tour of algarve route

Algarve Tour 2024: Route revealed, check out all stages and altimetry

“The 50th edition of the Volta ao Algarve, scheduled to take place from February 14 to 18, 2024, will start in Portimão, with the champions being crowned at the top of Malhão in Loulé. An exciting addition will be the introduction of an entirely new Time Trial in Albufeira.

The only Portuguese stage race in the UCI ProSeries circuit will cover a total distance of 752.9 km, with a total elevation gain of 14,455 meters, spread over five stages. The finish of each stage will be marked by bonuses, and the winner of the intermediate sprint in each stage will be awarded a bonus of 6 seconds.”

The inaugural stage, standing out as the longest of the competition, will cover a distance of 200.8 kilometers, connecting Portimão to Lagos. This day promises to be particularly memorable for the sprinters.

The second stage is expected to present the first battle for the general classification over a distance of 171.9 km between Lagoa and the top of Fóia in Monchique. The finish line, located at the highest point in the Algarve, will be preceded by three other mountain ascents. These climbs include the challenges of Alferce (3rd category) and Pomba (2nd category), with the latter situated just 6300 meters from the start of the climb to the finish.

In the third stage, there will be another opportunity for sprinters at the end of 192.2 km between Vila Real de Santo Antonio and Tavira. Along the route, there will be an intermediate sprint, as was the case in 2023. We will see if the same intermediate point will have any impact on the stage outcome in 2024.

The 4th stage brings the significant change of the competition, an individual time trial of 22.2 km between the Marina de Albufeira and the City Hall of Albufeira. The route features climbs and descents characteristic of the time trials in the Volta ao Algarve.

The final stage covering 165.8 km from Faro to Alto do Malhão promises to replicate all the excitement from previous years. The finish coincides with a second-category mountain prize. At 24 km to the finish, the peloton will tackle the first ascent of Malhão after passing through the mountain passages of Vermelhos (km 99) and Alte (km 128.3).

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- 2024 Volta ao Algarve Live Online Coverage Guide -

Cyclingfans.com Volta ao Algarve TourTracker w/live profile, gaps, etc.

- Videos: Volta ao Algarve Videos .

- Ticker and tracking LIVE here .

- Expected LIVE video here .  (Rtbf, geo-restricted)

- Expected LIVE video here .  (RTP1, geo-restricted?)

- Need a VPN to access a geo-restricted feed? Try ExpressVPN .

- Full route details here .

- This page will be updated throughout the race.

- Start List here .

- Daniel Martinez (Ineos Grenadiers) won the 2023 Volta ao Algarve.

- 2024 Volta ao Algarve stage schedule/times:

Stage 1 - Wednesday, February 14 Start at 11:35 local, 12:35 CET, 6:35am ET Finish at 16:46 local, 17:46 CET, 11:46am ET

Stage 2 - Thursday, February 15 Start at 12:00 local, 13:00 CET, 7:00am ET Finish at 16:27 local, 17:27 CET, 11:27am ET

Stage 3 - Friday, February 16 Start at 11:55 local, 12:55 CET, 6:55am ET Finish at 15:55 local, 16:55 CET, 10:55am ET

Stage 4 ITT- Saturday, February 17 Start at 12:15 local, 13:15 CET, 7:15am ET Finish at 15:48 local, 16:48 CET, 10:48am ET

Stage 5 - Sunday, February 18 Start at 11:25 local, 12:25 CET, 6:25am ET Finish at 15:43 local, 16:43 CET, 10:43am ET

Time zone in Portugal is WET 1 hour behind of CET 5 hours ahead of ET

- The 2024 Volta ao Algarve is being held February 14-18.

- Results: Volta ao Algarve Results .

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- More info and links to come.

- We will update here with the best and latest live feeds at broadcast time.

- Welcome to our live coverage guide for the 2024 Volta ao Algarve (Tour of the Algarve in English or Tour de l'Algarve en direct en Français).

