9-day Algarve, Portugal roadtrip itinerary for ocean lovers
This itinerary covers the whole Alentejo and Algarve coast from Lisbon to Albufeira (close to Faro airport). And can of course be done the other way around. The drive back from one city to another takes about 4 hours.
Day 1 - Arrábida National Park & Sesimbra
Arrábida
Drive from Lisbon to Arrábida: approx. 1h.
You can spend some time here driving around (or cycling if you’re into that!), having lunch at one of the breathtaking viewpoints and visiting the amazing beaches.
It gets quite busy during high season so try to get there early!
Sesimbra
Drive from Arrábida: approx. 15 - 30min.
Sesimbra is a small but rather busy village next to the Natural Park. You can visit a number of beautiful beaches with stunning views.d
Day 2 - Sines & Porto Covo
Sines
Drive from Sesimbra to Sines: approx. 2 hours
Visit the center of Sines and have lunch at the lovely Bom Remedio. Good food for small prices in the city center.
After visiting the city, drive the coastline from Sines to Porto Covo. Take some walks on the cliffs and take in the beautiful views.
Day 3 - Aljezur & Arrifana
Aljezur
Drive from Porto Covo to Aljezur: approx. 1h
Stroll through the narrow streets of Aljezur all the way to the old castle of Aljezur. You can do this alone or you can take a doggy with you!
The dog shelter in Aljezur let you walk their little fur babies every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and the really add value to the hike. Contact me if you want more info!
Arrifana
Drive from Aljezur to Arrifana: approx. 15 minutes
Whether you're into surfing or just hanging out by the beach: Arrifana is worth a stop. After your walk downhill you find a beautiful beach with clear waters in between the high cliffs. There's a rental service for SUP's and surf boards and toilets.
Day 4 - Epic beaches & Sagres
Praia da Bordeira
Drive from Arrifana to Bordeira: approx. 30min
Bordeira is perfect for everyone who enjoys a good walk without having to wear hiking shoes. At Bordeira you can explore the cliffs and the stunning views from the well maintained wooden paths.
Praia da Barriga, Cordoama & Castelejo
Drive from Bordeira to Barriga: approx. 30min
These three beaches surrounded by high rocks make you feel the smallest you've ever been. Castelejo is probably my favorite, but might be harder to reach with big camping cars.
Sagres
Sagres caters to literally everybody. It has numerous of beaches to hang out and chill. It's a hotspot for surfers and has some epic viewpoints. Sagres is called 'the end of the world', since it's the most south western point of Europe.
Day 5 & 6: explore Lagos
Drive from Sagres to Lagos: approx. 40min.
Lagos caters to literally everyone.
The port of Lagos is the starting point of a lot of fun excursions. You can take a boat tour on the Algarve coast, be amazed by the wonderful red cliffs from another point of view and maybe spot some dolphins.
The city of Lagos is full of cozy bars and restaurants. You can do some shopping and there are beaches at walking distance to cool off after a day of city seeing.
Ponta de Piedade is a must-see in Lagos and you can walk your way from there to the beautiful Praia do Camilo, using the new wooden paths on the cliffs.
Day 7 - Carvoeiro
Drive from Lagos to Carvoeiro: approx. 40min. There are some cool beaches and views along the way but they might double the time driving.
Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro is, just like Lagos, a very versatile place to be. On one hand you have the dreamy steps leading your way down to - what's in a name - Praia do Paraíso and the natural beauty of the Algar Seco caves. The city center on its end is filled with surf and local shops, bars and restaurants.
Day 8 - The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Drive from Carvoeiro to the walk: approx. 15min
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail goes between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes. It doesn't really matter where you start. Praia da Marinha has a bigger parking lot so this might be easier to start. You can walk the Trail twice or just take an Uber back when you're finished.
The hike is (one way) 6 kilometers long, takes about 2,5-3 hours and is pretty doable for everyone.
During the trail you walk past the Benagil Cave. If you want to see it from the inside, book an excursion from a nearby city in the afternoon. Or go to Benagil Beach, rent a SUP and visit the cave by yourself.
Day 9 - Albufeira area
The city of Albufeira is mostly notorious for hosting a lot of European young adult summer camps. During high season it's crowded with very young people. Not really your idea of vacation, right?
But the area around Albufeira is pretty and the perfect scenery for a last day in the Algarve.
Praia da Falésia
Praia da Falésia is a popular beach for bathing but that's not a problem. It's so wide, it's probably impossible to be full. There's a rental service at the main entrance if you want to go for a surf and several bars more inland.
Other beaches that might be worth a visit:
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