Algarve Itinerary: The Ultimate Road Trip
Counterbalancing cliff-backed beaches and quaint village hamlets, the Algarve is touted as one of Europe’s top getaways. If you’re about to jet down to Portugal’s anchor, save this Algarve Itinerary for 7 Days.
Oh, the Algarve. Notorious for its nonpareil natural splendour, charming towns and heavenly weather, this part of Portugal is hemmed in as a haven. Fondling a flourishing landscape, the Algarve make for a favourable foray.
Immersed with an interplay of idyllic possibilities, it’s no surprise that the Algarve is one of the continent’s most sought-after sojourns. If you’re planning a road trip through this paradisal part of Portugal, you’re in luck.
Wind your way through the wealth of sun-drenched destinations and enjoy a little room for spontaneity too. Magnifying a myriad of hot spots and hidden gems, this 7-day Algarve Itinerary hits a hole in one. Vamos!
Algarve Itinerary: How to Spend 7 Days in Southern Portugal
Southern Portugal is etched with ethereal scenery at every end. From the bougainvillaea-fringed towns and whitewashed villages to the plummeting clifftops and golden sandy beaches, the Algarve is an adventure playground.
Character-packed Faro and sun-soaked Lagos are among the crowd-favourites but don't overlook destinations like wind-swept Sagres and postcard-worthy Tavira.
This slice of paradise is packed with pleasurable pursuits. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll be running around (headless chicken styles) trying to snap photos of every corner. So, let’s take a quick look at this 7-Day Algarve Itinerary:
Day 1: Faro
Day 2: Ria Formosa Natural Park
Day 3: Vilamoura & Albufeira
Day 4: Lagos
Day 5: Sagres & Cabo de São Vicente
Day 6: Ferragudo & Portimao
Day 7: Historic Towns
Algarve Itinerary: Day 1 Faro
Once you’ve arrived in the Algarve’s main historic hub, Faro, it’s time to get the ball rolling.
Crowned by charming paths, tome-worn walls and a personality-packed Old Town, Faro is a must-see when visiting the Algarve. Explore the Faro Cathedral, appreciate the intricate tilework at the Igreja do Carmo and get a dose of greenery at the Jardim Manuel Bivar.
Hit the shops to stock up on all your road trip needs and enjoy the small city buzz lighting up the streets. This Algarve itinerary ushers in plenty of room for beaches, adventure and spontaneity. If you want to get straight down to the water on your first day, you could add Praia de Faro, Praia da Ilha da Culatra, Praia dos Hangares, Praia da Barreta or Praia do Farol to your list.
Mix it up with a tour to Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach or get up close to wildlife on a dolphin-watching cruise.
Where to stay in Faro:
€€: 3HB Faro
Algarve Itinerary: Day 2 Ria Formosa Natural Park
After an invigorating first day in the Algarve, it’s time to take things up a notch. Anchoring the south of Portugal, the Ria Formosa Natural Park is bursting with a world of wildlife, wetlands and saline-white sand beaches.
Providing a pinnacle point to immerse yourself in nature, the Ria Formosa Natural Park is a dreamy day trip on the Algarve. Filled with colourful flamingos, cheeky dolphins and skinny storks, this is an animal lover’s oasis.
Whether you want to enjoy a bird-watching tour, stroll through the trails or sail around the lagoon, this part of the Algarve itinerary is worth the visit. Don’t miss this top-rated catamaran tour through Ria Formosa!
Beach enthusiasts can head to Praia da Ilha da Culatra, Praia do Barril, Praia da Fuseta and Praia da Cacela Velha. After all, the Algarve is known for its beaches, so why not capitalise on what’s on offer?
Where to stay near Ria Formosa Natural Park:
€: HI Faro
€€€: Ria Park Hotel & Spa
Decked out with dazzling spas, verdant golf courses and a restaurant-lined marina, Vilamoura is the ultimate spot for lovers of all things lavish. Whether luxury or leisure is your game, this is a stellar spot to spend the day.
Hit the heights on a paragliding flight, jump on a jet ski or enjoy a sunset sail on a luxury boat.
After swinging by Vilamoura, it’s time to drive down to one of the Algarve’s most coveted destinations. Albufeira is arrayed with stunning rock formations, rugged caves and blue water beaches.
Whether you want to let loose on a boat tour or try your luck in the watersports scene, this top-rated destination has what you’re after.
Albufeira is a popular spot for windsurfing, kiteboarding and surfing, so if you’re keen to give it a go, this is an ideal place to learn.
Mix up your Algarve itinerary with some minigolf, quad biking or a winery tour in the countryside.
