7 Days in the Algarve - One Week Algarve Itinerary
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Most people seem to come to the Algarve just thinking of sunny weather and golden, sandy beaches. And don’t get me wrong, we have those things in abundance. But there’s so much more to the Algarve than just our beaches and it’s a real shame that people don’t get to discover it.
Away from the coast, visitors are always surprised by the charming villages in the countryside, the magnificent mountains in the north, and the really interesting history and culture, dating back to prehistoric times, found everywhere.
Although you can visit the whole of the Algarve in 7-day trip, you’ll only get to see the biggest towns and cities and the most over-crowded beaches. You’d leave out the most authentic places, which I think are the best. For that reason, I’ve prepared this 7-day itinerary to focus only on the Western Algarve, providing you with a mix of must-visit towns, great beaches, lovely countryside, and hidden gems.
While you could do the itinerary using public transport, you’d lose a lot of time and it wouldn’t be ideal. To make this and any other Algarve itinerary work as well as possible, I really recommend that you rent a car.
More Portugal travel info:
For more info on travel in the Algarve, check out our Algarve regional guide and our list of 5 hidden gem Algarve towns.
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Table of Contents
One week Algarve itinerary
Day 1 - Ferragudo and Benagil Cave
Day 2 - Portimão and Praia da Rocha
Day 3 - Lagos and Ponta da Piedade
Day 4 - Sagres and Cape St. Vincent
Day 5 - Costa Vicentina Natural Park
Day 6 - Monchique village and mountains
Day 7 - Silves
Best time to visit
How long to spend
How to get to the Algarve
Transportation and getting around in the Algarve
One week in the Western Algarve
For this one week Algarve itinerary, I focused on the Western part of the region so that you can explore the area in-depth and won’t lose time driving back and forth.
The itinerary will take you along the south coastline, into the Costa Vicentina Natural park, then off to Monchique in the mountains before finishing up in the historic city of Silves.
For your base, I’ve assumed that you’ll stay all 6 nights in the town of Portimão. None of the locations on this itinerary are ever more than 1 hour away by car, so this way you can still see much of the Algarve without needing to repeatedly pack and unpack your bags. Plus, Portimão is a really pleasant town so it’s a nice place to return to each night.
I’ve tried to have each day include sightseeing and exploring in the morning with usually some sort of a beach or outdoor activity in the afternoon so you can kick back and relax. Sometimes the order is the opposite (i.e. beach then sightseeing). I’ve included my favorite places to eat and get a drink in each town/city/beach too.
I’m a local, so this list includes lots of of my personal favorite places to visit, many of which will be less crowded than more obvious locations. I hope you enjoy them!
Where to stay in Portimão
Given that you’ll be spending almost a week in one place, you want to pick your accommodation wisely. You can choose to stay right in town or in somewhere along the coast. Here are some of my favorite hotels in and around Portimão:
Bela Vista Hotel & Spa -Set in an early-20th-century estate, this was the first hotel in Portimão. It has three distinct buildings that have rooms for guests: the Palace, the Blue House, and the Garden House. Inside the Palace, each room has it’s own unique decor, styled to represent the character of the building.
For a perfect luxury experience, book a massage at the hotel’s spa, the only L’Occitane Spa in the Algarve, and enjoy dinner at their Michelin-starred Vista restaurant. Accommodation rates start at 450€ per night during the high season.
Hotel da Rocha - Located on the busy Avenida Tomás Cabreira in Praia da Rocha, this is a beachfront hotel with spacious suites and stunning ocean views. The location is fantastic, and the rates very reasonable. Within five minutes walking distance you'll find several restaurants and bars. The beach is just outside your door.
Accommodation rates range from 100€ to 200€ per night for a standard double suite.
NH Marina Portimão Resort - Located in Marina de Portimão, the colorful buildings of NH Marina Portimão Resort stand out even from afar. This hotel is perfect for travelers who want all the facilities and the beach within walking distance. Enjoy an afternoon by the pool or sit and admire the views of Ferragudo across the Arade River.
Rates here vary significantly depending on the season, with summer prices between 150 and 300€ and winter prices as low as 70€.
How to get around
For this itinerary, you absolutely need to have a car. Public transport in the Algarve is ok, but it’s limited to buses which do not always pass terribly frequently. Also, most travelers here want to get out to the region’s great beaches and natural places, and you can’t realistically do that in a limited time frame without a car.
