Your vacation in Portugal is planned and you’re wondering what is the best things to do in the Algarve on a road trip ? This region in southern Portugal is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and its caves carved into the limestone cliffs along the coast. But it’s not just a beach destination. Lovers of old stone and history will be delighted to discover villages with a rich past and even Roman ruins. You can visit year-round, both in summer and winter. In fact, we did our one-week Algarve road trip in May without even swimming in the sea.
The 7-day itinerary I present in this blog post can also be done from a single base if you prefer to stay in one place for your entire trip. In that case, I recommend reading my article on where to stay in the Algarve to find the town that best suits your expectations.
Things to do in the Algarve on a road trip : 7-day itinerary
The Algarve is a region in southern Portugal mainly known for its cliffs, sea caves, and golden sandy beaches. Every year, it attracts millions of tourists, most of whom stay in resorts or holiday villas.
For our part, we chose to explore the Algarve on a 7-day road trip with two different bases (near Tavira and Albufeira), which allowed us to explore the entire coastline without driving too much. The ideal setup to avoid changing accommodation every day is to choose one place in the eastern part (around Faro) and another in the western part (around Lagos).
The map below shows our one-week itinerary in the Algarve. Since we traveled in May, we mainly focused on visiting villages and coastal landscapes. You can of course adapt this itinerary based on your interests. In this blog post, I detail all the things to do in the Algarve so you can best plan your stay in southern Portugal.
We drove directly from Lisbon, which is why we started this Algarve road trip in Tavira, the easternmost town. If you’re flying into Faro International Airport, it makes more sense to start your trip in the Algarve’s capital.
Tavira : one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve
Tavira is rightly considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve. Its historic center, strongly marked by Moorish influence, is a pleasure to explore on foot while discovering the town’s heritage. There are several beautiful churches to visit, an old castle with its walls, and a few museums. The town is divided into two districts connected by a 13th-century bridge, the symbol of Tavira. The town also has many excellent restaurants in a charming setting, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
Beach lovers shouldn’t miss Ilha de Tavira, an island that is part of the Ria Formosa and home to superb sandy beaches. It lies just opposite the town, and a ferry (€2.50 round trip) runs from the center of Tavira.
For more information I recommend reading my article on things to do in Tavira.
How long : half a day to 1 day
Must-do activities
Accommodations in Tavira
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Cacela Velha : a fort with views over the Ria Formosa
This tiny village located 10 km from Tavira is worth a stop after visiting the town. The few streets of Cacela Velha are lined with pretty white and blue houses with flower-filled gardens. The village also has a church and a fort that cannot be visited. Cacela Velha offers a beautiful view over the lagoons of the Ria Formosa. If you feel like it, you can even walk to the beach on the other side of the lagoon. Guaranteed peace and quiet!
How long : 1 hour
Faro : the capital of the Algarve
It is in Faro, the capital of the Algarve, that you’ll find the international airport of southern Portugal. There’s a good chance your Algarve road trip will start here. Tavira is 37 km to the east, so you can simply swap the first two stops of this itinerary.
Faro is too often overlooked by tourists who head straight to their all-inclusive hotels or holiday homes. Yet the city has a charming historic center surrounded by walls, inside which you’ll find several historic sites, the cathedral, and a beautiful museum. The cobbled streets lined with old houses are perfect for a pleasant walk (preferably when it’s not too hot). Outside the walls, several churches are worth visiting, as well as the pedestrian center for its bars and shops.
Faro is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for things to do in the Algarve. However, it’s not the best destination for beaches, as the city lies behind the lagoons of the Ria Formosa.
You can learn more in my article on things to do in Faro.
How long : half a day to 1 day
Excursions
Accommodations in Faro
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Milreu Ruins : Roman Remains
After visiting Faro, continue your Algarve road trip west. History lovers shouldn’t miss the Milreu Ruins on the way to Albufeira. Located 12 km from Faro, this site features the remains of a luxurious Roman villa surrounded by baths. Although the site is not in perfect condition, the mosaics depicting fish and cephalopods are still well preserved. You’ll also find the ruins of a temple dedicated to a water deity. Entry is €2 (open 10am–6pm May to September, 9am–5pm October to April).
How long : 1 hour
Albufeira : the most lively seaside resort
Albufeira is the most famous seaside resort in the Algarve, with its long line of all-inclusive hotels and holiday apartments. To be honest, we visited just for the blog, as it’s not really our kind of place. But there’s something for everyone, and I know some travelers enjoy this atmosphere. Obviously, you won’t find much authenticity in Albufeira. The former fishing village has long been overtaken by mass tourism. You can still stroll through a few streets in the old town where some rare remnants remain. The rest is a succession of bars and restaurants aimed mainly at British tourists, who are very numerous in this part of Portugal.
