Ultimate Algarve Itinerary – Discover Everything In 8 Stunning Days

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Follow this 8 days Algarve itinerary to see the best beaches in Algarve and visit the most popular places in Algarve. The most comprehensive travel guide has something for everyone.

When should you visit Algarve?

The most popular months for the tourist are through the summer with a lack of clouds to stop the sun from shining and not to windy atmosphere. The quietest and less busy time is winter, where the hotels and attraction prices are the lowest. The temperatures are still pleasant, allowing you to enjoy a lovely promenade next to the ocean.

If you would like to avoid hot temperatures and busy beaches, we recommend visiting Algarve in either spring or autumn. The warm weather allows you to sunbathe and relax; however, the water temperature is only for the brave ones.

How to reach Algarve?

Faro is the main international airport of the Algarve region situated 7 km from the Faro city centre. The airport transfer to Faro city centre is quite limited. Only one bus (number 16) departs between 6 am and midnight.

The one-way fare is around 3 EUR. The more convenient option is taking a taxi which costs between 10-15 EUR. If you arrive at night, the price will be higher due to the special night rate.

In Faro, you can catch a train or bus to the rest of the Algarve region. To follow this itinerary, we recommend renting a car. It’s by far the easiest and most time-efficient way to travel around Algarve.

How many days should you spend in Algarve?

We believe that the best duration to see the best things of Algarve coast from East to West is 7 to 8 days. This includes small hidden gems of Algarve and charming fishing villages. If you are not a beach person, you can save some time from sunbathing and see it in 5 days.

Where should you stay in Algarve or which part is the best?

It entirely depends on what you are looking for and what the aim of your vacation is. Here is a quick overview so you can easily match the Algarve city to your travel style. 

For nightlife – no other place like Albufeira
To relax but still not too quiet atmosphere or for shopping fans – Portimao
To explore the eastern and western part or as a starting point – Faro
For proximity od famous beaches and attractions – Lagos
For a touch with nature and tradition – Tavira
For luxurious stay – Vilamoura
For surfing – Sagres

8 Days Algarve Itinerary

With this travel guide you will get to see all the best things in Algavre, including Praia de Marinha which is one of the attractions Algarve is most famous for. 

Day 1: Faro

To explore the best places in the central and eastern part of Algarve, we decided to base ourselves in Faro. Although the tourists often overlook the city, it’s the rare one offering an authentic Portuguese experience. Maybe not evident, but the town has a buzzing nightlife, especially popular among the younger generations.

Faro is home to unique and untouched nature, historical rich landmarks, fantastic wildlife and pristine beaches. You can easily explore Faro in one day. However, staying for three nights will allow you to explore the surroundings as well. The biggest city in the Algarve region has its charm, and you should definitively include it in your Algrave itinerary.

The best things to see in Faro

• Arco da Vila (entrane to the old part of the city or Cidada Velho)
• Paço Episcopal
• Faro Cathedral (gothic cathedral)
• Muralhas de Faro (ancient city walls)
• Rua Dom Francisco Gomes (the main pedestrian street)
• Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Carmo
• Bone Chapel
• Parque natural de Ria Farmoso – saltwater lagoons, wildlife (you can book a boat tour)

There are no beaches within walking or driving distance. But you can take a boat to the most untouched beach we have seen. Ilha Desserta is a nudist beach without any amenities. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection with you as it’s hard to find the shadow.

The best area to stay in Faro

We recommend staying either in the old part of Faro (Cidade Velha in Portuguese), which has various hotels and can be a great starting point for exploring the city. Another great area is downtown, where are all the shops, banks and restaurant.

Can you visit Faro as a day trip?

If you stay in Vilamoura or Albufeira, you can easily make a day trip to Faro. We saw the attractions mentioned above in Faro with an afternoon relaxation at the beach in one day. You can also replace the beach by visiting the natural park.

Day 2: Exploring the Eastern Algarve

Places to visit in Eastern Algarve: Tavira, Playa de Cacela Velha, Isla de Tavira

We continued our Algarve experience heading to the east towards the Portugal border with Spain. There you will find a small but incredibly charming city of Tavira, which is a heaven for instagrammable photos. Several bridges that connect two part of the city separated by the Gilão River gave the city the name Venice of the Algarve. The best-known bridge is the Roman bridge, which is also one of the main symbols of Tavira.

