Are you planning a Algarve tour and still looking for information on possible routes, the most beautiful beaches, the coolest places, and the most worth-seeing highlights? Then you’ve come to the right place! The Algarve awaits you with impressive rock formations, beautiful beaches, charming fishing villages, hidden coves, delicious food, and a wide range of exciting leisure activities.
In this article, we’ll show you how to discover the most beautiful highlights of the Algarve on a 7-day or 10-day tour. We’ll present you with detailed italia for the Algarve and provide you with all the important information on restaurants, hotels, beaches, and activities. Enjoy browsing!
- Travel Time Overview
- Algarve Round Trip Itinerary for 10 Days
- Algarve Round Trip Itinerary for 7 Days
- Algarve Round Trip Itinerary for 14 Days
- Travel Tips for the Algarve
- Small Algarve FAQ
Travel Time Overview
Are you planning a trip to the Algarve and still unsure how much time and how many stops you should allow? We recommend at least 7 to 10 days. If you have more time, you can spread out your round trip accordingly and invest more time in each location and/or include a few additional stops.
We have created a detailed 10-day itinerary for you. You can, of course, customize this to your own liking. With this suggested itinerary, we want to help you plan your Algarve tour. We’ve been to the Algarve several times (most recently for 4 weeks in May 2025) and are therefore very familiar with the area.
- 7 days: Compact highlights – ideal for shorter vacations.
- 10 days: A good mix of relaxation and exploration.
- 14 days: Time for a deeper dive into the region, including more remote spots.
Algarve Tour Itinerary for 10 Days
We’ve put together a great 10-day itinerary for you, which not only covers the most important highlights, but also some of the most beautiful places and beaches in the Algarve. Beautiful beaches, charming fishing villages, great cafés and restaurants, lively cities, charming accommodations, and picturesque landscapes await you.
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10-Day Round Trip – Day 1
- Arrival at Faro International Airport
- Pick up rental car* at the airport
- Route: Drive to Aljezur (120 km)
- Accommodation: The Lemon Lodge*
- Dinner: Pizza with a sea view
Your Your Algarve tour can begin! After landing, head straight to the counter to pick up your rental car for the next 10 days. Once your luggage is stowed, drive west for approximately 90 minutes to Aljezur (110 km). The west coast of the Algarve is one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions and awaits you with stunning beaches and bays.
We’ve selected the truly lovely The Lemon Lodge* for your trip (alternatives below). This accommodation is located northeast of Aljezur and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. You can expect not only fantastic mountain views, but also peace and quiet, stylish furnishings, and a cozy atmosphere.
After checking in, drive to Aljezur, where you can take a stroll through the old part of town. In Aljezur there are also cute cafes (ROOTS Aljezur Café & Sea You Surf Café), cool surf shops and good restaurants. Then drive to Monte Clérigo and end your first day comfortably at the beautiful Praia de Monte Clérigo (or next door at Praia da Amoreira).
More accommodations in Aljezur
- Apartamento Colibri*
- Casa do Sapateiro*
- Villa Izabel Ocean View*
- Herdade D’ Amoreira Aljezur*
- Accommodation Amaria*
10 days round trip – day 2
- Breakfast: ROOTS Aljezur
- Walk at Praia de Monte Clérigo
- Lunch: Sea You Surf Café Arrifana
- Surfing course* on Arrifana beach
- Dinner: Arte Bianca Aljezur
After a delicious breakfast at ROOTS Aljezur, we’ll take a leisurely stroll to Praia de Monte Clérigo. This beautiful beach is nestled among the stunning rock formations in the Vale de Telha. There are only a few houses directly on the beach, and there are still only three small beach restaurants there, which we very much appreciate.
From there, you’ll drive to Praia da Arrifana, 8 km away, which is surrounded by impressive cliffs. The view from the plateau down to the beach is unique. There are always lots of novice surfers in the sea, as Arrifana is a great spot for surfing beginners. Here you can take a 2-hour surf course* or jump into the waves on your own.
Also visit Ti Raul Surfrental. In addition to surfboards and wetsuits, they also offer coffee, bowls, and smoothies. The view from the great terrace is truly spectacular. Above the beach, you can also rent surfboards, bodyboards, and wetsuits from various smaller shops (usually €35 for board + wetsuit per day).