Roads in the Algarve are excellent, traffic is pretty minimal, and you’ll usually even have parking at most beaches, parks, and towns you want to visit. It’s a pretty stress-free experience.
Where to book a rental car
If you’re flying into the Algarve or taking a train, bus, or transfer from Porto or Lisbon, then your best bet for picking up a rental car is always in Faro, where the international airport and train station are. You will also find some limited selection of cars available in places like Portimão or Albufeira, but Faro has by far the most rental agencies and usually the best prices.
To check prices and book, I recommend using the following two car rental websites:
DiscoverCars includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. You can often find great deals.
RentalCars is very similar, although they tend to list mostly larger companies. It’s now owned by Booking.com, so is backed by a familiar and reputable brand. Their prices are good too.
Day 1: Ferragudo and the Benagil Cave
Welcome to Ferragudo, my hometown! This stunning 500-year-old fishing village marvels to anyone who visits. Locals nicknamed it “Algarve’s Venice” since the Arade River waters would flood the village now and then. Not too long ago, some people would use their fishing boats to get across the water. Nowadays, you can simply cross a bridge.
Ferragudo is also known for its coastline. And since you’re here, you must go on a tour of the world-famous Benagil Cave.
The charming fishing town of Ferragudo. Photo: Joseolgon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Common
Morning
Start the day with a two-hour boat tour to explore Ferragudo’s coastline and get into Benagil Cave. An experienced local skipper will show you well-known beaches and others you can only access them by boat. Your destination will be the renowned dome-shaped cave.
While visiting Benagil Cave, there are a few things you must know:
Entering the cave depends on the sea conditions. The most reputable boat companies will cancel any trips over safety concerns;
Never swim into the cave! Even if you’re an experienced swimmer, ocean currents can pull you closer to the cliffs and leave you in a dangerous situation.
Also, there’s too much boat traffic in and out of the cave, and you could easily get injured;
Lower your expectations! Online you find pictures of this stunning empty cave, but the reality is much different. You’ll find so many visitors, it’ll be hard to take pictures without anyone in it.
Once you return to Ferragudo, it’ll be lunchtime. Enjoy the river view with fresh grilled fish and a nice bottle of white wine at “O Sueste”, one of my favorite restaurants in the village.
Afternoon
Wandering up the narrow cobbled streets will take you to Ferragudo’s church, built on the cliff top to bless fishermen going into the sea. From up there, you can see Praia da Rocha and Portimão, the Arade River, and the Monchique mountains in the distance.
You’ll also see São João do Arade Fortress, a medieval fortification. Since it’s private property, no one is allowed inside. Nevertheless, its beauty makes the best photos.
Finish the afternoon relaxing at the beach. If you’re traveling with small children, I recommend staying at Praia Grande. The shallow waters are safe, there’s a playground and a few restaurants close by.
Otherwise, head to Praia dos Caneiros. This beach is cornered by tall cliffs and has weak cellphone reception. For me, it’s the best place to disconnect and relax!
Evening
Enjoy the sunset over a cocktail at “Rei das Praias”. This restaurant in Praia dos Caneiros offers a striking ocean view and exquisite local cuisine. Try the seafood “cataplana”. It is to die for!
Day 2: Portimão & Praia da Rocha
Portimão is the largest city in the Western Algarve. Although it has now become a tourist hotspot, up until a few decades ago it was primarily known for its canned fish industries.
A few kilometers away, there’s Praia da Rocha beach which is a favorite for travelers due to its calm waters and great nightlife.
Morning
Start today with a visit to Portimao’s main museum. The museum is housed in an old fish canning factory which was converted in 2008.
Inside, you’ll find ancient artifacts from megalithic monuments and medieval boat cannons retrieved from a nearby river bed. There’s also a dedicated area showing how canned fish was made.
After learning about the city’s history, walk along the riverside into the city center. You’ll find outdoor cafes, gardens & parks, and the city theater. Walk a bit further along “Rua Direita”, a busy cobbled street lined with local shops.
If you’re looking for traditional Algarvian sweets, you must go to “Casa da Isabel”. Inside this traditional pastry shop, your biggest challenge will be deciding which sweets to try (I know - I’ve “struggled” here many times). If you’re not sure what to go for, try the “Dom Rodrigo” or the “Doce Fino”. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
For lunch, go to “Ú Venâncio”. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in town and their sardines are exquisite.
