Explore the Algarve: a 5 day itinerary in Portugal’s Southernmost Region

One thing you’ll find about Portuguese culture and people is that the lifestyle is relaxed and slow-paced. It is about enjoying the little things in life. Learn a thing or two from the Portuguese as you discover the Algarve region. 5 days is the perfect amount of time to explore the Algarve and its different municipalities at a leisurely pace. Quality over quantity is the way to approach your trip to Algarve. The long coastline is home to hundreds of beaches, and it can get quite overwhelming. We’re here to tell you the best ones, so you can relax and soak up the gorgeous cliffs, and land features that are the region’s claim to fame.

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Portugal’s Algarve is a perfect destination no matter what you’re looking for from your trip. Every summer, the region attracts young travellers coming for the famous parties, golfers hoping to practise in some of the most beautiful courses, newly-wed couples on their honeymoon, and families looking for some kid-friendly fun. There’s a side of the Algarve that is appealing to everyone, and this 5 day itinerary reveals some of the region’s most marvellous municipalities and what makes them special.

Know before you go

Getting There:

From continental Europe, there are frequent flights to either Lisbon into the Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) or into Faro’s main airport, Gago Coutinho Airport (FAO). Lisbon has a much bigger airport than Faro, but a large number of airports have flights to Faro with Ryanair, which is on the Eastern end of the Algarve.

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If flying into Faro isn’t an option from your nearby airport, you can fly into Lisbon and take a bus to one of the towns in the Algarve. Either take a taxi to the Sete Rios station, which most of the buses to Algarve depart from, or take the red line from the airport to the stop São Sebastião, and then transfer to the blue line and get off at the stop Jardim Zoologico, which will leave you about a minute walk away from the Sete Rios stop. From there, you can get on your bus to Algarve, which takes around 2 and a half to 3 hours, depending on where you’re headed in the region.

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Public Transportation and Car Hires

While in Algarve, public transportation can be a bit unreliable at times. When I visited Vilamoura for a weekend trip, my friends and I had times when we were waiting long after the bus was scheduled to arrive, and unsure if we were in the right place. We had not rented a car, but there is a large availability of uber rides in the Algarve, so we were able to uber between the places we were hoping to visit. If ubering frequently is in the budget and you’d rather not drive, it isn’t impossible to do, but it is a bit inconvenient compared to having your own car.

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Driving

The easiest way to get around Algarve is by renting a car. It’s faster and more reliable than public transportation, which often can have long delays and schedules that are inaccurate, with not much of a way to know updates about when the next bus will come. While Uber is available in Algarve, due to the remoteness of the beaches, it can take a while for a car hire or a taxi to come pick you up. This ultimately makes driving the easiest option to get between the different places in Algarve.

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Renting a car

A car rental is the best option to travel around the region. We prefer renting a car with Rent A Car, due to their wide availability of different vehicles and locations to choose from. Make sure to rent your car a bit in advance of your trip, especially if you’re going during summer, as the Algarve can get quite busy with tourists who have the same plan to drive around to discover the area.

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Weather

There’s no wrong time to visit this incredible region. During summertime, pack your bathing suits and catch a tan on the coast, and take a dive in the cold (but refreshing) Atlantic Ocean. During winter, enjoy the lack of crowds on the beach, and take in the sights of the amazing beaches. It never gets truly cold in Algarve, so depending on where you are visiting from, it still might be a perfect getaway during the wintertime. Don’t be surprised when it's 20 degrees in February, and the locals are still wearing their winter jackets!

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Algarve Day 1: Faro and Vilamoura

When tourists come to Algarve, they tend to head straight to the resorts and built-up party towns. While the highlight of the Algarve is of course, the beaches, don’t miss out on the historical Portuguese towns. The historical centre of Faro is criminally underrated. From cobblestone streets and old Portuguese architecture, see a bit of the cultural side of the Algarve by stopping in this southern town.