10-Day Tour – Day 3
- Breakfast: Sea You Surf Café in Aljezur
- Praia da Bordeira + hike on the Cabo Pontal circular route
- Lunch: Microbar Carrapateira
- Sunbathing or surfing at Praia do Amado
- Dinner: O Sargo Monte Clérigo
On the third day, after a delicious breakfast at the Sea You Surf Café in Aljezur, we head south to the beautiful Praia da Bordeira. The 3 km wide and expansive beach is wildly romantic and far away from the hustle and bustle. The highlight is the beautifully landscaped wooden walkways, which lead to various viewpoints and down to the beach.
The sea is usually wild and stormy, which is why hardly anyone ventures into the water here. Only a few brave surfers venture into the waves. Don’t miss the circular trail at Cabo Pontal (hiking trail W6). The headland south of Praia da Bordeira, with its 90-meter-high cliffs, repeatedly offers fantastic views of the deep blue Atlantic.
At the end, you reach Praia do Amado, where there are surf schools, surf rentals, and restaurants. Here you can end the day on the beach, jump into the sea, and sunbathe. If you want to see even more, drive about 18 km further south to the fantastic Miradouro da Cordoama viewpoint and the wildly romantic Castelejo Beach.
10-Day Round Trip – Day 4
- Breakfast: ROOTS Aljezur
- Drive to Monchique
- Lunch: Velochique Monchique
- Mount Foia & Views
- Check-in: Monchique Resort & Spa*
- Dinner: at the hotel
Not only the west coast of the Algarve offers numerous highlights worth seeing, but also the hilly hinterland. This is lushly planted with lemon and orange trees, cork oaks, eucalyptus and fig trees, as well as agaves and prickly pear cacti. The journey alone, over numerous switchbacks through the mountains, makes you want more.
Just a 30-minute drive from Aljezur is the mountain town of Monchique in the “Sierra de Monchique.” Stroll through the winding streets and treat yourself to a delicious lunch at the cool Velochique Café. The coffee and cake are also very good there! Afterwards, you can check into your fantastic hotel, the 5* Monchique Resort & Spa*, for the night. #justtreatyourself!
West of Monchique is the 902 m high Fóia mountain, the highest mountain in the Algarve. In good weather, you can marvel at the rocky Algarve and the west coast. The good thing: You can drive up comfortably and enjoy the view from a viewing rock (to Google Maps). On the way up, you’ll also pass the Miradouro da Fonte Santa, from where you also have a beautiful view.
Other accommodations around Monchique:
- Vilafoia*
- Chalet Monchique*
- Central Monchique Hotel*
10-day round trip – Day 5
- Breakfast: Koyo Speciality Coffees Aljezur
- Drive to Sagres + fortress walk
- Lunch: Three Little Birds
- Stop in Burgau
- Check-in: Lagos Avenida Hotel*
- Evening stroll through Lagos
- Dinner: Restaurant The Garden
Today you leave the mountains and make your way to Sagres. Visit the Fortress of Sagres (Fortaleza de Sagres), one of the city’s most important attractions. A 3 km circular trail leads you through the grounds and offers fantastic views of the coast and the sea (entrance fee: €3).
For lunch, be sure to try the Three Little Birds in Sagres. Afterwards, you can stop in the charming fishing village of Burgau. Burgau is often described as one of the last “authentic” fishing villages in the Algarve and is worth a stop.
Just 10 km from Burgau is the great city of Lagos, where you will find your next accommodation, for example, the beautiful Lagos Avenida Hotel*. You can spend the rest of the day in Lagos, leisurely strolling through the winding streets. There are many great shops, restaurants, bars and cafes here.
Other accommodations in Lagos:
- Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda*
- Cascade Wellness Resort*
- Quinta da Alquimia* (our last accommodation)
- Boavista Golf & Spa – Bela Colina Village*
- Casa Margô*
10-day round trip – Day 6
- Breakfast: at the hotel or in The Studio
- Kayaking tour Ponta da Piedade*
- Lunch: Pomò – La pasta italiana
- Beach hopping: Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo
- Dinner: Beats & Burritos
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel or in “The Studio Café”, it’s time to head out on the water. During a kayaking tour* you will experience the spectacular Ponta da Piedade headland from the sea. You’ll paddle along the coast and discover caves and grottos that are only accessible by sea. We highly recommend this tour!
Alternatively, you can also walk along the top of the cliffs. The visitor paths are very well maintained. There are also great boat tours* along the coast. In the afternoon, you can visit the beautiful beaches of Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo. Both are picturesquely situated on the coast and nestled between bizarre rock formations.
