAL

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Hello and welcome to Portugal!

If you're keen to explore Portugal beyond the obvious tourist spots, you're in the right place. I'm Julie, a Brit living in central Portugal since 2007, and I'm here to help you create your ideal Portugal itinerary.

Portugal itinerary and trip planning services

DISCOVER PORTUGAL, FROM THE INSIDE

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Explore Portugal through my blog

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Sintra Hotels & Guesthouses: Insider Guide To The Best Sintra Accommodation

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Portugal

Portugal Travel Guide

A stunning surfers’ coastline, timeworn cities full of yummy eateries, and hills dotted with vineyards – this is Portugal.

Best time to visit Portugal

Best places to visit in portugal, 9 bucket list things to do in algarve, portugal, monsanto: the stunning rock village of portugal, the castles and palaces of sintra, portugal, 14 best things to do in lisbon (3-day guide), map of portugal, weather in portugal.

The weather in Portugal is incredible! With a warm Mediterranean climate, you can expect lots of sunshine and good temperatures, making it the perfect destination for outdoor activities and beach days.

Great cities

10 great things to do in porto, portugal, evora, portugal: a travel guide to the historical treasure, 9 best things to do in albufeira, portugal, beautiful portuguese villages, ferragudo, portugal: the prettiest village in the algarve, 9 things to do in cascais, portugal, 8 most beautiful villages & towns in portugal, obidos: one of portugal’s most beautiful villages, douro valley: portugal’s stunning wine region, for your roadtrip, how to travel portugal by campervan + rental, renting a car in portugal in 2024: all you need to know, road trip portugal: the perfect 3-week itinerary, how to rent a car in portugal, best travel insurances, how to use google maps offline.

  • Find Hotels via Booking.com
  • Find Hostels via Hostelworld
  • Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
  • Find Flights to Portugal via Skyscanner
  • Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
  • Book Tours & Attractions via Viator
  • Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
  • Get a Visa via iVisa
  • How to pack light for your trip
  • How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Portugal worth visiting?

Portugal is a captivating destination with a beautiful blend of historic charm and stunning landscapes. From its picturesque cities like Lisbon and Porto to the golden beaches of the Algarve, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Is Portugal cheap to visit?

In Portugal, you can try delicious cuisine, stay in charming accommodations, and enjoy things to do without breaking the bank. The country offers great value for travelers. Bigger cities, like Lisbon, have slightly higher prices but still offer many reasonably-priced hotels and restaurants.

Can I drink tap water in Portugal?

In Portugal, you can confidently sip from the tap – the water is safe and refreshing to drink! Bring a reusable bottle to top up at one of the many fountains, and stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.

Do I need a visa for traveling in Portugal?

Most travelers from the EU, the US, and many other countries can enter Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa. Check the requirements for your country, and get ready for your Portugal holiday.

What language do they speak in Portugal?

Often not easily placed when heard elsewhere, in Portugal, they speak Portuguese. Listen to the romantic rhythms as you journey through the diverse regions. However, English is also widely spoken, especially in more metropolitan areas like Lisbon.

Do I need travel insurance for Portugal?

Travel insurance is your safety net for all your adventures in Portugal, ensuring you have peace of mind while road-tripping the coastline in a camper or surfing the ocean. It protects you against unexpected events, whether it’s a canceled flight or an accident.

What power plug type does Portugal have?

Portugal uses Type F for its power plugs, so it’s a good idea to carry an adaptor to power up your devices when traveling to Portugal. Type F has two round pins that fit most European sockets.

Why do people love Portugal?

Portugal is one of the gems in southern Europe, a place where time weaves tales through cobbled streets and golden beaches touch the Atlantic Ocean. From its soulful fado music, delicious pastries, and the warmth of its people, it’s loved by many who journey here.

Travel to Portugal

Portugal is a country where the thrill of nature takes over and gives travelers a buzz like no other, from the wind in your hair as you drive down the rugged Algarve coast to the sun shining on salty skin after a good surf. Road tripping is a must here, with endless quiet roads that hug extraordinary cliffs, caves, and zig-zag right through stunning national parks like Sintra . All of this makes a vacation in Portugal perfect for adventure lovers.