2024 Volta ao Algarve LIVE February 14-18, Portugal Official Website Start List

Stage 5 starts at 11:25am local (Lisbon time) (6:25am U.S. Eastern)

Finish at around 3:43pm local (10:43am U.S. Eastern)

Live video from 2:20pm local (9:20am U.S. Eastern)

Volta ao Algarve Live Coverage

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(watch Volta ao Algarve live online)

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2020 Volta ao Algarve Stage 5 Profile

- Tom Steels (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl sports director): "We start again with a very good team. Remco will try to get a good result on the two uphill finishes, but also in the individual time trial, which will be a really nice test. But he isn’t the only one we look forward to see what he can do there, also for Yves and Kasper it will be important, and we’re curious to discover what Louis can do in such a long ITT. For the flat stages, Fabio will be our leader; he has shown his form already in Valencia and will count on Bert to lead him out. And, of course, there’s Tim, who did a very good Saudi Tour and can show his good condition again by controlling the race."

- Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl roster for the 2022 Volta ao Algarve:

Kasper Asgreen (DEN) Tim Declercq (BEL) Remco Evenepoel (BEL) Fabio Jakobsen (NED) Yves Lampaert (BEL) Bert Van Lerberghe (BEL) Louis Vervaeke (BEL) Sports directors: Davide Bramati (ITA) Tom Steels (BEL)

- 2022 Volta ao Algarve stage schedule/times:

Stage 1 - Wednesday, February 16 Start at 12:15 local, 13:15 CET, 7:15am ET Finish at 17:23 local, 18:23 CET, 12:23pm ET

Stage 2 - Thursday, February 17 Start at 12:50 local, 13:50 CET, 7:50am ET Finish at 17:33 local, 18:33 CET, 12:33pm ET

Stage 3 - Friday, February 18 Start at 12:05 local, 13:05 CET, 7:05am ET Finish at 17:32 local, 18:32 CET, 12:32pm ET

Stage 4 ITT - Saturday, February 19 Start at 14:00 local, 15:00 CET, 9:00am ET Finish at 17:32 local, 18:32 CET, 12:32pm ET

Stage 5 - Sunday, February 20 Start at 13:00 local, 14:00 CET, 8:00am ET Finish at 17:29 local, 18:29 CET, 12:29pm ET

Time zone in Portugal is WET 1 hour behind of CET 5 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern

- The 2022 Volta ao Algarve is being held February 16-20.

- Results: Stage 3 Results here .

- Cees Bol (Team Sunweb) won Stage 3.  Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck-Quickstep) retained the overall race lead.

- Results: Stage 2 Results here .

- Cees Bol (Team Sunweb) following his Stage 3 victory: "It’s a good way to start the season.  We made some mistakes on the opening stage but today we really nailed it and I’m happy I could finish it off. We’re focusing more on the sprints this year and the guys were really strong today. I followed my lead out, Casper, and when I saw the sign at 200 metres I just went full gas; and I managed to be first at the line. It’s a sign that I did a good winter and it’s really nice that it paid off today."

- Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck-Quickstep) won Stage 2 and took over the lead on G.C.

- Max Schachmann (Bora-Hansgrohe) following Stage 2 where he finished second: "Today was only my second race day of the season, and it was the hardest stage of this race. The guys rode a solid stage toady. We worked perfectly as a tam, and they protected me well and kept me out of the wind. It was over the final 20km, where a series of ascents came thick and fast, that the race well and truly started. But I’m in good form and I felt very good particularly on the final limb. Evenepoel’s attack came as something of a surprise and I was somewhat blocked at the time, so was unable to react as quickly as I would have liked. However, we’re really satisfied with second place on this stage."

- Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck-Quickstep) following his Stage 2 victory: "Yesterday, when we discussed the tactics, we agreed that we should remain attentive and do our race, and the team did an extraordinary job the entire day, working for me and keeping me out of the wind. During the stage I had good sensations in the legs and I said to myself that I would try something in the final kilometer."

- Results: Stage 1 Results here .

- Fabio Jakobsen (Deceuninck-Quickstep) won Stage 1 and is first leader in the general classification.

