Algarve Coast Road Trip: Best Beaches & Places to See

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Get ready to hit the road with this itinerary for the best Algarve Coast road trip!

The Algarve region makes up the southernmost corner and rugged coastline of Portugal. Enchanting towns and phenomenal beaches are just a couple of the things you’ll uncover when experiencing an Algarve road trip.

Whether you’re most intrigued by the captivating rock formations with golden coves, the thriving surf scene, or the selection of high-end resorts, the Algarve region is an ideal holiday destination who has “beach life” on their mind.

This guide to an Algarve coast road trip covers the best places to see, eat, and stay during your time on the open road in Portugal.

Algarve Road Trip Essentials

✈️ If you do not plan on visiting Lisbon first, you can fly into Faro on the Algarve Coast directly. There is an international airport located there with major connections to other European cities.

🚘 The Algarve Coast doesn’t require a big (and therefore expensive) vehicle to get around. You can get away with choosing the most inexpensive rental car for your Algarve road trip.

📍Among the most common stops along the Algarve coastline include the towns of Faro, Lagos, Albufeira, Portimão, Olhão, and Tavira. However, not all towns are made equal as some are known for nightlife while others are much more sleepy.

🏖 Algarve is packed with beautiful beaches, so if you want to enjoy the region to its fullest, book a road trip during warm months.

💰 If you plan on renting a car in Lisbon and driving to the Algarve coastline, prepare yourself for the cost of tolls for using the major motorway.

How to Begin Planning an Algarve Road Trip

Driving Your Own Car

If you are driving your own car to and throughout Portugal, getting to the Algarve coast is very straightforward. The only thing you’ll need to be mindful of when driving in Portugal are the substantial toll amounts.

For example, driving from Lisbon to Faro will amount to about €25 in toll fees. If you avoid the A2 motorway and its tolls, the drive to Faro will take 1.5 hours longer, but it’ll be free!

Renting a Car

If you are planning an Algarve coast road trip with a rental car, you have a couple of options with where and when to pick up your rental. Reserving a rental in Lisbon means you’ll have a bigger choice of vehicles and chance of a reservation for your exact dates.

If you go this route, you’ll need to keep in mind the cost of tolls as mentioned above and the cost of gas to get to the Algarve from Lisbon. 

The other alternative is to take a bus from Lisbon to a major town in the Algarve for less than €30 and rent a car in Faro, Albufeira, or Portimao instead. This scenario will allow you to save on tolls plus the cost of gas.

Depending on the season in which you book an Algarve road trip for, the price difference could be enormous, and it’s worth exploring your options.

Once on the Algarve coast, driving without the use of major motorways is very feasible, doesn’t take much longer and is more scenic for a road trip. Avoiding the highways while driving throughout the Algarve means you won’t pay for tolls, which can very easily add up in costs.

Flying to Algarve

Flying directly into Faro, one of the Algarve’s major cities, is possible with its international airport. If you are coming from Lisbon, the 45-minute journey is the most efficient way to get to the Algarve coast.

Aeroporto de Faro also serves many direct flights from other major European cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, and London.

Check here for a full list of airlines that fly into the Algarve. Picking up your rental car at Faro’s airport upon your flight’s arrival is the most convenient solution to kicking off your Algarve road trip itinerary.

How Many Days Are Needed for an Algarve Road Trip?

If you’re interested in seeing multiple locations along the coast, do it over the course of a minimum of a few days. Choosing a handful of highlights to experience anywhere between 3 – 7 days in the Algarve is very doable.

In order to accomplish seeing some of the best beaches and attractions in the Algarve, your itinerary should involve staying overnight in two or three different areas. Fortunately, the Algarve region is relatively small. This helps minimize drive time, but you’ll still want to dedicate the proper amount of time at each site.

For longer stays of over 7 days, consider staying in one major town instead. From there, it’s still convenient to travel to other parts of the Algarve for sightseeing. Luckily, the southern coastline isn’t massive and driving across it can be accomplished in just two hours.

Algarve Road Trip Itinerary on a Map

Algarve Road Trip: What to See, Eat and Where to Stay

Depending on which direction you are coming from, this Algarve road trip itinerary can also be completed in reverse. For the sake of this itinerary, you’ll see the route progresses from west to east.

If you are only spending 3 – 5 days in Algarve, we believe the most time should be focused on the highlights, which include the magical coastline and viewpoints, the delightful towns, and extraordinary beaches.

1. Start in Sagres

Sagres is a smaller town when compared to the other resort establishments in the Algarve region. It’s a fantastic place to stop for breakfast or coffee to begin the day. On the tip of the peninsula, you’ll find the Sagres Fortress. The fortress is also surrounded by one clifftop viewpoint after another. Consider this the first “wow factor” stopping point on your agenda!