The city was under Moorish occupation between the 8th and 13th century. Their influence is seen today in the city architecture – white buildings with Morrish style of doors and rooftops. In the 16th century, Tavira became one of the critical Algarve ports. Today it relies on tourism and fishing.

Best things to do and see in Tavira

• Praça da República
• Jardim do Coreto
• Ponte Antiga Sobre
• Igreja da Misericórdia
• Tavira Castle
• Palácio da Galeria
• Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo
• Solinas de Tavira

Which beaches can you find nearby Tavira?

The coast represents kilometres of long sandy beaches great for seaside walks, sunbathing and swimming. If you want to swim, you need to come here as the water is much warmer than in the other parts of Algarve. The beaches here were the only ones I (Tjaša) was able to swim. 

Sandy beaches of Tavira:

• Ilha de Tavira
• Ilha de Cabanas
• Praia do Barril 

We decided to visit this beach due to its famous anchor cemetery in front of the sandy white beach. To reach this big beach you need to cross a small bridge and either walk for one kilometre or take an old fashion open train. Here you can also admire a beautiful sunset. 

• Cacela Velha 

We spent most of our afternoon on this beautiful coastline with several lagoons. You can cross the water between the fishing village and the sandy dunes by walking at the low tide. Coming at high tide, your best option is to use one of the fishing boats to take you over (2 EUR for two people one way).

Possible day trip or an additional stop

If you are not interested in sunbathing, you can use this time to explore the small fishing village of Santa Luzia. The traditional town is famous for the octopus. It was also proclaimed as the octopus capital of the Algarve.

Day 2: Albufeira, Praia de São Rafael, Praia de Falesia

Instead of Faro, most tourists rather decide for Albufeira. The largest resort town is at the same time the liveliest, energetical and most cosmopolitan place in Algarve.

The city’s name originates from Arab Al-buhera, meaning castle of the sea due to its location along the coastline. There are two parts of the Albufeira: the Old Town and the New Town (The Strip). The Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro of the Strip is famous for its bars, restaurants on every corners and discothèques.

Ultimate things to do and see in Albufeira

• Old city town – Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco
• Igreja Matriz
• Largo Cais Herculano
• The Strip
• Castelo de Paderne
• Marina

We recommend you park in the Old town and do a promenade through the New town to the marina. It’s a great walk with some interesting views. On the way back, stop for a cold beer at one of the bars overlooking the turquoise coloured sea.

Activities to do if you stay in Albufeira

There are many activities you can do if you stay in Albufeira for a more extended period. You can explore the city by Tuk Tuks, go on a dolphin-watching tour, go canoeing, or visit the Sand City.

Best beaches around Albufeira

The afternoon of this road trip is a synonym for beach time. On the way to our second hotel, in Portimao, we decided to explore two beaches: Praia de São Rafael and catch the sunset at Praia de Falesia.

You wonder why those two?

Praia de São Rafael is a small iconic beach near Albufeira hugged by orange and red cliffs. The rock formations here have extraordinary shapes and names to go with them. Our favourite one was Ponte Pequena or a small bridge. On the top of the cliff is a hiking trail with great views and photo opportunities. Praia de São Rafael also features several caves. Through some of them, you can access the next beach. The area is also perfect for water activities such as snorkelling, kayaking or stand-up paddling.

The second one, Praia de Falesia, represents six kilometres of golden sand heaven surrounded by incredible red cliffs. It’s like you transferred the Grand Canyon to the sea. The name itself in translation means beach of the cliffs (Falesia stand for cliffs in Portuguese). Also, here you can find a hiking trail along with the pine trees and stunning views. It will blow you away even if you are not a beach person. One of the longest beaches in Portugal voted as the number one beach by TripAdvisor in 2018 is especially worth visiting at sunrise and sunset when dressed in entirely different colours. There is a free parking area around 200 metres from the beach.