- Fabio Jakobsen (Deceuninck-Quickstep) following his Stage 1 victory: "I really like the finish here in Lagos, it’s a straight line and you have enough space, so if you’ve got the legs, you can nab the win. I had them today, but most importantly, I had an amazing team around me, who controlled all the attacks on that short and steep climb and helped me hang in there, before putting me in position with the line in sight. I’m very happy, we couldn’t have had a better start to the race."

- Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) after Stage 1: "I had good legs again today but I wasn’t in a good enough position coming into the final straight. With a kilometre to go I was 20 riders back and with the high speed it was very hard to move up. We have one more stage here in Algarve where it should end in a sprint so I will try again to get my first win."

- 2020 Volta ao Algarve Cofidis stage schedule/times:

Stage 1 - Wednesday, February 19 Start at 12:00 local, 13:00 CET, 7:00am ET Finish at 17:03 local, 18:03 CET, 12:03pm ET

Stage 2 - Thursday, February 20 Start at 12:10 local, 13:10 CET, 7:10am ET Finish at 16:55 local, 17:55 CET, 11:55am ET

Stage 3 - Friday, February 21 Start at 11:50 local, 12:50 CET, 6:50am ET Finish at 17:07 local, 18:07 CET, 12:07pm ET

Stage 4 - Saturday, February 22 Start at 12:30 local, 13:30 CET, 7:30am ET Finish at 16:54 local, 17:54 CET, 11:54am ET

Stage 5 ITT - Sunday, February 23 ?? Start at 16:00 local, 17:00 CET, 11:00am ET ?? Finish at 16:26 local, 17:26 CET, 11:26am ET

Time zone in Portugal is WET 1 hour behind of CET 5 hours ahead of ET 6 hours ahead of Chicago

- Deceuninck-Quickstep lineup for the 2020 Volta ao Algarve:

João Almeida (POR) Davide Ballerini (ITA) Tim Declercq (BEL) Remco Evenepoel (BEL) Fabio Jakobsen (NED) Yves Lampaert (BEL) Florian Sénéchal (FRA) Sports Directors: Davide Bramati (ITA) Tom Steels (BEL)

- Tom Steels (Deceuninck-Quickstep directeur sportif): "Algarve is one of the nicest races you can do in the beginning of the year. That doesn’t mean it’s easy; the parcours is an up-and-down one, which makes it a perfect test before the big races of the spring. Fabio, who won a stage in Valencia, will count again on Davide for the lead-out, but also on Florian, who starts his season next week, while João and Tim will be there to control the race.  Remco will find a good course for him, but at the same time demanding. The technical time trial on the final stage will be an important test for both Remco, who we hope will get a good GC result, but also for Yves, who podiumed in the Algarve ITT last year."

- The 2020 Volta ao Algarve will be broadcast in 83 countries.  In Portugal, the race will be on Eurosport 2 TV and TVI24.  The race will also be broadcast on Eurosport TV channels throughout Europe, Asia and Australia.  Other Volta ao Algarve broadcasters include Sky Sports, TV2 Norway, Claro Sports.  We will also have Volta ao Algarve live streams.

- Vincenzo Nibali and Bauke Mollema of Trek-Segafredo will start their 2020 seasons at Volta ao Algarve.  Nibali: "Although I have many season debuts behind me, doing it with a new team brings a touch of serene trepidation.  With the team, we agreed that the Volta ao Algarve arrives at the right time to start the season. It comes after an important workload, especially at Teide, and is ideal for those like me who don't need to hurry their debut. It will be a long season, and my first big goal is the Giro d'Italia. To reach my best condition there, I need to do it step by step, with a clear roadmap, and without excessive stress to the physique. Algarve is the perfect starting point."

- Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) won the 2019 Volta ao Algarve.

- The 2020 Volta ao Algarve is being held February 19-23.

2020 Volta ao Algarve Stage 4 Profile

2020 Volta ao Algarve Stage 3 Profile

2020 Volta ao Algarve Stage 2 Profile

2020 Volta ao Algarve Stage 1 Profile

Stage 5 Profile

- Cyclingnews ticker LIVE here .

