The Ultimate Algarve Itinerary: Exploring the Best Beaches and Coastal Towns

Are you planning to visit Portugal and want the perfect Algarve itinerary to help you plan. Well this article is for you. We go through absolutely everything you need to know about visiting the Algarve including the best places to visit, where to sleep, eat, and drink, and much more.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, so if you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Algarve Itinerary Factsheet

Before we get into our Algarve itinerary here is some useful information.

Country: Portugal

Capital: Faro

Currency: Euro

Known for: Beautiful coastal towns and fishing villages.

The Algarve is located in Portugals most southerly region. It’s famous for it’s incredible beaches, natural beauty, and dramatic landscape. In fact it has over 125 miles of gorgeous coastline waiting to be explored.

The weather in the Algarve is moderate, with over 300 days of sunshine each year. So it is no wonder it is incredibly popular with tourists.

Getting to The Algarve

If you are planning on visiting the Algarve then chances are you will probably be flying into Faro Airport. This is the largest airport in the Algarve, with many European flights arriving daily. If you are however flying in from the US or even Asia then you will probably be better off flying to Lisbon and then getting a domestic flight from here to Faro, or getting a bus or train.

The Airport is close to the centre of Faro, and an Uber cost us around €7 to get to the centre. This is probably the quickest and easiest way to get to your hotel. There is also the option to get a bus from the airport to the town.

If you are flying into Faro but planning on basing yourself in Albufeira or Lagos for example then you will need to arrange transport for your onward journey. A lot of hotels in the Algarve will arrange a shuttle bus for you if you let them know in advance. You will of course need to pay for this, and some of them can be a little pricey.

There is also the option of getting an Uber. We got an Uber from Faro Airport to Albufeira and this cost just under €40, and took around 30 minutes. We also ended up Ubering from Lagos to Faro Airport which took about an hour and cost something in the region of €70.

You also have the option to get a train from Faro. The train station is located near the Old Town, although trains aren’t frequent so check the timetable in advance if you are planning on using this as your main mode of transport. We will go into a little bit more detail on this option in the ‘getting around the Algarve’ section below.

Where to visit as part of your Algarve itinerary

There are so many incredible places to visit as part of your Algarve itinerary. Where you go will largely depend on how much time you have in the Algarve. We only had 7 days in the Algarve, and we tried to see as much as we could during this time. Here are the best places to visit (in our opinion) as part of your Algarve itinerary, plus a little bit of information and what to see in each one.

Albufeira

Located about a 30 minute drive from Faro is Albufeira. It is a former fishing village turned major tourist destination, filled with gorgeous sandy beaches, and a lively old town.

Want to know if Lagos or Albufeira is better for you, here is a helpful guide.

Why visit Albufeira?

Albufeira is great if you are looking to party. It has a very fun and youthful vibe. It’s perfect if you want to dance the night away and sunbathe during the day. The beaches are beautiful and easily accessible, and there are a number of tours you can book if you want to explore more of the Algarve. It’s also incredibly popular with families.

Best things to do in Albufeira

Here are some of the best things to do in Albufeira to add to your Algarve itinerary.

Enjoy the beaches

Albufeira is popular for having some excellent beaches, so grab your towel, some sunscreen, and enjoy. A lot of the beaches in Albufeira have sun beds and lifeguards, as well as nearby cafes to enjoy a drink or two in the sunshine. You can also paraglide, or take part in other cool activities.

One of the most popular beaches is the Praia dos Pescadores or Fisherman’s Beach. It’s just in front of the old town. There are tons of water activities you can get involved in, and the water is relatively calm too.

Visit the Marina

The Marina in Albufeira, is part of a tourist complex which includes a number of hotels, bars, and shops. It’s incredibly colourful, and very different from the Old Town in Albufeira. It’s also a great place to go to book yourself onto some water activities such as visiting Benagil Caves, or dolphin watching tours.

Visit the Old Town

The Old Town in Albufeira is filled with cobblestone streets, traditional Portuguese buildings, museums, and churches. It’s also great for nightlife, and restaurants. It can get a little crazy particularly at night, but you can find nightlife to suit everyone.

