If you’re looking for the best places to visit in the Algarve, a road trip along the coast is hard to beat. Even in February, the region feels surprisingly spring-like: 18°C, sunshine on your face, and coastal walks where you can stare out at the ocean for hours without ever getting bored.
I spent seven days travelling through Portugal in a roadsurfer campervan with no strict schedule, just a rough plan to slowly make my way west from Faro. Instead of hotel rooms, I stayed at campsites close to the sea. Instead of breakfast buffets, there was specialty coffee and pastel de nata. And instead of a classic beach holiday, the trip turned into a mix of hiking, swimming, road-tripping and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
The Algarve is perfect for exactly this kind of trip. Distances are short, but the scenery changes constantly. In the east around Faro, the landscape is calmer and flatter, almost lagoon-like. Further west, dramatic limestone cliffs, golden rock arches and hidden coves dominate the coastline. And at the far western end of the region, everything becomes wilder, windier and more rugged.
In this guide, I’ll take you through my 7-day route along the coast, sharing some of my personal highlights, favourite hikes, food spots and overnight stops for your own Algarve road trip.
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Best places to visit in the Algarve
The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region, stretching along the Atlantic coast from the Spanish border all the way to the municipality of Aljezur in the west. The wilder coastline around Sagres, Arrifana and Monte Clérigo is often referred to as the Costa Vicentina and forms part of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. This is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Portugal, if you ask me.
The Algarve is ideal if you’re looking to combine nature with a bit of comfort: coastal hikes without exhausting elevation gains and beaches that look spectacular but are still relatively easy to reach.
The best way to explore the region is by rental car or campervan. Distances are short, the roads are easy to drive, and many of the best places to visit in the Algarve are only a short drive from one another.
Best places to visit in the Algarve Day 1: Arrival in Faro
At a Glance
- 1 night near Praia da Falésia
- about 1 hour, approx. 50 km from Faro
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Faro Town
Ria Formosan
Quinta do Lago
Praia da Falésia - Algarve Motorhome park or EPIC Sana Hotel
After landing in Faro and picking up the roadsurfer campervan, your Algarve road trip begins. I intentionally kept the first day fairly relaxed, as collecting the camper and getting everything sorted can take a bit of time.
Instead of heading straight into the city, I drove directly into nature towards the lagoons of Ria Formosa Natural Park. The area is made up of wide sandbanks, calm waterways and salty Atlantic air. It‘s the perfect place to slow down after travelling. If you’d like to discover the lagoon from a completely new perspective, a boat tour with a local guide is a great option.
In the afternoon, it’s worth stopping by Quinta do Lago beach or, if you’re short on time, heading straight to Praia da Falésia. This beach is famous for its dramatic red cliffs, long sandy shoreline and clear water. For me, it’s easily one of the best places to visit in the Algarve. One of the nicest things about visiting in winter is that you can enjoy both sunrise and sunset here without the crowds.
Where to stay
The Algarve Motorhome Park is located right by Praia da Falésia and is ideal for van travellers. The pitches are fairly small, but the sanitary facilities are clean, the campsite is one of the more affordable options in the region, and you can reach the beach directly from the campsite.
If you’re travelling with a regular rental car, you’ll find several great places to stay around Praia da Falésia. The EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel is a luxurious, modern resort with a beautiful pool area and private beach access. If you’d like to combine beach time with sports facilities, AP Victoria Sports & Beach is a great choice. And if you’d prefer a holiday apartment, I can recommend the Sunny Flat .
Best places to visit in the Algarve day 2: Cliffs, Waterfalls and Beaches
At a glance
- 2 nights in Albufeira
- depending on your route, about 1–2 hours, max. 100 km
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Rocha da Pena Wanderung
Queda do Viagrio Wasserfall
Quad-Tour
Praia do São Rafael - HolaCamp Albufeira or Falésia Hotel
If you’re up early, sunrise at Praia da Falésia is a beautiful way to start the day. Afterwards, head to Al Gharb Coffee Roasters for breakfast. The little courtyard is especially charming, and I can highly recommend the avocado toast with mango salsa.
If you’re in the mood for some nature, it’s worth leaving the coast for a while and heading inland. Rocha da Pena is a table mountain with well-marked hiking trails that are easy to follow and suitable even for casual hikers. In about two hours you can complete a lovely circular walk, and the views across the Algarve’s rolling countryside are a nice change from the dramatic coastline.
You can easily combine the hike with a stop at the Queda do Vigário waterfall, which makes a great spot for a picnic. In spring or after rainfall, the waterfall is at its most impressive.
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If you’re looking for a bit more action, a quad tour near Albufeira might be just right for you. It’s a lot of fun, but you’ll definitely end up wet and dirty afterwards, so a rain poncho or clothes that are easy to clean can be very helpful.
No matter which option you choose during the day, try to end it at Praia de São Rafael. This beach is easily one of the best places to visit in the Algarve, with golden sand, clear turquoise water and impressive rock formations rising straight out of the sea.