How to Plan Your Trip to Portugal

Follow our Portugal travel guides to plan the perfect road trip! Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on the southern coast, party in Albufeira , or dive into the rich history of Porto , we’ve got you covered with our informative guides. Explore all the best places in Portugal, or check out our 2-week Portugal itinerary .

If you want to see even more of the country, 3 weeks in Portugal is even better.

Best Time to Visit Portugal

Portugal’s good weather makes it a year-round destination. The sun reigns supreme in the southern Algarve region, with scorching summers drawing beach lovers to the golden shores. The central areas, including Lisbon and Porto, enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers. The islands, like Madeira and the Azores, boast a temperate maritime climate, keeping the scenery lush year-round.

Shoulder Seasons: Spring (March-May) and fall (Sept – Nov) is the best time to visit Portugal. During these shoulder seasons, temperatures are nice, and tourist crowds are low, making it a great time to go sightseeing, hiking, or enjoying wine tasting in the Douro Valley .

High Season: The summer months are the peak season when coastal regions bustle with visitors for the sun and sea. Spring and fall are more relaxed times to explore historic sites, like Lisbon’s iconic neighborhoods and Porto’s wine cellars.

Coastlines and Beaches

Portugal’s beaches and coastline are a sun-kissed paradise, with over 1790 kilometers of sparkling sand. From thrilling water sports near Ferragudo to leisurely beach hopping or simply basking in the summer sun, visiting the coastline is one of the best things to do in Portugal.

The Algarve: Along the Algarve’s rugged cliffs, discover hidden coves and dramatic grottoes that invite you to explore. The pristine Praia da Marinha, with its iconic limestone arches, makes you feel as if you’ve just stepped into a postcard.

Best places to surf: For surfers, the waves of Praia do Guicho near Lisbon make up the perfect playground. Catch a wave, feel the ocean’s energy, and soak up the incredible atmosphere on your vacation in Portugal. Meanwhile, the golden beaches of Praia da Comporta provide another serene escape with quiet rustling dunes.

The Azores Islands: In the Azores, the beaches are unlike any other, with black volcanic sands contrasting with the blue waters on São Miguel Island. It’s as if you’ve landed on another planet.

Food, Culture, and Religion in Portugal

Portugal is a land of captivating contrasts, noticeable in its food, culture, and religion.

Food: The cuisine is a delicious fusion of flavors and influences, boasting seafood along the coast and tasty custard tarts in the cities. Pair all of that with an iconic local wine, and you have great cuisine for your Portugal holiday.

Culture : Portugal’s cultural heritage is a testament to its rich history. From Lisbon’s historic Alfama district with narrow winding streets to Porto’s Ribeira, there’s much to marvel at in Portugal. Listen to the soulful music of Fado echoing through the streets as you sit down on one of the vibrant terraces, looking out over the historic towns and villages by the sea.

Religion : Portugal’s religious roots run deep, with many devotees worldwide still visiting the country on their pilgrimage. Its Catholic heritage is evident in ornate churches and religious festivals that bring communities from many neighborhoods together.

Why You Should Travel to Portugal

With its charismatic character and irresistible blend of old-world charm and sun-kissed coast, a vacation in Portugal is bound to leave every traveler in awe. In Lisbon , stroll through the labyrinth of streets covered in colorful tiles. Then, check out fairytale-like Sintra or historic Evora, where tall castles and old buildings peep between the lush forests. And don’t forget the postcard-worthy coastline, perfect for every type of beachgoer. Combine that with delicious cuisine and a great atmosphere, and you’ll soon feel like you belong.

Safety and Travel Advice in Portugal

Portugal is generally a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. However, staying informed about safety measures and travel tips is always recommended.

Natural disasters: Portugal experiences a relatively low occurrence of natural disasters. However, while rare, earthquakes and forest fires can happen. Download your local government app or register at an embassy for emergency updates.

Crime and safety in Portugal : Crime levels are generally low in Portugal. However, like in many tourist destinations, petty crime can occur in crowded areas or tourist hotspots like Lisbon and Porto. Pickpocketing is a risk, especially on public transport and crowded bus and tram stations. Try leaving your valuables at home and carry your bag in the front. Be particularly careful on the number 15 and 28 trams in Lisbon.

