5-Day Itinerary: Tips and Things to Do in the Algarve

My young adult kids (who live in states known for rain and snow) wanted beaches and sunshine in mid-May for our family vacation and Portugal’s Algarve region was the ideal spot. Algarve delivered with golden beaches, charming seaside towns and dramatic limestone cliffs.  With over 300 days of sunshine a year, delicious seafood and a laid-back coastal vibe (much like our San Diego home), it’s no wonder the Algarve is a beloved vacation spot for Europeans. 

We used the resort town of Albufeira as our home base. Centrally located, it offered easy access to many areas of Algarve, with plenty of accommodation options, beaches, restaurants, and nightlife. This 5-day itinerary and things to do in the Algarve allowed us to explore the region’s highlights, stunning beaches and historic towns. 

As first time visitors, we really appreciated and recommend having a rental car (use Discovercars.com) to explore the Algarve area and for convenience. We wouldn’t have been able to do this itinerary without a car. There were buses and trains that connected the towns but will take you longer to get to places. Another option are the ride share services like Uber and Bolt but will cost you more.

Day 1: Explore Albufeira Old Town & Beaches

We stayed in the Guia area of Albufeira which had plenty of resorts and was within a mile of beaches. We spent our first morning after breakfast walking along Praia Grande. With hardly anyone around, it was wonderful to have this big beach mostly to ourselves and walk in one of the softest sand we’ve sunk our toes in. 

The beach area had a restaurant, offered rows of palapas and chairs and even a tent with massage treatments. There was also a wooden boardwalk that stretched to other beaches and connected resorts. 

This is only one of two Algarve beaches receiving a “Golden Beach” award from the Ministry of Environment “for its values in terms of geology, flora, fauna, heritage and landscape”. 

If you’re staying in another area of Algarve, we recommend starting your day with a walk to your nearest beach. It’s also a fantastic way to beat jet lag.  

There is also a Praia Grande Nature Walk nearby with a wooden boardwalk that took us to some marsh and lagoon areas. The nature walk is about 4 km long and about two hours to complete. It has some stations with information panels along the way.  

This was a wonderful place to spot wildlife. Within a short time, we saw turtles and ducks swimming in the water and many birds that were new to us. We came back here on another day to watch the sunset. If you’re staying near this area, this was a great place for a morning or sunset walk and jog. 

Old Town Albufeira

By lunchtime, it was time to explore the nearby Old Town of Albufeira. We found a charming maze of cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings and lively squares. There were plenty of parking spaces within the Old Town vicinity. 

We headed straight to the beach and promenade area and ended up at Praia dos Pescadores. Look for the Albuefeira sign nearby for a great photo op. On the nearby Praceta do Pescador/25 de Abril Square, keep an eye out for a unique sculpture that looks like a permanent sand sculpture that pays homage to Albufeira’s fishermen.  

There was no shortage of restaurants around this area and really depends on your budget and palate. Of course, seafood reigns supreme in the algarve, As seafood lovers, our mouths were watering as we walked by many of these restaurants. 

We eventually settled on El Rancho Steakhouse Grill. I know I said seafood was king here and this place sounded really touristy. But, their under 10 euro grilled sardines lunch plate caught my husband’s eye. It was along the promenade and looked out into the water. Bonus, there was also a street performer nearby. 

We actually didn’t order any steaks here despite its name. The food we had were all delicious with reasonable prices and good-sized portions. My husband enjoyed the sardines, my daughter had her best piri piri chicken (another Portuguese staple) and my son loved the swordfish steak. I ordered many Algarve style shrimp dishes (cooked in olive oil and garlic) during our few days here and this was the best I had. 

Praia de Peneco

To walk off our lunch, we explored the bigger beach area of Praia do Peneco. It was easy to see why this was a very popular beach with plenty of amenities and activities. From the Old Town area, do not miss going into the tunnel towards the beach. I loved this shortcut!

Use the Hotel sol e Mar as the starting point to get to the tunnel that leads to the promenade and the beaches. I love that they built this as a shortcut to the beaches. Tip: If you’re visiting during the busy summer season, come early to stake your spot on the beach or first dibs on the beach chairs.  