Eating and drinking in Albufeira

Here are some of the best places for eating and drinking in Albufeira that you have to add to your Algarve itinerary.

Casa Da Fonte

This was probably one of the most authentic places to eat Portuguese food in Albufeira’s old town. They do some great seafood here including grilled fish and even the classic Algarvian dish called Cataplana.

Sal Rosa

Sal Rosa is the best cocktail bar in Albufeira. They take pride and care when making their concoctions. This is reflected in the price, but the drinks and the view are very much worth it. If you aren’t into the total party lifestyle Albufeira has to offer and want something a bit more sophisticated this is for you.

O David

This is another restaurant in Albufeira does does some ok traditional food. The grilled seafood dishes are incredible especially the monkfish and prawn kebabs served with potatoes. It’s just across from Casa da Fonte, and whilst the food might not be as nice, it’s still pretty good. It’s a good second choice if you have already tried Casa da Fonte and want to eat at a different restaurant.

Portas Da Villa Antiquity Bar

This is a great hidden gem in Albufiera. Not only that it is one of the prettiest bars we have ever seen. It’s decorated with shells on the outside, which the owner apparently collected himself. They do great drinks and a good price too.

Silves

Silves is a city and municipality in the Algarve. It was one of the most important places in the ancient Arab kingdom of Algarve. At this time it was the capital of the Algarve and a key trading and commerce site. These days it’s a little quieter but still an important place in the Algarve, and home to the largest castle in the area.

Why visit Silves?

Silves is a must if you want to explore a more authentic village in the Algarve. It’s less touristy than the likes of Albufeira and is also way more laid back. There are plenty of food and drink options here, and it’s perfect for a day trip from Albufeira.

Best things to do in Silves

When planning your Algarve itinerary, here are some of the best things to do in Silves and the surrounding area.

Castle of Silves

For a very reasonable price under €3 you can explore the Castle of Silves. It was built between the 8th and 13th Century, but was restored in the 20th Century.

It was used as a defence of Silves during the war, which was important because Silves was the capital of the Algarve at this time.

It is one of the best preserved castles in the Algarve and due to its location on the highest part of town, you get some pretty great views of Silves from here.

Silves Cathedral

Another prominent sight in Silves is the cathedral. It was built in the 13th Century on the site of a former mosque.

It’s a gothic style cathedral located just across from the castle. You do need to pay for entry although this will only set you back €1.50.

Archaeological museum

Not far from the cathedral is the archaeological museum of Silves. This is a must if you are interested in architecture, and history. And you can purchase a combined ticket for the museum and the castle.

Wander the streets

Silves is a really beautiful town to explore, and one of the best things to do is to just walk around and get lost in the back streets. There is so much character and personality here, with less tourists than other parts of the Algarve.

Drink some orange juice

Ok I know drinking orange juice is a totally random thing to add to your Algarve itinerary but hear me out. Citrus fruits in the Algarve, and particularly around Silves are some of the best in the world. They are sweet and juicy in part due to the perfect growing conditions in the area.

For that reason you have to grab yourself a glass of some freshly squeezed juice when visiting Silves. It’s also great for helping to keep you cool in the summer.

Quinta do Francês

Only a short drive from the town you will find the Quinta do Francês winery. This is a beautiful vineyard owned by a french doctor that provide tours and wine tastings.

You can learn all about the process of making wine, which at this vineyard includes, white, red, and rose style wine. You can then wander around the vineyard whilst tasting some of the wines on offer.

Alvor

Located in between Portimão and Lagos is the beautiful harbour town of Alvor. It’s only small but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm and personality.

Why visit Alvor?

We chose Alvor as we wanted to have the opportunity to explore a smaller and less touristy part of the Algarve. There are some beautiful beaches here, as well as an idyllic town to explore. There are plenty of food and drink options here too. This is great if you want something a little more low key and relaxing.