Other possible activities:
- 3-hour classic food tour in the Algarve*
- Sunset sailing aboard a traditional boat with Prosecco*
- City tour of Lagos by tuk-tuk*
- Lagos: Dolphin watching with marine biologists*
10 days round trip – day 7
- Breakfast: at the hotel or in the Twin Fin Surf Café
- Walk through Ferragudo
- Check-in: Caneiros Luxury House & Suites*
- Lunch: Earth Café Carvoeiro
- Boardwalk Carvoeiro + Beach Hopping
- Dinner: Chef’s Kitchen Carvoeiro
The day starts with a delicious breakfast at the hotel or in the old town of Lagos at the Twin Fin Café. Afterwards, you head east. The first stop takes you to the small, charming fishing village of Ferragudo, which is known for its pretty streets, white houses, and super relaxed atmosphere.
You will spend the next two nights, for example, in the beautiful Caneiros Luxury House & Suites*. Refuel at the cool Earth Café in Carvoeiro and then explore the Boardwalk of Carvoeiro. This well-maintained, 600-meter-long wooden walkway runs along the cliffs from the Nossa Senhora da Encarnação Church to the impressive Algar Seco rock formation.
In the afternoon, great beaches await you, such as Praia de Vale Covo, Praia do Vale de Centeanes, or Praia dos Três Castelos. You also have the option of taking a boat tour* along the coast. For the evening, we recommend the stylish restaurant “Chef’s Kitchen Carvoeiro.” The desserts are particularly amazing!
Other accommodations in Carvoeiro:
- Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa*
- Vale de Milho Village*
- Placid Village*
- Monte Santo Resort*
- Casa Farol in Carvoeiro Centre*
- Villa Marrakech by Algarve Vacation*
10 Day Round Trip – Day 8
- Breakfast: at the hotel or
- 7 Hanging Valleys Hike
- Lunch: Dumar d’benagil
- Beach: e.g. Praia da Marinha
- Dinner: Manoel’s Restaurant
For the penultimate full day, we recommend the 7 Hanging Valleys Hike (Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos). It’s best to start in Carvoeiro and hike along the coast to the beautiful Praia da Marinha. This hike is one of the most beautiful in the Algarve and awaits you with breathtaking views, hidden coves, and dream beaches.
The round trip takes about 5 hours, including breaks and photo stops. However, we recommend calling a taxi for the return trip (e.g., via Uber | €5 to €8). This will save you some time for the rest of the day. After the hike, you can relax and unwind at the popular Praia da Marinha (although it can get very crowded during the season).
Alternatively, you can take an exciting boat tour* along the coast to the famous Benagil Cave. For your penultimate dinner, we recommend Manoel’s Restaurant in Carvoeiro. You can then round off the evening with a delicious drink in the popular Boneca Bar overlooking the sea.
Other possible activities:
- Guided kayak tour through the Benagil Caves with free 4K photos*
- From Benagil: Boat tour to the coast with Benagil Cave*
- Benagil Cave Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour*
10 Day Round Trip – Day 9
- Breakfast: At the hotel + Check-out
- Exploration of the city of Faro + Ria Formosa Natural Park
- Lunch: Pizzeria Bell’Antonio
- Check-in: Amália Boutique Suites & Studios*
- Dinner: Restaurante Pigs and Cows
After breakfast, drive to Faro. On the way, you can stop at the unique Praia de Falésia. This beach stretches for almost 6 kilometers between Vilamoura and Olhos de Água and is known for its cliffs, up to 40 meters high and glowing in shades of red, orange, and ochre. Afterwards, continue to the charming city of Faro.
There, you can stroll through narrow streets lined with charming cafés, restaurants, and small shops. Also visit the Igreja do Carmo, which houses a Chapel of Bones decorated with human remains. In the early afternoon, you can explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This is a unique lagoon system in the Algarve, stretching over 60 kilometers along the coast. The park features dune islands, salt marshes, and sandbanks, which you can admire from your boat. So be sure to pack your binoculars and your camera!
Other accommodations in Faro:
- Lemon Tree Stay*
- Casas das Ilhas*
- Ria Formosa Guest House*
- Pousada Palacio de Estoi*
10 Day Tour – Day 10
- Breakfast: At the hotel + check-out
- Drive to Faro Airport
- Return of the rental car
- Return flight home
If you still have time on your departure day, you can stroll through Faro a little before you head to Airport. Otherwise, head straight to the airport after breakfast. Here, you’ll return your rental car and head home. With you in your luggage, you’ll have many wonderful moments from this magical Algarve tour.
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Algarve Tour Itinerary for 7 Days
You only have 7 days but still want to get the most out of your Algarve tour? We recommend the following stops for a 7-day trip. As always, you can customize and modify these stops.
