Custom Trips to Portugal's Algarve Region

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Stretched along the southern coast, the sun-drenched Algarve region is home to Portugal’s loveliest beaches. The options here are staggering. You’ll find wild and unspoiled beaches along the Costa Vicentina, from fine white sands and calm azure waters to golden sands backed by red cliffs. The waterfront towns offer plenty of variety, from sleepy settlements perched near sea cliffs to vibrant nightlife-loving towns popular with expats. There are also historic towns like Tavira that offer a little of everything, including superb restaurants, medieval architecture and excursions to a nearby island.

Though the beaches get all the attention, there’s much to explore beyond the sandy shoreline. Previous kimkim travelers have made excursions to the Serra do Caldeirão, a mountain range that begins just inland. There you can hike to Foia, the Algarve’s highest peak, for breathtaking views on clear days. The region is also famous for its honey and medronho, a brandy made from the fruit of the arbutus tree. Tours of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa showcase another jewel of the Algarve. The protected reserve is home to salt pans, lagoons and islands, with abundant birdlife.

Portugal Travel Insights

Marinha Beach in Portimão
Map of Best of Portugal, from Porto to Algarve - 8 Days
Best of Portugal, from Porto to Algarve - 8 Days

This tour mixes Portugal's vibrant cities with the incredible natural scenery of the Algarve region, starting with guided tours of Porto and Lisbon's hilly and historic neighborhoods. Enjoy a day trip to the Douro Valley for a tasting of the region's wine and port varietals, then head south to Algarve to explore its water sports, preserved coastal parks, and endless coastline filled with sandy beaches and rock formations. Spend hours relaxing on the beach, hiking along the coast, or meandering the historic fishing villages, all before watching dramatic sunsets and experiencing the area's exceptional nightlife.

Ponta da Piedade
Map of Portugal: Lisbon City & Lagos Coast - 5 Days
Portugal: Lisbon City & Lagos Coast - 5 Days

Discover Portugal's dynamic capital and explore the country's sunny south on this trip plan, which takes you from Lisbon to Lagos in the Western Algarve. Soak up the sun, take delicious and authentic cuisine, and lose yourself either wandering through historic streets or eating through the waves. If you're passionate about beautiful beaches and capturing stunning landscapes, this itinerary is for you!

Sandstone formations at Camilo Beach (two beaches connected through a tunnel)
Map of Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & Lagos - 7 Days
Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & Lagos - 7 Days

This is the ultimate weeklong introduction to Portugal's southern half. The trip starts in the vibrant capital of Lisbon, where you'll tour the city—and nearby villages—with a local. From here, drive into the Alentejo region for a night in ancient Évora's inner-walled town. Finish the adventure with a train ride to coastal Lagos for fabulous beaches and stunning views in and around the Algarve.

Sunset over golden cliffs and beaches of the Algarve
Map of Ultimate Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve - 9 Days
Ultimate Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve - 9 Days

This 9-day itinerary combines the culture and cuisine of Portugal's two largest cities with the rural countryside and golden beaches of the Algarve. Immerse yourself in Porto's thriving gastronomy scene with a food tour and cooking class, then head into the vineyards of the Douro Valley for a day of wine tasting and river cruising. Transfer south to Lisbon to tour the capital's streets by tuk-tuk, then continue to the Algarve to hike coastal trails and explore hidden beaches by catamaran.

Vila Joya 2* Michelin Star Restaurant
Map of Michelin Star Dining in the Algarve - 7 Days
Michelin Star Dining in the Algarve - 7 Days

Spend a week exploring world-class cuisine at five of the top Michelin Star restaurants in the Algarve. Visit a world-famous wine cellar, explore medieval town squares, and try go-karting on Europe's largest race track. Spend the day with a traditional clam picker and discover Portugal's diverse culinary traditions.

