Algarve Portugal
5
Day Itinerary •
Portugal
Five days in the Algarve gives you the complete experience of the most extraordinary coastal region in Portugal, from the dramatic western cliffs and the remarkable Sagres headland to the hidden beaches of the central Algarve, the extraordinary Benagil Cave, the remarkable Ria Formosa lagoon park and the hidden interior villages of the Serra de Monchique. This route covers the full Algarve: the extraordinary Lagos old town and Ponta da Piedade sea caves, the remarkable Sagres fortress and Cape St Vincent, the extraordinary Benagil Cave and Praia da Marinha, the remarkable Silves Moorish castle, the extraordinary Ria Formosa island beaches and the hidden mountain spa town of Caldas de Monchique.
Best Time To Visit
April to June or September to October
Getting There
Fly into Faro Airport (FAO). Car hire at the airport is essential.
Getting Around
Car essential for the full Algarve. Boat trips for Benagil and islands.
Budget Per Day
Approx 80 to 160 euros per person per day
Difficulity
Easy , beaches, boat trips and some coastal walking
DAY 1
LAGOS
MORNING
LAGOS OLD TOWN
Lagos is the most extraordinary historic town in the western Algarve, its remarkable 16th-century city walls enclosing the finest baroque church interior in the Algarve at Igreja de Santo Antonio and the remarkable Slave Market museum. The extraordinary Praca Gil Eanes gives the finest town square atmosphere in the western Algarve. Church entry approx 4 euros. Drive: 15 min drive
MIDDAY
PONTA DA PIEDADE SEA CAVES
Ponta da Piedade is the most extraordinary sea cave complex in Portugal, its remarkable golden limestone sea stacks, arches and grottos giving the finest coastal rock landscape in southern Europe. The boat trip through the caves from Lagos beach gives the finest sea-level cave experience. The clifftop path gives the finest viewpoint. Boat approx 15 euros. Drive: 20 min drive
AFTERNOON
MEIA PRAIA BEACH
Meia Praia is the most extraordinary long beach near Lagos, its remarkable 4km stretch of golden sand and calm turquoise water giving the finest long beach in the western Algarve. The extraordinary views across the Lagos bay to the Ponta da Piedade cliffs give the finest natural beach landscape in the western Algarve. Free beach.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Praia de Dona Ana below the Lagos cliffs is the finest hidden beach near the town, its remarkable sheltered cove of extraordinary golden cliffs giving the finest small beach near Lagos. Accessible by clifftop steps. Far fewer tourists than Ponta da Piedade. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe in Lagos old town Outstanding Portuguese coffee in the finest historic town in the western Algarve. | Lunch: Fish restaurant in Lagos Outstanding fresh Atlantic fish in the most extraordinary historic town in the western Algarve. | Dinner: Restaurant in Lagos Outstanding Algarvian cataplana seafood stew and excellent regional wine.
DAY 2
SAGRES
MORNING
SAGRES FORTRESS
Sagres Fortress is the most extraordinary headland fortification in Portugal, its remarkable position above the point where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean giving the finest fortress view in southern Europe. The extraordinary windrose on the fortress floor and the Church of Our Lady of Grace give the finest heritage in the western Algarve. Entry approx 3 euros. Drive: 15 min drive
MIDDAY
CAPE ST VINCENT
Cape St Vincent is the southwesternmost point of continental Europe, the remarkable headland where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet giving the most dramatic land's end in southern Europe. The extraordinary lighthouse, the most powerful in Europe, and the remarkable cliff-top views over the open Atlantic give the finest headland experience in Portugal. Lighthouse entry approx 3 euros. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
PRAIA DO AMADO WEST COAST SURF
Praia do Amado is the most extraordinary surf beach in the Algarve, its remarkable west coast position receiving the finest Atlantic swells giving the best surfing in southern Europe. The extraordinary wild Costa Vicentina landscape, the finest undeveloped coast in Western Europe, gives the most dramatic natural scenery in the Algarve. Free beach.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Praia de Bordeira on the wild west coast is the finest completely undeveloped beach in the Algarve, its remarkable wide bay of extraordinary dunes and Atlantic surf giving the finest wild beach in southern Portugal. Entirely free of beach infrastructure. Free. 30 minutes north of Sagres.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe in Sagres village Outstanding Portuguese coffee in the most extraordinary surf village at the end of Europe. | Lunch: Fish restaurant in Sagres Outstanding fresh fish at the finest fishing harbour at the westernmost point of southern Europe. | Dinner: Restaurant in Lagos Outstanding Algarvian dinner back in the extraordinary historic town.