- LIVE video  here and here .  (tvi24, geo-restricted)

- News: Powless banking leadership experience at Volta ao Algarve . (Cyclingnews) - American lies in top 10 ahead of Malhão finale.

- Results: Groenewegen wins stage 4 . (Cyclingnews) - Pogacar brings overall lead into the final day.

- Dylan Groenewegen (Jumbo-Visma) won Stage 4.  Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) remains overall leader.

- News: New sensation: Pogacar lights up the Volta ao Algarve . (Cyclingnews) - 'In the bigger scheme of thing, it's about development,' says Peiper.

- News: Kung: If you're in shape, you're in shape . (Cyclingnews) - Swiss rider hopes Volta ao Algarve time trial win augurs well for Classics.

- Results: Kung wins time trial . (Cyclingnews) - Pogačar impresses to keep race lead.

- Stefan Kung (Groupama-FDJ) won the Stage 3 ITT.  Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) retained the overall race lead.

- Stage 2 Top 20 Finishers:

- News: Poels: I went a little bit early but Volta ao Algarve GC still open . (Cyclingnews) - Dutchman places second behind Pogacar on first summit finish.

- News: Pogacar lives up to billing with mountaintop victory at Volta ao Algarve . (Cyclingnews) - 20-year-old neo-professional carries overall lead into time trial.

- Results: Pogacar wins stage 2 . (Cyclingnews) - UAE Team Emirates rider tops Poels in summit finale.

- Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) won Stage 2 and took over the race lead.

- News: Jakobsen shows winter work with Volta ao Algarve victory . (Cyclingnews) - Dutchman powers to sprint win on first race day of new season.

- Results: Jakobsen wins stage 1 . (Cyclingnews) - Crash disrupts run-in on opening stage.

- Preview: Volta ao Algarve 2019 – Preview . (Cyclingnews) - Strong line-up on tough route will see deserving winner.

- News: Aru to attack Volta ao Algarve with 'grit' . (Cyclingnews) - Italian leads young UAE Team Emirates line-up.

- Bingen Fernandez, directeur sportif, Team Dimension Data: "We have a super strong team of all rounders and puncheurs ready for Volta ao Algarve. We could say we don't really have anyone for the overall but we definitely have some different guys that can target stage wins on the different days. This can be to our favour because now we have the license to race positively each day with very little to lose."

- Stage schedule/times:

Stage 1 - Wednesday, February 20 Start at 12:00 local, 13:00 CET, 7:00am ET Finish at 17:08 local, 18:08 CET, 12:08pm ET

Stage 2 - Thursday, February 21 Start at 12:10 local, 13:10 CET, 7:10am ET Finish at 16:56 local, 17:56 CET, 11:56am ET

Stage 3 - Friday, February 22 ITT Start at 13:35 local, 14:35 CET, 8:35am ET Finish at 17:06 local, 18:06 CET, 12:06pm ET

Stage 4 - Saturday, February 23 Start at 12:00 local, 13:00 CET, 7:00am ET Finish at 17:07 local, 18:07 CET, 12:07pm ET

Stage 5 - Sunday, February 24 Start at 12:30 local, 13:30 CET, 7:30am ET Finish at 17:05 local, 18:05 CET, 12:05pm ET

Time zone in Portugal is WET 1 hour behind of CET 5 hours ahead of U.S. ET

- Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky) won the 2018 Volta ao Algarve.

- The 2019 Volta ao Algarve is being held February 20-24.

Stage 4 Profile

Stage 3 Profile

Stage 2 Profile

2019 Volta ao Algarve Stage Profiles

Stage 1 Profile

Volta ao Algarve Stage Profiles

Volta ao Algarve Photos

Profiles & Route Volta ao Algarve 2023

The 2023 Volta ao Algarve will take place from the 15th to 19th of February in the Algarve region, southern Portugal, where every year many of the world's best sprinters, time-trialists, classics riders and stage racer come together for a week of exciting racing.