Best things to do in Alvor

Here are some of the best things to do in Alvor to add to your Algarve itinerary.

Walk the boardwalks

The Alvor Boardwalk is a really beautiful walking trail located along  Praia de Alvor. It’s around 8km long and gives you some gorgeous views of the beach with plenty of restaurants and bars to stop at along the way.

Enjoy some time at the beach

Alvor has some really beautiful beaches so obviously you need to make some time to just chill in the ocean. You can also get involved in a number of seaside activities like surfing and kayaking. Or just relax on the loungers and work on your tan.

Explore the town

Like so many of the towns in the Algarve, Alvor is just beautiful. It’s full of whitewashed buildings, cobbled streets, and charming shops and restaurants. It’s fun to just walk around and explore the streets stopping every so often for a drink or a custard tart of course!

Igreja Matriz de Alvor

Igreja Matriz de Alvor is one of the highlights in the town centre. It’s a church that was built in the 1520’s in true Portuguese style. You might see some pictures of the church online where it is painted yellow, but recently it had a repaint and it now has striking blue features.

Explore Alvor Harbour

Alvor promenade and harbour is another great place to add to your Algarve itinerary. It gives you a real insight into life in a fishing town in the Algarve, and is just a beautiful place to relax. There are several bars and restaurants in the area, and you can even book yourself onto a boat tour to further explore the Algarve.

Eating and drinking in Alvor

Admittedly we didn’t have a long time to explore Alvor, but here are some of our tried and tested food and drink recommendations.

Sunset Bar

This cute little bar serves all your classic holiday cocktails, and even does a 2 for 1 deal at certain times. It’s a very friendly expat feel bar. The best thing though is that if you sit on the outside steps you get a perfect sunset view.

Al Tapas

Al Tapas is a little bit away from the main tourist part of Alvor, and hidden down a side street. They do some excellent Portuguese style tapas, with a decent wine selection too.

Lagos

Located in the western part of the Algarve Lagos is situated along the Atlantic ocean. It’s the biggest city in the western Algarve, and is popular with tourists, but not too overrun like Albufeira.

Trying to decide between Faro or Lagos here is a guide to help you.

Why visit Lagos?

Lagos has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve as well as an old town with cobbled streets and great food and drink. It’s perfect if you want to enjoy the nightlife, go hiking, lounge on the beach, or just sip cocktails with a view.

Best things to do in Lagos

Lagos is a must for any Algarve itinerary. Here are some of our suggestions on the best things to do while you are here.

Explore the old town

Exploring the old town in Lagos is really beautiful. There is so much charm walking through the cobbled back streets, and passing the colourful buildings.

Lagos old town is relatively flat and compact enough that you can do it all on foot. Make sure you explore the squares, eat some gelato, and make the most of the food and drink in the area.

Igreja de Santo António in the Museu de Lagos

Lagos has a number of museums that you should add to your Algarve itinerary, but one of the best is the Museu de Lagos. It’s only a few Euros for entry, and the museum itself doesn’t take long to explore, but it is worth it.

Here you can learn all about the history of Lagos, and marvel at religious and cultural artefacts.

The real highlight though is Igreja de Santo António which is a stunning chapel that you can only access through the museum. It’s pretty spectacular and one of the best things to see in Lagos.

Enjoy the beaches

Visiting the beach is a pretty prominent theme in this Algarve itinerary, and Lagos is no different. Lagos has some pretty awesome beaches and two of our favourites have to be Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo. These beaches are the most beautiful in Lagos as they encompass the rock formations, golden sand, and clean blue waters that Lagos is famous for.

These two beaches are pretty close together, but just be mindful that you will need to use stairs to access both. Praia do Camilo is the more scenic, but it’s also the smaller of the two and gets crowded pretty quickly.

Ponta da Piedade

Another must for your Algarve itinerary is visiting Ponta da Piedade. It’s a beautiful coastal area in Lagos with rugged rock formations, beautiful viewpoints, and a number of caves and grottos to explore.