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After exploring a bit of Faro, it’s worth it to get a bit more centralised in the region, since Faro is further from a lot of the main attractions in the Algarve. Vilamoura is a relaxed resort town known for its golf courses and sophisticated vibe, and a great starting point for exploring the rest of the Algarve.

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Where to eat in Faro:

Restaurante Ria Formosa: An innovative Portuguese restaurant with a constantly changing menu, only using the freshest ingredients in Portugal.

Pastelaria Padaria Centeio: Taste the traditional Portuguese custard tart, pastel de nata, at this bakery, accredited as one of thebest spots in Faro to try it.

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Where to eat in Vilamoura:

Oliveira Dourada: A creative take on traditional Portuguese cuisine, specialising in fresh seafood and the finest meats.

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Cidade Velha

Literally meaning “Old City” in Portuguese, Cidade Velha refers to the original architecture and space of the town in Faro, and not the more recently built up parts. The city of Faro is a combination of the remains of when it was a Moorish city, and typical Portuguese architecture dating back to the 18th-century. There are remains of the old city walls, and the old town can be entered through these old arches. Entrances to the old town are at Arco da Vila, Arco do Repouso, and Arco da Porta Nova. One of the best ways to get a feel for the old town of Fari is to take a walking tour that takes you around the most historical parts of the city with an expert guide to teach you about the mediaeval coastal town.

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Stop in some of the Portuguese artisan shops that line the cobblestone streets and buy local products native to the Algarve. My personal favourite of the region is called Per Se, which advertises being the ‘Light and Essence of the South’, which is essentially an all-natural Portuguese version of Aperol, without the added food colouring. As used in almost every Portuguese dish, maybe you’ll pick up some Portuguese olive oil which isn’t seen as frequently in international grocery stores as Spain or Italy’s olive oil. Artisan shops in Faro also sell many stunning ceramics, the most famous being hand-painted tiles.

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Feira de Artesanato de Faro

Feira de Artesanato de Faro is an open-air artisan fair that has handmade Portuguese products, from household items to travel souvenirs. Only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday stop by to check out some of the craftwork that you can find at these small stalls. You can find handcrafted jewellery and little trinkets that pay homage to Portugal and the Algarve region, great to bring home to have a reminder of the sunny region.

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Marina de Vilamoura

Vilamoura’s Marina is a very lively spot in the Algarve region. While strolling around it, you’ll find plenty of boats docked from all over Europe, and tourists stopping at the bars and restaurants right on the water. The restaurants are a bit touristy and are generally not the best food you could find in the area, so we recommend sitting for a drink at sunset. Although the restaurants aren’t incredible and are a bit pricey, it is a beautiful spot to eat, so it is worth it if you’re hoping to eat with a waterfront view.

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There are a number of fun bars for those looking for nightlife in Vilamoura. O’Shea’s Irish Pub frequently has live music and has a fun vibe both indoors and outdoors by the water. Atlantic Piano Bar also features live music, with different performances every night from a variety of different styles of music. Holidays in Portugal also have special events at the Piano Bar, such as a party for Carnaval, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

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Falésia Beach

Falésia Beach is a beach that extends from Albufeira to Vilamoura. The beach is 6 kilometres long of white sand, backing up to cliffs with a reddish colour. It isn’t the most impressive beach in Algarve, but it is one of the best ones for walking around, as some of the other beaches are a bit rocky and difficult to get around. It is beautiful as well to walk on top of the red cliffs for a panoramic view of the beach, on which there are trails for on the beach.

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See Falésia Beach from the water on a Sunset Tour on a Luxury Sailing Yacht. You’ll be able to swim and snorkel in the Atlantic Ocean and get the best views of Vilamoura’s coastline during sunset.

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Dom Pedro Old Course Golf Club Vilamoura

If you love golfing, you’ll love Vilamoura. It is home to many golf courses which have been described as visually stunning, with a great variety of course difficulty levels. Dom Pedro Old Course is, like the name suggests, one of the oldest golf courses in the Algarve, and it is known to be in impeccable condition. Expect luxury at this course, from the service to the quality of the courses.

