Explore the Algarve: An Unforgettable Journey
The Algarve is justly famed for its beaches and reliably good weather (300 sunny days per year!). While visitors can’t be faulted for wanting to bask on captivating shorelines, there’s much more to Portugal’s southernmost region than just sun and sand.
Cobblestone village centers, Roman ruins, and nature reserves packed with unique plant and animal life are among the Algarve’s many attractions. Beyond the beach, you can walk clifftop trails, wander through medieval castles, or get off the beaten track in tiny mountain hamlets in the interior. Additionally, there’s plenty to do on and off the water, from kayaking amid dramatic coastal formations to wreck-diving across artificial reefs. Here are a few different itineraries to help you make the most of your trip to the Algarve.
Essential Algarve on a 3-Day Getaway
The Algarve’s relatively small size means you can pack a lot into a condensed trip. During a long weekend, you can bask on some of the Algarve’s prettiest beaches, see hidden grottoes on a boat trip, and dine at some outstanding traditional restaurants.
Day 1: Explore Faro’s Old Center, Then Spend the Day on an Island
Make the most of your time by flying into Faro, which has direct flights to the UK, Ireland, Germany, and France, plus frequent daily connections to Lisbon. On day one, take a morning stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, stopping for a peek inside the city’s grand cathedral. Nearby, enjoy a coffee on the terrace of O Castelo overlooking the waterfront. Later that day, catch a ferry out to Ilha da Barreta, a sand-covered island just off the coast. Make a reservation for a meal at the environmentally friendly Estaminé, the best (and only!) restaurant on the island.
Day 2: Go Beach-Hopping West of Faro
Although you can drive from Faro to Lagos in about an hour, it’s worth stretching out the journey for a leisurely day of visiting the beaches and seaside communities along the way. West of Albufeira, take the steps down to Praia da Marinha, a beautiful stretch of sand backed by dramatic cliffs. Further west, find the tunnel leading down to Praia do Carvalho, a scenic cove once used by smugglers. Arrive in Lagos before sundown and have dinner at A Forja, a traditional tavern serving delicious authentic fare.
Day 3: Get Out on the Water in Lagos
Rise early for a boating and dolphin-watching excursion with outfitters like Bom Dia. They’ll take you out to grottoes and coastal rock formations accessible only by sea. Afterward, enjoy a bit of downtime at one of the secluded beaches near Lagos, such as Praia da Balança. On your last evening, celebrate the trip over drinks on the rooftop of Bon Vivant, which serves some of the best cocktails in the Algarve.
Land and Sea Adventures on a 5-Day Trip
The Algarve’s sun-kissed beaches provide the perfect backdrop for a wide array of outdoor activities. With five days to explore, you can undertake lovely coastal walks, go kayaking or surfing, and even sneak in some wildlife watching.
Day 1: Ride the Waves off Carrapateira
The northern coast of the Algarve just above Sagres has some of Portugal’s best waves. Located on the headlands overlooking the beach, the community of Carrapateira serves as a great base for visiting the region. Spend the day enjoying the water: you can hire boards, take lessons, or even stay overnight at Amado, one of several recommended surf camps in the area.
Day 2: Go from Summit to Sea on a Mountain Bike Ride near Praia da Luz
About 25km (15.5mi) southeast of Carrapateira lies the small seaside community of Praia da Luz. Here, connect with Mountain Bike Adventure, offering various excursions in the rugged terrain nearby. Ride gravel paths along the cliffs above the crashing waves or embark on a 40km (25mi) summit-to-sea descent from highland terrain to the Atlantic’s edge. For DIY adventures, you can hire high-performance bicycles at Bica Bikes.
Day 3: Paddle Your Way Through Grottoes near Lagos
Just east of Praia da Luz, Lagos serves as the epicenter for all manner of aquatic activities, including kayaking. Join a memorable half-day paddling trip with Kayak Adventures, which will take you to remote beaches, grottoes, and striking rock formations along the coast. The relaxed trip begins and ends at Batata Beach, a short stroll from the old center of Lagos. Afterward, enjoy some downtime (or more action in the water) at nearby Meia Praia, a long sandy beachfront reachable on foot or by small ferry from Lagos.
Day 4: Walk the Sea Cliff Trail near Carvoeiro
Take a break from the water on your fourth day with a scenic walk along the Seven Hanging Valleys. This 6km (3.7mi) one-way trail follows the shoreline, at times leading you up to cliffs featuring lofty viewpoints, and at other times taking you to the water’s edge. Begin at Praia do Vale de Centeanes, located about 35km (22mi) east of Lagos. At the end of the walk, enjoy a refreshing swim off Praia da Marinha, ranked as one of Portugal’s prettiest beaches.