A quick heads up about fish: the best sardines are available in the summer. For the freshest, have them at lunch time between Tuesday and Saturday. This is when fishing boats return from overnight outings and therefore when you’ll find the freshest fish. This advice also works for other fish, any time of the year.
Afternoon
Head down to Praia da Rocha to enjoy the low tide with a nice walk from the marina to Torralta Beach in the town of Alvor, about 5 kilometers away. It’s a lovely walk and all along the way, you’ll find small beaches surrounded by sandstone cliffs.
You’ll walk past Praia do Vau and Praia do Alemão, as well as a stunning cliff formation called João D’Arens. After the cliff formation you can continue along a trail that runs through the cliffs and takes you to Alvor’s beaches.
For the walk, remember to wear hiking shoes or tennis shoes with good traction. Although most of it is on paved roads or sidewalks, in João D’Arens there are some steep dirt pathways where it’s dangerous to walk on flip-flops or casual shoes.
To get back to Praia da Rocha you can either retrace the route or hail an inexpensive taxi or uber as well as take a local city bus.
Evening
In the evening, enjoy the sunset back at Praia da Rocha at Restaurant F, my favorite spot in town. The idea here is high end cuisine with traditional local ingredients. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend what you should order as the menu changes every season, using only the freshest produce.
After dinner, grab a drink at No Solo Água. This lounge bar/nightclub has a great drink selection, good music, and a pleasant ambiance for a relaxing night out.
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Day 3: Lagos and Ponta da Piedade
Lagos is a historical city, deeply connected to the 15th century Portuguese Discoveries. In its city center, you’ll find traditional Portuguese architecture, medieval buildings, and countless bars and restaurants.
Within walking distance, you can explore the breathtaking views of Lagos’ Bay and the Ponta da Piedade cliff formations.
Morning
Start your day wandering through Lagos’ Old Town. The local market is a good starting point. There, you can find fresh local fish, fruit, vegetables, and local delicacies such as gourmet canned sardines, honey, and homemade jams.
Follow the Rua da Porta de Portugal street into the city center. The cobbled streets are lined with renovated century-old houses, historical buildings, and loads of local shops and restaurants.
If you’re into history and architecture, you must visit the Igreja de Santo António and its gilded wood altar. Also check out the city’s museum and and the remains of Lagos’ medieval city walls. You’ll be surprised to learn how rich the history here is.
Enjoy lunch at “O Escondidinho” restaurant. It’s my favorite restaurant in Lagos and they offer an all-you-can-eat menu of the super fresh grilled fish.
Afternoon
Time for some adventure! To explore Lagos’ coastline, join a kayak tour to the Ponta da Piedade cliffs. This impressive rock formation forms an astonishing seascape of rugged cliffs, sea caves, and hidden beaches.
On the kayaking tour your guide will show you unique caves that you can only access from the water, and with a small craft like a kayak. And once at Ponta da Piedade, you’ll see how perfect nature is. On the way back, you always have a short break to take a swim at one of the hidden beaches.
Although kayak tour companies provide a waterproof bag, remember to take only what’s essential. You’re going to get wet and inevitably so will anything you bring with you, no matter how well you try to protect it.
Once you’re back, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the beaches of Praia do Camilo or Praia Dona Ana.
Evening
Enjoy a pre-dinner drink at “The Garden” which has a lovely rooftop. I’d also recommend having an unforgettable dinner. Once you finish eating, you’ll see how the city comes alive in the evening with all sorts of bars and clubs.
Some of the most sought-after spots for a little party are “Bon Vivant” and “Sky Bar Lagos”, both of which are perfect for chilling and a night out with friends.
Day 4: Sagres and Cape St. Vincent
Sagres is a small village of historical importance. In fact, here you can find one of the most visited landmarks in the country. The beaches are also fantastic, with excellent waves. Nowadays, both history enthusiasts and surfers jostle for space in town!
Right nearby you also have Cape St. Vincent, the most southwestern point in Europe. Before the Portuguese Discoveries, sailors nicknamed it “the end of the world”. Until then, and as far as they knew, nothing else existed beyond this stretch of land.