Where to stay
Just around 10 minutes from Albufeira, the campsite HolaCamp Albufeira is peaceful and well equipped.
The Guesthouse Casa dos Arcos is affordable, stylishly furnished, and ideal if you like charming, uncomplicated places to stay. If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the Homeboat Company Albufeira. Staying on a houseboat right by the water is definitely a special experience. And if you prefer comfort and sea views, the Falésia Hotel is located right by the beach.
Best Places to visit in the Algarve day 3: Coastal Hike at Praia da Marinha
At a glance
- about 1-1.5 hours, max. 100 km
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Praia do Marinha
Trail of the seven hanging valleys
Algar Seco
Today you’ll experience one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in the Algarve. The trail starts at Praia da Marinha, one of the most famous beaches in Portugal.
Even from the parking area you’ll get an incredible view of the dramatic rock formations and the turquoise water below. It’s worth arriving early though. Especially during the summer months the beach gets busy quickly and parking is limited. From the cliffs above the beach you’ll already find some of the best viewpoints overlooking the natural stone arches and small hidden coves.
From here, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail leads about six kilometres along the coastline to Praia de Vale Centeanes. The path runs right along the cliffs, constantly overlooking the Atlantic and passing hidden beaches, dramatic rock formations and some truly spectacular viewpoints. To return, simply follow the same trail back for another six kilometres.
Along the way you’ll also pass the famous Benagil Cave. From the cliffs above there are several viewpoints where you can look down through the large opening in the cave’s ceiling.
If you’d like to see the cave from inside, however, you’ll need to join a boat, kayak or SUP tour, as it’s not possible to access the cave directly from the beach. In the past, boats and kayaks were allowed to enter the cave and drop people off inside, but since summer 2024 this is no longer permitted. So don’t be misled by older photos or promotional images that still show people standing inside the cave.
If you still have some time and energy left afterwards, you could end the day with a stop in Carvoeiro to explore the rock formations at Algar Seco. The cliffs here are said to be especially beautiful at sunset. I’d only recommend this stop if you’re travelling by car though. With our campervan we simply couldn’t find a suitable parking spot and had to skip it in the end.
Best places to visit in the Algarve day 4: Lagos, Ponta da Piedade & Sagres
at a glance
- 1 night in Sagres
- about 2–2.5 hours, approx. 120 km
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SUP sunrise tour
Praia dos Caneiros
Lagos
Ponta da Piedade
Praia do Beliche - Parque Orbitur Sagres or Memmo Baleeira
If you’re an early riser, today can start with a real highlight: a sunrise SUP tour along the Algarve’s caves and cliffs. The company Nowhere2far SUP offers small-group sunrise tours for around €50 per person. Paddling along the coastline at that time of day is a pretty special experience. You glide past the cliffs, through small grottoes and underneath natural rock arches while the sun slowly rises over the Atlantic.
It’s best to arrange an appointment via WhatsApp — you’ll find the number on the provider’s Instagram page.
If you’d rather take the morning a bit slower, you could instead stop at Praia dos Caneiros, a beautiful little bay framed by golden cliffs. It’s generally quieter than many of the more famous Algarve beaches and a lovely spot to start the day.
Once hunger kicks in, Lagos is a great place for breakfast or brunch. One of my favourite cafés here is Black and White Coffee Shop, a cosy spot with excellent specialty coffee, breakfast burritos and delicious pastries.
Lagos is probably one of the best-known towns in the Algarve. Back in the 15th century it played an important role during Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, when many expeditions started from here. Today the town is known for its relaxed atmosphere, the charming old town with narrow streets, and of course the famous rock formations around Ponta da Piedade.
From the centre of Lagos you can reach Ponta da Piedade on foot in about 30–40 minutes. The dramatic cliffs, jagged rock formations and turquoise coves create some of the most impressive coastal scenery in the Algarve. From the viewpoints above you’ll get incredible perspectives over the rock formations, but you can also walk down the stairs to explore the small beaches below.
In the afternoon, continue driving west towards Sagres. The landscape slowly starts to change and the coastline becomes wilder and more rugged.
A beautiful stop along the way is Praia do Beliche, a sheltered beach surrounded by high cliffs. It’s a great place to watch surfers or simply enjoy a coffee break if you’re travelling by van.
Where to stay
Even though the car park at Praia do Beliche may look tempting, overnight stays are unfortunately not allowed here. Apparently, checks are also quite strict during the high season. Not far away, however, you’ll find a great campsite at Parque de Campismo Orbitur Sagres, quietly set in a pine forest. The sanitary facilities are very clean, and overall the site offers a great mix of nature and comfort.
You’ll find hotels near Praia do Beliche in and around Sagres. One especially popular option is Memmo Baleeira, a modern boutique hotel right by the sea with minimalist rooms, a pool, and wide views over the Atlantic. Much more laid-back and with a strong surf vibe is Aldeia Caiçara Surf House, a small accommodation with lots of wood, bright rooms, and a really cosy atmosphere. If you’d like a bit more space and independence, Sagres Time Apartamentos are a great choice.