DAY 3
CENTRAL ALGARVE
MORNING
BENAGIL CAVE BOAT TRIP
The Benagil Cave is the most extraordinary sea cave in Portugal, its remarkable domed ceiling with a circular oculus to the sky creating a natural cathedral of extraordinary golden light above a hidden beach inside the cave. Accessible only by boat, kayak or swimming from Benagil beach. The finest natural spectacle in the Algarve. Boat approx 15 euros. Drive: 20 min drive
MIDDAY
PRAIA DA MARINHA CLIFFTOP WALK
Praia da Marinha is the most extraordinary cliff beach in the Algarve, its remarkable golden limestone formations creating natural arches, sea caves and rock pools around one of the finest beaches in Europe. The extraordinary clifftop walk from Marinha to Benagil gives the finest coastal scenery in Portugal and passes the finest sea caves accessible on foot. Free. Drive: 15 min drive
AFTERNOON
CARVOEIRO AND ALGAR SECO
Carvoeiro is the most extraordinary traditional fishing village on the central Algarve coast, its remarkable whitewashed houses descending to a sheltered cove beach giving the finest traditional village atmosphere. The extraordinary Algar Seco rock formation, a remarkable labyrinth of golden rock tunnels at sea level, gives the finest walking rock formation in the central Algarve. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Praia do Carvalho near Benagil is the finest completely hidden beach in the central Algarve, accessible only through a remarkable tunnel cut through the limestone cliff. Almost entirely unknown to casual tourists. Free. 10-minute walk from the Benagil clifftop.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Early hotel breakfast before Benagil Early start essential. Book Benagil boat tickets online the evening before. | Lunch: Beach restaurant at Praia da Marinha Outstanding fresh Algarvian lunch at the finest cliff beach in Portugal. | Dinner: Restaurant in Carvoeiro Outstanding Algarvian seafood dinner in the finest traditional fishing village.
DAY 4
SILVES AND MONCHIQUE
MORNING
SILVES MOORISH CASTLE
Silves Castle is the most extraordinary Moorish fortification in the Algarve, its remarkable red sandstone walls and towers above the Arade river giving the finest medieval heritage in southern Portugal. The extraordinary Cathedral of Silves, the finest Gothic building in the Algarve built on the site of the former Grand Mosque, and the remarkable Archaeological Museum give the most layered heritage in the Algarve interior. Entry approx 3 euros. Drive: 40 min drive
MIDDAY
SILVES OLD TOWN AND MARKET
Silves old town is the most extraordinary historic town in the Algarve interior, its remarkable terracotta-roofed houses descending from the extraordinary castle walls giving the finest traditional Portuguese town atmosphere in the region. The remarkable weekly market and the extraordinary orange groves surrounding the town give the finest rural market town experience in southern Portugal. Free to explore. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
CALDAS DE MONCHIQUE SPA VILLAGE
Caldas de Monchique is the most extraordinary spa village in Portugal, its remarkable position in the extraordinary Serra de Monchique, the finest mountain landscape in the Algarve, giving the most atmospheric healing village in southern Europe. The extraordinary natural spring waters have been visited since Roman times. The remarkable forested valley above the village gives the finest walking in the Algarve interior. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Rocha da Pena limestone massif near Salir is the finest hidden natural heritage site in the Algarve interior, its remarkable limestone plateau above the countryside giving extraordinary views over the entire Algarve and the finest walking trail in the region. Almost entirely unknown to tourists. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast before Silves drive Early start for Silves Castle. The extraordinary red sandstone fortress is finest in morning light. | Lunch: Restaurant in Silves old town Outstanding Algarvian lunch in the finest historic town in the Algarve interior. Local figs and orange wine. | Dinner: Restaurant in Monchique town Outstanding mountain Portuguese dinner in the extraordinary Serra de Monchique above the Algarve coast.