Walk off lunch by going towards the Peneco Beach elevator. We had to ride it since beachside elevators are pretty uncommon. While the glass was a bit dirty, the views were still beautiful. And it beats climbing the stairs in the heat. 

The promenade area overlooking the beach has several charming side streets including the Church of San Sebastian. Don’t miss the two large ceramic panels outside of the Frutuoso da Silva garden. These were painted by Portuguese artist, Ricardo Inacio, and depicting various significant events in Albufeira’s history from the area’s first residents to its current tourist industry.  

Wander the streets of Albufeira from here and including the Ave da Liberdade shopping street and Republic Square. 

You can wrap up your day with a seafood dinner overlooking the ocean. If you want a night out, head to Albufeira’s Strip for vibrant nightlife. We opted for something quieter and relaxed at our hotel during our first full day. 

Day 2: Boat tour from Albufeira marina 

Boat tours along the coast are some of the most popular things to to do in the Algarve. A boat tour to the famous Benagil Cave is one of the Algarve’s most iconic experiences. These tours typically depart from several seaside towns and vary in length and type of transportation. But, they all showcase a spectacular stretch of the coastline packed with natural wonders.

The 3-Hour Catamaran Tour

We opted for the 3-hour catamaran tour that departed from the Albufeira Marina. I chose the catamaran because it has a restroom/WC, served drinks (for a fee) and room to walk around. Other tour options include smaller boats or the RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) which gives you more access into the caves where bigger boats can’t go and is limited to a smaller group. But, it’s not for anyone prone to motion sickness, likelihood of getting wet or who wants a more relaxing cruise. 

If you’re the more adventurous type, we saw plenty of kayak and Stand-Up Paddle board (SUP) tours that took visitors right up to the caves. My young adults really wanted to do these tours but I’m not very comfortable in an open ocean. 

Our tour started at 10:30 AM and ended after 1PM which was perfect for lunch afterwards. Some of the tour companies recommended doing the morning tours especially for young kids and seniors for calmer seas and best lighting in the caves. Many of the tours had morning, noon or around 3 PM tours. 

You can book our similar Algarve Coastline and Benagil Caves tour and we highly recommend them for a relaxing cruise. 

These boat tours (no matter which option you choose) is really the best way to see Algarve’s famous coastline. We saw some of the most beautiful scenery of golden limestone cliffs that eroded into arches, grottos and distinct rock formations over the years. 

They even named some of the interesting rock formations. This one was called “Yellow Submarine” in honor of the Beatles classic song. 

We also cruised past some secluded coves and hidden beaches. Our tour guide (who spoke four different languages) told us some interesting tidbits about the area, rocks, the beaches and attractions we passed along the way. It was a wonderful overview and we marked which places we really wanted to check out. 

Seeing Benagil Cave

The ultimate destination for most of these cruises is Benagil Cave which is the most popular of the sea caves dotting the coastline. This massive sea cave features a hidden beach inside and a natural skylight carved into the ceiling. Many of the tours get as close as possible to the beach but don’t allow disembarkation. 

For those who want to see the cave up close, you can do so via kayaks or SUPs. But, these have to be on guided tours only and not individually. Swimming to the cave is also no longer allowed nor disembarking at the beach. Honestly, this made for better picture taking with no one at the beach anymore in many photos. 

These coastal tours can also be combined with dolphin spotting tours. Though, it is possible to spot them if you get lucky but seabirds were plentiful to see. Our particular tour also stopped at one area for passengers to swim for a few minutes in the open ocean, Though, our fellow passengers said it was cold. I’m sure this would be a welcome stop if you were doing this cruise in mid-August when it’s hotter and the water is warmer. 

Lunch at the Marina 

Doing this morning tour and returning around 1300/1 PM was the perfect time for lunch at the Albufeira marina. There were plenty of options including many offering traditional Portuguese dishes. We ended up at Tasca Portuguesa for some waterfront dining with reasonable prices. 

Our after lunch escapade was to Praia da Marinha which is usually listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Parking is limited so either come early or be patient. 

There is a  beautiful lookout area before descending the stairs to the beach. The views here were amazing. 

There were no restrooms or restaurant on the beach. Though, it may have still been early in the season. Walk away from the stairway to your right and keep walking to the rock formations. We found this area to have lesser people. Please look around your surroundings and be aware of any potential rocks falling from above. 