Albufeira does have some advantages. Its central location makes it easy to reach both Tavira and Sagres in a day (the two most distant towns). The resort also offers many activities and excursions to explore the surroundings. If you want to visit the Algarve from a single base while staying close to the beach and having plenty to do, Albufeira can be a good option. Otherwise, you can skip it and continue to the next stop.
If you’re interested, check out my article on things to do in Albufeira.
Recommended activities and excursions
Accommodations in Albufeira
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Praia da Marinha : the iconic beach
Between Albufeira and Portimão lie some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, set at the foot of ochre-colored karst cliffs. Among them, Praia da Marinha is considered the most beautiful. Don’t miss it during your Algarve road trip.
The parking lot is located here, but plan to arrive early as it fills up quickly. Even in May, we struggled to find a spot (it’s also the starting point of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail). From the parking area, a staircase leads down to the beach, where there is a bar-restaurant.
Benagil Caves : a must-see in the Algarve
It’s impossible to miss this cave, now one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks. Organized tours depart from all seaside resorts along the coast. During our visit, it was still possible to go independently by renting a kayak. But since 2024, only boats and guided kayak tours are allowed to enter the cave (without landing on the sand). I explain everything in my article on visiting the Benagil Caves.
How long : 2 hours to half a day
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
This is the must-do hike in the Algarve, offering stunning coastal scenery on foot. The trail runs along the cliff tops, revealing natural arches, caves, beaches, and rock formations shaped by erosion. The hike is 13 km round trip (4h40) between Praia da Marinha and Praia do Vale de Centeanes. However, you don’t have to do the entire route to enjoy the views, nor return on foot (you can take an Uber back). The trail passes by Benagil Cave and beach, allowing you to see them from above or even stop to rent a kayak.
We weren’t lucky during this hike. That morning, sea fog completely hid the scenery, so we turned back as we didn’t want to walk without seeing anything. The weather only cleared around noon. The trail is well marked, with signs explaining geology, flora, and fauna. As it is fully exposed to the sun, bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. No special fitness level is required, the trail is easy with little elevation gain.
How long : half a day to 1 day
Silves : the largest fortress in the Algarve
We leave the coast for the next part of this Algarve road trip to discover the most beautiful inland villages. The historic center of Silves has preserved its charm and authenticity, and it’s a pleasure to stroll through its cobbled streets lined with whitewashed and colorful houses. It’s a complete contrast to the coastal resorts, there were very few people during our visit.
Among the must-see monuments is the Sé Cathedral, considered the most remarkable cathedral in the Algarve from an architectural point of view. The other major landmark is the fortress built by the Moors between the 8th and 10th centuries. From the ramparts, you can enjoy beautiful views over the surrounding area and the village.
For more details, check out my article on things to do in Silves.
How long : half a day
Excursions to do
Accommodations in Silves
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Praia da Rocha (Portimão)
Praia da Rocha is the seaside area of Portimão (3 km south). The beach here is huge and very wide, you almost feel like you need a bus to reach the water. During our stay in May, it wasn’t crowded, but in summer thousands of tourists flock here.
Behind the cliffs are rows of high-rise apartment buildings that, in my opinion, completely spoil the setting. The main avenue along the cliffs is lined with bars and restaurants. We even had dinner in one (F Restaurante), a stylish place with great food and a lovely beach view.
To the west, Praia dos Três Castelos is more authentic and, in my opinion, more beautiful, with large rock formations. A bit further, Praia dos Careanos is just as charming and even has a cave similar to Benagil.
If the high buildings don’t scare you, you might want to consider staying in Praia da Roha in the Algarve. The area has everything you need for a vacation in the Algarve (bars, restaurants, beautiful beaches, and plenty of activities). Buses run to Portimão, which has good public transportation links to other towns.
Accommodations in Praia da Rocha
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Lagos : our favorite place in the Algarve
Lagos was our favorite and a must-see. We loved walking through its historic center, with cobbled streets lined with old houses, beautiful squares shaded by jacaranda trees, and monuments. Even though it’s very touristy, the atmosphere is completely different from other seaside resorts.
The old town, surrounded by walls, has several churches, a fort, and interesting museums. Lagos also has great restaurants and plenty of shops. A large beach is within walking distance, and many excursions are available. It has everything you could want for an Algarve stay. If you only choose one base, I clearly recommend Lagos.
Don’t miss the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, located south of the city (about a 25-minute walk). Erosion has created stunning rock formations and small coves with beaches. You can walk along the cliff-top path or see them from the sea on this boat tour.
Rather than giving you a brief summary, I’ll let you discover in this article everything there is to see in Lagos. Even if you’re short on time, you absolutely must include it on your Algarve road trip.