The dramatic landscapes of the Douro Valley and its vineyards
Map of Portugal's Wine & Beaches: Porto, Douro Valley & Algarve - 9 Days
Portugal's Wine & Beaches: Porto, Douro Valley & Algarve - 9 Days

Explore Portugal from north to south on this 9-day adventure filled with wine, seafood, and astonishing scenery. Start in Porto, Portugal's second city, known for its sunsets, colorful houses, and sweet port wine. Then, spend a couple of days visiting wineries and vineyards in the beautiful Douro Valley before catching a plane to the Algarve, the southernmost region in the country. Here, a rental car will provide you the freedom to tour picturesque seaside towns at your own pace.

How it works
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Portugal
Travel specialist Marina Courtaut
active 1 min ago

Marina Courtaut

Can you think of a better way to live adventures than traveling? When we travel we open our minds to new experiences and learn new cultures by making the destination we visited our home for a...

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Travel specialist Diana Mota
active 2 days ago

Diana Mota

Hi! I’m Diana, and I’m passionate about experiencing new things! I’m always open to trying different stuff – waterskiing; snorkeling; diving into Latin dance classes; now I’m learning how to play...

read more...
Travel specialist João Branco
active 13 hours ago

João Branco

Hey Everyone! My name is João and I am a World Passionate Traveler. Ever since I can remember I have been traveling around the world which made my academic and professional choices quite easy -...

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Travel specialist Pedro Luis
active 10 hours ago

Pedro Luis

Hello everyone :) Every single time I have the opportunity to travel, my goal is to fully experience the destination. I truly believe that the essence, the context & the materialization are the...

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Trip Reviews for Portugal

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Great spring trip to Lisbon/Azores
Portugal | Mar 14 - Mar 21, 2026

Soumya
Soumya K.
Scotch Plains, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2026
We had an amazing time in Lisbon/Ponta Delgada even though the weather was not at its best.
Key people who made this possible are Rui (our guide in Lisbon) and Leandro and Pedro (our guides in Ponta Delgada).
Diana and team did a great job with coordination as we had multiple changes due to delayed/cancelled flights and some trip cancellations. Thank you again!!
Read more

We had an amazing time in Lisbon/Ponta Delgada even though the weather was not at its best.
Key people who made this possible are Rui (our guide in Lisbon) and Leandro and Pedro (our guides in Ponta Delgada).
Diana and team did a great job with coordination as we had multiple changes due to delayed/cancelled flights and some trip cancellations. Thank you again!!

Hotel Reviews
Octant Ponta Delgada
Ponta Delgada
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
PortoBay Liberdade
Lisbon
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Diana Mota

Tour do Portugal!
Portugal | Mar 11 - Mar 24, 2026

Drew
Drew O.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2026
Really overall an amazing 2 week trip with many wonderful experiences. The knowledge and support from the Kimkim team was impeccable and took so much stress away from travel. The Kim team seemed to think of just about everything. Our trip seemed to ratchet up at every stop. We began in Lisbon to get settle and oriented. The balance of tour and free time was important. Great guides. Next by train Coimbra added more about history, the university and town. The trip to Aveiro was... Read more

Really overall an amazing 2 week trip with many wonderful experiences. The knowledge and support from the Kimkim team was impeccable and took so much stress away from travel. The Kim team seemed to think of just about everything.

Our trip seemed to ratchet up at every stop. We began in Lisbon to get settle and oriented. The balance of tour and free time was important. Great guides.

Next by train Coimbra added more about history, the university and town. The trip to Aveiro was interesting and the guide superb. However, we could pass on this one and replace with a trip to Conigriba to see the Roman ruins.

Another train to Porto with enough free time to see much of the city. A fabulous guide (university professor) the next day helped us really understand the history of the area. The highlight of the trip was the next day to the Duoro valley - the driver/guide took us to a winery, maybe the best lunch we had for the entire trip on a hilltop, a ride down the Duoro river and back to another winery. Felt really special even though this was our largest group (7).

The drive to Sintra was the right choice versus a couple different trains. A whirlwind tour of three palaces the next day was good although we wish we had a more knowledgeable guide. (There are certified guides in Portugal who must study for 3 years, take tests, etc. ).

Cascais was amazing and another highlight in itself. The guide the next day was wonderful with a trip to the coast (Cabo da Roca - end of the world AKA western most point in Europe) and took us to a small local beach not far”on the tour” which may only be known by locals.