2. Visit the Beaches of Praia da Luz

The exquisite beaches located between the town of Sagres and throughout Praia da Luz are worthy of a visit. They’re particularly special because most of them are located off the beaten tourist path.

After spending the morning and early afternoon in the sun, swing by Salema or Burgau. Both towns have a handful of fantastic waterfront lunch options. Miam Burgau is a lovely restaurant with outdoor seating and sea views.

You’ll continue along the coastline towards Lagos where it’s recommended to stay for a couple of nights during your Algarve road trip itinerary.

🛌 Where to Stay in Lagos

Boutique Taghostel – Best Lagos Hostel Stay

Lagos Avenida Hotel – Best Lagos Luxury Stay

Villa Mar Azul – Best Lagos Apartment Stay

3. Check Out Lagos Beaches

It’s time to explore the best beaches in Lagos! We’ve been told by a local that the best beaches in Lagos are near Ponta da Piedade. Praia dos Pinheiros, Praia do Camilo, and Praia da Balança are all absolute gems. They each require a light hike to reach but are flat and short.

4. Stroll Through Old Town Lagos

As the evening approaches, begin your stroll through the old town of Lagos. Some notable sites to visit include Castle of Lagos and Lagos Mercado Municipal de Lagos, the local marketplace for fresh seafood and produce. Finding a place for dinner is easiest in this area of the old town.

There are countless restaurants and bars that line the narrow, pretty streets. If you don’t feel like Portuguese cuisine, check out Momo Express for excellent Nepalese food. For a more traditional seaside dinner, head to Casinha do Petisco.

If you are not opposed to traveling, there is a magnificent alternative dinner option located 10 minutes from Lagos. The name of the restaurant is Chico Zé, and it’s one of the most famous establishments in the entire Algarve region.

5. Hike in Portimão

After departing Lagos, you’ll head on towards Portimão. Start the day off right with a bit of movement and take an easy walk along the Algarve cliffs. There is a convenient parking lot here which gives you access to multiple hiking paths.

A short walk later and you’ll arrive at gorgeous beaches and stunning views. Some of the best sites include Algar das Baratas, Praia João de Arens and Beach Alemão.

6. Caves, Cats and Places to Eat

For lunch, head to the center of Portimão and stop at either Carvi or Casa da Tocha for an unforgettable meal. The city has a great walkway for a brief stroll which starts here and runs along the port and to the marina where you can admire yachts and old fishing boats.

You’ll want to get back on the road after seeing Portimão as some of Algarve’s best places to visit are just around the corner.

Between Portimão and the town of Armação de Pêra, you’ll find a never-ending supply of iconic Algarve beaches, coves, and caves. The most prominent attraction in this area is the Benagil cave, which can be viewed from up top or below. Near here, you will also be close to the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a scenic and picturesque walking path which leads to the incredible Arco Natural.

An excellent alternative to unpaved walkways is the wooden Carvoeiro Boardwalk located next to Praia de Carvoeiro.

Continue driving along the coast towards Albufeira with a possible stop in the modest town of Armação de Pêra for some dessert at N’ICE CREAM BEACH.

Upon arriving in Albufeira, consider spending a night or two in this location and make sure to stop at this observation deck for an incredible view. The surrounding park is also home to a unique cat haven, perfect for animal lovers.

Just down the road, you can also access the Elevador do Peneco, another seaview platform.

🛌 Where to Stay in Albufeira

Boas-Vindas – Best Albufeira Hostel Stay

W Algarve – Best Albufeira Luxury Stay

Moradias Villas Rufino – Best Albufeira Apartment Stay

7. Sunsets and Late Nights

Catch the sunset at Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira before walking through Albufeira to eat dinner. O Catraio and Prazeres are two of the best-rated yet well-priced restaurants for local cuisine in Albufeira. After dinner, and if you’re up for it, step out to Rua dos Bares for a vibrant evening. This corner of Albufeira has no shortage of bars, clubs, and late-night snacks.

8. See Algarve’s Most Famous Beach

The last leg of your Algarve road trip itinerary will lead you to the end of the coastline. From Albufeira, you’ll begin driving back along the coastline with a possible stop at arguably the most famous beach in Algarve, Praia da Falésia.

This golden beach is most renowned for being miles long with cliffs perched above. After reaching Quarteira for a satisfying lunch at Piri Piri, you’ll need to head back inland in order to arrive in the Faro district. Faro has the most unique landscape in all of the Algarve which can make it quite entertaining to navigate by car.