The five stages provide opportunities for many riders to succeed. There will be two stages fit for the sprinters, a large time-trial and two stages where both puncheurs and climbers can succeed. All that will make for an exciting battle for the overall classification, in a race where many come to prime their early-season form.

PREVIEW | Volta ao Algarve 2023 - Ganna, Küng, Jakobsen and Pidcock headline incredible startlist looking to prime form ahead of spring

Stage 1 from Portimão to Lagos goes through some of the main cities in the region and sees over 200 kilometers in the menu. It will be a long day on the bike and one that should end in a sprint with the first yellow jersey to emerge from a fast finish.

PREVIEW | Volta ao Algarve 2023 stage 1 - Opening day features sprinter-friendly finale into Lagos

The second day of racing will start in Sagres and will be the main day for the climbers to test their legs. The finale features several sharp hilltops before the summit finish into Alto da Fóia, which features 7.5 kilometers at 5.8% and usually makes the split between those fighting for the GC and those who can't.

PREVIEW | Volta ao Algarve 2023 stage 2 - Climbers face off at Alto da Fóia summit finish

The third day of racing will be another mostly flat day and one suited to the fast men. With a finale in Tavira, it is once again a stage that has over 200 kilometers to race, and the sprinters will get another opportunity to shine.

PREVIEW | Volta ao Algarve 2023 stage 3 - Can Fabio Jakobsen get his revenge in final sprint stage?

On the fourth day of racing the peloton will encounter more familiar roads as the race goes up it's most iconic climb. It is a day for the GC riders and possibly a breakaway, as the riders tackle the hills, and ride the Alto do Malhão twice, the last time coinciding with the finish line. The climb is 2.6 kilometers long at 9.2% and is usually hard enough to create meaningful gaps.

PREVIEW | Volta ao Algarve 2023 stage 4 - Magnus Cort Nielsen to battle climbers at Alto do Malhão's steep ramps

The overall classification of the Volta ao Algarve however should be decided in the final time-trial. A loop around the city of Lagoa, it features a whole 24.4 kilometers which in modern cycling is a very decently sized distance against the clock, where big differences are likely to be made to close the race.

PREVIEW | Volta ao Algarve 2023 stage 5 - Ganna, Küng, Bissegger and Foss to battle in final race time-trial

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Fri 07 Jun 2024

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Algarve-Tourist.com

The best independent guide to the Algarve

Home page - Top 10 Algarve - Where to stay? - Best beach - For families - Day trips

Algarve Tours and Suggested Itineraries for 7 days or 2 Week Holiday

The Algarve is a fantastic location for a holiday, as it provides glorious weather, charming towns, and a stunning 220km coastline of some of Europe’s finest beaches.

For such a relatively small region there is an amazing variety of destinations: from lively beach resorts, through to historic cities or charming fishing towns.

Tourists often limit their holiday by being based in just a single town, but the Algarve is great for a touring or multi-destination holiday.

This article will provide a selection of one and two week tours, to provide ideas and inspiration for your holiday. The suggested itineraries are: • The best of the Algarve in one week (a six location tour) • The entire Algarve in just two weeks (an eleven location tour) • 1-week tour of the western Algarve (a four location tour) • 1-week tour of the Eastern Algarve (a four-location tour) • 2-week slower paced tour of the entire Algarve (a six location tour) • A cultural and historic tour of the Algarve • A tour of the smaller and more personable resort towns • A nature lovers tour of the Algarve Related articles: Top 10 Algarve – Which town for my holiday? - Best beach

The Best of the Algarve in One or Two Weeks

These two tours cover the most popular destinations of the Algarve and provide a great insight into the region, in a relatively short space of time. Both routes can be completed using public transport, but due to the amount of travelling, a rental car is recommended. All of our suggested tours begin in Faro, as this is the closest town to the airport.

