Ultimate Algarve Itinerary For Different Trips

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The Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal, is known for its stunning cliffs, picturesque lagoons, and vibrant cities. It can be difficult to choose the right Algarve itinerary. That’s why I created multiple itineraries depending on how much time you have.

I had the pleasure of spending a whole month in the east of the Algarve and did multiple day trips across Southern Portugal. I’m thrilled to share itineraries that capture the heart and soul of this Portuguese gem.

From the lively city of Lagos in the west with its stunning cliffs to the serene lagoons of the east, the Algarve has it all.

But remember these itineraries are a guide, feel free to change them to your preferences in order to create the perfect Algarve itinerary for yourself.

Table of Contents

How to Get Around the Algarve

There are two main ways of getting around in the Algarve, you can rent a car or simply take public transportation. What the best option is simply depends on what your preference is.

Driving in the Algarve Portugal

If you cherish flexibility and the freedom to roam off the beaten path renting a car in the Algarve is a great option.

Having a rental car gives you the liberty to explore at your own pace and seek out hidden gems, which might be difficult to get to without a car.

Getting around by Public Transport

Public transportation is an excellent choice for those who enjoy the vibrancy of city life and its immediate surroundings, as well as for those who wish to avoid the challenges of driving unfamiliar terrain. Trains and buses are a reliable and cost-effective solution.

My personal experience with Portugal’s train system has been nothing but great. I’ve taken multiple train journeys all over Portugal. It’s really easy to look train timetables up online on the official railway website and you can buy tickets either online or at the station.

You can choose between the budget-friendly slower trains, ideal for soaking up the scenic journeys, or the slightly pricier fast trains for swift journeys.

The best base for exploring the Algarve on day trips is Faro since it’s centrally located and well connected.

A limestone arch in the ocean just outside Lagos, which you can visit on one of the tours to Algarve from Lisbon — A limestone cave near Lagos

Create your own perfect Algarve itinerary

Creating your own perfect Algarve itinerary is all about balance, flexibility, and choosing the destinations that appeal most to you.

Understand the distinctive attributes of the eastern and western parts and choose what you want to see most. The iconic limestone cliffs are all in the west of the Algarve. The landscape in the east is completely different, with lagoons and marshlands, and no cliffs in sight.

The itineraries I created all start in the west of the Algarve and the more days you have, the further east they go. The first few days always stay the same.

If you prefer to set up a home base and explore the region from there, I recommend Faro as the base. It’s the biggest city in the Algarve, it’s well connected by public transport and from its central location it’s great to explore in each direction.

Algarve Itinerary 1 Day

Limestone cliffs in the ocean near Lagos; which you can visit on an Algarve tour from Lisbon — Stunning cliff line next to Lagos

It’s possible to do a one-day tour from Lisbon to the Algarve to get a taste of this stunning region. However, I have to emphasize that one day is not even close to enough time to explore the Algarve region.

For those on a tight schedule, I’d suggest opting for an organized tour that can transport you from Lisbon to the Algarve and back within a day. These tours often prioritize key sights like Lagos and its stunning cliffs or the beautiful lagoons in the east.

While a crazy long day trip, it will surely tempt you to return for a more leisurely exploration of this stunning Portuguese region.

Algarve Itinerary 2 Days

For those of you who only have two days to spend in the Algarve, I’d suggest dedicating both days to Lagos. This vibrant city encapsulates the essence of the Algarve with its stunning cliffs and delightful city life. Here’s how I would make the most of those 48 hours:

Limestone coastline in Lagos, which you can visit on one of the tours from Lisbon to Algarve — The stunning coastline in Lagos, you can go for a scenic walk on top of the cliffs

Day 1: Exploring Lagos

Start your day early in the heart of Lagos, strolling through its charmingly narrow, cobbled streets filled with cafes, boutiques, and historic sites. Don’t miss out on the Lagos Marina and the fortified walls, significant vestiges of its maritime past.

As the day progresses, take a boat tour to see the enchanting coastline. This stunning coastline alone makes Lagos worth visiting.

The rock formations and turquoise waters make this a photographer’s dream, and seeing the rocky cliffs from the water offers a unique perspective you simply can’t get from land.

End the day with a stunning sunset at Ponta da Piedade. There’s a great pedestrian walkway to the endpoint of the coastal region with a lighthouse at the end, from there you have an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Check out my full blog post about the best things to do in Lagos, Portugal.

A cave with a circular opening at the top and green water at the bottom; those are the famous Benagil caves in the Algarve — The famous Benagil Cave

Day 2: Benagil Caves and Sagres

Pack your swimming gear, because day two is all about boat trips!

First stop: the globally famed Benagil Caves with their iconic ‘sky window’. The only way to see these natural wonders is by sea. What I didn’t know before doing this boat trip is that the Benagil Cave is by far not the only one in the region.

On a boat tour from Lagos or Albufeira (if you decide to add it to your itinerary), you can see multiple sea caves, and some tours even include dolphin watching. I couldn’t believe how close the dolphins actually were to our boat, it was amazing!