DAY 5
RIA FORMOSA
MORNING
FARO OLD TOWN AND CATHEDRAL
Faro is the most extraordinary historic capital in the Algarve, its remarkable old town enclosed by Moorish walls giving the finest walled town in southern Portugal. The extraordinary Se Cathedral with its remarkable tower giving the finest panoramic view over the Ria Formosa lagoon, and the remarkable Bone Chapel in the Igreja do Carmo, its walls entirely lined with human bones, give the finest heritage contrast in the Algarve. Cathedral tower entry approx 2 euros. Drive: Walk to marina
MIDDAY
RIA FORMOSA BOAT TRIP
The Ria Formosa Natural Park is the most extraordinary lagoon ecosystem in Portugal, its remarkable network of tidal channels, salt marshes and sand barrier islands extending 60km along the Algarve coast. The extraordinary boat trip from Faro marina to the barrier islands of Ilha Deserta or Ilha de Tavira gives the finest natural park experience in southern Portugal. Boat approx 20 euros. Drive: On the islands
AFTERNOON
ILHA DESERTA OR ILHA DE TAVIRA BEACH
The barrier island beaches of the Ria Formosa are the most extraordinary beaches in the Algarve, their remarkable position on sand islands accessible only by boat giving the finest unspoilt beach experience in southern Portugal. Ilha Deserta is entirely uninhabited and gives the finest completely wild beach in the region. Ilha de Tavira near the extraordinary town of Tavira gives the finest combined beach and heritage day. Free beaches.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary town of Tavira near Faro is the finest historic town in eastern Algarve, its remarkable collection of 37 churches, extraordinary Roman bridge and beautiful whitewashed old town giving the most complete historic townscape in the Algarve. Far less visited than Lagos or Albufeira. Free to explore.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe in Faro old town Outstanding Portuguese coffee in the extraordinary walled capital of the Algarve. | Lunch: Restaurant on Ilha Deserta or Tavira island Outstanding fresh Algarvian seafood lunch on the finest barrier island beach in Portugal. | Dinner: Farewell dinner in Faro or Tavira Outstanding final Algarvian dinner in the extraordinary walled town of Faro or the magnificent Tavira.
Where To Stay
Lagos, Nights 1 to 2 Best base for the west. Hotels from 80 to 200 euros. Central for Sagres, Ponta da Piedade and Benagil. Carvoeiro or Alvor, Nights 3 to 4 Best base for the central Algarve. Hotels from 70 to 180 euros. Walking distance from Benagil and Marinha. Budget option Guesthouses in Lagos or Carvoeiro from 45 euros. Book well ahead for summer.
Top Tips
1. Benagil Cave: book online the evening before. The first morning boat gives the finest light through the oculus. Kayaking to the cave gives the best experience.
2. Ponta da Piedade boat trip from Lagos beach gives the finest sea-level cave experience in Portugal. The afternoon light on the golden rock is extraordinary.
3. Silves Castle in the morning is extraordinary. The remarkable red sandstone walls and the views over the orange groves are the finest inland heritage in the Algarve.
4. The Ria Formosa boat trip to Ilha Deserta gives the finest natural park experience in southern Portugal. The uninhabited island beach is extraordinary.
5. Caldas de Monchique spa water has been drunk for medicinal purposes since Roman times. The extraordinary mineral water is still bottled here today.
6. Tavira is the finest historic town in the Algarve and almost entirely unvisited by the beach tourists who fill Lagos and Albufeira. Go on a weekday morning.
Total Budget
80 to 160 euros/day