Cabo de São Vicente and its lighthouse. Matthias Süßen , CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning
Once you arrive to Sagres start off with a visit to the town’s fort, Fortaleza de Sagres. This military structure and monument was built to protect Sagres and to mark the spot from where the caravels departed for their explorations in the 15th century.
In the fort make sure to visit the chapel, the cistern/well, the old warehouse and stables, and also see the cannon batteries. And, of course, take time to enjoy the astounding view.
After exploring the fort, make your way to Cape St. Vincent lighthouse. Originally built in 1515 as a convent, it was converted to a lighthouse in the 19th century and has been continually refurbished over the years. Today, you can visit the lighthouse, learn how it works, and check out the on-site museum.
For lunch, feast on local seafood and fish at “A Sereia” restaurant. Here you get terrific quality at really affordable prices.
Afternoon
Recharge in the afternoon with some relax time at the beach. If it were me, I’d head to Praia do Martinhal and Praia da Mareta. Although it gets windy in Sagres, these beaches are protected from the sea winds.
Evening
Enjoy generous portions of traditional Portuguese food at “Retiro do Pescador”, where the food is always homemade with the best ingredients. Once finished, enjoy a drink at “Pau de Pita”.
Day 5: Costa Vicentina Natural Park
The Costa Vicentina Natural Park is a protected area covering over 800 kilometers of coastline with fabulous beaches and countless hiking trails. As you can imagine, it would be impossible to visit the entire park in just one day.
To help you plan, I’ve recommended my favorite places that I think you should focus on.
Praia da Bordeira. Photo: Paulo Valdivieso, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning
Get in the car and head to the town of Carrapateira, a tiny village known for its delicious seafood and staggering seascapes. Surfers worldwide come here for some of the best surfing conditions in Portugal.
Hiking is the perfect way to visit the park’s most beautiful beaches and enjoy the dramatic landscapes up close. So that’s what I have in store for you!
My suggestion is that you do the Pontal da Carrapateira Trail. It’s a 10-kilometer circular route that starts in the village center. On the hike, you’ll discover Praia da Bordeira, Pontal da Carrapateira, and Praia do Amado. During inland parts of the walk, you’ll meander along gentle hills and through lovely valleys. With so many landscape photography opportunities, remember to carry your camera.
Know before going that there’s barely any shade along the trail. So, regardless of the season, always wear a hat and sunscreen.
When you finish the hike, as reward for your hard work you should have a meal of “Perceves” (goose-barnacles in English), a local delicacy, at the restaurant “O Cabrita”. I’ve been visiting this family restaurant since I was a little girl and I have yet to be disappointed!
Afternoon
In the afternoon, it’s off to the town of Arrifana. This is a tiny fishing village that becomes packed with beachgoers and surfers over the summer.
Here, go for a swim at Arrifana Beach or join a surf lesson. If you choose the latter, you have ample choice among surf schools, so just look for one with good reviews, a decent price point, and that is geared towards your level. If you’re an experienced surfer, you can skip the lesson and just rent any equipment you need.
Finish the day at the Arrifana Fortress ruins for an absolutely most mind-blowing sunset. Right beside it there’s the restaurant “O Paulo”, perfect for grilled fish, seafood rice, or a “cataplana”.
Evening
The beachfront town of Aljezur a few kilometers away should be your last stop of the day. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and sweeping views at the restaurant “Pont’a Pé” and have a drink or two.
Could life get any better?!
Day 6: Monchique
While traveling through the Western Algarve, at some point you’re sure to notice the mountains off in the distance.
Now, you’re finally headed to them. Welcome to Monchique!
This mountain range holds a unique microclimate, century-old forests, and the most authentic village in the region (with the same name). Its traditional food and drink are something out of this world.
Morning
The little village of Monchique is our first destination of the day.
The best way to explore the town is on foot. Start on Largo dos Chorões street and walk up to the Igreja Matriz church. This church is usually open to visitors (and free!). There are two other churches worth a quick looks - Igreja da Misericórdia and Igreja do Senhor dos Passos.
The old town is full of traditional Portuguese houses, restaurants, and local shops. There’s also a sort of ancient fountain called “Fonte Velha” which is where townspeople would get potable water before in-house plumbing became the norm.