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The golf course offers free shuttle service to Vilamoura hotels, as well as a bar and restaurant on-site, so you can spend the whole day here if you’re keen to. Make sure to head to their website before going, as there is a dress code and some rules that must be followed to respect the other golfers.

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Casino Vilamoura & Disco Dice Club

Portugal’s Algarve is known for being a party region, and Vilamoura has an interesting scene a bit different from the rest of the Algarve. Vilamoura is known for their Casino Vilamoura, which features tables and slot machines. People flock there to do their gambling, and it is a classy environment with a variety of different games you can play.

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If you’ve won big money by the time the Casino closes at 2 am, you might be excited enough to celebrate your winnings until 6 in the morning, and hop next door to Disco Dice Club, which is around the corner, attached to the casino building. When visiting Vilamoura, some people weren’t into gambling, and others were uninterested in clubbing. The proximity of the two worked out well so that everyone could enjoy their nightlife in different ways and meet back up at the end! Dice Club gives a taste of the Algarve nightlife that so many visit for, with more locals heading to this club compared to some of the others overrun by tourists.

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Where to stay in Faro:

Budget-friendly - Faroway Hostel

Centrally located in Faro’s old town, with cute and modern shared rooms.

Mid-Range - Hotel Faro & Beach Club

Home to the critically acclaimed restaurant Ria Formosa, this hotel overlooks both Faro’s marina and Old Town.

Luxury - Barco Casa Catamarã Sleepboat

You can technically stay in the water on this modern boat, a unique experience you won’t forget.

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Where to stay in Vilamoura:

Budget-friendly - Hostel Conii & Suites Algarve

Renovated rooms don’t take away from the traditional charm of this building dating back to 1896.

Mid-Range - Hotel Parque das Laranjeiras

This hotel includes breakfast and has a pool and bar for its guests to enjoy.

Luxury - Pestana Vila Sol Golf & Resort Hotel

For golf lovers, this one's for you. Stay on a golf course at this relaxing resort.

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Algarve Day 2: Albufeira and Lagoa

Albufeira is a great location to reach some of the best beaches in the Algarve, and some of the most famous ones are located just 20 minutes away by car in Lagoa (not to be confused with the more famous Lagos). Their proximity to each other makes Albufeira and Lagoa possible to visit in one day.

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Albufeira’s town also is a hot spot for those looking for some of the best clubs. It has a lively atmosphere, and during the early months of summer, the clubs and bars get incredibly crowded with Erasmus trips coming from other parts of Portugal and the south of Spain.

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Where to eat in Albufeira:

O’Leme: An unassuming, traditional Portuguese restaurant serving the freshest seafood simply yet deliciously.

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Where to eat in Lagoa:

Bon Bon: Distinguished by the Michelin guide, this creative Portuguese restaurant offers a tasting menu that changes seasonally.

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Benagil Beach and Benagil Cave

Benagil Cave is one of the most photographed spots in the Algarve. Whether you’re google searching Algarve or clicking on the location on Instagram, you’re bound to find a photograph of the cave. Benagil Cave is accessible from Benagil Beach, which is a small beach with a small restaurant, and a sandy area to sit. This beach can get extremely crowded, so it's worth it to come early if you want to sit at this beach for a bit.

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Insider tip: to get to Benagil Caves there are two different options that you can take. From the top of the hill, there’s a kayak rental which offers kayaks for 2 or 3 people. This is a more affordable option, but keep in mind that you do have to carry the kayak up and down the hill to the water (and if you’re anything like me and cause a big scene dropping the kayak multiple times on the way back up, you might get called by the workers ‘fracinha’, an endearing Portuguese nickname for a weak person). The nice thing about taking the kayak there is that you’re able to park your kayak and have your photoshoot in the cave.