Beach time is one of the best things to do in Portugal, with many kilometers of beautiful golden sand. However, some locations aren’t safe for swimming with strong rip tides and undercurrents. Don’t swim at beaches without a lifeguard or those that have warning flags. A red flag indicates danger; don’t go into the water. A yellow flag means caution, meaning you can walk in the water but not swim.

Learn more about travel safety

Traffic: Depending on your destination and the time of year, traffic can be busy in Portugal. If you’re driving a rental car in Portugal, always watch for traffic signs and stick to the rules (even when locals don’t). Avoid driving in city centers or hilltop villages, known for traffic jams and narrow streets and use our Portugal travel guides for the best tips.

Car theft: Foreign-registered and rental cars in Portugal can be subject to car theft. Because of this, always be mindful of where you park, and don’t leave anything on display inside. Try to remove all valuables and luggage from your vehicle if you can.

Travel Insurance: One of the things we always recommend for your Portugal holiday is purchasing travel insurance. Whether it’s lost luggage or unforeseen accidents, travel insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring a smoother and worry-free experience. Check out these best travel insurances .

Paulina on the road

15 Best Things to do in Albufeira, Portugal

By Author Paulina

Posted on Published: May 26, 2022  - Last updated: February 28, 2024

Are you heading to the Algrave? Make sure to spend some time in the coastal city of Albufeira. This guide has all the best attractions and activities in Albufeira, including the best things to do in Albufeira with kids, Albufeira nightlife activities and the best places to visit in Albufeira if you love the outdoors. Also includes where to stay and day trips. #Albufeira #Portugal #TheAlgarve #AlgarvePortugal #AlbufeiraPortugal #PortugalCoast #Beaches #Hiking #BenagilCave #AlbufeiraMarina

Guide to all the best attractions and activities in Albufeira, Portugal for families, couples and outdoorsy people

If you’re looking to travel to Portugal and want the perfect destination to explore and relax, Albufeira should be at the top of your list.

There are many amazing things to do in Albufeira that will make your visit there an unforgettable experience.

With plenty of incredible activities to suit all kinds of travelers – from cultural immersion to world-class beaches – Albufeira in the Algarve is sure to offer something special for each and every visitor.

Stroll along stunning cliffsides overlooking deep blue waters or explore quiet fishing villages; whatever type of experience you’re seeking, it can certainly be found in this captivating corner of Europe.

Keep reading to discover some wonderful things to do in Albufeira that can make your next trip a truly unforgettable one!

A wide view of a beautiful beach with turquoise water and light brown sand. There are also big rocks and cliffs. There are two birds in the sky close to the camera plus white clouds, clear blue skies and sunlight.

Pssst…!!?? You can’t get enough of the Algarve? Have a look at my other posts:

  • Things To Do in Algarve, Portugal
  • Things to do in Lagos
  • Things to do in Albufeira

You, dear reader, support this blog. When you purchase through a link, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Top resources to travel Algarve, Portugal

⚘ Avoid tourist traps with the customizable “ Algarve Like a Local ” itinerary. – Buy here for less than 10€ ✈ Book flights to Algarve with Skyscanner ✔ Book tours in Algarve with GetYourGuide ➳ Find the best hotels in Algarve with Trivago ❖ Rent a car with the best discounts at Discover Cars ✎ Never leave without travel insurance. I got mine at HeyMondo . It is cheap and easy to set up. $ Withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid exchange rates with Wise (you’ll get a free card on top!)

Where to Stay in Albufeira, Portugal

If these don’t work for you, or you are traveling around the Algarve region, you can also read my guides on the best hotels in Albufeira , where to stay in Algarve and the best AirBnbs in Algarve .

For a luxury visit, be sure to read my guide on the best 5-star hotels in Algarve, Portugal and the Airbnb in Albufeira guide.

Dive into the best things to do in Albufeira, Portugal

1. go for a hike.

walking in the algarve, trail along the algarve coast of stairs leading to the water

If you want to go hiking in Algarve , then Albufeira makes a great base from which to do this.

