Road Trips in the Algarve: Discover the Best Routes
It’s hard to imagine a better place for a road trip than the Algarve, with its year-round sunshine, cliff-backed coastline, and hill-covered interior dotted with peaceful market towns and riverside castles.
Small in size, with 155km (96 miles) of coastline to the south and 50km (31 miles) of coastline to the west, Portugal’s southernmost region is easy to zip across. However, you’ll want to ease off the accelerator to discover hidden beaches, off-the-beaten-path villages, and little-visited nature reserves full of wildlife.
The main thoroughfares here are generally in good shape, though with curvy, narrow roads and wandering livestock, it’s best to take things slowly. Enjoy the ride with these five top road trips through the Algarve.
Sea-gazing in the Central Algarve
Best Road Trip for Quintessential Algarve Scenery
Faro–Lagos; 154km (96 miles); allow 2–3 days
On this route, you’ll visit some of Portugal’s prettiest beaches while winding your way past the Algarve’s most famous towns. Although you need to travel along inland highways (like the N125) to connect key places, this road trip involves frequent detours down to the coast for rewarding beach time.
- Starting from Vilamoura, the golden sands of Praia da Falésia are your first seaside stretch. Enjoy a quiet escape along 6km (3.7 miles) of shoreline.
- Further west, instead of crowded beaches in Albufeira, discover the hidden cove of Praia do Ninho das Andorinhas.
- Don’t miss the stunning beach of Praia da Marinha and the enchanting sea caves of Benagil.
The pretty town of Lagos makes a scenic end to this seaside road trip. If time permits, explore the hidden wonders south of town, including the craggy rock face of Ponta de Piedade, a wonderful spot to watch the sunset.
Markets and Mountains of the Hinterlands
Best Road Trip for Getting Off-the-Beaten-Path
Portimão–Loulé; 148km (92 miles); allow 2 days
The hinterland presents a very different vision of the Algarve. Instead of beaches and surf, you’ll see olive groves, forested hillsides, and quaint rural villages. As you leave Portimão, you’ll also experience surprising views on the winding drive to the charming mountain hamlet of Monchique. You can reach even greater heights atop 902m (2959ft) Fóia, Algarve’s tallest peak.
Heading west along eucalyptus-fringed roads, you’ll reach the riverside town of Silves, home to impressive historic sites like the castle. Along the way, gather fresh fruits and vegetables at the waterfront mercado municipal. At the journey’s end, arrive in vibrant Loulé, famous for its stunning market, especially lively on Saturdays.
Tracing the Iberian Borderlands
Best Road Trip for River Adventures and Birdlife
Vila Real de Santo António–Alcoutim; 72km (45 miles); allow one day
The southern border of Portugal runs along the scenic Rio Guadiana. On this memorable borderlands drive, explore historic riverside settlements and idyllic landscapes. As you leave Vila Real de Santo António, you’ll soon find yourself in a delightful nature reserve teeming with diverse bird species.
Along the way, admire views from atop the Castelo de Castro Marim, a former Knights Templar stronghold. Continue your journey with a visit to the reservoirs of Beliche and the striking Odeleite river. Close your adventure in Alcoutim, where you can relax at Praia Fluvial do Pego Fundo, an artificial beach on the Ribeira de Cadavais River.
Journeying into the Past in the Eastern Algarve
Best Road Trip for Wide-ranging Experiences
Faro–Tavira; 84km (54 miles); 2–3 days
The quieter eastern corner of the Algarve offers a diverse mix of attractions, from excellent wildlife-watching to significant historical sites. Start with some relaxation on the beach at Ilha de Faro, accessible by a one-lane bridge near the airport.
As you head towards Milreu, home to important ruins of the Algarve’s most notable Roman site, take a moment to wander through the gardens of the Pousada Palácio de Estoi.
In Olhão, savor the best of the Algarve’s seafood at its renowned fish market. From Olhão, embark on a boat trip through the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a significant wetland reserve and vital stop for migrating birds such as flamingos.
Finally, in Tavira, delve into the past by exploring the cobbled old quarter and experiencing life under Islamic rule at the Núcleo Islâmico. From atop the Castelo, enjoy breathtaking views over the riverside.
Driving Along the Edge of Europe
Best Road Trip for Wild Beaches, Surfing, and Edge-of-the-Earth Views
Lisbon–Sagres; 355km (221 miles); 3–4 days
Travel the picturesque, ocean-hugging roads to the Algarve and savor the dramatic scenery. Departing from Lisbon, catch the vehicle ferry to Troia, where you might see dolphins. As you reach the Alentejo coastline, visit charming towns like Vila Nova de Milfontes and Zambujeira do Mar for amazing views and fresh seafood.
As you cross the narrow Rio Seixe, beach-hop down the province, stopping at the stunning shores of Odeceixe, Monte Clérigo, and Vale Figueiras.
Civilization returns in Carrapateira, known for its surf camps. Your trip culminates in Sagres, a laid-back village and surf hub near the Cabo de São Vicente, Europe’s southwesternmost point. Celebrate your journey’s end with a sunset drink.