From pretty anywhere in town, if you look up you’ll see the Convent, a landmark surrounded by a forest of cork trees. Unfortunately, the building is closed due to safety concerns. The municipality is now looking for private investors interested in restoring this beautiful old building. If you’ve got a few million bucks you’re looking to burn…
Enjoy lunch at “O Luar da Fóia”, a local restaurant with the best view in town. Try the “Secretos de Porco com Migas” which is my go-to meal anytime I’m there. I’m sure you’ll like it too! Finish your lunch with the traditional Medronho Firewater. It’s a special treat!
Afternoon
In the early afternoon, leave Monchique village behind and make your way to Mount Fóia.
At 902 meters of altitude, this is the highest point in the Algarve and anywhere south of Lisbon. The views are fabulous! On a clear and sunny day, you can see the coastline between Albufeira and Cape St. Vincent, and all the way up the western coast of southern Portugal to Arrábida, over 200 kilometers away.
Depending on how active you want to be, you can drive there (about 15 minutes away) or go on a number of different hikes, all of varying degrees of difficulty. However you get there, make sure that you leave ample time to enjoy the incredible views.
Afterwards, wind down the day in true leisure back near to town at the Caldas de Monchique, the most well-known thermal baths in the Algarve. Book yourself a half-day spa experience and enjoy the restorative properties of the springs’ alkaline waters.
Evening
For dinner go to the restaurant “O Castelo” right in the center of Monchique. They serve humble, homemade dishes that are the equivalent of Portuguese soul food. Try the local “Chouriça” and “Presunto”, followed by “Cozido à Monchique”, a good local stew.
Day 7: Silves
I know… your adventure through Western Algarve has come to an end! While sad, Silves is the perfect place from which to say farewell!
This historical city was home to Romans and later the Moors, eventually becoming the capital of the Algarve region after its reconquest by the Catholic Portuguese. The town preserves remnants of this illustrious, and contentious, history in ruins all around.
Morning
As in most towns and cities in Portugal, walking is the best option to explore Silves. Start the day at Al’Mutamid Square, located adjacent to the river. Look across the water and you’ll see a Roman bridge on the other side. Until a few years ago, cars could pass over it, but the city council finally decided to preserve the monument by making it pedestrian-only.
From the square walk towards the city center, passing by the municipal library. Be sure to stop and go inside! In the basement there are ancient Roman ruins from the construction of the original city walls.
Back outside, continue walking along the river, and you’ll find the farmer’s market. It’s the perfect place to try some local fruits and nuts like almonds and carob. Silves oranges are prize-winning, so be sure to try some too!
For lunch, get a table at “Marisqueira Rui”. Although Silves is inland, this seafood restaurant is still one of the best around.
Afternoon
After lunch, there’s still much to explore. At the city museum, you can see artifacts from different periods of our history, all found within the city or castle. While these are interesting, the main attraction of the museum is a 12th-century Islamic cistern/well, which was only discovered during the museum's construction. It’s a one-of-a-kind artifact.
Next stop is Portas de Silves, the city’s original main gate. Walking along the cobbled street that passes through the gate and you’ll arrive at Sé Cathedral which was built on top of an Islamic Mosque.
From the cathedral keep heading uphill until you arrive at the Silves’ Castle. It’s worth paying for the entrance so that you wander the grounds, walk along the castle walls, and enjoy some really great views.
Evening
By this point, you should have already had a number of excellent meals, so we’ll close out the trip in style at “Recanto dos Mouros”. The experienced kitchen staff has used the same recipes for years, absolutely perfecting them. I’ve made a lot of food suggestions, but everything here is great, so go wild with the menu!
After, enjoy a drink at “Café do Inglês” and reminisce on all the wonderful places you’ve seen.
Obrigada pela visita! Thanks for visiting us!
The best time to visit the Algarve
Over the years, the Algarve has become a world-famous beach destination, competing with even the most well-known beach resorts all throughout the Mediterranean and world. As a result, during the high season (July and August), the population triples, prices skyrocket, and it’s busy and crowded everywhere.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing for some people, but if you’re the type of traveler that likes calmer places, fewer crowds, and a more authentic atmosphere, know that summer is probably not when you want to come.
The best time to visit the Algarve, including the western part, is in late spring or early fall - May/June or September/October. This is shoulder season and it translates to more affordable prices, fewer crowds, and nice weather to hit the beach, go hiking, or simply relax.