There are so many options available that it’s easy to find one to suit both your likes and ability level, keeping you fit and providing one of the best things to do in Albufeira.

Whether you like long, flat walks along the coast, hiking in the hills, or trekking through the beautiful old villages that surround Albufeira, then with a little planning, all of these options are within easy reach.

Some of the best hiking trails are the Praia da Coelha Loop from Sesmarias (Easy) and the Paderne Loop from Paderne (Intermediate).

So if you like an active holiday and are looking for things to do in Albufeira, then you could do a lot worse than taking those hiking boots.

2. Enjoy relaxing on the beach

Best Beaches in Algarve, people relaxing on Praia da Falesia in Albufeira

One of the greatest Albufeira attractions is its stunning array of beaches. Quite simply, the beaches here are among the best beaches in Algarve .

Be aware though, that as it is the Algarve, the main beaches can get quite crowded in the summer months.

Despite this, there are so many beaches in the vicinity that you’ll always find somewhere to escape the crowds.

Of course, if you want to avoid the crowds, consider a visit to the Algarve in October or another off-peak month.

And as a year-round destination with a climate to match, even if you’re spending winter in Algarve , daytime temperatures are such that you can still hit the beach.

Some of the main beaches are:

  • Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach – this is Albufeira’s main beach)
  • Praia da Falésia (stunning setting at the foot of a cliff)
  • Praia da Galé (escape the crowds!)

The beautiful beaches really are high on the top things to do in Albufeira, and part of what makes the city one of the best places in Algarve .

3. Have a night out on The Strip

top things to do in Albufeira at night, beach at night with city lit up just beyond the beach

It’s nighttime and you’re looking for things to do in Albufeira, Portugal. Time to hit the notorious ‘Strip’.

Depending on your tastes (or lack of!), this will either prove to be heaven or hell.

Rowdy? Yes. Tacky? Yes. Fun? Whatever floats your boat!

The infamous Albufeira nightlife centers on the Avenida Sá Carneiro in the Montechoro area of town.

Here, you’ll find a half-mile strip of boisterous clubs and bars. The nightlife is contained to this zone, so if this isn’t your thing, it’s very easy to avoid the shenanigans that take place here.

In the summer months, The Strip is swarmed with predominantly young (and very drunk!) Northern Europeans, with many stag and hen parties making this their party destination of choice.

If this sounds like a good time to you, then go ahead and dive straight in!

4. Explore Albufeira’s old town

things to do in Albufeira old town, old buildings and small shop at sunset

As Albufeira tourist attractions go, the old town has to be near the top of your list. This beautiful area is one of the best places to visit in Albufeira.

If you want to spend some time in Albufeira sightseeing, then make this your first port of call.

One of the best things to do in Albufeira old town is to simply wander the narrow, cobbled streets, marveling at the mosaic patterns and soaking in the atmosphere.

You’ll find something to delight you around every turn in this charming area.

Among the old town’s whitewashed buildings and breezy plazas, you’ll find many great options for dining, drinking, and shopping.

Several art galleries are immersed in the labyrinth streets, but the main attraction is the area itself.

A stroll through Albufeira’s old town is one of the best day trips from Lagos Portugal for a relaxing day out.

If you visit in the winter, one of the best things to do in Algarve in December is shopping at the Christmas Market in the Old Town.

5. Go camping

where to go for best Albufeira camping, several RV campers lined up at a campsite

If the outdoor life is for you, then in and around Albufeira camping options abound.

You’ll find everything from basic pitches with little more than a shower block to offer, to sites containing swimming pools, tennis courts, soundproofed nightclubs, and excellent restaurants.

The popular Albufeira Camping is located in the north of town (there’s a frequent bus service to town that departs from near the entrance) and offers excellent facilities.

There’s a choice of restaurants, a huge swimming pool, a nightclub, a supermarket, and a spa.

If wild camping is your thing, bear in mind that this is actually illegal in the Algarve. The economy here relies on those tourist dollars so they want people who pay to stay.

However , in the quieter winter months, the authorities generally turn a blind eye to this.

6. Go to a waterpark

best outdoor activities in Albufeira, Kid tubing down a waterslide at waterpark

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Albufeira, the attractions at Zoomarine Algarve are amongst the most fun things to do in Algarve .