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For a more relaxed visit, you can take a boat tour which is sold directly in front of the beach, and take you to the caves and some other beautiful spots on the coastline. Or you can opt to book a tour in advance and take a speed boat to see the beautiful caves, along with spotting some of the Atlantic Ocean’s cutest creatures, while dolphin watching.

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Marinha Beach

If you only see one beach in all of the Algarve, it has to be Marinha Beach, or more commonly known by its Portuguese name, Praia da Marinha. Only 10 minutes away from Benagil Caves, the Michelin Guide awarded this beach as being one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe, and it also boasts upon entrance of being distinguished as one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world. CNN also has named it one of the 20 most beautiful cliff beaches in the world. Well, you get the point. It has a ton of reputable awards for its stunning cliffs and gorgeous, wallpaper-worthy views.

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Don’t miss the lookout point before the long walk down the stairs to the beach, as it offers incredible birds-eye views of the beach. It is a bit of a walk up and down, but it is well worth the hike. You may be daunted by the stairs and think that because you’ve seen its beauty from above, there isn’t a need to go all the way down. But the truth is, until you are completely surrounded by the dramatic cliffs and engulfed between the rocky formations, you don’t realise the truly stunning beauty of it.

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If it is a windy day, walking along the beach can be a bit difficult. Take it from experience, I was smashed into a rock by a giant wave and had some huge bruises for the rest of the trip! Just be extra careful on days when the tide is high, due to the large broken-off pieces of rock on the beach.

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Praia da Coelha

Praia da Coelha translates to the Rabbit Beach in English, but don’t expect to see any bunnies here! Despite the name, there is no rabbit population on the picturesque beach. There are, however, low rugged cliffs and calm waters. The beach is also known for its impressive shells that frequently wash up on the shoreline. A bit off-the-beaten-path, Praia da Coelha is a favourite among visitors from other parts of Portugal and locals of the Algarve region, so it’ll feel more authentic when compared to some of the other more touristy beaches like Benagil Beach.

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With clear waters, a nice restaurant, and soft sand, it is easy to get lost in time at this beach and spend all day here soaking up the sun. The water can be a bit rocky, like most of the Algarve, but it tends to be a bit calmer than some other locations, so don’t miss out on your chance to swim on a hot day! While it can get crowded in summer, it tends to be less visited than some other beaches, so if you’re visiting on off-peak times, you may get the beach to yourself for a while.

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Montechoro Strip

This is the heart of Albufeira’s nightlife. Lit up with neon lights and countless open-air bars and clubs, there are endless places to party on this long stretch of street. It’s quite overwhelming when discovering this part of Albufeira, but some of the favourites include Matt’s Bar, which features a mechanical bull that its visitors can take a turn riding, The Slush Shack where you can grab a quick alcoholic slushy and walk down the streets while you search for the next bar, and The Old House Karaoke Lounge Bar offering a calm vibe and karaoke all night long. The Hangover Bar opens at 9 am, so you can keep the party going after a long night if you really want to. Not to mention, a lot of the hotels located right next to the strip will have pool parties going on during the day, so you can cool off and start early if that’s your thing!

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There are a ton of clubs as well, which even have open-air places in the summer, such as Libertos Club, which is an international hotspot that has been one of the top clubs in the Algarve for years and an awesome terrace. Possibly the best part of the strip in Albufeira, is how easy it is to move between different bars and clubs if you’re not a fan of the first one that you check out.

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Praia da Oura

This beach is located only 900 metres away from the infamous Montechoro Strip, so if you’re out so late at the clubs in the area, might as well stop by for sunrise! Since the area attracts so many travellers, specifically in the area for nightlife, it is quite a lively beach during the day too, filled with people playing music and dancing on the beach, ready for the nighttime to come! But don’t worry, you’ll also see plenty of hungover people from the night before getting some sun and resting up on the beach.