Where to stay in Albufeira:
Algarve Itinerary: Day 4 Lagos
Touted as a tourist hot spot, Lagos is a magnet for all of the Algarve’s mecca. Providing an ideal base to set out to a collection of the coast’s most raved-about beaches, Lagos is also etched with an exciting gastronomy scene.
Lose track of time from the crystal-clear waters at Praia do Damilo, then pop down to the sweeping golden sands at Praia Dona Ana. Get your heart rate up on a stroll or boat cruise to nearby Ponta da Piedade, where you’ll encounter an eclectic expanse of experiences.
Spruce it up with a kayaking tour, a Golden Coast cruise or a horse-riding beach tour.
From the wind-sculpted caves and turquoise-coloured grottos to the towering arches and the crashing coastline, Ponta da Piedade is a must-see in the Algarve.
Replenish your energy after a sun-soaked day in Lagos’ decadent dining scene. Tangled with teeming international eats and traditional Portuguese restaurants, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Although this part of the Algarve itinerary is set in tourist-targeted areas, Albufeira and Vilamoura can still be thoroughly enjoyed. Set your alarm clocks early and you’ll have practically all the highlights to yourself!
Where to stay in Lagos:
€€: Vila Gale Lagos
Algarve Itinerary: Day 5 Sagres & Cabo de São Vicente
Western Algarve is woven with a wealth of off-the-beaten-track opportunities. If you need a break from the holidaymaker’s hot spots, this is the perfect place to do so. The Costa Vicentina is home to towering ochre-coloured cliffs and wind-swept rugged landscapes.
Pop by the quaint seaside haven, Burgau before moving onto the ocean lover’s oasis, Sagres. Whether you want to kick back at a beach bar with a cocktail in one hand or get wet paddle boarding, there is a world of wonderful beaches to discover.
Enjoy the sublime scenery at Praia do Telheiro, Praia Tonel, Praia da Mareta and Praia de Beliche. Take a break from the sunshine as you frolic around the Sagres Fortress, Sacred Promontory and the port of Sagres, go wild on a cliff jumping tour or hop on a sunset jeep tour.
For an epic sunset that you won’t forget, stick around the Cabo de São Vicente. As Europe’s most western point, you can only imagine the type of scenery that awaits… Bask in the breathtaking contrasts as you Atlantic Ocean are painted all different shades of pink, orange and golden.
Where to stay in Sagres:
€€: Villa Ocean Blue
€€€: Martinhal Resort
Algarve Itinerary: Day 6 Ferragudo & Portimao
Sitting at the mouth of the Arade River, Ferragudo is framed by flower-fringed streets, quaint buildings and a charming low-key vibe. If you’re intrigued by authentic travel, this whitewashed fishing village offers the perfect slice of local living in the Algarve.
Whether you want to snorkel in the ocean, hike to the top of the fort or peruse the picture-perfect views from the lighthouse, Ferragudo is an unmissable part of this Algarve itinerary.
Beach babes can stop by the Praia da Rocha, Praia da Angrinha and Praia do Pintadinho. The real show-stopper is Praia do Carvoeiro, which features a cliff-hugging sea of white, terracotta-tiled homes. Bonito!
Spice it up with a kayak tour of the Benagil Caves, a classy catamaran cruise and beach BBQ or a pirate ship cave cruise. Argh, me hearties!
If you’re looking to amp up the energy, you can head to Portimão for the riveting nightlife scene. Whether you want to bask in the buzzing bar scene or party until the sun comes up, Portimão is a suitable spot to up the ante.
Where to stay in Portimao:
Algarve Itinerary: Day 7 Historic Towns
For your final day in the Algarve, pop by the panoply of historic hot spots. On your way back to Faro, you can stop by Olhão, São Brás de Alportel and Tavira. Enclosing the eastern Algarve, you’ll get a chance to soak up all the rural splendour in this non-frequented seaside haven.
Pop into the markets in Olhão, stop by the Miradouro do Alto da Arroteia in São Brás de Alportel and relish in the flavours of authentic Portuguese cuisine in Tavira. From Olhão, you can get active on a Seven Hanging Valleys walking trip or observe the beauty on a Ria Formosa Islands boat tour.
If you prefer, you can spend your final day beach hopping along the Algarve. Because hey, you’ve got to work on your tan too. Right? Some of the best beaches in the Algarve include the cliff-sandwiched Praia de São Rafael and the limestone-stacked Praia dos Arrifes.
Where to stay in Olhão:
€€€: Mare Nostrum
How to Get Around the Algarve, Southern Portugal
Thankfully, getting to the Algarve is fairly hassle-free. From Lisbon, you can jump aboard a flight to Faro Airport (FAO). Situated near the city of Faro, this time-friendly option only takes around 45 minutes. If you’re sticking to a budget, be sure to book your flights well in advance.