If you’re not looking to go to the beach, winter is actually a very good time to visit the Algarve. Between November and April you still have relatively mild weather, you’ll find the lowest hotel rates, few rainy days, and totally empty beach towns. If you want to explore our natural areas and sightsee in towns and cities, a winter visit is great.
How long should you spend in the Algarve
Traditionally, tourists traveling to the Algarve would come for a week or two, but recently there has been a growing trend of short stays and city breaks of 2-5 days.
These shorts stays are often either people flying in from other parts of Europe for a very quick weekend at the beach or travelers on countrywide Portugal trips trying to fit in as much as possible. While you can visit the region quickly, it sort of defeats the purpose of coming. The pace of life in the Algarve is slow (and that’s part of the pleasure), but these people have to rush everywhere and don’t wind up seeing much or really enjoying what the region offers.
For me, spending one week is enough time to explore the Western Algarve, visiting the highlights while also having time to slow down and relax.
You could certainly explore the entire Algarve region with just a week, but to do it pleasantly you really want 10-14 days.
If you’re coming for less than a week, I’d recommend choosing just one place to stay and then focusing on nearby towns, natural sites and beaches to visit.
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How to get to the Algarve
Faro Airport. Photo: Arne Müseler / www.arne-mueseler.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons
Regardless of your preferred mode of transport and where you’re coming from, you’ll find plenty of options for getting into the Algarve. Here’s a brief overview covering everything from flights and buses to trains and taxis.
By plane
Faro Airport is the only airport in the Algarve and it does not have international connections outside of Europe. If you’re traveling from a different continent, you must land at the Lisbon or Porto airports and then get one of the daily flight connections to Faro.
The flight from Lisbon to Faro takes 45 minutes while Porto to Faro is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
One-way flights from Lisbon to Faro usually cost about 50 euros with TAP airline. Flights from Porto to Faro cost as little as 20 euros as both TAP and Ryanair run flights.
By train
If traveling to the Algarve by train, no matter where you’re coming from elsewhere in Portugal you’ll almost certainly need to first stop in Faro and then make a transfer, either to another train or a different means of transport, to get to your final destination.
Most trains from Lisbon to Faro take about 3 hours, but this will depend on which type of train you book. To get from Porto to Faro, the high-speed train makes the route in just under 6 hours. Tickets from Lisbon to Faro typically cost around 20 euros while tickets from Porto cost about double, or a bit more.
The Alfa Pendular train is the fastest and most reliable train in Portugal. It covers long distances and connects the main cities between Braga (in the north) and Faro. If this train is available, it’s always the best option for a long-distance trip. The Intercidades train also covers long distances but makes more stops, meaning it’s slower. Then, there are the Regional and Interregional trains. These connect small towns and villages and cover shorter distances.
Train tickets are available on the Comboios de Portugal website. It’s always a good idea to carry a printed ticket as opposed to relying on your phone.
By bus
Various bus companies run routes into the Algarve and service is reliable regardless of the company you choose. The ride normally takes about 4 hours from Lisbon to Faro and 8 if coming from Porto.
Buses depart from Lisbon to Faro from the Sete Rios and Gare do Oriente bus stations about every half hour. Bus tickets from Lisbon to Faro usually cost anywhere from 10-20 euros. If you want the lowest cost option, check the buses leaving Lisbon around midnight.
As with the train, I recommend buying tickets online beforehand. Try the Check My Bus and BusBud websites. There you’ll find all the bus companies operating in Portugal. Redes Expressos and FlixBus are two of the largest bus companies.
By taxi, uber, or private transfer
A private transfer can be a good option for getting to the Algarve (from Lisbon or somewhere else in Central Portugal, coming from Porto would be both slow and extremely expensive) if you have the budget for it.
This is usually the quickest means of transport, although not much faster than taking the train.
You should expect for a straight A-to-B transfer from Lisbon to Faro to cost between 250 and 350 euros for a 4-seater car.
Many people who book a private transfer also decide to turn the drive into a bit of a tour, stopping along the Vicentina coast on the way down or other places in the Algarve.
How to get around in the Algarve
Photo: Yusuke Kawasaki from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Looking at a map, you’re sure to get the impression that everything in the Algarve is very close together. That’s true, but the region’s geography and rugged terrain sometimes limits easy access to newer and faster roads, so travel times will often wind up being longer than they seem.