Itinerary suggestion
- Day 1: Flight to Faro + arrival in Aljezur
- Day 2: Monte Clérigo, Arrifana (surfing)
- Day 3: Bordeira Beach, hike to Capo Pontal, view of Cordoama
- Day 4: Sagres Fortress tour, fishing village of Burgau, old town of Lagos
- Day 5: Lagos, Ponta da Piedade (kayaking tour)
- Day 6: Ferragudo fishing village, Carvoeiro boardwalk, boat tour of Benagil Cave
- Day 7: Walking tour through Faro + departure
Possible hotels
- 3 nights around Aljezur: Accommodation Amaria*
- 2 nights around Lagos: Lagos Avenida Hotel*
- 1 night around Carvoeiro: Caneiros Luxury House & Suites*
Algarve round trip itinerary for 14 days
If you are planning a 14-day Algarve round trip, you could stay longer in the places already mentioned and/or include some of the following. We have put together a rough route for you below:
Route suggestion
- Day 1: Flight to Faro + arrival in Aljezur
- Day 2: Odeceixe, Monte Clérigo, Arrifana
- Day 3: Excursion to the Sierra de Monchique
- Day 4: Bordeira Beach, hike to Capo Pontal, view of Cordoama
- Day 5: Sagres fortress tour, fishing village of Burgau, old town of Lagos
- Day 6: Lagos, Ponta da Piedade (kayaking tour)
- Day 7: Lagos + beach hopping
- Day 8: Fishing village of Alvor, Praia dos Três Irmãos, fishing village of Ferragudo
- Day 9: Excursion to Silves and visit to the fortress and cathedral
- Day 10: Carvoeiro Boardwalk + Beach Hopping
- Day 11: “7 Hanging Valleys” hike or boat trip along the coast
- Day 12: Exploring Faro with Ria Formosa Natural Park
- Day 13: Excursion to Tavira (+ boat trip to the islands) or Loulé
- Day 14: Walking tour of Faro + departure
Possible hotels
- 3 nights around Aljezur: Amaria Accommodation*
- 1 night in the mountains around Monchique: Monchique Resort & Spa*
- 3 nights around Lagos: Lagos Avenida Hotel*
- 4 nights around Carvoeiro: Caneiros Luxury House & Suites*
- 3 nights around Faro: Amália Boutique Suites & Studios*
Travel Tips for the Algarve
Best Time to Travel to the Algarve
You can actually travel to the south of Portugal all year round. You can look forward to more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. In summer, the thermometer can reach well over 30 degrees Celsius and usually only drops to just under 15 degrees Celsius even in winter.
Most of the rain falls between October and February, but even during these months the weather is often nice and pleasant. The best time to travel to the Algarve is in April, May, June, September, and October. We always found our trips in April, May, September, and October very pleasant.
It was always nice and warm in the south of Portugal, so we could lie on the beach and even take a dip in the cool water. The Atlantic water is always quite cool, but still truly soothing in hotter temperatures. More about this here: Best time to travel to Portugal.
Book a rental car
We always book our rental car in advance on the website www.billiger-mietwagen.de*. We don’t just constantly link to this site because we get a few euros in commission; we honestly use this platform 95% of the time. We’ve had nothing but positive experiences with this platform for many, many years. You can, of course, compare prices and services on many different platforms. That’s up to you.
As always, we recommend the following inclusive services:
- Comprehensive and theft protection
- No deductible (through reimbursement)
- Glass, tire, and underbody protection
- Unlimited liability insurance
- All kilometers unlimited
- Fuel policy: full/full
Travel budget
The price level in the Algarve can vary greatly depending on the travel time, accommodation, activities, and requirements. We have put together an example calculation for a holiday in the “mid-range” category:
- Flight: €250–500 per person
- Accommodation: 3–4 star hotels, holiday apartments approx. €50–120 per night
- Food & drink: €35–55 per day
- Transport: Rental car €25–50 per day
- ♀️ Activities: e.g. boat tours, surfing, kayaking approx. €20–50 per tour
- Entrance fees: e.g. B. Museums, nature parks approx. €5–15.
Overall, you should expect approximately €150–170 per day for a mid-budget trip. With a smaller budget, €60–80 per day is possible. If you can really treat yourself and want to afford it, you can easily spend €250 or more per day.
Small Algarve FAQ
How many days should you plan for the Algarve? When is the best time to visit the Algarve? Is the Algarve expensive? Where is the Algarve most beautiful?