There are waterslides, a beach, an amusement park, plus several shops and restaurants.

The park is located in Guia, just a few miles out of Albufeira, and easily accessible.

There are even pirate shows, a 4D cinema, a butterfly garden, and a wave pool boasting the biggest artificial wave in the country, making this one of the best things to do in Albufeira with kids.

Please don’t attend the dolphin shows though, keeping these beautiful creatures in captivity and having them perform for people is questionable in the extreme.

If you love playful dolphins and hidden caves, then a guided caves and dolphin watching boat trip is definitely a fun activity to do. – Get tickets here.

7. Visit the Benagil Caves

best things to do in algarve, person standing in a cave over the water with a sunroof

With the rugged, limestone-bedrock environment that surrounds Albufeira, caves throughout the region are plentiful.

However, if you’re seeking truly memorable things to see in Albufeira, then don’t miss the stunning Benagil Caves.

Located west along the coast from Albufeira, these sensational caves contain rock formations that defy belief.

The main cave here is distinctive due to its hole in the roof, through which the blazing Algarve sun casts its beams.

You can take a boat trip to the Benagil Caves from Albufeira Marina.

Alternatively, one of the most fun things to do in Albufeira is to make your own way there.

Once there, you can select from several ways to access the caves, including boat, paddleboard, and kayak.

Book here day trips to Benagil Cave

8. Go Scuba Diving

amazing things to do in Portugal Albufeira, person scuba diving near underwater cave

If you prefer life under the waves to on the land, then you find plenty of things to do in Portugal in February or in every month!

Albufeira offers great opportunities for diving, with shipwrecks, reefs, wall diving, and artificial reefs all located offshore.

In central Albufeira, diving can be arranged through EasyDivers .

They are conveniently located in Albufeira Marina and offer a range of options for all ability levels from beginner through to expert.

So if you simply want to go out snorkeling, they can accommodate this.

However, if you’re looking for a full diving experience, they offer ‘Try Dives’, where you dive in a controlled environment, accompanied by an instructor.

They also offer diving courses and boat trips to deeper waters.

Book here a dive with EasyDivers

9. Take a Jeep Safari

what to do in Albufeira Portugal, convoy of four jeeps riding along dirt path in the mountains

If you’re looking for things to do in Albufeira that are a little bit different, then a Jeep Safari is a fantastic alternative to the more mainstream activities.

This is a great way to explore the beautiful mountains that provide such a dramatic backdrop to the Algarve coast.

Coast and Country Tours do a marvelous range of Jeep Safaris, with half-day options (4 hours) departing twice a day, in the morning and afternoon.

This option costs around 30 Euros per person, so it’s quite a bargain. A more comprehensive full-day tour is also available.

The full-day tour departs each morning and is highly recommended as one of the most fun activities in Albufeira that you could possibly do.

It costs around 65 Euros, lunch included. In addition to the off-road fun, you’ll visit beautiful villages, wineries, waterfalls, and ruins. It’s also a great thing to do in Albufeira in November .

Book here a Jeep Safari in Albufeira

10. Go on an Off-road Buggy Adventure

fun activities in Albufeira, off road buggy riding through muddy path next to a field

Another of the great fun Albufeira activities for you to try is an off-road buggy adventure .

If you’re looking for fun, this is one of the best things to do in Albufeira!

Ticket Shop’s excursions depart from their office in downtown Albufeira, from where you’ll be taken to the starting point of the trip.

This starting point is the amazing Paderne Castle (see below) which is worth the trip all on its own.

You can select either a 1.5-hour or 3-hour excursion. From Paderne Castle, you will set out on a route that takes in some stunning Algarve scenery.

It’s all low speed so anyone can do it. They have either one seat or two-seat buggies to choose from.

Book here an off-road buggy adventure in Albufeira

11. Visit Albufeira Marina

Amazing places to visit in Albufeira, boats docked on marina with colorful buildings in background

If you’re not feeling energetic and would rather just stay in Albufeira sightseeing, then there are a whole host of things to see in Albufeira.

Part of any sightseeing itinerary must include a trip to the marina.