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It’s true, Praia da Oura is not the most impressive beach in all of the Algarve. It lacks the dramatic features of the other beaches, but it is sandy with some interesting rock formations as well. The main thing that draws the crowds to Praia da Oura is its proximity to the Montechoro Strip, and the many hotels in that part of Albufeira.

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Where to stay in Albufeira:

Budget-friendly - Musical Hostel

A modern hostel in great condition with friendly staff.

Mid-Range - Velamar Boutique Hotel

Luxurious rooms with beautiful village and ocean views, and a large swimming pool.

Luxury - Sao Rafael Atlantico

A 5 star resort that advertises celebrity treatment and world-class service.

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Algarve Day 3: Portimão

Spend your third day exploring the beaches and the town of Portimão, featuring some of the most amazing red cliffs in the Algarve region. The town is filled with artisan shops and calm cafés, which offer a nice break between beach hopping, and don’t miss out on the fresh seafood from the port town, offering some of the best seafood in the region.

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Where to eat in Portimão:

Taberna de Maré: Translating to the Tavern of the Sea, this Portuguese restaurant offers Portimão’s best seafood. Don’t miss their famous sardines.

Vista: A Michelin star restaurant with beautiful ocean views and a highlight on the regional seafood.

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Praia da Rocha

Probably the most accurately named of the Algarve’s beaches, with Praia da Rocha literally translating to “Rocky Beach”. That being said, it is one of the only beaches in the Algarve that has no rocks in the water, and has soft, yellow sand. It is a family favourite, and a very wide and long beach that stretches over 1 kilometre. It does get quite crowded, but due to the large amount of space, you’ll almost always find a spot here.

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Praia da Rocha hosts the famous hip-hop music festival Rolling Loud. In 2022, rappers like J.Cole, A$AP Rocky, and Future headlined the festival, and the upcoming lineup for July 2023 will be released later in the year. It’s quite a beautiful location for a music festival, and turf covers the sand to make it a more comfortable experience, although it can get quite hot in Algarve in the summer, so make sure to stay hydrated!

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Fort of Santa Catarina de Ribamar

Explore the old history of the Algarve, which is often overlooked, by going to Fort of Santa Catarina de Ribamar. One of the last projects created by the Philippine military, which was the House of Hapsburgs in Portugal, the fort was created to defend the peninsula from pirates and military invasions. Explore the old history of the Algarve, which is often overlooked.

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Go at sunrise or sunset to get incredible views of the Portimão coast from a higher up view. It’s a beautiful spot to capture some photos, and admire the iconic historical fort that, while no longer functional, has been a huge part of Portimão’s history for many years.

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Praia dos Três Irmãos

The name of Praia dos Três Irmãos translates to the beach of the three brothers, which was given because of the three rocks that are the main rocks on the beach, claiming that these 3 rock formations are the ‘three brothers’. The rocky shoreline offers shade during the summertime, and incredible views of the impressive cliffs.

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There are many caves and coves to explore on the beach, and a double arch right along the water, which is one of the favourite Instagram spots of the already very photogenic Algarve. This is one of Portimão’s most breathtaking spots, and worth exploring.

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Uncover the region’s caves on a pirate ship

This tour leaves from Portimão and covers some of the areas closer to Albufeira, like the Benagil Caves. It is a unique trip, however, because you’re on a pirate ship! Feel like you’re going back in time while sailing around the shores of the Algarve, and keep an eye out for dolphins from the side of the boat.

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At one point in the tour, while discovering some of the caves, you’ll be transferred into a smaller speed boat, and it is definitely a thrilling experience. The fast boat takes you into some small caves that you can’t even believe the boat is able to fit into when you enter. But the adrenaline rush is well worth it, when you see some of the bluest waters surrounded by land formations unlike any you’ve seen before. It’s best to book your spot on the pirate ship in advance here.

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Where to stay in Portimão:

Budget-friendly - Aloha Hostel

A traditional building in the centre of Portimão, this hostel offers water sports facilities and bike hire.