If you are planning to walk you can see the area from above. There is a boardwalk that you follow and it’s around 2.5km in length. This walk will also take you past Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo so bring your swimming gear if you decide to do it.

There are a couple of restaurants/bars along the boardwalk as well, which is good news if you need to refuel on a hot day.

You can also view Ponta da Piedade by boat. If you can we recommend a grotto/cave tour as you get to really checkout the cool caves in the area.

Do a boat tour

There are several different boat tours you can do from Lagos Marina including dolphin watching, sunset cruises and much more. It’s definitely a must for your Algarve itinerary as you get a different perspective of the gorgeous rugged cliffs and rock formations.

Eating and drinking in Lagos

A part of any Algarve itinerary is of course going to include eating and drinking. There are so many great places to do this is Lagos, but here are some of our highlights to help you plan your own trip.

The Garden

This was an accidental find for us in Lagos, but it turned out to be fantastic. It’s set in a proper beer garden and is a fully outdoor bar and restaurant. It’s kind of like a little oasis in the middle of Lagos. There is a real BBQ vibe here, with food to match. Cocktails are pretty decent too.

Skybar

If you love a good rooftop bar then head to Skybar in Lagos. It’s in the middle of the historic centre with stunning views, and a really cool seating area.

The Sanctuary

This is another great rooftop bar in Lagos with awesome views. They do some really good cocktails, but make sure you get in early as it does get busy of an evening.

Real Portuguese Cuisine

Admittedly we were put off by the name because we thought this was one of those places that tourists flock to to try real food. But then when you get there you find it is a tourist trap. We could not be more wrong. This is a fantastic place to eat for proper good quality Portuguese food in Lagos. It’s a little on the pricey side, but honestly it is so worth it. Try the seafood if you can.

Luca’s Rooftop Restaurant 

Located on top of the Carvi beach hotel you will find Luca’s Rooftop restaurant. As you can guess with the name you get some pretty awesome views from here. But the food is also top quality. It’s great for seafood especially. Just make sure you book ahead.

Taninos Wine & Kitchen

If you want to try Portuguese tapas and some great wine head to Taninos wine and kitchen. This is some of the best food we ate as part of our Algarve itinerary. If you are into goats cheese try their version it is probably the most memorable dish we have ever eaten. Annoyingly I was too busy devouring it to take a photo.

Faro

Faro is the capital of the Algarve region and is used as the gateway to the Algarve. That being said Faro is a lot more than that as it has a lot of natural beauty, a charming old town, and some great food and drink spots.

If you are trying to decide between Faro and Albufeira here is a helpful guide.

Why visit Faro?

Faro is a great place to visit if you want to enjoy the charms of a city break mixed with a beach holiday. It’s also a great place for top quality food and drink in the Algarve. It’s also a great base if you are planning day trips.

If you are wondering if Faro is worth visiting, this article will help you decide. In the meantime you can read on for some of our highlights on the best things to do in Faro.

Enjoy the beaches

As mentioned above a big part of your Algarve itinerary will involve exploring the incredible beaches the region has to offer. In Faro, Praia de Faro is one of the top spots to sunbathe and take a dip. You can partake in a number of water activities from here, or just enjoy the beautiful beaches.

Ria Formosa National Park

The cool thing about Faro is that it is a total mix of beach, city living, and nature. The Ria Formosa National Park is a section of marshes, white sand banks, pine forests and freshwater lakes. It’s basically a 60km tidal lagoon that separates the town from the beah. You can hop on a boat from Faro and explore the area which is well worth it.

Explore the Old Town

For us the Old Town is the gem of Faro. There is so much to explore down the cobbled streets. This is also where a lot of the bars and restaurants are located. Make sure you take the time to just wander around.

Igreja da Sé

This is a great place to visit if you want to get some cool views of Faro. The interior is beautiful but the main attraction has to be the bell tower and the views from here. Entry is €5 and you can explore the church, bone chapel, museum, and bell tower as part of this.