The best of the Algarve in one week Faro (Day 1) Pretty old town and boat tours of the Ria Formosa Nature Park. Tavira (Day 2) Charming fishing town; how the Algarve was before mass tourism Vilamoura (Day 3) Fashionable and stylish resort, set around an exclusive marina Albufeira (Day 4) Great beach, buzzing nightlife and an amazing holiday atmosphere Albufeira (Day 5) Boat tour and dolphin watching. Beach time Lagos (Day 6) Historic town combining, beaches, culture and stunning natural scenery; a great city for a holiday. Silves (Day trip from Lagos Day 7) Cobbled streets, a massive castle and the slow Portuguese pace of life

The entire Algarve in just two weeks • Faro and boat tour of the Ria Formosa (day 1) • Tavira (day 2) • Santa Luzia and Barril Beach (from Tavira) (day 3) • Vila Real de Santo Antonio (day 4)

(there’s a long journey between Vila Real and Vilamoura; by public transport, it requires taking a train and a bus)

• Vilamoura (day 5) • Albufeira (day 6) • Boat tour from Albufeira (day 7) • Carvoeiro (day 8) • Praia da Rocha/ Portimão (day 9) • Day trip to Silves, from Portimão (day 10) • Alvor (day 11) • Lagos (day 12) • Lagos - Ponta da Piedade & beaches (day 13) • Sagres and Cape Saint-Vincent (day 14)

Long journey back to Faro; two buses Sagres-Lagos and Lagos-Faro

The fast pace of the above tours may not be for all as there is a lot of travelling and sightseeing. The next section provides options for slower and more relaxed tours of the Algarve.

Slower Paced Tours of the Algarve

The following tours take a slightly slower approach and are better suited for the majority of tourists. The tours spend longer in each destination, allowing more time to discover the town and also time to relax on the beautiful beaches. A rental car is not needed for these tours as there is good public transport.

1-Week Tour of the Western Algarve • Faro (day 1) Ria Formosa boat tour and explore the city • Vilamoura (day 2) Vilamoura beach day • Albufeira (days 3 and 4) Boat tour and dolphin watching Albufeira Beach day • Lagos (days 5, 6 and 7) Day trip to Silves (from Lagos) Boat trip to Ponta da Piedade (from Lagos) Day trip to Sagres (from Lagos)

1-Week Tour of the eastern Algarve • Faro (day 1) Ria Formosa boat tour • Tavira (days 2, 3 and 4) Explore historic Tavira Santa Luzia & Barril Beach Ilha de Tavira beaches • Vila Real de Santo Antonio (days 5 and 6) Explore Vila Real and beach day Day trip to Ayamonte (Spain) Day trip to Castro Marim • Olhão (day 7) Explore old town and beach

Slower Paced Two-Week Tour • Faro (days 1 and 2) Explore historic centre Ria Formosa boat tour Praia de Faro beach day • Tavira (days 3 and 4) Discover old town Day trip to Santa Luzia & Barril Beach • Vilamoura (days 5 and 6) Vilamoura beach day • Albufeira (days 7, 8 and 9) Boat tour and dolphin watching Albufeira beach day A big night out! • Lagos (days 10, 11 and 12) Explore the historic centre Visit the Ponta da Piedade Day trip to Silves Day trip to Sagres • Praia da Rocha (days 13 and 14) Praia da Rocha beach day Day trip to Portimão Day trip to Alvor

Please Note: All of the tours in the rest of this guide follow the same general route; they begin in Faro, then visit the eastern Algarve, before heading west to the central and western Algarve. .

Cultural and Historic Tour of the Algarve

The Algarve has an extensive and varied history, and is rich with deep rooted customs and traditions. Found throughout the region are numerous fascinating castles, churches and monuments, and this tour combines them with delightful historic towns.