Stop in Carvoeiro 

We headed to Carvoeiro which is a scenic seaside town nearby after some time at Praia da Marinha. We adored this small town with its cluster of whitewashed buildings by the beach. Walk along their charming streets to discover tiled buildings, street murals and colorful alleys. 

Look for a pathway up the hill from the beach to get this panoramic shot of the town. There were several lookout points and even benches made of tiles. 

Algar Seco Cliff Walk

The highlights in this area are the Algar Seco rock formations. This limestone headland area is filled with cliffs, caves, grottos, blowholes, pinnacles carved by wind and rain over the years. It offers some of the best views of the Algarve.  

The raised wooden Carvoeiro Boardwalk or Algar Seco Cliffwalk (which is about .3 miles long) makes it very easy to admire the views from all directions. There were also some areas from the footpath where visitors can walk down another set of stairs to see the caves up close. Wear sturdy shoes since the paths can be uneven and rocky. 

Though, the most popular part of Algar Seco is the area around the Boneca Bar and restaurant. There were limited parking spaces here so come early during the day. This restaurant has an enviable spot among the limestone rock formations and beautiful views. 

Boneca Caves

On the left side before heading towards the restaurant, there was a grotto or small blowhole area. There was also a small pathway that looked out into the ocean. We were here during low tide so there weren’t strong waves crashing or anything creating a blowhole effect. 

The most popular trail and to the right of the restaurant is the A Boneco (The Doll). These two openings through the cliffs were unique and looked out into the turquoise ocean. Many call these two openings Boneca’s or Doll’s Cave because the two oval holes look like doll’s eyes from the ocean. 

You can enjoy dinner in Carvoeiro and we saw several restaurants we would have gladly dined at.  Since it was getting dark and my husband doesn’t like driving in the dark in unfamiliar places, we headed back to the hotel and at a nearby restaurant. If you’re staying in Albufeira, do not miss Adega dos Salgados restaurant. This was always crowded and seemed to be a favorite among locals. 

We absolutely loved their food. Don’t miss their Portuguese steak, grilled squids and sardines. Portions were large and the food was delicious. For dessert, try the Dom Rodrigo, which is only found in Algarve. This decadent dessert looked like a cheesecake but made of egg yolks, sugar, ground almonds and cinnamon.

Day 3 – Explore Ferragudo and Portimao

I am a fan of colorful streets and unique attractions and the picturesque towns of Ferragudo and the nearby city of Portimão were the ideal day trips. Just 30–40 minutes from Albufeira, this duo offered a mix of charm, local culture, and beach relaxation. 

Explore Ferragudo

Our day started at the small fishing village of Ferragudo. It’s hard to pass up seeing a castle by the beach. We’ve seen our fair share of European castles and palaces over the years but this beachside stately home was a first for us. 

We parked at the lot by Praia da Angrinha and walked along the beach to the imposing 17th century São João do Arade Castle. It wasn’t very big but still quite impressive sitting on top of a rocky point. This castle was built to help the locals against pirate invasions along the River Arade. A Portuguese millionaire now owns this castle and unfortunately, is not open to the public for tours.

Walk the colorful streets

Ferragudo had some of the most charming and colorful streets. We stopped to explore the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição church on top of the hill. There was also a small lookout point here to enjoy the views of Portimao across the Arade River and  activities on the water. 

Wander the cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses near the church. The main street we found was  Rue Dr. Luiz Antonio Dos Santos. 

Many restaurants and cafes surrounded the village square of Largo Rainha Dona Leonor. There were also several parking areas here. We ended up eating at Pastelaria/SnackBar Quente Quentinho which wasn’t on the square but around the corner. There was a small bakery attached to the restaurant and what drew us in. Look for their seafood lunch specials. 

For a relaxing afternoon, we spent a couple of hours at Praia Grande. There were also several bars and cafes right on the beach and plenty of amenities with calm waters, fine sand and a castle as a backdrop. You can rent two chairs and an umbrella for 20 euros for the whole day. The beach was spacious, family friendly and had plenty of lifeguards.

Visit Portimão

Our day wasn’t over as we crossed the river to visit Portimão. Algarve’s second largest city is known for its marina, shopping, and waterfront promenade. Their old town area was quite charming with plazas and squares like the beautiful Largo 1º de Dezembro  tiled benches with Portugal’s history. We passed by and it was filled with people enjoying the plaza and greenery. 