The marina is more than just a launching point for the many boat trips and diving excursions that depart from here, it’s one of the best places to visit in Albufeira.

In recent times, the marina has become something of a cultural hub.

There’s an array of wonderful bars and restaurants, you can while away an afternoon or evening sitting in the sun with a warm breeze gently drifting over you, watching the comings and goings of marina life with a couple of cool drinks for company.

12. Go Shopping

best things to do in Albufeira, woman holding out her credit card with four colorful paper bags hanging from arm

Staying in town and wondering what to do in Albufeira? Then go shopping!

Head down to Rua 5 de Outubro for Portuguese pottery and fashion stores.

Or, if you’re looking for a mall, at Albufeira Shopping (located downtown) you’ll find more typical mall stores inside.

Avenida da Liberdade is Albufeira’s main shopping street.

Here you’ll find all the usual high street culprits, including clothing, sunglasses, handbags, and footwear stores.

There’s also a small supermarket and several off-licenses.

For a shopping excursion that is slightly out town, get yourself along to the fantastic Flea Market in the town of Olhos de Água, just to the east of Albufeira.

The market runs every 2 nd and 3 rd Saturday of the month. You’ll find it on Rua da Escolas .

13. Take a High Rope Course

fun things to do in Albufeira with kids, rope bridge connecting tress

If you want to challenge yourself whilst on your trip, then one of the most fun things to do in Albufeira is to take a high rope course.

Here you can venture from tree to tree while tackling a variety of obstacles such as bridges, rope nets and giant zip lines.

For those wanting to take to the trees, Parque Aventura offers a range of high rope courses to suit all ages and levels.

Their standard courses are named Curious, Adventurous and Fearless (!!!), depending on height and difficulty level.

Safety here is top-notch, despite how scary it may seem. Each course takes around 3 hours to negotiate. Costs range from 13 Euros to 19 Euros.

This is great for a group of friends, but it’s also one of the best things to do in Albufeira with kids.

You’ll find their office at Estrada de Santa Eulália 215, 8200-381 Albufeira.

14. Visit the Castelo de Paderne (Castle of Paderne)

Top Albufeira tourist attractions, old stone bridge over a creek

If you’re seeking cultural things to do in Albufeira, then take a trip to the Castelo de Paderne (Castle of Paderne).

Just a few miles north of Albufeira these magnificent ruins have great cultural significance within Portugal.

The Castle of Paderne is said to be one of the seven castles that sit around the shield on the Portuguese national flag.

Today, the castle is little more than a ruin. Hardly surprising considering that it was built by the Berbers in the 12th century.

What makes this a truly special place to visit is the location. Set upon the top of a hill overlooking Albufeira and surrounded by beautiful countryside.

The charming village of Paderne is also worth a look around.

15. Take a day trip to Alentejo Region

best things to do in alentejo, landscape of fields and trees with a few homes in the distance and blue sky

Although quite a trip from Albufeira, there are so many wonderful reasons to visit Alentejo that it’s well worth the journey.

It’s worth hiring a car and doing a Costa Vicentina road trip before looping inland and making sure to visit the unmissable historic city of Evora.

Stretching along the Atlantic coast, the Costa Vincenza is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds of the more touristy Algarve, then this is the place for you. Here you’ll find sensational deserted beaches and world-class surfing.

This world heritage site of Evora is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting this region.

Dating back to Roman times (and with ruins to prove it!), the history and architecture of Evora will take your breath away.

There are so many things to do in Albufeira that whatever floats your boat, you’ll find something to suit.

In this article, I’ve provided you with an overview of the many opportunities available in this marvelous setting.

Albufeira really does have something for everyone.

So if you’re looking for adventure, outdoor activities, culture, history, great food, vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, or stunning countryside, then Albufeira’s got it all.

Short FAQs About Things to do in Albufeira

What are the best things to do in albufeira for families.

Fortunately, there are many kid-friendly activities in Albufeira. But some of the best things to do with kids in Albufeira are hiking, waterparks, and the high rope course at Parque Aventura.

What is Albufeira known for?

Albufeira is a popular coastal town in Algarve, Portugal due to its wild nightlife and club scene. But it’s also renowned for its beautiful beaches.