Alternatively, if you already have your rental car, you can drive from Lisbon to the Algarve in under 2.5 hours. And if you’re like me, and you have absolutely no idea how to drive, you can set your sights on the intercity train route. This pocket-friendly option takes around 4 hours.
Once you arrive at Faro Train Station, operated under the Comboios De Portugal, you have four different options. Make your way to your accommodation via the Alfa Pendular (AP), Intercidades (C), Regional (R) and InterRegional (IR) train lines. During the summertime, it’s best to book your tickets online and in advance.
Driving 101: The Algarve Edition
If you’re planning on road-tripping around the Algarve, hiring a car is a must.
Having your own vehicle allows you to discover the depths of opportunities, without the swarms of tourists. Not only Will you get to explore the eerie coves, rugged clifftops and panoramic beaches in Southern Portugal, but you won’t be tied to a strict tour schedule.
Portuguese drivers epitomise the typical European image – careless, impatient, speedy and somewhat sketchy. Yikes. But transparency is key, right? The Algarve unfortunately, is no exception to that rule. When compared to busier cities like Porto or Lisbon, there is less traffic and a bit more space on the roads.
The drivers are nuts, and if you’re a nervous driver, I’m not sure I’d recommend it. Your best bet to avoid traffic-related conundrums is to hit the roads early.
If you’re travelling to Portugal from a country like Britain or Australia, don’t forget that Europeans drive on the right side of the road. You can gain some confidence in the backstreets before hitting the high-speed highways.
Hiring a car in the Algarve is an ideal way to save on transfer costs and taxis, especially if you’re planning a road trip. If getting off the beaten track is your priority, then getting a car is non-negotiable.
3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary
If you’re flying from overseas, it’s more than likely you’ll be landing in the country’s capital, Lisbon. Decked out in vibrant buildings, delectable cuisine, azulejo tiles and awe-worthy architecture, there sure are a lot of things to do.
This lively city is a gateway to the heart of the nation, and if you’re speculating over how to squeeze it all into one trip, you’re in luck. This in-depth 3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary shows you how to see the best of Lisbon in 72 hours.
From the famous Bairro Alto and winding tram rides to the water-perched Belém Tower and grandiose Praça do Comercio, you can see all the highlights. Don’t skip a beat with this tried-and-tested itinerary! Better yet, merge it with your 7-Day Algarve Itinerary for the trip of a lifetime!
7-Day Portugal Itinerary
It’s no secret that Portugal is one of Europe’s top escapes. Sandwiched with sublime scenery, sun-soaked cities and history-ridden streets, this country is just as eye-catching as it is enlivening.
Whether you want to catch waves in Nazaré, eat copious amounts of pastel de nata in Porto or roam the enchanting palaces in Sintra, there’s something here for you…
If you’re tossing and turning over top-rated spots like Lisbon, Algarve, Sintra, Cascais and Porto, look no further.
This 7-Day Portugal Itinerary will wind you through all the highlights and hidden gems.
Perfectly planned so that you can make the most out of your trip, this Portugal itinerary leaves room for some spontaneity too.
Alternatively, you can combine the Algarve and the Portugal itineraries for 14 days of pure bliss. That’s a match made in heaven!
FAQS
How many days in Algarve is enough?
7 days are enough time to see the highlights, swim in the best beaches and visit the quaint villages. You can taste Portuguese cuisine, enjoy the wineries and go wild in the water sports scene. If you’re looking for a deep dive, 10 – 14 days would be ideal.
What is the most scenic part of the Algarve?
Arguably, the most scenic parts of the Algarve are Sagres, Tavira and Faro. It all comes down to perspective, and the Algarve has plenty of quaint villages, beautiful beaches and delectable cuisine to discover.
Is it easy to drive around Algarve Portugal?
Most of the main roads in the Algarve have good conditions and clear signage. Rental cars are generally budget-friendly and you’re unlikely to spend a lot on fuel. The only concern is driving in the back streets which are narrower. Locals are known to speed, so practice caution when driving in Portugal.
How long do you need to road trip around Portugal?
7 to 10 days is enough time to visit the big attractions, see the seaside towns and the major cities. You can see destinations like Lisbon, Porto, Sintra and Cascais in one week. If you want to visit the Algarve too, it would be best to set aside at least 10 to 14 days.
Why Visit the Algarve?
Why not? Southern Portugal has a scope of unique experiences. From the towering hilltops and hiking trails to the mountain-hugging hamlets and vibrant seaside cities, there’s a fascinating fusion of things to do. If you’re planning a trip to this part of Portugal, be sure to save this 7-Day Algarve Itinerary. Obrigada!
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