Transfers were all seamless. Thank you

Accommodations all had breakfast included:
Lisbon we booked ourselves - Ivens Hotel with a wonderful restaurant attached
Coimbra - Quinta das Lagrimas - hotel needs some updating but the former Michelin star restaurant was a nice surprise
Porto - Menina Colina Guesthouse was our favorite with an amazing room and hosts. Wanted to live in for a month
Sintra Marmóris Palace with the best view of all - Sintra and the moorish castle . Very accommodating and wine and cheese (and Fado!) in the afternoon
Cascais - Pergola hotel has beautiful grounds although the room was the most basic on the trip. Breakfast was excellent although we did not dine in the restaurant - too many better choices!

Hotel Reviews
Pergola Boutique Hotel
Cascais

Beautiful grounds and wonderful staff. Breakfast was great. However, room was the smallest and most basic. In addition, while it did overlook the garden, it also overlooked the restaurant which plays music and is fairly loud until 11pm. Might have been better in a room facing the back. Also, room was on the second floor so might be tough for some climbing stairs and carrying luggage

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sintra Marmoris Palace
Sintra

Very unique place, short walk to town. Staff amazingly helpful. Wine and cheese in the afternoon with Fado one day. We had a suite with external access. Quite. Beautiful

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Menina Colina Guesthouse
Porto

Highlight of our trip. Amazing location, quiet. Staff were super.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas
Coimbra

Hotel in need of updating. Long walk to room and from room to dining. The grounds and gardens are pretty special. Not an easy place to walk from or to the town

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
30 year old carpet (it appeared) and might need a deep clean of the rooms
The Ivens, Autograph Collection
Lisbon

Fantastic hotel with the best restaurant attached. Breakfast was the best of the entire trip.

Authenticity & Character
Right in a neighborhood but also quite
Location
Staff
Tanya at Rocco was fantastic
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore Cascais & Beyond – Cascais & Cabo da Roca
Explore Cascais & Beyond – Cascais & Cabo da Roca
Cascais

Certified guide, another Luís, who was fantastic, great driver, even took us to an local beach

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sintra's Royal Treasures - QueLuz, Pena & National Palace
Sintra's Royal Treasures - QueLuz, Pena & National Palace
Sintra

The palaces were wonderful. This trip wears the only one without a certified (by Portugal) guide. The guide was very nice but seemed to be filling in for his son in law In addition, entrance fees were apparently not included for two locations despite assurances we had already paid. Kimkim was great in refunding rapidly. Thank you.

Quality of Experience
The palaces were amazing. Would be a 5 star with a more knowledgeable guide.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Luis was extremely nice and helpful. Knowledge was not to the level expected.
Transport
Douro Valley Day Trip with Wine Tastings & River Cruise
Douro Valley Day Trip with Wine Tastings & River Cruise
Porto

Can we give more than 5 stars? Best overall day in Portugal. Ended up joining a wine club and could have spent a few days there. Wine liver paradise. So scenic!

Quality of Experience
Food
Amazing lunch! One of the best meals we had
Guides, Drivers and Staff
David was excellent as driver
Transport
Self-Guided Vila Nova de Gaia Port Lodges
Self-Guided Vila Nova de Gaia Port Lodges
Porto

Walked down to the Nova Gaia and toured the Calem Lodge. Best view of Porto from across the river.

Quality of Experience
Did this the day we arrived
Private City Highlights Walk
Private City Highlights Walk
Porto

Got a lay of the town. Great certified guide

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ana was wonderful, informative and helpful
Portugal’s Little Venice: A Day in Aveiro & the Colorful Coast
Portugal’s Little Venice: A Day in Aveiro & the Colorful Coast
Coimbra

Guide was excellent. Experience was mixed at best. Aveiro is a very nice town. Highlight were the salt ponds and seeing the workers up close, Costa Nova (although empty this time of year). The town and canals not really worth it. The “gondolas” don’t go anywhere and the canals don’t even connect.