Mid-Range - Hotel da Rocha

Walking distance from the marina and Rocha beach, this contemporary hotel is worth staying at for its optimal location.

Luxury - Bela Vista Hotel & Spa - Relais & Chateaux

A beautiful historical building with a traditional Algarvean restaurant, and direct access to the beach.

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Algarve Day 4: Lagos

There are so many stunning beaches in Algarve that by your 4th day, you will think that you’ve seen them all. Until you get to Lagos, and realise that some of the most impressive beaches in the region are in this municipality, you’ll begin to wonder how these beaches keep getting more and more impressive.

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Spend your time in Lagos between its most beautiful beaches, and don’t forget to take some time to relax and soak up the scenery and the sun at each.

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Where to eat in Lagos:

Don Sebastião: A Michelin recommended restaurant with an incredible wine cellar and traditional cuisine, located in the heart of Lagos’ old town.

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Praia do Camilo

When you ask people in Portugal, what is the most beautiful beach in the Algarve, you tend to get two answers. Either the previously mentioned Praia da Marinha, or Praia do Camilo. Like a lot of the beaches in the Algarve, this one is tricky to get to, since you have to climb down over 200 steps to reach the bottom, but it is a must-see nonetheless. Make sure to carry your flip-flops in your beach bag and keep a pair of walking shoes on for the walk down. After a bit of a trek, you’ll have reached one of nature’s finest creations. Located in a sandy cove, surrounded by stunning cliffs, is one Algarve’s most photographed beaches.

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It is a very scenic, breathtaking beach to visit, but it does get crowded very quickly, as it is a lot smaller than some of the other beaches in the Algarve, and just as popular. Save your spot early and bring your own umbrella if you’re hoping to catch some shade.

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Praia de Dona Ana

Another favourite among travellers in Algarve is Praia de Dona Ana. Another rocky beach only accessible by stairs (but easier stairs compared to Praia do Camilo), is a beautiful beach with turquoise waters and incredible cliffs surrounding it. The beach has a secluded feeling, despite the amount of travellers that visit it, due to being completely surrounded by tall cliffs.

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Praia de Dona Ana is also a good place to snorkel if the water is not rough, and it’s quite common for people to take out kayaks on this beach, to explore the nearby caves. There is a part of the beach where you can pay for a chair, whereas a lot of other secluded beaches in the Algarve don’t have this available for purchase, which is ideal, especially for this beach since it is a very narrow beach that can get quite crowded.

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Praia do Pinhão

Compared to the other beaches in Lagos, this stunning beach is a bit more hidden and off-the-beaten-path. We use that term lightly, since it is Lagos, and every beach in the area attracts a lot of visitors, but compared to Praia do Camilo or Praia de Dona Ana, Praia do Pinhão is a bit calmer.

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The beach itself is also a bit more natural and untouched compared to some of Lagos’ most popular spots. There’s no beach bar or beach restaurant like a lot of the Algarve beaches, so it is the perfect spot for those looking to be more in touch with nature, and enjoy the sound of the waves. It’s a very relaxing beach. And you deserve to relax after the steep walk down to the beach!

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Ride the Atlantic Ocean’s waves

Portugal is known for its surfing culture and the influx of tourists that come to surf in the small

Atlantic country. While Algarve isn’t necessarily the most famous spot in Portugal to go surfing at, it doesn't mean you can’t and shouldn’t! In fact, there are surf tours leaving from Lagos where you can learn the basics of surfing from an expert instructor, and ride the waves in the stunning region. For a 2 hour surfing lesson, you will learn and practise your surfing skills!

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Already an expert? There are plenty of surf shops in Lagos that offer rentals of surfboards, bodyboards, and paddleboards. Meia Praia is one of the best beaches in the region for surfing, so feel free to catch the waves with your rentals if you’re already experienced in the sport!