• Faro – Pretty walled town with an ancient cathedral and a macabre bone chapel • Estoi (Faro day trip) – Roman ruins of Milreu and the beautiful Palácio de Estoi • Tavira – Originally a Moorish fortified town, later a major port and over 36 churches; there’s a lot to see in Tavira! • Santa Luzia (Tavira day trip) – Traditional octopus fishing village. • Vila Real de Santo Antonio – The grandeur of Lisbon but compacted into the very eastern side of the Algarve. • Castro Marim (Vila Real Day trip) – Two huge castles, which guarded against Spanish invasion. • Olhao – Busy fishing port with traditional fishermen's houses and the largest fish market of the Algarve. • Loule – Bustling market town with quaint cobbled streets and an African inspired covered market. • Silves – Moorish capital of the Algarve, defended by a huge red brick castle and massive city walls. • Lagos – Important centre for 14th-century seafaring and trade, which still retains its Moorish roots.

Tour of the smaller and calmer resorts of the Algarve

Many package tourists are drawn to the four main resort towns (Albufeira, Praia da Rocha, Lagos and Vilamoura), but along the coastline there are many smaller resort towns. These smaller resorts tend to have a calmer and more personable atmosphere, and are a favourite with more mature tourists or families. This is a tour which is best followed at a slow pace, designed for people with no time constraints.

• Fuseta – Undiscovered resort overlooking the Ria Formosa Nature Park • Tavira – Charming fishing town with Moorish heritage and pristine beaches • Vila Real de Santo Antonio – Portuguese café culture in a town that lines the banks of the Rio Guadiana • Olhos de Agua – A favourite location with long staying visitors, close to beautiful beaches. • Carvoeiro – Delightful town on a stunning coastline of huge sandstone cliffs • Alvor – Relaxed resort with a wide selection of bars, cafes and restaurants. • Praia de Luz – Great destination for young families, away from the hecticness of the Algarve • Sagres – Popular surfing town with a laid-back atmosphere

Nature, Scenery and the Wild Side of the Algarve

The Algarve is not just towering apartment blocks and vast hotel complexes, this tour seeks to discover the wild and natural side of the Algarve. A rental car is a must. • Ria Formosa Nature Park – Salt water lagoons and haven for migratory birds and traditional fishing communities. • Vila Real de Santo Antonio ; Sapal de Castro Marim - salt marshes filled with flamingos and migratory birds. Dunas Litorais - pine forests which open up on to pristine beaches. • Ilha de Tavira – Stunning sandbar island and setting of the anchor cemetery • Carvoeiro – dramatic sandstone coastline and close to the coastline hiking trail. • Alvor – beautiful beach and pretty estuary • Ponta da Piedade (Lagos) – Sea caves, arches and grottos formed in the golden sandstone cliffs • Sagres – huge cliffs, raging seas and vast beaches • Cape Saint Vincent – south western point of mainland Europe, remote and exposed.

Destination Guides

The following are in-depth destination guides for each of the towns detailed in the tour above:

(please note links open a new tab)

Albufeira Alvor Carvoeiro Faro Lagos Loule Monte Gordo Olhos de Água Portimao

Praia da Rocha Praia de Luz Quarteira Sagres Silves Tavira Vila Nova da Milfontes Vilamoura

All of these tours are designed to provide suggestions and ideas for your holiday. We have followed each of these routes, and all details we provide are to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing.

The following section details a very general 1-week tour of the Algarve, which is suitable for most visitors. The section also briefly explains what there is to see in each of the destinations.

Starting Advice

The Algarve has an extensive and inexpensive public transport and the whole of this suggested route can be completed using train or bus. During the summer season, always book accommodation well in advance as the hotels fill up quickly. For an overview of the major towns of the Algarve, Algarve please click here . This suggested route heads west from Faro to Lagos and the itinerary is as follows: • Faro - 1 night • Vilamoura - 1 night • Albufeira - 2 nights • Silves - 1 night • Lagos - 2 nights

7 day tour of the Algarve

Faro 1 night.

Faro is the pretty and historic administrative centre for the Algarve and makes for a pleasant introduction to southern Portugal. The city is close to the main international airport, and is a great place to begin a tour especially if arriving on late flights, as public transport from Faro airport is very limited. To read how to travel from the airport to Faro please click here .

Faro has a scenic old town that is encircled by Moorish city walls, while at the heart of the old town is the ancient Se cathedral. Faro is situated on the edge of the salt water lagoons and waterways of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa and guided tours depart from the small marina.