9. Tour the Natural Park Near Faro

After already seeing a handful of other towns in Algarve, skip the center of Faro town in exchange for exploring a unique coastline instead. Faro’s many sandbars are part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. The small barrier islands make up a majority of Faro’s shore and there are only a number of areas you can access them by driving.

One option is to drive across Ponte Praia de Faro and leaving your car on Praia de Faro in order to walk around. If you’re interested in reaching the more secluded sandbars, look into boat tours which depart from Faro Marina, the main marina in Faro.

Some entirely undisturbed and wondrous stretches of sand you’ll want to visit by boat include Barrinha Beach, Praia da Armona and Praia da Culatra.

10. Fall in Love With Charming Coastal Towns

Make a stop in the cute fishing town of Santa Luzia for a snack or early dinner at Capelo which overlooks the unassumingly delightful marina. We recommend spending the last nights of your Algarve road trip in Tavira, a town set just behind the seashore with Gilão River running through it.

An easy stroll through the town is a good way to build your appetite back up as you view a couple of attractions. A couple of sites worth visiting before dinner time include Castelo de Tavira and Ponte antiga de Tavira.

One of the best restaurants in Tavira for dinner includes Ti Maria Tapas & Garrafeira, an adorable eatery serving small plates and fine wines. For a lovely evening seated directly in the charming streets of Tavira, check out O Tonel.

🛌 Where to Stay in Tavira

Formosa Guest House – Best Tavira Guest House Stay

Quinta de Santa Margarida – Best Tavira Luxury Stay

Quinta do Caracol – Best Tavira Apartment Stay

Things to Know Before Visiting Algarve

Driving

Driving is fairly easy throughout the Algarve region, as it is throughout the rest of Portugal. If you plan on visiting many beaches, keep in mind that some (usually the best ones) are accessible by unpaved roads.

If you drive slowly, they can be reached by almost any car. A majority of parking lots will also be free, and it’s out of the ordinary to pay for parking when going to the beach.

The Type of Crowd

The Algarve coast attracts a variety of visitors with certain travel styles. It’s good to know which towns are meant for partying and which are more relaxed. For example, if you are not looking to stay up all night, it would be inconvenient to stay in an area that’s known for nightlife.

Albufeira in particular is a resort town and one of the most lively cities on the coastline. The town even has a large street lined with clubs and bars known as the “strip.”

On the other side of the scale, the small town of Santa Luzia is quaint and much calmer. The most frequently visited towns on the Algarve coast consist of Faro, Lagos, Albufeira, Portimão, Olhão and Tavira.

Visiting Beaches

You’ll quickly pick up that “praia” means “beach,” so keep an eye out for this word on signs throughout the Algarve coast when looking for places to go swimming. The beaches in the region are very unique, with their rugged, tall cliffs hugging the most perfect, golden inlets.

A majority of the beaches in the Algarve region are sandy and require a short walk from the top of the cliff in order to reach the water.

Checking out multiple beaches is an absolute must on any Algarve road trip itinerary.

When to Plan an Algarve Road Trip

With 12 hours of sunlight, it’s clear why the Algarve is ultra-popular in the summertime. The weather peaks with average high temperatures of 28°C / 82°F during the months of July and August. Temperatures may even rise above 30°C / 86°F. For sitting on the beach and cooling off in the ocean, this type of weather is perfect.

Unfortunately, what’s not ideal about the summer are the crowds. Interestingly enough, the amount of tourism is so huge that many locals are able to earn their entire year’s worth of wages during just these few months.

To still enjoy the beautiful beaches in the Algarve a bit more comfortably, plan your road trip for the months of June or September instead. Temperatures will be around 23°C / 73 °F and still pleasant enough for hitting the beaches.

Although slightly chillier, it’s feasible to visit beaches as early as April and May. Visiting during these low-season months will work in your favor when it comes to not sharing the beach and not overpaying for accommodation. Hotels and Airbnbs will typically cost anywhere from 10-20% more during peak season.

How Far is The Algarve Coast from Lisbon?

The distance from Lisbon will depend on where you are traveling to in the Algarve region. Here are the most common journeys to keep in mind as options when planning an Algarve road trip from Lisbon:

Lisbon to Albufeira

• By car and using the tolled motorway, the drive takes 2.5 hours with a distance of 256 km (160 mi).

Lisbon to Tavira

• Driving on the tolled motorway, reaching the east side of the Algarve takes just under 3 hours and a distance of 302 km (188 mi).

Lisbon to Faro

• Driving on the tolled motorway takes under 3 hours with a distance of 277 km (172 mi).

Lisbon to Lagos

• Driving on the tolled motorway takes 3 hours with a distance of 301 km (187 mi).

Algarve Coast Road Trip Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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