How long : 1 day
Must-do activities
Accommodations in Lagos
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Monchique : the colorful village
The village of Monchique is slightly off the main tourist route, located inland north of Silves. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Lagos or 50 minutes from Albufeira. The old town, made up of just a few streets, features charming colorful houses. Brown signs with walking figures indicate the route to explore the village.
The visit is quite quick, and apart from the old town, there isn’t much to do. We were actually a bit disappointed, as the drive didn’t really justify the detour. It can be worth stopping if you’re heading further north in Portugal, but for an Algarve-only trip, it’s not a must-see.
If you don’t feel like driving there yourself, there are tours that combine a visit to Monchique with other nearby attractions. For example there’s this tour to Monchique and Silves or this other tour that includes a wine tasting.
How long : 2 hours to half a day
Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente
When planning an Algarve trip, Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente are not always top of mind. Yet this southwestern tip of Portugal is well worth visiting for its dramatic landscapes. Towering cliffs plunge into the sea, with several forts perched above. These once protected the coast from maritime attacks and are now museums. The Sagres Fortress is one of the region’s must-see sites.
A few kilometers away, Cape St. Vincent is home to a lighthouse and a small museum. The views over the cliffs are spectacular, especially at sunset.
Surfers can also spend a few days here, as Praia do Tonel is an excellent surf spot suitable for beginners. There are also calmer beaches ideal for families. However, the village of Sagres itself has no major attractions.
To discover everything there is to see, you can check out my article on visiting Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente.
How long : half a day to 1 day
Accommodations in Sagres
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Tips for planning an Algarve road trip
How to get to the Algarve ?
Faro, the capital of the Algarve, has an international airport (code FAO). Several low-cost and regular airlines offer cheap flights to Faro from France, Belgium, and Switzerland. To find the best fares from your city, I recommend using Skyscanner.
Once at the airport, you can pick up your rental car. If you don’t plan to rent a vehicle during your stay in the Algarve, you can arrange a private transfer from Faro Airport to your hotel (it’s more convenient than public transport, especially with luggage). The driver will meet you directly in the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name. Bookings and prices are available on this site.
Rental car
Unless you’re driving your own vehicle you’ll need to rent a car to visit the Algarve. You’ll find many agencies at Faro Airport. To get the best prices, I always use the comparison site AutoEurope.
This allows you to compare both international and local agencies. Be aware that most companies require a credit card, not a debit card.
During our Algarve road trip in May 2023, unleaded 95 fuel cost €1.75 per liter.
Highways and tolls in Portugal
In the Algarve and more generally in Portugal, there are two types of highway toll systems: traditional toll booths where you stop to pay, and electronic gantries equipped with cameras installed above the road. These electronic systems read all vehicle license plates and charge tolls afterward.
If you have a rental car, the agency will offer you a toll transponder for Portuguese highways. You pay a small fee for the device, and the agency charges you for all tolls when you return the car. This is the option we chose and the most convenient. The Sixt agency offered us the Via Verde device (similar to electronic toll tags), which also lets you pass through toll booths without stopping.
If you’re traveling to Portugal with a foreign vehicle, you’ll need to link your bank card to your license plate beforehand. Several systems exist for this, including Easy Toll. You’ll find Easy Toll terminals at rest areas near the Portugal–Spain border.
Best time to visit Algarve
Southern Portugal can be visited year-round. Thanks to its mild and sunny climate, an Algarve holiday is possible even in winter. Many travelers and retirees actually spend part of the winter in Portugal to enjoy some sunshine and warmth.
The peak tourist season in the Algarve is July and August. During this time, the most popular beaches are crowded, and the seaside resorts are lively. If you’re looking to party during your Algarve trip, these two summer months are the best.
June and September are very pleasant months, as they fall outside the summer rush. The water is warm enough for swimming, and there are fewer tourists. Traveling during this period also means lower prices than in July and August (especially for car rentals and accommodation).
If your Algarve trip focuses on hiking (there are many beautiful trails), I recommend visiting in spring or autumn. This helps avoid high temperatures. In spring, you’ll also enjoy the beautiful purple jacaranda blossoms, a tree found throughout Portuguese cities.
You can visit the Algarve year-round, but if you want to swim, it’s best to go between June and September. The Atlantic Ocean isn’t as warm as the Mediterranean, with water temperatures not exceeding 22°C even in peak summer.
How many days to spend in the Algarve ?
We spent one week in the Algarve, which was more than enough to cross the region from east to west and see all the sites we wanted. With more than 7 days, we would have gotten bored, as we felt we had seen everything. Of course, in summer (our trip was in May), you can add long beach days or sea excursions to your itinerary.
The minimum duration to visit the Algarve is 3–4 days. If you’re short on time, I recommend focusing on the stretch between Lagos and Praia da Marinha, it’s truly the most beautiful.