Igreja do Carmo

This is one of the spookier things to add to your Algarve itinerary. This isn’t just your usual run of the mill church because it also includes a bone chapel. This is the main bone chapel in the city although there is a much smaller one at Igreja da Sé as mentioned above. The church was built in the 18th century in the baroque style. It’s filled with stain glass windows and incredibly intricate carvings.

The real highlight that is Capela dos Ossos or the Bone Chapel. It’s essentially a small chapel behind the main church with walls that are lined with the bones and skulls of Carmelite monks. The idea here is to act as a reminder that life on earth is short.

Eating and drinking in Faro

Faro was by far one of our favourite places as part of our Algarve itinerary when it comes to food. There are so many top quality restaurants and some amazing bars to satisfy every type of traveller. Here are some of our favourites.

Adega Nova

You know you are onto something good when the locals eat at a place. Adega Nova is a cheap and good quality canteen style restaurant right near the train station in Faro. The food is excellent and really good quality. If you want traditional Portuguese food that won’t break the bank you have to eat here.

Travessa Tapas and Wine

If you are after Portuguese tapas this is our top pick for Faro. The dishes are all delicious and well presented. It does get busy here so it is worth booking in advance.

Buondi

This is a cafe is the centre of Faro old town that does excellent coffee and cake. They also do brunch which we would have tried had our hotel not provided us with a full breakfast beforehand.

8 tapas

This is another really good choice for tapas in Faro. They have a wide range of dishes that are a bit of an international fusion. Prices are decent, and so is the food.

Columbus

This was our absolute favourite cocktail bar in Faro. They do top quality drinks, and the prices aren’t too bad either. It’s perfect if you are after some creative cocktails, in a well shaded location.

Epicur

Sometimes you just want a sophisticated glass of wine and some cheese when you are on holiday. Epicur is absolutely the place to experience this in Faro. They have a huge selection of wines and ports by the glass, as well as wine flights, and cheese boards.

LAB Terrace 

This is the best bar in Faro to watch the sunset. Just make sure you get there early because it isn’t exactly a secret. They do great drinks, and there is a really fun atmosphere here.

Other things to do as part of your Algarve itinerary

Apart from visiting some pretty cool towns and villages, you can also do some awesome day trips and boat tours in the Algarve. Here are some of the best.

Benagil Cave

Benagil Cave is by far one of the top sights in the Algarve. It’s located off Benagil beach and the closest town is Carvoeiro.

The cave is incredibly impressive, and can only be accessed from the water. Larger boats can’t go inside but you can see it if you rent a kayak, or book a tour on a rib style boat.

You can do a tour to the caves from many towns and villages in the Algarve including, Albufeira, Alvor, and Lagos. Alternatively if you are in the area and find yourself on Benagil beach you can rent a paddle board or kayak and make your way over to the cave.

Do a vineyard tour

Portugal as a whole is famous for its wine, although the Algarve as a region is only just starting to create its name in wine. A wine tour is a great way to learn all about the history of wine making in the area. Also as a bonus you get to learn about cork and how that is made, as these trees are local to the Algarve.

You can book Algarve wine tours from Lagos, Albufeira, and even Faro.

Ponta da Piedade grotto tour

To get up close and personal with the caves of Ponta da Piedade you will need to arrange this from Lagos. There are several tours you can do which usually involve you getting a larger boat from Lagos Marina. This will anchor close to Ponta da Piedade, and a smaller boat will take you to the caves.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a pretty cool way to get up close and personal with some of the cliffs and rock formations that the Algarve is famous for. You can go kayaking from most large destinations in the Algarve like Albufeira, Faro, and Lagos.

Best accommodation during your Algarve itinerary

When planning your Algarve itinerary you might be wondering where to stay. We ended up basing ourselves in Lagos, Faro, Albufeira, and Alvor. If you are following our Algarve itinerary or just want some tips on the best areas to stay in the area here are our suggestions.

Lagos

Lagos is a good place to base yourself when visiting the Algarve. It’s got a beautiful old town with restaurants and bars to keep you entertained at night, and beaches to keep you occupied during the day. It’s also a good base because you can do a number of day tours from here.

