The Algarve: Best Itinerary Ideas
How many days do you need in the Algarve?
- Most travelers spend 5-7 days in Algarve
- Visiting Algarve in 4 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 8 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Lisbon, Pedralva, and Porto
How Many Days to Spend in Portugal
Recommended Itineraries for the Algarve
Recommended Itinerary for 5 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Faro, Pick Up Rental Car | Faro |
| Day 2 | Faro Food Walking Tour, Free Afternoon | Faro |
| Day 3 | Drive to Tavira, Explore | Tavira |
| Day 4 | Explore the Algarve Region | Lagos |
| Day 5 | Return to Faro, Depart |
Spend five days exploring the stunning Algarve region, Portugal's southernmost area that sweeps westward to the Atlantic. You'll spend quality time in the region's two main cities—Faro and Lagos—and discover beautiful churches in Tavira, gorgeous beaches, phenomenal cliffside panoramas, and incredible food. Plus, you'll have plenty of time to lounge on the sand, cruise along the coast, and unwind amid urban charm and natural splendor. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Olhão, Explore | Olhão |
| Day 2 | Algarvian Food Tasting & Cultural Tour | Olhão |
| Day 3 | Olive Oil Secrets & Regional Sweets Workshop | Olhão |
| Day 4 | Cruise the Ria Formosa Islands & Seafood Lunch | Olhão |
| Day 5 | Algarvian Cooking Class in Faro | Olhão |
| Day 6 | Free Day in Olhão | Olhão |
| Day 7 | Depart Olhão |
Spend a week exploring the Algarve's culture, nature, and history through a culinary lens. Eat and drink your way through Portugal's favorite dishes, visit olive farms, and try your hand at preparing a three-course meal from scratch. Foodies and nature lovers will love sampling Mediterranean cuisine and relaxing at night in luxurious accommodations. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
10-Day Itinerary Including Lisbon & Porto
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon, Foodie Walking Tour | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Half-Day Tour of Lisbon, Fado Dinner | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril | Sintra |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Porto via Tomar | Porto |
| Day 5 | Half-Day Tour of Porto, Evening Food Tour | Porto |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Douro Valley | Porto |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Lagos | Lagos |
| Days 8-9 | Explore Lagos & the Algarve Region | Lagos |
| Day 10 | Return to Lisbon, Depart | Lisbon |
Experience three of Portugal's most iconic destinations on this 10-day trip, starting in Lisbon, where you'll tour ancient ruins, cobbled streets, and a UNESCO-listed village in the forested hills. Next, head north to Porto—famous for wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. The hardest decisions fall at the end, where you can choose between spectacular beaches and whitewashed villages in the Algarve. Read more
10-Day Itinerary Including Lisbon
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon, Foodie Walking Tour | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Half-Day Tour of Lisbon | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Day-Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril | Sintra |
| Day 4 | Free Day in Lisbon | Lisbon |
| Day 5 | Train to Lagos | Lagos |
| Days 6-9 | Explore Lagos & the Algarve Region | Lagos |
| Day 10 | Return to Lisbon by Train, Depart |
This 10-day trip splits time between Portugal's exciting capital and its southern coast while moving at a relaxed pace. Kick off the adventure in up-and-coming Lisbon for a guided introduction to the "City of Seven Hills," including nearby highlights like Sintra and Cascais. Then, choose your own day trip before taking the train to Lagos for several days of golden beaches and picturesque villages in the Algarve. Read more
10-Day Itinerary Including Lisbon, Porto & the Alentejo
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon, Foodie Walking Tour | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Guided Tour of Lisbon | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril | Sintra |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Porto via Coimbra | Porto |
| Day 5 | Half-Day Tour of Porto, Evening Food Tour | Porto |
| Day 6 | Drive to Évora, Private Tour | Porto |
| Day 7 | Explore the Alentejo Region | Évora |
| Day 8 | Pick Up Rental Car, Drive to Lagos, Explore the Algarve | Lagos |
| Day 9 | Explore Lagos & the Algarve Region | Lagos |
| Day 10 | Return Train to Lisbon, Depart |
See the highlights of Portugal's cities, beaches, and gorgeous towns on this fantastic itinerary that takes you through the country's must-see gems. Explore the urban centers of Lisbon and Porto with the help of experts, in-the-know-locals, and unique opportunities to see—and taste!—the incredible vibrancy of Portugal. You'll also visit tiny villages, imposing palaces, and picturesque beach towns off the beaten path. This trip plan is a great option if it's your first time in the country! Read more
How to Get to the Algarve
Accessing the Algarve region, in the south of Portugal, is easy via land transport from the rest of Portugal or from Spain. Its main hub is the city of Faro, the regional capital, which has its own international airport. There is another small airport in the Algarve, in Portimão, though it receives far fewer flights. Read more
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