That said, getting around the Algarve is fairly easy and straightforward.
Having your own car is the best way to get around, but you can also make it work with a combination of buses and taxis/transfers.
Renting a car
Renting a car is always my biggest recommendation to anyone traveling to the Algarve.
Although the bus transportation system has improved over the years, it’s far from perfect. It also won’t cover all the places you should visit.
When renting a car in the Algarve, you’ll find big international chains as well as smaller, local car rental businesses. They all have pretty good reputations and are mostly reliable. The easiest place to get your rental car is Faro Airport, but you’ll also find agencies in major touristic hotspots such as Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira, Faro, Tavira, and Vila Real de Santo António.
The cost of a rental varies significantly throughout the year, with summer being by far the most expensive period. In shoulder season or off season, you can often find decent cars for as little as 15 euros per day. In high season, this can go up to 100 per day.
Where to find a car rental
If you’re planning on renting a car, I always recommend checking prices on DiscoverCars. It’s an online aggregator that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing.
AutoEurope is another aggregator that I really like. It tends to be more expensive, but they only list options from large, well-reviewed companies and their customer service is excellent. Their deals often include “zero deductible” rental insurance and they’re the best option if you want the easiest experience and are ok paying a little more for it.
Driving in the Algarve
In the Algarve, the A22 highway is the fastest way to cover longer distances. This is a toll road, so you need to be prepared for how to apy.
When renting a car, rental companies will all offer you a device called “Via Verde” which is placed in a little chip in your windshield. The device will automatically charge your credit card (the one you leave on file with the rental company) when you pass through a toll. The fee for the device is usually 1-2 euros per day, so I would strongly recommend taking it to make your life easier.
If you want to avoid the toll road, you can use the EN125. This national road (free of charge!) covers the Algarve from one end to the other. It’s a good option if you're driving shorter distances, but not so good if you want to cross the whole region as travel along it is slower than on the highway.
Parking in cities and towns
And here’s a parking tip for everywhere in the Algarve: when parking your car, be sure to thoroughly check whether the spot you’re parking in is paid or free. Most travelers don’t notice this until after they’ve already gotten a fine, so it really is important to be on the lookout for parking signs.
Most parking meters in Portugal now take a credit card, but it’s a good idea to always have some coins just in case.
Traveling by bus
The bus is a viable alternative for getting around the Algarve for anyone who can’t drive or just isn’t comfortable doing so in unfamiliar places.
While there are lots of companies that run longer distance and interregional bus routes in Portugal, for travel between cities and towns within the Algarve the bus company you’ll want to know is called “Vamus”. On their website, you’ll find ticket prices, timetables, and maps to help you locate the different routes as well as the names of all the bus stops.
Unfortunately though, the “Vamus” bus won’t get you everywhere, so for some destinations you’ll still need to get a taxi or Uber to complete some journeys.
For getting around within a given city or town in the Algarve, there are local city buses. Each city has its own bus company. In Lagos, it’s called “Onda Azul”, in Portimão there’s “Vai e Vem”, in Albufeira it’s “Giro”, and in Faro, it’s called “Próximo”.
At the local ticket shops (you can find them at the city's main bus stop), you can buy a prepaid card for the city buses or the “Vamus” bus. I always recommend this option as it’s more convenient and you’ll get lower prices than buying single tickets directly with the driver.
However, if you must buy a ticket on the bus, remember most buses don’t take credit cards. Also, be sure to carry change, it’ll be easier for the driver (and for you) if you do.
Also, these buses are only available during the daytime. So, if you need transport at night, taxis and Uber are your best best.
Getting a taxi or uber/Bolt
In every city and small town, there are taxis available with drivers ready to take you anywhere. You won’t always see them driving around on the street, but you can always call one or ask a hotel or restaurant to do it for you. You will also find taxis parked in certain locations, so if you don’t see one just ask a local where you should go.
As with the bus, most drivers don’t take credit cards so you should always have cash when hailing a taxi.
There is also Uber or their European competitor, Bolt. This is probably the easiest option if you’re in a city or decent-sized town on the coast. However, if you’re deep in the countryside, inside a natural park, or in a very small town, you may not be able to find a ride.
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