Areas to stay in Lagos

Our recommendation for where to stay in Lagos is around Ponta da Piedade. It’s a great area because you are close to some of the natural beauty the city has to offer, including incredible beaches, and you are about a 15-20 minute walk away from the old town.

Alternatively you could stay near the Marina, which is where a lot of boat tours depart from. You are also a lot closer to the old town.

Where we stayed

We stayed at the Carvi Beach Hotel in Lagos, and were incredibly happy with our choice. It is a 3 star hotel, but it didn’t feel like that at all to be honest. It’s just across from the start of the walk for Ponta da Piedade, and right next to Praia Dona Ana.

It was around a 20 minute walk into the centre of the old town, which was fine for us. We wanted to be closer to the beach so that we could head back to the hotel and get changed after a day of sunbathing, before heading to the old town in the evening.

The room was spotless, and comfortable, and we had no complaints whatsoever. The hotel amenities were great, with a pool, rooftop restaurant, and individual balconies with the rooms. The only downside was the breakfast. It was included but it wasn’t great. There was a lot of choice but the food wasn’t as good quality as some of the other places we stayed in the Algarve. Still it is a 3 star hotel, so keeping that in mind it was excellent.

Albufeira

Albufeira is another good base in the Algarve as it is kind of in the middle of Lagos and Faro. It is very touristy and probably not a great place to experience true Portuguese culture. It is however great if you are looking to party as part of your Algarve itinerary.

Areas to stay in Albufeira

The three main areas to stay around Albufeira are near the old town, the strip or the marina. Old town is very quaint with lots of bars and restaurants and is very close to the beach. It’s pretty lively so you certainly will not be bored.

You also have the strip which is super lively but even more so than the old town. This is where those on stag and hen dos tend to stay. It’s got this kind of bright lights, cheap drinks, and lots of noise vibe, which won’t suit everyone.

Finally you have the marina. It’s a lot quieter here with far less tourists but still in decent proximity to the beach. There are a few bars and restaurants around but not as many as old town.

Our recommendation is to stay in the old town. Yes it can get a little wild, but you have a lot of food and drink options, and it does have more atmosphere than say the marina.

Where we stayed

We stayed at the Hotel California in Albufeira. It’s an adults only hotel and spa, that has a pool and bar area and outdoor gym. The outdoor gym wasn’t great, but everything else was perfect as far as we were concerned.

Breakfast was included every morning, and it was really decent food. Staff were helpful, and the rooms were modern. We would definitely stay here again if given the choice.

Alvor

Alvor is perfect for those looking for a quieter break in the Algarve. There are still a lot of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained, but way less tourists than Albufeira. It’s perfect if you want a chilled out break.

Areas to stay in Alvor

A lot of the accommodation in Alvor is geared around apartment style vacations. When picking your accommodation you want to find somewhere within walking distance of both the beach and the town.

Where we stayed

We stayed at the Pestana Alvor Park. It was a lovely hotel with apartment style rooms. Ours was a studio which included a bed, dining table, couch, and kitchenette. We also had an awesome balcony overlooking the pool area. It’s a 4 star accommodation that includes a bar and restaurant area, pool, and a gym. It’s clean and modern and close to both the beaches and the town.

Faro

Faro sometimes gets overlooked by people making their way to other destinations within the Algarve. That being said though it is a great place to stay. You have beautiful beaches, a lot of nature, and you can do day trips to further explore the Algarve.

Areas to stay in Faro

The best places to stay in Faro are around the marina or the old town. It’s not really a beach resort type place so you won’t really find a ton of accommodation by the beach. But if you do want something a little more scenic then the marina is your best bet.

Where we stayed

We stayed at AP Eva Senses which is a 4 star hotel located right by the marina. The rooms and modern and clean, and breakfast is included. There is a rooftop pool and bar area to relax. If you do decide to leave the hotel you are smack bang in the middle of all the action of the old town and marina.