We ended up briefly at Praça da República which has Portimão’s largest landmark. This was the former church of Igreja do Colegio , a Jesuit college. It is now home to social services, but the church is open to visitors on weekdays.

Unfortunately, we were here on a Sunday and did see all the other activity at the nearby main church. Around the corner was the town’s 16th century parish church Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao. Tiled pedestrianized streets with many stores surrounded the area. 

Museum and Beach Activities

If you have time, visit the Museu de Portimão or Portimão Museum to learn more about the city and the area’s fishing and canning heritage. The former fish-canning factory close to the riverfront houses this museum. As the Algarve’s “Sardine Capital”, there is actually an annual Sardine Festival during the first week of August in Portimão which my husband (the sardine lover) would love to attend one day. 

If you need more beach time head to Praia da Rocha which is Portimão’s most popular beach with the iconic rock formations and a 17th century fort. There are also smaller beaches nearby.   

You can finish your visit to Portimão by walking along the riverside boardwalk and checking out the local shops and restaurants. Stop for a sunset drink at one of the waterfront bars. The marina also has several restaurants with outdoor dining and river views. 

Though, we finished our day by checking out the Aqua Portimão Shopping Centre. My kids happen to love European stores and clothes they can’t find in America so this was a great place to shop and walk around. The mall actually had a decent food court too. 

Day 4: Day trip to Sagres 

We dedicated this day to head to the windswept southwestern tip of Portugal — Sagres. This dramatic location is known for its rugged coastline, surfer culture, and maritime history. The drive from Albufeira took about an hour and much of it was on the A22 (no longer a toll road). Leave early to beat traffic. 

Sagres Fort and Promontory

Our first stop was the Sagres Promontory and Fortress. Located on Portugal’s southwestern tip, the fortress was perched on the windswept cliffs. Panoramic views from here were just beautiful with crashing waves as the land met the Atlantic Ocean. It reminded us a lot of the rugged coast of Ireland and the Cliffs of Moher.     

The fortress was built in the 15th century as a lookout point and military outpost. The high walls on one side and the 16th century archway entrance are what’s left of the original structures. There were a lot of parking spaces outside. Even if you don’t go inside the fort, the coastal panoramic views on the peninsula are worth the stop here. 

Going into the fort cost our family of four about 30 Euros total (with my adult kids getting the youth discounts) as non-EU or non-Portuguese citizens. Inside, we found stunning sea views, an old chapel, a lighthouse, bastion and cannons among other things. This promontory is on the EU’s list of European Heritage sites.

Prince Henry the Navigator commissioned and established his base here as the ideal location on a promontory. He spent a lot of time here along with his staff of shipbuilders, geographers, astronomers, mariners, etc. to help launch expeditions and start the Age of Discoveries that expanded European culture, science and exploration. These ventures helped map parts of the unknown world and discover sea routes to other continents. 

Things to see and do inside the Sagres Fort 

Scenic Walking Trail

My favorite part of the promontory was the about 1km (.6 mile) pathway that took us near the cliff edges and Atlantic Ocean views. There were several signs along the way, displayed in Portuguese, Spanish and English, of the various birds and flowers found in the area. Many of them we have never seen before. 

Since we were here in late Spring, there was an abundance of blossoming and colorful flowers everywhere. The promontory’s unique soil and climate conditions produce some plants only found in Sagres and the Algarve region. This is an excellent spot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. 

Sagres Lighthouse: This lighthouse stood in the middle of the area but wasn’t open for going inside or climbing. There was a pathway to get close to it and I’m not sure if it’s still operational.  

Coves/grottos: These holes on the cliffs, created by waves and erosions, are found around Algarve. But, there was one here too with a walkway to see them from above.

Voice of the Sea (Voz do Mar): This concrete maze was a popular place for little kids and the young at heart. The maze ended up at a small chamber over a cove. We heard the sounds of the wind howling and the waves crashing against the rocks which was pretty cool. 

Rose of the Winds (Rosa dos Ventos): This massive 43-meter (141 feet) diameter compass is carved on the ground at the fort’s entrance. It was discovered and unearthed in 1919 and some believe it was used for navigation training.  