Day 4: Prainha Beach, Praia dos Três Irmãos

We have a true winner! We have a true winner. There was no other more gorgeous and exciting beach than this one. The caves to walk through and the interesting cliffs make these bays so appealing regardless of your age. 

Praia dos Três Irmãos is translated into three brothers. The name comes from three rock formation in the sea, which look like three brothers. And the rock formations are also responsible for the uniqueness of this beach. They divided Praia dos Três Irmãos into little sandy bays during the high tide. The final cove is one we visited, Prainha beach. During low tide, you can easily walk to it without getting into the water. If you want to cross in high tide, prepare to get wet. The sea here is ideal for snorkelling and sailing.

Day 5: Exploring the Western coastline of Algarve

The best and most unique places in west Algrave: Burgau, Sagres, Praia de Bordeira, Arrifana, Odeceixe and Cabo Sardao.

The middle of our road trip was devoted to exploring the most known things to see and do in Western Algarve. It’s where you can find the most western point of Portugal and the most stunning cliffs you have ever seen.

Burgau

The first stop was a small village of Burgau located between Lagos and Sagres. The charming streets and the famous ice cream shop convinced us to add it to the Algarve itinerary. To appreciate this little gem, you have to explore it on foot. Wander around narrow streets to discover colourful doorways with beautiful flowers taking you to Greece for a moment. The most friendly locals will greet you with wide smiles and home figs eager to explain to you everything about the city even if you don’t understand Spanish. Burgau also has small sandy beach, Praia de Burgau, ujeta med cliffs.

Sagres and Cabo Sao Vicente

Moving further, you will arrive at Sagres, which was home of Prince Henry the Navigator and its navigation school. The main point of interest here is the fortress, an integral part of the Ponta de Sagres, and Cabo Sao Vicente, the most south-western point of Europe.

If you decide to explore Sagres as a day trip, you can refresh or catch a wave in several sandy beaches: Praia da Mareta, Praia de Beliche, Praia da Baleeira, Praia do Tonel, and Praia do Martinhal.

If you are into surfing, here are all the information on surf in Algarve. 

Western Atlantic Coastline

Welcome to the most awe-inspiring cliff views and stunning sandy lagoons in the middle of the turquoise sea.

As part of our day trip of this 8 day Algarve itinerary we were able to explore Praia de Bordeira, Arrifana, Odeceixe and Cabo Sardao. 

Other unique things to see in this part of Algarve include:

• Praia Monte Clerigo
• Zambujeira do Mar

Day 6: Praia dos Estudantes, Ponta De Piedade, Praia do Camilo, Lagos

Driving the whole previous day, it was time for some beach hopping and relaxation.

In the proximity of Lagos, you can find one of a kind beach with a bridge making it one of the most unique things to see in Algarve. The Praia dos Estudantes consists of two parts interconnected by a tunnel. Once you cross it, you will see the Roman-style bridge. We haven’t seen something so unique before.

The Travel Momento insider tip: Come in the afternoon, when the sun is behind you and doesn’t create a shadow of the rock.

We continued to Ponta De Piedade, a fantastic landscape of caves and sea arches placed in a clear blue-green ocean. It has been voted as one of the best things to see in Algarve. You can walk around the seaside boardwalk to admire the view and afterwards descent down the stairs to reach sea level. Here local fishermen offer small boat tours to show you around. Next to it is the spot where the most beautiful and instagrammable photos of Algarve are taken. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait in a row to have your few minutes. Take a few breaths before going back to the top, climbing over a hundred of stairs.

The Travel Momento insider tip: For photos without people, we would recommend visiting it first thing in the morning. Due to its fame, it gets packed quite quickly.

Close by, you can find two lovely beaches Praia de Dona Ana, which is usually quite crowded, and its quieter twin Praia do Camilo Beach.

Lagos

As I (Tjaša) cannot really survive for long just lying on the beach, we decided to depart before sunset and do a quick stroll around the most popular tourist destination in Algarve, Lagos. The town offers something for everyone. A range of different activities, a large marina, historical attractions and great nightlife. It is from here that Vasco da Gama sailed to discovered what is now Brazil.

