The Algarve region in Portugal is one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal escapes. Think dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, charming old towns, and plenty of sunshine. We spent 5 amazing days exploring this slice of paradise and packed in everything from boat tours to beach lounging and pastel de nata tasting.
Here’s our complete itinerary to help you plan your own Algarve getaway!
✈️ When Did We Visit?
We visited in mid June, just before the summer peak season kicks in. The weather was perfect — sunny, warm, and breezy. The crowds were still light, which meant we got to enjoy the beaches and sights without too much hustle. Highly recommend this time of year if you’re looking for that sweet spot.
🛬 Where to Fly Into?
The closest airport to the Algarve is Faro International Airport (FAO). It’s well-connected to most major European cities and just a short drive from some of the region’s top destinations.
From Faro, you can either rent a car (super handy for exploring smaller towns) or take a train or bus to other parts of the Algarve.
🚗 Where did we rent a car from?
We decided to rent a car and picked it up directly from Car Park 4 at Faro Airport. Rather than choosing one of the big-name rental companies, we booked through a local provider called Yes Car Hire, which had excellent reviews and they didn’t disappoint. The whole process was smooth and hassle-free.
We chose a compact Citroën C3 Automatic, perfect for zipping around the Algarve. The total cost was €420 for 5 days, and that price included full insurance.
Day 1 – Explore Faro
Faro is often overlooked, but it’s definitely worth spending a day here before heading west to Lagos. It has a charming old town, peaceful streets, and a laid-back vibe that makes for a great intro to the Algarve.
Accommodation: we stayed in a comfortable Airnbnb right in the old town, see here.
Commuting: Faro is a compact, walkable town and we went walking to most places of interest.
Things to do in Faro:
- Stroll through the Arco da Vila and into the tiled streets of the Old Town
- Visit the Faro Cathedral and climb the tower for city and sea views
- Stop by the Bone Chapel (Capela dos Ossos) – fascinating but a little spooky
- If time permits, take a boat tour to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a beautiful coastal lagoon
- Enjoy food and drinks at local restaurants or cafes. We didn’t find a lot of variety when it comes to Vegetarian local food in Faro but here are a couple of suggestions we really liked:
- For delicious Gelato (and Affogato) in Faro, try Gula Food Lab gelateria
- For Polish dumplings called Pierogi and delicious Pasta, visit My’o Meu restaurant
Day 2–5 – Base Yourself in Lagos
Lagos quickly became one of our favourite spots in Portugal. It’s lively but not overwhelming, packed with natural beauty, delicious food, and loads to do.
Accommodation: we stayed in the Marina Club Lagos Resort with a great view from the balcony and several amenities such as swimming pools, gym, spa and a bar. Several restaurants and cafes were within walking distance. The location was very convenient for catching the boat tours and it was a walkable distance to the old town as well.
The stay was especially comfortable as we had booked a suite which had a living room with sofa beds, a separate bedroom and a well-equipped kitchen which was very useful for preparing light meals and snacks.
Commuting: A lot of our commute was on foot especially in town and to the marina and back. However, to get to certain locations such as the beach and the boardwalk, we drove down in the rental car.
Things to do in Lagos:
🚤 Boat Tour to the Grottos at Ponta da Piedade
Hop on a small boat that takes you through the sea caves and dramatic rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a signature Algarve experience. We went with Seafaris.
🐬 Dolphin Watching Boat Tour
An exciting speedboat ride into the open sea to spot wild dolphins. We saw a whole pod of bottlenose dolphins swimming at close quarters. Again, we went with Seafaris.
🌊 Walk the Boardwalk at Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse
This scenic wooden boardwalk follows the cliffs and offers jaw-dropping views of the coastline. It’s especially beautiful during golden hour.
🧺 Explore Lagos Old Town
Colorful buildings, beautiful titled lanes, and nice cafes and restaurants. It’s perfect for a leisurely wander, especially in the evening or even early morning.
🛍️ Shop Local
Lagos has wonderful artisan shops where you can pick up ceramic graters, hand-stitched leather sandals, and breezy clothes made from linen and cotton. Great for souvenirs or just treating yourself.
🥧 Try a Pastel de Nata
This creamy Portuguese custard tart is a must. They’re best served warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon and pair beautifully with an espresso. We tried them at Padaria Central.
Other than that, there are many nice cafes and restaurants in Lagos. We didn’t find a lot of variety when it comes to Vegetarian local food in Lagos but here are a few suggestions we enjoyed across different cuisines:
- Beats & Burritos for Mexican food
- Eat Thai for Thai food (ask for Vegetarian options as they’re not all mentioned in the menu)
- Barbosa Bar & Kitchen for tapas and drinks
- Black and White for breakfast / brunch
🏖️ Relax at one or more beaches
Lagos is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Portugal, with dramatic cliffs, golden sand, and crystal-clear waters. Here are a few that we had shortlisted:
- 🌅 Praia Dona Ana: Framed by towering cliffs, this beach was our favorite for its breathtaking setting and calm waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- 🪨 Praia do Camilo: Known for its wooden staircase leading down to a small cove, this beach is postcard-worthy. Go early to grab a spot, as it’s small but incredibly scenic.
- 🌊 Meia Praia: One of the longest beaches in the Algarve, Meia Praia offers wide stretches of sand and fewer cliffs, making it ideal for long walks, beach games, and windsurfing.
- 🏝️ Praia dos Estudantes: A hidden gem tucked between cliffs with a stone bridge and sea arch that add a magical touch. It’s smaller and quieter — perfect for a peaceful beach break.
- 🧭 Praia do Pinhão: A lesser-known, quieter beach accessible by stairs from the cliffs. Great for relaxing away from the crowds with beautiful rock formations.
🚗 Day Trips from Lagos – More Towns to Explore
If you have a car (or don’t mind joining a tour), consider these day trips from Lagos. Each offers a different side of the Algarve beyond the beaches.
📍Sagres – About 35 minutes west
- Visit Cabo de São Vicente, the dramatic southwestern tip of Europe
- Explore the historic Fortaleza de Sagres overlooking the cliffs
- Ideal for sunset views, ocean winds, and laid-back surfer vibes
📍Silves – Around 40 minutes northeast
- Discover the Silves Castle, perched above the town with panoramic views
- Wander through orange tree-lined streets and visit the Gothic Silves Cathedral
- Perfect for history lovers and a more relaxed inland atmosphere
📍Portimão & Ferragudo – Around 30–40 minutes east
- Enjoy Portimão’s riverside promenade, marina, and seafood restaurants
- Cross the river to Ferragudo, a postcard-perfect fishing village with narrow alleys and a peaceful beach
📍Albufeira – Around 45 minutes east
- Known for its lively Old Town and vibrant nightlife
- Relax on beautiful beaches like Praia dos Pescadores
- Great for a mix of shopping, dining, and beach time
🛍 Shop the Itinerary. Some of our most practical and favourite items we used on this trip:
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Hopefully this post gives you a starting point when planning your own trip. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments or reach out to us on Instagram – and we’ll try our best to answer them. Happy travels folks!