The Chapel of Our Lady of Grace (Nossa Senhora da Graça): This small white chapel replaced the original built by Prince Henry in the 16th century. Inside, you’ll find simple religious artifacts and a quiet, reflective space.

Observation Points & Cannons: Several viewpoints showcase the raw power of the sea below. We also saw some cannons aimed toward the water as a reminder of the site’s defensive past and strategic location. It guarded this critical stretch of coastline and warned of incoming pirates or foreign fleets. 

Tips for Visiting the Sagres Fort and Promontory 

• Come early. This was a popular place for tour buses to stop. Get the parking spot early, avoid the long lines/queues at the ticket counter and the crowds. We saw several buses pull in as we were leaving close to noon. 

• Bring a jacket and a hair tie (for females). It was quite more windy and cooler here than the other parts of Algarve we visited. 

• Wear comfortable walking shoes to walk the paths and some parts of the trail.

• The fort has a nice souvenir shop and clean toilets (for free). There are no vending machines or restaurants inside so bring some snacks and drinks if you plan to spend some time here. 

• Allot at least an hour to walk the trail, enjoy the views and explore some of the structures. We spent over two hours here exploring and enjoyed it. 

Visit Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St. Vincent)

We drove about eight minutes to Cabo de São Vicente. This area is considered mainland Europe’s southwesternmost point. This headland juts out into the Atlantic Ocean with towering cliffs, powerful winds and panoramic views.

Dominating the cape is the Cabo de São Vicente Lighthouse, built on the site of a former Franciscan convent. Originally constructed in 1846, it is still operational. It is one of the most important and powerful lighthouses in Europe. Apparently, its beam can be seen nearly 60 km (37 miles) out to sea.

The lighthouse complex includes a small museum that highlights its history and the maritime importance of the cape, a restaurant, toilets and souvenir shops. Be sure to check if it’s open during your visit since hours are limited. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit on a Monday. 

Along the lighthouse parking lot, there were several stalls and food trucks selling snacks, coffee, and souvenirs. The souvenir stall only accepted cash. The longest line happened to be at a bratwurst food truck. There were some tables and chairs too for dining by the food trucks. 

Walk the Clifftop Trails

There are several short walking paths around the cape offering various views of the coastline and lighthouse. We saw many people walking these trails. Though, be extremely cautious near cliff edges since there are no guardrails and the wind can be strong. We now regret not doing these trails. But, it was lunchtime and my crew was hungry so we passed on it. 

Another thing we passed due to our schedule was the small fortress of Fortaleza de Beliche which was 1.4 km away from the lighthouse. This also looked like a fantastic place to see the panoramic views and a great vantage point of the lighthouse. Look for a rocky staircase that leads visitors down to the water. 

There is a souvenir store/cafe/restaurant right outside the cape called Carme Restaurant and Bar which offered indoor and outdoor seating. We also found a small exhibit here about the area. 

Tips for Visiting Cape St. Vincent

• Many cars were parked along the side of the road before the lighthouse and it looks like there is no parking. But, there is a parking lot as you drive to the end of the road so keep going. 

• Bring a jacket since it was colder and windier here too. 

• Try to come here for the sunset. We’ve read several times that this area offered some of the Algarve’s most spectacular sunsets. 

Ceramics house

We never pass up colorful Instagrammable places and this quaint shop in the town of Rasposeira a few miles from Sagres) called Ceramica Paraiso was a worthy stop. Hundreds of ceramic plates, bowls and platters adorned its exterior walls. This has become an insta-famous store and a social media sensation. 

It was so unique and as a fan of ceramics, I loved looking at many of the plates here. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit on a Monday or I would have brought home a lot of souvenirs. 

You can continue exploring the Sagres area by doing more of the cliffside trails or watch surfers ride the waves at nearby Praia do Tonel or Praia da Mareta. Visitors can also pair this day trip with Lagos after lunch or head for more relaxation at any of the Algarve beaches. 

We decided to head back to Albufeira and enjoy more beach time and hang out at our hotel for the rest of the day. After all, our hotel did have 10 pools to choose from. And can you tell my kids really loved the Algarve beaches? 