Lastminute trips to the Algarve
If you don’t have fixed dates and can be flexible for a last-minute trip, you can save a lot of money. I recommend checking lastminute.com, which offers many deals. You can choose an all-inclusive package or a flight + hotel combination. Departures from a lot of cities, you can search using the airport closest to you and compare prices.
This means staying in the same accommodation for your entire trip, so it’s best to choose a central location to easily explore the Algarve, unless you prefer to stay near the hotel and enjoy the beach.
Rent a boat in the Algarve
A great way to explore the Algarve and its coastline is by taking a boat trip or private cruise. The coast is home to many hidden caves, secret beaches, and small coves only accessible from the sea. Click&Boat, a leader in online rentals of sailboats, catamarans, and motorboats, offers competitive prices and a choice from private owners and professionals. You can choose a boat with or without a license, with or without a professional skipper. There are many options for spending one or more days at sea. You’ll find plenty of boats to rent in Algarve ports (Faro, Albufeira, Portimão, Lagos, etc.)—it’s up to you to choose!
Which city to choose for a stay in the Algarve ?
When planning our Algarve trip, we quickly faced the question of where to stay. To be close to everything, it’s best to choose a central location so you’re no more than an hour’s drive from all major sites (the furthest being Tavira in the east and Sagres in the west).
Accommodation in Albufeira is very centrally located and convenient for exploring the Algarve from a single base. However, its lively atmosphere and large number of British tourists may not appeal to everyone (it doesn’t always feel like Portugal). If you prefer a seaside village atmosphere, I recommend Carvoeiro (see accomodations), which is also well located.
For our part, we chose a lovely quinta in the countryside 6 km from Albufeira (adress). This rural house surrounded by farms has a swimming pool for relaxing. It’s ideal for a peaceful Algarve stay, but having a car is essential.
For more tips and recommendations, I invite you to read my article on where to stay in the Algarve.
What budget for an Algarve road trip ?
The budget for an Algarve road trip or all-inclusive stay can vary greatly depending on the traveler and the season. Below is a breakdown by expense category to give you an overall idea. Of course, you’ll need to adapt it to your travel style and itinerary.
Transport budget
Flights to Faro are relatively cheap. You can find round trips from €50 (without luggage) with EasyJet. However, you’ll need to book early with low-cost airlines to get the best prices. Don’t hesitate to compare fares on Skyscanner before booking.
To go on a road trip in the Algarve, you’ll need a car. The transport budget depends on the season and rental duration. On AutoEurope, you can find rental cars from €72 per week at Faro Airport.
Car rental prices in the Algarve are quite competitive, making public transport less attractive. However, if you prefer traveling by train or bus (or don’t have a driver’s license), expect to pay between €2 and €6 per trip. For two people, renting a car quickly becomes worthwhile. For short trips, you can use the Uber app, which works well in Portugal.
Accommodation budget
This is the largest part of the budget for an Algarve trip. There are options for every price range, but rates increase quickly with sea views or proximity to the beach. You can choose between apartments, bed and breakfasts, or hotel resorts. Many apartments are available only on a weekly basis.
Be cautious with private listings on forums or Facebook groups, as scams are common. It’s safer to use trusted platforms like Booking or Airbnb.
Prices start at around €40 per night for a double room with a private bathroom and €50 per night for an apartment. In seaside resorts, apartments can be found from €400 per week. Prices depend on the standard, services, and season.
Activities and attractions budget
The sea and landscapes are free, you can enjoy public beaches and coastal walks without spending anything. Most churches and museums charge a small entry fee (a few euros), especially in towns like Lagos, Silves, Faro, Tavira, and Sagres.
Activity prices are affordable, and the whole family can enjoy them without breaking the bank. Most sea activities and cruises cost between €30 and €45 per person (with discounts for children). For example, the Benagil caves and dolphin-watching tour costs €29 per person from Albufeira.
If you plan many activities (4×4 tours, jet ski rental, quad biking, water parks, cruises, etc.), this can significantly increase your overall budget. Be sure to factor them in.
Food budget
In tourist areas and seaside resorts, food and drink prices are similar to those in Western Europe. However, it’s easy to find Portuguese restaurants with better prices by moving away from tourist hotspots—such as central Albufeira, where most places serve international cuisine. Inland (around Silves, for example), you’ll find farm restaurants serving authentic Portuguese dishes—definitely worth a try.
In Tavira, we had a cataplana (an Algarve specialty) for €35 for two people. In Guia, near our accommodation, the restaurant O Ribeirinho serves excellent piri-piri chicken (another Portuguese specialty) with fries for €14.
There are restaurants for every budget, including upscale options for refined dining. It’s safe to say we ate very well during our Algarve trip 🙂
You should now know what to do to in the Algarve on a one-week road trip. If you still have questions about your trip to Portugal, feel free to use the comments below.