Hidden Gems to see as part of your Algarve itinerary

There are a lot of hidden gems to see as part of your Algarve itinerary, you just need the time to see them all. Here are some of our favourites that we had the chance to visit.

Praia do Camilo

Located in Lagos (which we mentioned above) is Praia do Camilo. It’s a hidden gem because people tend to visit some of the larger beaches as part of their Algarve itinerary, which is a real shame because this one is beautiful.

You do need to head down a lot of steps to get here but it is so worth it.

Ponta da Piedade

It’s the caves and secret beaches around Ponta da Piedade that are the real hidden gems on your Algarve itinerary. A lot of people tend to the a walk across the top, or do a larger boat tour. But to really get to grips with it you need to find a smaller boat that will take you right into the caves.

It’s such a beautiful area that you cannot miss.

Silves

Silves is another hidden gem in the Algarve. A lot of people tend to visit the bigger towns and villages but for a real authentic Portuguese feel make sure you visit Silves.

How long do you need in the Algarve?

You might be wondering how long you need for your Algarve itinerary. Well, that all depends on how much you want to see, and how much you want to travel. We spent 7 days in the Algarve and still didn’t feel like we got to see everything, or even scratch the surface.

We would say that 5 days in your minimum for enjoying your time in the Algarve and 10 days is probably ideal. Of course if you want to relax a bit and take in your surroundings 2 weeks might even be better.

Here is a breakdown of how long you may want to spend in each of the locations listed in our Algarve itinerary to help you plan your own trip.

Lagos – 3 – 4 days is ideal to explore Lagos. This includes the old town, and the beaches. It also gives you time to do some hikes, and some boat trips.

Albufeira – 2 days is probably sufficient to get to grips with Albufeira. This will give you time to explore the old town, enjoy the beach, and even fit it a dolphin watching tour or visit the Benagil Caves.

Silves – For Silves you probably only need 2 days at the most. We did it as part of a day trip from Albufeira which wasn’t enough time at all. That being said any more than 2 days and you might be struggling for things to do.

Alvor – We spent 2 days (1 night) in Alvor and probably could have done with an extra day to make the most of the beaches and natural beauty of the town. It is small but it is perfect for relaxing and lounging by the water.

Faro – We completely miscalculated how much time we would need in Faro. We only had 2 days here which wasn’t enough. If you really want to explore, do some day trips, and visit the parklands you need a good 3 -4 days here.

Sample 7 day Algarve itinerary

Here is a sample 7 day Algarve itinerary to help you plan your own trip to this incredible part of Portugal.

Day 1: Start your trip in Faro and enjoy exploring the old town and marina

Day 2: Venture out and check out Ria Formosa National Park and enjoy some of the beaches in Faro

Day 3: Make your way to Albufeira and explore the old town and beaches

Day 4: Do a trip to Silves and visit a local winery

Day 5: Head to Alvor and explore the town and beaches

Day 6: Visit Lagos and do a tour to Benagil Caves

Day 7: Explore Lagos

Sample 10 day Algarve itinerary

If you are planning a 10 day Algarve itinerary, we recommend spending a little bit more time in Lagos or Faro.

From Lagos you can also do a day trip to Sagres to visit the westerly tip of the Algarve.

You can also use an extra day to visit Tavira which is east of Faro.

Algarve itinerary map

Here is a map to show you how far each of the destinations in our Algarve itinerary are from each other.

Must eat foods to add to your Algarve itinerary

Eating is an important part of any Algarve itinerary. The food in this part of the world, is obviously very seafood based and a lot of dishes do revolve around it. Here is some of the must try food for your Algarve trip.

Cataplana de marisco

Named after the big shiny dish used to cook the meal Cataplana is a must try food when visiting the Algarve. It’s kind of a seafood stew, and is usually served with potatoes. Also it is worth noting, most restaurants will only serve this as a meal for 2.

Sardines

Sardines are a Portuguese staple no matter where you go from Faro to Lisbon you will find them on the menu. They are usually grilled, but you can find more modern takes on sardines in restaurants around the Algarve.