Day 5: Trip to Lagos – History Meets Scenery

On our last day, we headed to Lagos where rich history, vibrant culture and natural beauty come together. This is a popular town for visitors to stay especially for those who don’t have cars and want to use public transportation.

Ponta da Piedade

We started our visit at Ponta da Piedade which was just a few miles from central Lagos. A series of jaw-dropping, golden limestone cliffs with many sea arches, caves, grottos and sea stacks carved by the ocean made up this headland.

These natural landscapes were one of the reasons the Algarve has been on our travel wish list for awhile. There was a well-maintained path and boardwalk along the cliffs that offered panoramic views of the coastline and the iconic sea stacks rising from turquoise waters below. Several viewpoints along the way make this a fantastic walk. 

Though, the best way to really see these rock formations up close is through boat, stand-up paddle board (SUP) or kayak tours. There are several tours that leave from the Lagos marina. You’ll find some of these formations have been given names like “the Elephant”, “the Sphinx” or “the Kissing Couple”. 

If we had a bit more time, we would have done one of these tours since this was different area than our previous boat tour. Ponta da Piedade is also one of the best places to watch a sunset in Algarve. 

Sunbathe at Praia do Camilo

We spent most of our afternoon at Praia do Camilo (considered by some as Lagos’ most beautiful beach) which can be reached via a long wooden staircase (200 steps) from the boardwalk. The sheltered beach allowed us to see some of the rock formations up close. It was actually bigger than it looks since it was connected to another beach area through a walkway carved within the rocks. 

There was plenty of room among the golden sand and the waters were warm and calm. Though, there was an abundance of seaweed during our visit. We liked that there was a small restaurant selling food and drinks here. Arrive early if you’re visiting during the summer since it can get crowded and parking is limited. Consider taking public transportation or ride sharing services from Lagos. 

Old Town Lagos 

Our day ended with a visit to the Old Town area of Lagos. We enjoyed wandering through the walled area, filled with cobbled streets, colorful alleys and houses, cafes and boutique shops. We made the mistake of driving a car in the Old Town looking for a more convenient parking and that was stressful. There were plenty of street parking spaces around the promenade and the rates were very reasonable. 

We loved walking along their tiled promenade lined with palm trees by the water before entering the Old Town area. This was such a great area for a stroll and to enjoy watching the activities along the water. This area was lined with several vendors selling souvenirs, purses and cork items. 

There were several charming squares here to hang out or visit from the Infante Dom Henrique Square with the Santa Maria Church to Luís de Camões Square with its instagrammable green tiled building. 

Other things to see in Lagos Old Town and vicinity

• Igreja de Santo António (Church of St Anthony) – This was a small but lavish baroque church decorated with gilded woodwork.
• Mercado de Escravos – The small Slave Market Museum, in the Praça do Infante D. Henrique square, is housed in a historic building once used for slave trading in the 15th century. The first slave market originated in Lagos and this museum traces its history .
• City Walls – Check out the city walls and old gate towers that once protected Lagos from invaders and now surround the historic center. Look for the walls by Avenida dos Descobrimentos and Estrada da Ponta da Piedade by the mini golf course.
• Forte da Ponta da Bandeira – Located at the edge of town near the marina, this 17th-century coastal fort once guarded Lagos’ harbor. It’s now a small museum with exhibits on local maritime history and provides sweeping views over the bay.

Where to Eat in Lagos 

There was no shortage of restaurants around the Old Town area. They all smelled heavenly as we walked past many of them. We ended up at Barbosa which was around the corner from Luís de Camões Square. 

They had a great happy hour and we loved their delicious food. Don’t miss the octopus risotto, whole seabass, sautéed shrimps and oysters. Other customers ordered the flaming chorizo which was quite entertaining to watch being served.  

We ended our day in Lagos by visiting Praia dos Estudantes (Student Beach) to walk off our dinner and enjoy some seaside views. It was very near the town center and also located next to Praia da Batata. The main reason we wanted to come here was to see the unique Roman style bridge on the beach. 

This bridge that connects two limestone rock formations used to be a part of the Pinhao fortress which is no longer around. There was street parking by the Mar Restaurante Bar on top of the cliffs and by the stairway leading down to the beach. This would have been a great place for some sunset drinks. 