Best things to see in Lagos

• Old Lagos – Jardim da Constituição
• Igreja de Santo António
• Forte da Ponta da Bandeira
• Igreja de Santa Maria-Praça do Infante D. Henrique

Day 7: Benagil Caves, Portimao

It was the morning to which we were so looking forward. We booked a boat tour to explore the Benagil Cave. One of the most famous caves in the world, it’s impressive in size. The mix of colours and the sunlight stream from a whole high above your head create a magical effect. For this reason, Benagil caves are one of the famous romantic places in the Algarve and, as such, must be part of your Algarve itinerary.

We thought the boat would leave us somewhere nearby or in the cave to have the time to take the photos. Unfortunately, the small boats can go inside, but they do a drive-through. The small beach inside was packed with people, numerous other small boats were around us, making it impossible to take the best photo of the cave. The only way to take them is in the morning with a private boat tour or visiting it by kayak.

After a disappointing morning, we were not in the mood to drive around. So we decided to relax at the home beach of Portimao and explore it in the evening.

Best things to see in Portimao

Portimao is the second-largest city in the Algarve region that used to be a centre of shipbuilding. Despite its size, it provides a low-key and relaxed atmosphere. Some of the places to see in Portimao are:

• Museu de Portimao
• Megalithic Monuments of Alcalar
• Ribeirinha
• Igreja do Colégio
• Jardim 1o de Dezembro

Day 8: Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, Praia de Marinha

On the way back to Faro, we left aside some hidden gems. We never knew they would impress us so much. They are definitely the must-see of this 8 days Algarve itinerary.

Ferragudo

Right across the sea from Portimao, you will find the fishing village that will take a special spot in your heart. Ferragudo was left untouched by the tourist retaining all of its traditional charms.

From the central square surrounded by cute little coffee shops, cobbled streets with brightly painted houses will take you up to Ferragudo’s church. From the terrace behind the church, you can enjoy a beautiful view over Portimao and the coast. On the opposite side, you will enter into the most beautiful street that will make you want to dance. Just check the photo below 🙂 Would you really want to left it at your upcoming trip to Algarve?

Carvoeiro

Similar to Ferragudo, Carvoeiro is a small and quiet traditional village. It’s known for the top of a cliff boardwalk overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Following the wooden path, you will reach the Algar Seco rock formations. The most exciting and famous is the A Boneca cave. The narrow cave passage leads to a small cave room where two arches created a window overlooking the sea.

Praia de Marinha

Not far away from Carvoeiro is home to one of the world most beautiful beaches. Praia de Marinha justifies its reputation as it’s even prettier in person. The fascinating rock formation and clear turquoise water create a magical feeling. It’s one of the top things to see in the Algarve and a must item of your Algarve itinerary. 

Before going down to reach the beach, take some time to check the breathtaking view from the top. There is also a walking trail where you can admire the most famous rock formation called M rock, making Praia de Marinha so unique. If you walk toward the cliff, you can find a spot where the M rock forms the shape of a heart. You can walk to the right at the beach in low tide to see the letter M shaped cliff as well.

To reach the beach, you need to park on the main road, walk down the hill for 10 minutes to get to the cliff tops and descent down steep stairs to seel the sand between your toes. Praia de Marinha is a relatively small beach, but it has a restaurant where you can grab a lunch or drink.

Summing up this 8 day Algrave itinerary

Algarve is a region one has to visit once in his life. No place would offer Grand Canoy lookalike cliffs surrounded by clear turquoise water. The rock formation created either by the Atlantic ocean or wind are unique and breathtaking.

To make the most of your trip to Algarve, book at least three days stay. It will enable you to see the famous Benagil Caves, one of the prettiest beaches with a heart shape made by the cliff, Praia Marinha, and walk on top of the fantastic landscape of caves and sea arches placed in a clear blue-green ocean at Ponta de Pe Pediade. All the must-see places that you need on you Algarve itinerary. 

This place will stay in your memory for years to come. But there is so many more beautiful and unique things to see in Algarve. Staying seven or eight days will give you enough freedom to explore them and relax at the same time.

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