Quality of Experience
Food
Really just had a coffee
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Learned a lot from Eva
Transport
Private Joanina Library & University of Coimbra Visit
Private Joanina Library & University of Coimbra Visit
Coimbra

Certified guide. Really interesting regarding the university. The guide was a graduate.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Eva was very knowledgeable
Transport
We took a taxi to the starting location. Would have been a 45-60 min walk from hotel and mostly uphill
Self-Guided Viewpoints Adventure
Self-Guided Viewpoints Adventure
Lisbon

Needed downtime and exploration. Added the convent de Carmo Which was amazing

Quality of Experience
Private Tuk-Tuk Experience Along the 28 Tram Route
Private Tuk-Tuk Experience Along the 28 Tram Route
Lisbon

Pretty fun and good to be sitting. Saw a ton of the city we might not have otherwise.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Catolina was very fun (from Chile)
Transport
Tad bumping but fun
São Jorge Castle Visit
São Jorge Castle Visit
Lisbon

Certified guide, Rui, was excellent. Lot of walking and stapes but really helped to orient to place and history

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rui was wonderful
Local specialist: Coraima Yañez

Great trip!
Portugal | Mar 1 - Mar 13, 2026

S
Suzanne K.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 15, 2026
Our trip was great. So many nice tours, everything went as planned. We had a wonderful time. Read more

Our trip was great. So many nice tours, everything went as planned. We had a wonderful time.

Hotel Reviews
Évora Olive Hotel
Évora

Room was the nicest of our trip. Only annoying thing was not being able to check in until 4 pm the day we arrived.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Editory Garden Porto Hotel
Porto

Room was small but otherwise no problems

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
MeraPrime Gold Design Hotel
Lisbon

Great location, clean room. Staff was nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Culinary Highlights of Porto: Food Delights & Bolhão Market
Culinary Highlights of Porto: Food Delights & Bolhão Market
Porto

It would be nice if the tour was adaptable to the weather, surely more tasting experiences could be done inside. The day of our tour it was freezing and rainy and we were outside for the majority of it. It also wasn’t a lot of food and my husband was still hungry at the end. Additionally, we didn’t drink alcohol and it would have been nice if the guide didn’t announce it to the group in an embarrassing way at every single stop.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Go West to Belém by Tuk-Tuk
Go West to Belém by Tuk-Tuk
Lisbon

The guide was very nice. However, the tuk tuk itself was loud and uncomfortable. It was hard to see out of the roof covering and we whizzed past so many sites without really taking them in. It probably would have been nice for people accustomed to tuk tuk rides, but for us it was a bit overwhelming.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guide Walk of Portugal’s Ancient Megaliths
Guide Walk of Portugal’s Ancient Megaliths
Évora

Our guide was very nice and seemed knowledgeable. The prehistoric sites themselves probably weren’t worth staying an extra day for, most of the tour was driving or walking to the different sites. Maybe if this tour was combined with something else to make it more satisfying?

Quality of Experience
Only saw three different sites over several hours
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was very nice
Transport
Our driver was great
Peneda-Gerês National Park Experience: Easy Hike & Cultural Experience
Peneda-Gerês National Park Experience: Easy Hike & Cultural Experience
Porto

We loved this. Guide was great, the lunch was so much more food than we were expecting, and delicious. Saw some cool views of the park. Overall a very nice day.

Quality of Experience
Food
Such a wonderful lunch!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hands-On Cooking at a Traditional Alentejo Farm
Hands-On Cooking at a Traditional Alentejo Farm
Évora

We had a great time and made a bunch of delicious food.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on Mar 16, 2026

Hi Suzanne, thank you so much for your feedback! I’m really happy to hear that you had a wonderful trip and enjoyed many of the tours, especially the cooking experience in Alentejo and the day in Peneda-Gerês National Park. I really appreciate your notes on the hotel room sizes and the rest of the tours, this kind of feedback is very helpful for us as we continuously review our partners and experiences. It was a pleasure helping you plan this trip, and I hope I can help you with some of your next adventures to Italy, Portugal, Spain or Morocco! 😍

Why travelers love kimkim

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