In case you have your own car, you can drive to Benagil, do a kayak tour to the caves and afterward walk the stunning Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. The trail is a scenic walk along the cliffs with stunning views.

In the afternoon, you can either have a beach day on one of the gorgeous beaches near Lagos or go to the coastal town of Sagres, which is known as the ‘end of the world’. Sagres brims with historical significance and dramatic cliffs jutting into the Atlantic.

Algarve Itinerary 3 Days

An impressive city gate leading to Faro old town — Arco da Vila: The most famous city gate of Faro

If you have 3 days in the Algarve I recommend doing the first two days the same as in the Algarve 2-day itinerary. On the extra day in the Algarve explore Faro, the capital of the region. Here’s a suggested itinerary to make your third day unforgettable:

Day 3: Faro – The Heart of the Algarve

Faro is a city steeped in history and home to some of the Algarve’s most picturesque sights. Start your day with a visit to the Cidade Velha, the Old Town of Faro, a medieval quarter surrounded by ancient walls.

In the afternoon take a day tour from Faro to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a series of lagoons and islands spread across 18,000 hectares. It’s the perfect place if you’re a nature lover, this is a slice of paradise with its incredible biodiversity, including flamingos and other migratory birds.

The boat trip is also perfect for anyone who’s looking for some beautiful beaches in the Algarve.

Algarve Itinerary 4 Days

Tina lying on a sun bed in a park in Olhão Portugal — I loved relaxing in the park next to the ocean in Olhão

Day 3: Faro – Gateway to the Algarve and Faro Island

Your third day in the Algarve will be spent in Faro, where history meets nature. Start your day in the Cidade Velha (Old Town) and get lost in its maze-like streets. Explore the cathedral and take in the panoramic views from the rooftop.

In the afternoon head to Faro Island, a gem located a short boat ride away from the city. To get there, catch a ferry from the Porta Nova Pier and prepare for a relaxing afternoon on the beach.

I was really surprised by how beautiful the beach is considering it’s so close to the biggest city in the Algarve.

This is the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy a swim, or partake in water sports. As the day comes to an end, make sure to catch the sunset for an unforgettable view.

Day 4: Olhão and Ria Formosa Natural Park

On your fourth and last day, head even further east to Olhão, a traditional fishing town known for its lively market and authentic atmosphere.

Start your day by exploring the best things to do in Olhão on foot, mingling with the locals at the market, and learning about the local legends.

In the afternoon, take a boat tour to the Ria Formosa Natural Park from Olhão. This 18,000-hectare park is a labyrinth of lagoons, islands, and marshlands. It’s an amazing activity whether you want to watch some local wildlife or you just want to relax at pristine beaches.

Algarve Itinerary 5 Days

Big anchors in a sandbank in Tavira; it's a great stop on a 5 days Algarve itinerary — The anchor cemetery in Tavira

Day 5: Tavira – The Gem of the East Algarve

Let’s conclude our journey by heading further east to Tavira, one of the Algarve’s most enchanting towns. Known for its unspoiled charm, rich history, and beautiful river setting, Tavira offers a quieter and more traditional experience compared to the west.

Start your day in the heart of the town, wandering through the narrow streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses, crossing over the Roman Bridge, and visiting the Tavira Castle.

In the afternoon, catch a ferry to Ilha de Tavira, a blissful island with some of the best beaches in the region. Spend the rest of your day there, swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing in the peaceful setting, or go for a beautiful beach walk all the way to the anchor cemetery.

Why I recommend skipping Albufeira

While Albufeira has its own appeal, I personally recommend giving it a miss, especially when you compare it to the charm of Lagos or the cultural richness of Faro.

One of the reasons for this is its inaccessibility via public transport – the train station is too far from the city center to walk, which can be a major inconvenience.

Albufeira feels like the most touristy spot in the Algarve, lacking the authentic Portuguese vibe that travelers may be seeking. It offers more of a ‘Vegas-like’ experience, characterized by its bustling nightlife and a significant influx of partying tourists, particularly from Britain.

So, unless that’s what you’re specifically looking for, Albufeira is not worth including in your Algarve itinerary.

Best time to visit the Algarve

When it comes to deciding the best time to visit the Algarve, I personally found September to be a wonderful choice. I spent a whole month house-sitting near Fuseta, and I can attest to the charm of the Algarve during this time.

The weather was still warm enough to enjoy swims in the ocean, yet the area was less crowded compared to the high season in the summer months.

Final Thoughts: Algarve Portugal Itinerary

This itinerary merely scratches the surface of what this magical region has to offer. But it’s a great place to start. You can also include 3 days in Algarve or more in your longer Portugal and Spain itinerary.

Remember, the key to an unforgettable journey is to embrace every moment, every encounter, every unexpected detour.

The Algarve has a way of pulling you back, with its charming towns, picturesque cliffs and the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.

Ultimate Algarve Itinerary For Different Trips