Alternatives to your Algarve Itinerary 

We really wish we had more days in Algarve and we will definitely return. I loved it so much that I would seriously consider retiring here. These were a couple of things on our itinerary that we didn’t get around to doing but will do next time. If you have extra time or want to swap a day trip, try heading inland for a different version of Algarve. 

Silves & Inland Algarve

A break from the coast would have been wonderful to the inland town of Silves  which was about 40 minutes from Albufeira. Once the capital of the Algarve during Moorish rule, Silves is full of historic charm.

Start at the red sandstone Silves Castle for panoramic views and a taste of the region’s past. Visit the nearby Gothic cathedral and wander the sleepy streets. Have lunch at a local tasca, and if you have time, stop at a vineyard for a wine tasting. Quinta do Francês and Quinta dos Vales are two popular options nearby.

Rio Formosa National Park 

If you’re looking to experience the Algarve beyond its golden beaches and limestone cliffs, Ria Formosa Natural Park (Parque Natural da Ria Formosa) is a must-visit. Stretching for 60 km along the eastern Algarve coast, this protected lagoon system is a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers and anyone seeking some solitude. We caught a small glimpse of its beauty from above as we descended into Faro airport. 

The park is a complex system of barrier islands, salt marshes, tidal flats, dunes, and canals. Declared as a natural park in 1987, it covers over 18,000 hectares and is home to hundreds of species of birds, marine life, and unique flora and fauna. One can spend days exploring this park. 

Here are some things to do in Ria Formosa

Birdwatching – This is one of the top places to spot a variety of birds, including the rare purple swamphen which is a symbol of the park. The best time are especially during migration season. Bring your binoculars! 

Island-Hopping – There are several boat tours and ferries to explore the barrier islands and deserted beaches that form a natural shield between the sea and the lagoon. Most tours depart from Faro, Olhão, or Tavira and offer options for short cruises or full-day adventures.

Boat & Kayak Tours – Explore the winding canals and inlets of the lagoon on a guided eco-boat or kayak tour. You’ll learn about local wildlife, traditional clam and oyster farming, and the unique salt harvesting techniques of the region.

Walk or Cycle the Trails – Several designated walking and cycling trails allow visitors to explore the salt marshes, forests, and observation points inland from the lagoon. The Quinta do Lago trail is especially scenic and family-friendly.

Tips for Visiting the Algarve

• Rent a car for the most flexibility especially with day trips. We wouldn’t have been able to do many of these attractions or this itinerary by relying on public transportation. We used DiscoverCars.com and it was a very seamless process that allowed us to find the best rates from different companies. The rental car agencies were right outside the Faro airport arrivals. 

• Try to visit during the shoulder season. Many locals told us crowds are so much more and the weather is a lot hotter during the high season of June-September. We were here in mid-May where the crowds were minimal and the weather was perfect (low 70s C and sunny). If you do visit during the summer, pack your patience and plan lots of pool and beach time. 

• Reserve tours in advance, especially for Benagil Cave and guided kayak/SUP tours.

• Learn basic Portguese phrases. English is widely spoken, but locals appreciate a simple “bom dia” (hello) or “obrigado” (thank you).

• Bring layers for breezy evenings or if visiting the windswept areas like Sagres. 

• Use cash for small purchases. Some smaller cafes, souvenir shops and beach bars are cash-only.

• Use sunscreen generously. The Algarve sun is strong even on cooler and cloudy days.

• Beach parking is limited in the summer. Arrive early or use rideshare services like Bolt or Uber to get around. 

Where to Stay in Algarve

We used the Albufeira resort town as our base. There were plenty of hotels, apartments and villas in the area depending on your style and budget. Since my husband is a Marriott loyalist and has a high-tier status, we stayed at the Marriott Residences Salgados Resort. 

The units range from one to three bedrooms which make it ideal for families. We had a two-bedroom/two bathroom with a kitchen, living room, dining room and a large balcony. It is located a mile from the beach and close to the Albufeira town center and marina. You do need a car to make it easier to get around the area.

The hotel had ten pools, beautifully maintained grounds, a playground for kids, outdoor gym and is by the golf course. There were a couple of restaurants on site too. We highly recommend this hotel especially for families. Prices were reasonable during our visit but also discovered that they tripled in August. 

*Check out these other Algarve tours!

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