Best Places to Visit in the Algarve day 5: The Wild West Coast
at a glance
- 1 night in Aljezur
- approx. 1.5 hours, about 70 km
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Dolphin watching tour
Cabo de Sao Vicente
viewpoint Cordoama
Praia da Bordeira - Solar do Rei-Bodhichitta if you’re travelling by van, or Sunday Morning Guesthouse
Today brings what was probably my favourite part of the entire road trip: the wild west coast of the Algarve. Everything feels a bit more untouched here. There are fewer tourists, less infrastructure, and plenty of viewpoints where you can simply pull over with your van and enjoy the view.
Start the day slowly in Sagres, ideally with a good breakfast. I can highly recommend Picnic Sagres, a small café serving excellent sourdough bread, vegetarian and vegan sandwiches and some really delicious pastries.
If you’re in the mood for something special, you could spend the morning on a dolphin watching tour out on the Atlantic. The boats usually depart directly from the harbour in Sagres and head out into open water. Seeing dolphins in their natural habitat is always a pretty magical experience.
Afterwards, make your way to Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe. The cliffs drop dramatically into the Atlantic, and the strong winds here quickly remind you why this stretch of coast feels so wild. The lighthouse is one of the Algarve’s best-known landmarks, and the views across the open ocean are incredible.
From here you can slowly make your way north along the west coast. The landscape changes noticeably: instead of the golden limestone cliffs of the south coast, you’ll find long, almost untouched beaches, large sand dunes and a much rougher Atlantic.
One of the best viewpoints along this stretch is Miradouro da Cordoama, where you can look out across the coastline and the long beaches below.
Just a few minutes further along the road lies Praia da Bordeira, one of the largest and most impressive beaches in the region. The huge sandy beach is framed by dunes, a small lagoon and powerful Atlantic waves. It’s a favourite among surfers and, for me, easily one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Where to stay
If you’d like to stay as close to the west coast as possible today, you could spend the night at Solar do Rei, Bodhichitta. The campsite is about 25 minutes from Aljezur and is beautifully surrounded by nature.
If you’re travelling by car, there are also some lovely guesthouses along the route, such as Sunday Morning Guesthouse, Casa de Malee, or Herdade Quinta Natura Turismo Rural.
Best places to visit in the Algarve day 6: Surfing & Coastal hiking on the west coast
at a glance
- 1 night in Sagres
- approx. 1 hour, about 60 km
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Monte Clérigo Beach
Surf lesson
Coastal hike from Monte Clérigo to Ponta da Arrifana
Sunset at Fortaleza de Sagres - Parque Orbitur Sagres or Memmo Baleeira
Today you’ll spend another day exploring the wild west coast around Aljezur before heading back to Sagres in the afternoon. This part of the Algarve is especially popular with surfers, but it’s also perfect for scenic coastal hikes.
A great place to start the morning is Koyo Specialty Coffee, a small café serving excellent coffee and breakfast.
Once you’re fuelled up, drive to Monte Clérigo Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. The wide sandy beach sits between high cliffs and a handful of small fishermen’s houses. In the morning it’s often still quiet, and you can watch the first surfers heading out into the waves.
From Monte Clérigo Beach you can also start a particularly beautiful coastal hike towards Ponta da Arrifana. The trail follows the cliffs and constantly opens up new views over the Atlantic and the hidden coves below. Personally, I actually enjoyed this hike even more than the famous Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
To end the day, head to Fortaleza de Sagres for sunset. The historic fortress sits on a dramatic headland overlooking the Atlantic, and watching the sun set over the ocean from here is easily one of the most beautiful moments of the entire trip.
Alternative for a more relaxed itinerary
If you’d rather avoid changing accommodation too often, you can easily stay in Sagres from Day 4 to Day 7 and explore the west coast on day trips from there. The driving distances will be slightly longer, but you’ll save yourself the hassle of packing and checking in every day. Especially when travelling by campervan, this often feels like the more relaxed option.
Best places to visit in the Algarve day 7: Return to Faro
at a glance
- approx. 2 hours, about 130 km
- Praia do Tres Irmaos
Today it’s slowly time to say goodbye to the Algarve. But before heading back to Faro, there’s still time for one last stop at a beautiful beach: Praia dos Três Irmãos near Alvor.
The beach is known for its striking rock formations and natural arches. At low tide, you can walk underneath the cliffs and explore small hidden coves along the shoreline. It’s well worth taking a short walk along the beach and enjoying your final hours by the ocean.
Right by the beach you’ll find O Luís Restaurante & Bar, a great spot for a relaxed lunch and a perfect way to end the trip. From here, it’s only about an hour’s drive back to Faro Airport or the campervan drop-off station.
Seven days in the Algarve is just the right amount of time to get a great first impression of the region. For me, the west coast around Sagres and Aljezur was the real highlight. The landscape feels much wilder there, the beaches are larger, and the overall atmosphere is noticeably more relaxed than in some of the more famous Algarve towns.
As always, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram if any questions come up while planning your Algarve holiday.