Carob

Carob trees grow all throughout the Algarve, and they are used as a chocolate substitute. They are perfect in cakes and sweet treats, so you will probably see it a lot in desserts around the area.

Wine

I know I mentioned that wine from the Algarve might not be as big a deal as other wine producing regions in Portugal. That being said it is definitely worth a try when visiting the Algarve.

How to get around as part of your Algarve itinerary

Obviously we cover quite a bit of ground in this Algarve itinerary so you might be wondering how to get around.

A lot of people tend to rent a car to explore the Algarve. It’s great because you can see lots of different places and make the most of your time here. But you do have the added stress of navigating Portuguese roads, finding parking, and of course you can’t drink alcohol if you are driving.

You also have the option to get public transport. You can navigate the Algarve on a mixture of bus and train routes. It’s important to note that buses and trains aren’t the most regular though. If you are planning to use public transport you really need to plan your route and your times.

Alternatively you can base yourself in one of the bigger towns like Albufeira and Lagos. There are so many awesome day trips you can book from here that will allow you to explore other parts of the Algarve.

Or you could do what we did and just use Uber. It might not be the cheapest option but it’s quick and easy to use. To give you an idea on prices here are some example trips we took.

Faro – Albufeira – €42

Albufeira – Alvor – €39

Alvor – Lagos – €21

Lagos – Faro – €70

With the Lagos to Faro fare we ended up splitting this with another traveller. We initially hoped to get the train however this was cancelled.

Budgeting for your Algarve itinerary

We found the Algarve to be pretty good value when it came to costs. The biggest cost for us on this trip was accommodation. On average hotels were costing us €150 per night, and this was in June which isn’t the peak season yet. Of course you can find much cheaper accommodation, it just depends what kind of a trip you want to have.

As mentioned above getting around as part of our Algarve itinerary meant us taking a lot of Ubers. This obviously added to our costs. If you are trying to save money you can use public transport which will be way cheaper.

When we travel we like to enjoy good food, cocktails, and tourist activities. So for our trip we spent around €200 per day between the two of us. Alcohol is relatively cheap in Portugal compared to other European countries. And the food wasn’t too bad either.

Something to keep in mind is that this €200 budget didn’t include accommodation or tours as we paid for these well in advance.

It is worth noting that you will need cash with you on your trip to the Algarve. Not all places accept card payment and many places are cash only.

Best time of the year to plan your Algarve itinerary

If you are planning an Algarve itinerary you might be wondering when the best time to visit is. For decent weather and to make the most of the beaches and outdoor dining you want to visit between April and October.

June, July and August are the hottest months where the weather consistently sits in the late 20’s and early 30’s (Celsius). Although we visited in June and it did get to 36 degrees a couple of the days! They are perfect for swimming, sipping cocktails, and more.

July and August are incredibly busy in the Algarve. It’s school holiday season so you will find that prices skyrocket when it comes to hotels and fights.

What to pack for your Algarve itinerary

Apart from your usual items here are some things we think you absolutely have to pack as part of your trip to the Algarve.

• swimming gear
• sun protection – hats, sunglasses, loose clothes etc
• reusable drink bottle
• money belt as you will need to carry cash on you
• comfortable footwear

Tips for planning your Algarve itinerary

• Some places in the Algarve are a lot more touristy than others. Albufeira for instance is one of them.
• You will need cash when visiting the Algarve as some places do not accept card payment.
• Don’t be fooled by the size of the Algarve – there is so much to see and do
• Stay in some of the smaller less touristy towns as well as the popular places for a full Algarve experience.

Should I plan an Algarve itinerary?

Hopefully this guide has given you some helpful hints to plan your own Algarve itinerary. And for all those wondering if you should visit the Algarve, hopefully that answer is a resounding yes.

The Algarve is truly a beautiful part of Portugal that you have to experience. If you love great food, sipping cocktails in the sunshine, beaches, and sunshine you should get cracking on planning your Algarve itinerary asap!

Don’t forget to pin this article for later.

Happy travels!