What are the best outdoor activities in Albufeira?

The top things to do in Albufeira for outdoorsy people are hiking, high rope courses, camping, and visiting Benagil Cave. Of course, you can also spend time just soaking up the sun on the stunning beaches.

Before You Go: Top Tips for your Trip 

  • You’ll snap tons of photos and I love to take my  GoPro  in order to shoot even in extreme situations. 
  • Make sure to wear comfortable  walking shoes  and  hiking sandals   when traveling to warm countries. Consider trying some of these eco-friendly vegan hiking boots .
  • Sunscreen is key! I always take with me my  eco-friendly sunscreen   by Thinksport.
  • I always carry a  light rain jacket ,  just in case. Pack smart with these organic cotton clothing companies .
  • Be environmentally friendly and get one of these awesome backpacks made from recycled materials .
  • Get in the mindset with these amazing wilderness survival books .
  • Travel insurance is essential! If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, travel is protected against all odds with  HeyMondo .

Are you heading to the Algrave? Make sure to spend some time in the coastal city of Albufeira. This guide has all the best attractions and activities in Albufeira, including the best things to do in Albufeira with kids, Albufeira nightlife activities and the best places to visit in Albufeira if you love the outdoors. Also includes where to stay and day trips. #Albufeira #Portugal #TheAlgarve #AlgarvePortugal #AlbufeiraPortugal #PortugalCoast #Beaches #Hiking #BenagilCave #AlbufeiraMarina

Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀

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Picturesque European country named among 'best places for expats to live' - where the weather is 'incredible' and cost of living is low

Portugal

Travel experts shared European country that's 'one of the best places to live overseas'

Anna Barry

By Anna Barry

Published: 06/03/2024

Britons thinking of relocating should consider gorgeous Portugal

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Portugal is a popular destination among holidaymakers and expats alike, as it provides sunny weather, a laidback lifestyle, delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife - not to mention it's just a short-haul flight from the UK.

Research by Global Citizens Solutions found that Portugal is "one of the best places to live overseas".

Travel experts at Global Citizens Solutions said: "Portugal is rated as one of the best countries to live for expats."

In addition to its warm climate and languid lifestyle, Portugal seems to provide a safe, happy life for people that move there. Experts said: "It scores highly on the Quality of Life Index, cost of living, personal safety reports, and friendliness of locals towards expats."

Portugal is a diverse, versatile European treasure. It's ideal for Britons who want to relax on the beach, but it's also great for adventurers, as it boasts plenty of varied hiking trails.

There is something for everyone. Take a stroll through charming Alfama, observe the fairytale-esque Qunita de Regaleira, and be mesmerised in the world-renowned Oceanário de Lisboa aquarium. Enjoy countryside, beaches and bustling cities.

Britons thinking of relocating to Portugal can rest assured that they will not struggle to communicate with Portuguese locals, as citizens typically have a high English proficiency.

Public transport is also accessible, so Britons will not necessarily need to drive if they do not want to. Large towns and cities are particularly efficient when it comes to public transport. Portugal blog Portugalist warned that in places like Madeira and The Azores, things can be a little trickier, however.

Popular spots for expats in Portugal

  • The Algarve
  • Cascais and Estoril
  • Central Portugal

While Portugal is a very attractive prospect for retirees looking to enjoy a leisurely lifestyle, it also provides a dynamic corporate lifestyle for those still working. The experts reassured potential expats that "career prospects are abundant in major cities".

For those who have young children, expat families can benefit from "superb international schools".

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Colourful Porto is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and very popular among expats

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Expatica said: "You’ll find several dozen international schools in Portugal catering primarily to expats, so finding a school for your child shouldn’t be too difficult. Generally, these are clustered around the expat hubs of Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve coast."

However, Britons looking to relocate to Portugal were warned that because the educational system offers different education stages, a particular international school may accept students in particular cycles and not in others. Britons must make sure they do their research to check their child qualifies for entry into a school.

For those considering Portugal for their next home, one expat revealed what she "wishes she had known" before moving . She warned that Britons will need to learn "patience".

Aside from Portugal, Spain, Greece, Cyprus and Malta are also popular options for expats who want to live in Europe.

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