Day 5: Immerse Yourself in Undersea Wonders on a Diving Trip off Albufeira
The Algarve boasts some of Europe’s best diving, with a range of destinations suitable for novices to experienced divers. Highlights include natural reefs, wall dives, shipwrecks, and artificial reefs, including the marine sanctuary of Ocean Revival Park. Operators are found all along the coast; however, Easy Divers has a strong reputation for well-run dives, and you can take certification courses or opt for a snorkeling trip if you prefer not to dive deep. You’ll find them, as well as Indigo Divers, another recommended outfit, in Albufeira, around 60km (37mi) east of Lagos.
Nature, History, and Culture on a 7-Day Journey Across the Algarve
A longer trip allows you to gain a deeper appreciation for the Algarve’s unique facets, from cinematic clifftops high above crashing waves to hidden historical treasures dating back to the ancient Romans.
Day 1: Look for Wildlife in the Algarve’s West Coast Nature Reserve
The best way to approach the area is by hiring a car from Lisbon and driving down the coast. Less than three hours after departing the Portuguese capital, you’ll arrive at the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a nature reserve that protects the west coast of the Alentejo and the Algarve. Here, you can connect with Portugal’s wild side on coastal walks, such as the 11km (6.8mi) loop hike of Pontal do Carrapateira. Keep an eye out for otters, foxes, and over 200 bird species, including Portugal’s last remaining osprey population. Access the hike and photogenic beaches in the village of Carrapateira. The Casa Bamboo makes an ideal overnight base for exploring.
Day 2: Peer Off the Edge of the World at Cabo de São Vicente
Continuing southwest leads you to Cabo de São Vicente. Here, a barren, end-of-the-world feel pervades among the cliff-top views from Europe’s southwesternmost point. The nearby village of Sagres is equally fascinating. Explore Portuguese history at the Fortaleza de Sagres, a 15th-century fortress where Prince Henry the Navigator reportedly headquartered his maritime academy. Afterward, stop in Three Little Birds for creative cooking and craft beers.
Day 3: Discover a Town Thriving for Over 2000 Years
From Sagres, drive 55km (34mi) east to arrive at Portimão, a commercial center with a rich history predating the arrival of the Romans. Learn about Portugal’s fishing industry at the Museu de Portimão, a former cannery transformed into an interactive museum. You can also take boat trips up the Rio Arade or down the coast (look for dolphins). Although Portimão lacks ocean views, nearby Praia da Rocha offers a wide stretch of seafront backed by ochre-red cliffs to enjoy
Day 4: Enjoy the Lofty Views from the Mountain Village of Monchique
While the Algarve’s coastline receives the most attention, a fascinating world awaits inland. From Portimão, head 25km (15.5mi) north to reach Monchique. This tiny mountain hamlet, surrounded by forested slopes, features quaint guesthouses and rustic taverns, contrasting sharply with the Algarve’s sunbaked resort towns. You can undertake rugged walks, including a 10km (6.2mi) circuit through the hills above town. After all that exertion, indulge in a soaking experience at the hot springs of Caldas de Monchique.
Day 5: Drive the Back Lanes of the Serra do Caldeirão
Continue your exploration of the hinterlands with a scenic drive through the Serra do Caldeirão, an area filled with hills, cork trees, and undulating forests. Stop at the picturesque village of Alte for a stroll past fountains and cafes lining the cobblestone lanes. On hot days, join the locals at their favorite swimming hole, a pond beneath the Queda do Vigário waterfall at the edge of town. Before returning to the coast, visit Silves, home to the Algarve’s best-preserved castle. Unique lodging options here make for a memorable overnight stay. Enjoy local cuisine at wine-loving spots like O Barradas.
Day 6: Look for Rare Birds and Roman Mosaics near Faro
Whether you come from Alte or Silves, it’s less than an hour’s drive back to Faro. Begin your day with a trip through the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a swath of protected wetlands teeming with wildlife, such as white storks, rare purple gallinules, and numerous bird species. The eco-minded Formosamar provides some of the best boat trips. In the afternoon, marvel at the Roman ruins at Milreu, a sprawling 1st-century CE villa located 10km (6.2mi) north of town.
Day 7: Explore Tavira’s Most Photogenic Streetscapes
Finally, journey an additional 40km (25mi) east to reach the riverside town of Tavira, regarded as one of the loveliest places in the Algarve. Here, take in the historic architecture throughout the old quarter, gaze from the ruins of the castle above the town, and treat yourself to a meal of Algarvian classics (like the chargrilled octopus) at Ti Maria. If time allows, squeeze in a trip to Ilha de Tavira, a sandy island reachable by ferry from Quatro Águas, just outside Tavira.
