Custom Trips to Portugal's Algarve Region

design your trip with a local travel specialist

Travelers love kimkim

- ., traveled to in
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
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Portugal
Travel specialist Tiago Filipe
active 14 hours ago

Tiago Filipe

I've always traveled extensively with my family and from a very early age developed a strong taste for it. Portuguese were once sailors and discoverers and I like to think of myself as one too: a...

read more...
Travel specialist Marina Courtaut
active 4 mins 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Diana Mota
active 5 hours 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 18 mins 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 -...

read more...

Trip Reviews for Portugal

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

emily in portugal! highly recommend
Portugal | Apr 12 - Apr 19, 2026

Tom
Tom L.
Northbrook, IL | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2026
emily was wonderful. made sure i had all the information in a timely fashion and kept me on task during the entire time. events were planned perfectly and all went on with no issues. a great trip! Read more

emily was wonderful. made sure i had all the information in a timely fashion and kept me on task during the entire time. events were planned perfectly and all went on with no issues. a great trip!

Activity Review
Backroads of Cascais & Sintra on E-Bike
Backroads of Cascais & Sintra on E-Bike
Cascais

this is a true bike ride. even with an e- bike- be prepared to work, navigate some interesting terrain and gates- and have the time of your life. it's a long trip with lots of hills, traffic and animals. not for the faint of heart. a great ride!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
more communication
Transport
picked up at hotel
Local specialist: Emily Boles
Emily
Emily Boles
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Apr 23, 2026

I'm so happy there were no issues on your trip, Tom! Those pictures are absolutely gorgeous and look like you both had an amazing time! 🤩 The bike ride can be more challenging with the hills and such, but the views definitely make it worth it! Can't wait to see where you and Jeannie go on your next adventure. - Emily

Amazing Trip and Experience
Portugal | Apr 1 - Apr 11, 2026

Lauren
Lauren G.
Charlotte, NC | Reviewed on Apr 15, 2026
This trip was so special and well planned, thanks to Marisa and her team at Across Portugal. The trip was seamless, from our airport transfer patiently waiting for us to get through passport control, to each walking tour arriving early and spending time with us, to our wonderful drivers in Lisbon and Porto, who not only drove us, but were amazing tour guides on the way to our destination. The level of service was wonderful and felt so personal. We did not encounter any issues on our trip,... Read more

This trip was so special and well planned, thanks to Marisa and her team at Across Portugal. The trip was seamless, from our airport transfer patiently waiting for us to get through passport control, to each walking tour arriving early and spending time with us, to our wonderful drivers in Lisbon and Porto, who not only drove us, but were amazing tour guides on the way to our destination. The level of service was wonderful and felt so personal.

We did not encounter any issues on our trip, but when we had questions, Marisa and her team were quick to respond.

We cannot recommend Across Portugal enough! We hope to return someday, and when we do, we will definitely work with them again!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Cascais Miragem
Cascais

Really nice hotel, however the front desk staff were not very friendly compared to our other accommodations. Beautiful views of the ocean and a nice pool, however, you do have to walk near a busy road to get to most of the restaurants and the beach in Cascais.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Condes de Azevedo Palace
Porto

Beautiful hot, amazing staff, and spacious rooms. It was so nice having two huge bathrooms and half bath with our family. The staff was so wonderful and the breakfast was great!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Montebelo Lisbon Downtown Apartments
Lisboa

This apartment was in a wonderful location and was so comfortable as a landing pad during our time in Lisbon. We especially loved the bright living room with floor to ceiling windows. Only knocking off a star because it would be nice to have more than one bathroom in the two bedroom apartment.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walkable to everything
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Scenic Voyage along the Douro River aboard an Exclusive Boat
Scenic Voyage along the Douro River aboard an Exclusive Boat
Portugal

Despite the rain, our guide made this a wonderful experience with delicious Espumante, and we learned a lot about wine making and the region,

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service
Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service
Portugal

The lunch was a highlight! Excellent food, service, and views from the restaurant. We enjoyed the tour where were learned more about wine making, saw the grounds, and the tasting at the end was nice! Our guide did a great job of including our kids.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service
Portugal

Such beautiful views of Lisbon, the countryside and the castles! The gardens and grounds were also stunning in the spring time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon

So informative and a great way to see the city! The wine tasting at the end was also exceptional.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Marisa Agulhas
Marisa
Marisa Agulhas
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Apr 16, 2026

Dear Lauren,

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. It truly means the world to me and the entire team to know that your trip was such a special experience! Our partners and guides will be delighted to know they helped make your trip even more memorable.

We would absolutely love to welcome you back to Portugal one day. When you’re ready, we’ll be here to make your next visit just as unforgettable!

Thank you once again,
Your Friend in Portugal - Marisa

We spent two dreamy weeks in Portugal and are...
Portugal | Mar 15 - Mar 28, 2026

Anne
Anne M.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2026
We spent two dreamy weeks in Portugal and are thrilled with our kimkim experience! Marisa, our travel specialist, listened closely to our interests and crafted a base itinerary, which we finalized after a helpful phone call to ask questions and get her advice. Leading up to the trip, she was communicative and proactive, and we knew we were in good hands. Once in the country, we had phenomenal knowledgeable, friendly, and humorous guides who were proud to share their culture with us. Ricardo... Read more

We spent two dreamy weeks in Portugal and are thrilled with our kimkim experience! Marisa, our travel specialist, listened closely to our interests and crafted a base itinerary, which we finalized after a helpful phone call to ask questions and get her advice. Leading up to the trip, she was communicative and proactive, and we knew we were in good hands. Once in the country, we had phenomenal knowledgeable, friendly, and humorous guides who were proud to share their culture with us. Ricardo in Porto, the Douro Valley, and our driver from Porto to Lisbon was like having an old friend take you around their hometown. Andre delivered a very interesting walking tour in Porto, showing us hidden gems and sharing suggestions for things to see and do when we had time on our own. Lastly, Claudia in Lisbon helped us get our bearings, told us jokes, and answered our many questions! In the early afternoon each day, we received a Whatsapp message from Marisa checking in and explaining what to expect for the following day so we always felt prepared for each activity. We would absolutely recommend kimkim for your next adventure.

Activity Reviews
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings
Lisbon

Claudia was a wonderful and knowledgeable guide. We enjoyed learning so much from her, she is truly and expert on her city (and very funny to boot). And the wine and cheese tasting at the end was delicious!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The Essence of Douro - A River, Wine, and Gastronomy Experience with a Private Driver
The Essence of Douro - A River, Wine, and Gastronomy Experience with a Private Driver
Portugal

We lucked out with a beautiful day and had a marvelous time in the Douro Valley - from the picturesque drive, relaxing boat trip, and delicious lunch and winery tour at Quinta da Pacheca, it was a travel day we will remember for years to come. Ricardo was a wonderful driver who shared interesting facts along the way, and he felt like an old friend by the time he dropped us at our hotel in the evening. Antonio was our boat guide who was funny, personable, and knowledgeable about the wine industry and landscape of the Douro Valley.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto

Andre took us all around Porto and shared hidden gems along the way. He even added an extra stop at a church I wanted to see and then gave us suggestions on how to spend the rest of our afternoon.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Marisa Agulhas
Marisa
Marisa Agulhas
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Apr 13, 2026

Hello Anne,

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words, this truly means the world to us!

I’m absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a memorable and seamless experience in Portugal. It was a real pleasure working with you and bring your vision to life.

Thank you again for your trust and I hope we can welcome you back to Portugal in the future!
Your Friend in Portugal - Marisa

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.