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Where to stay in Lagos:

Budget-friendly - Olive Hostel Lagos

A colourful hostel with an on-site bar, with staff that can help organise day trips, watersports, and car rentals.

Mid-Range - Costa d’Oiro Ambiance Village

Rooms decorated with a Mediterranean theme, only 350 yards from the Dona Ana Beach.

Luxury - A Cerca - A

Get an apartment all to yourself with an outdoor pool and garden, only 11 minutes walking from the closest beach.

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Algarve Day 5: Sagres

Sagres is one of the least visited parts of the Algarve, which creates an untouched feel that is unforgettable and different from the rest of the region. Also, the region is where the famous Portuguese beer Sagres is named after if you’re wondering why the name sounds so familiar.

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Uncover Algarve’s forgotten municipality and discover the rich history of Sagres, as well as its rugged, unspoilt beaches.

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Cape St. Vincent

The most southwestern point of Portugal and mainland Europe has been a sacred spot since neolithic times, and has been represented in many cultures for centuries, such as the ancient Greeks and the ancient Romans. It was thought by many European civilisations to be the edge of the world. It has also been the spot of many naval battles in history, including during the French Revolution, making it quite a historical location.

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Besides its long history important to many different civilisations throughout time, Cape St. Vincent is a stunning sight. Come at sunset for gorgeous, colourful ends to the day. It is popular among locals to bring a picnic up here and some drinks, and enjoy its beauty. A small lighthouse is perched on the top of the Cape, only adding to the incredible views.

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Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça

This small white church, when photographed, almost looks like it is in the middle of nowhere. It isn’t an extravagant church, and is rather simple, but something about this church is incredibly different from other churches. It’s a quiet atmosphere with impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean beyond the church. If you have the time, it is a magnificent spot to watch the sunset from.

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This Renaissance-style church has stood near the famous Cape St. Vincent for hundreds of years, and has always been important to the town. The church has a lot of interesting history, as it was the church that many sailors would visit before embarking on the ships, back during Portugal’s colonial empire.

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Praia do Beliche

The beautiful backdrop of Cape St. Vincent makes Praia do Beliche an incredible beach to spend some time at. One of Sagres’ best beaches for surfing tends to be less crowded due to the lack of tourism in Sagres compared to other parts of the Algarve. You’ll have a peaceful time on this sandy beach, able to relax without the crowds and without scrambling to get a seat, all while enjoying some of the most incredible backdrops.

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The beach also has quite a bit of history behind it. During Portugal’s time as a major colonial power, many of the voyages to other parts of the world left off of this beach. From this beach, Gil Eanes set sail in 1434 to round Cape Bojador, a Cape in the northwest of Africa, and it was the first time that someone had done this trip before. It is a bit of a dark history, knowing some of the terrible outcomes that European colonialism had on other parts of the world.

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Ponta Ruiva Beach

Another popular surfing beach, is filled with unique rock formations and a rugged coastline. It is a part of the Costa Vicentina natural park, so there’s wild nature, and it feels very natural and untouched when visiting. The beach tends to be unfilled on the majority of days and stays calm and quiet, and usually, only surfers are visiting.

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When there is a low tide, natural pools form between the rocks. This is a fun spot to check out because the temperature of the water is warmer compared to the Atlantic Ocean, which is pretty cold. Don’t skip out on walking up the Miradouro da Ponta Ruiva, which is a stunning lookout point to get a panoramic view of the beach.

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Where to stay in Sagres:

Budget-friendly - Sagres Sun Stay - Surf Camp & Hostel

This modern hostel has its own outdoor swimming pool, terrace, and bar.

Mid-Range - Mareta Beach - Boutique Bed & Breakfast

A modern, minimalist interior with a large outdoor pool overlooking the ocean.

Luxury - Pousada de Sagres

This clifftop hotel has breathtaking coastal views that can be seen from the pool, and the property overlooks Cape St. Vincent.