The old city wall of Faro

Of all of the destinations visited during the tour, Faro is the least altered by tourism. The pleasant pedestrianised shopping streets are designed for Portuguese customers, while the restaurants in Faro serve great value, traditional cuisine. Faro is often overlooked by most tourists but there is a lot to enjoy in a short visit to the city.

Vilamoura is the Algarve’s most exclusive resort town and was purpose built for foreign investment and high-end tourism. The town is where the rich and elite of Europe come to play, with fine restaurants, six championship-grade golf courses and multi-million dollar yachts moored in the marina. It is suggested to spend one night in Vilamoura to experience the glamorous side of the Algarve.

The exclusive marina of Vilamoura

The central focus of Vilamoura is the large marina, which is surrounded by boutique shops, trendy bars and swanky hotels. The town has a very different appearance and atmosphere to the rest of the Algarve, with a general sense of wealth - but this comes at the expense of Portuguese charm. Vilamoura is great for a golf holiday as it has some of Portugal’s best golf courses, and golf equipment can be rented from the shops in the town.

Albufeira 2 nights

Albufeira is southern Portugal’s largest resort town and the huge influx of tourist development has only enhanced this enjoyable holiday destination. Albufeira boasts a wonderful beach, a charming old town and the largest assortment of restaurants and bars found in the Algarve. Every style of tourist is catered for in Albufeira; be that families, couples or party goers, and it is no wonder that the town is the most popular holiday destination in Portugal.

The pretty Old Town is crammed with restaurants and bars that stretch from the beach up the hill to the small fort. For those who wish to over-indulge in themed bars and party all night in late-night clubs should head to “The Strip,” 2km from the Old Town, which is just far enough away not to annoy other tourists.

The bars and restaurants of Albufeira

The two nights in Albufeira allows for one relaxing day on the beach and one day to visit a popular tourist destination, such as Zoomarine or Slide and Splash water park. Albufeira is also the best town during the tour for a big night out, either with a sunset and romantic meal, or karaoke and too many beers in an Irish bar.

Silves - One Night or as a day Trip

Silves was the ancient Moorish capital of the Algarve and was also a major port, using the slow-flowing Arade River as a connection to the sea. Today, Silves is the most picturesque town of the northern Algarve and is a highly recommended place to visit.

The Pretty town of Silves and the imposing castle

Silves has a quaint lower town, close to the river front, with cobbled streets and open air cafes. Further into the town are the remains of the solid fortifications and the traditional white painted cathedral. The distinctive red brick castle, which underwent a major restoration project during the 1940s, dominates the skyline of Silves.

Silves is a small town and the major sights can be seen within a few hours, and could be visited as a day trip from Albufeira or Lagos. But the town has a pleasant, relaxed ambience far removed from the hectic pace of the coastal towns. Silves is a great place to unwind and take it slowly, just as the locals do. For a guide to Silves please click here .

Lagos - Two Nights

The final destination is the historic town of Lagos, which is set along some of the most stunning coastline found in the Algarve. Lagos had a varied history and this is reflected in the range of historic monuments, which include a fort, important churches and even a slave market.

Close to Lagos is the Don Ana beach, which is regarded as the finest beach of the Algarve. Further along the coast are the highly weathered cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade, a series of grottos, sea caves and rock formations which are best explored by tour boat. For a guide to Lagos please click here .

The Ponta da Piedade is best explored by boat

Lagos is a convenient place to finish a tour of the Algarve, as the regional railway terminates in Lagos and it is a direct train ride all the way back to Faro and the airport.

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How to Plan an Amazing Algarve Itinerary (3-7 Days)

Planning a trip to the Algarve, the gorgeous coastal paradise along the southern edge of Portugal? Lucky you! You’re in for a treat full of pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and charming small towns dotting Portugal’s southern coast.

In this guide to planning an Algarve itinerary, we’re going to use our experience spending a week on the Algarve to help you plan the perfect Algarve trip. 

The Algarve was the last stop on our three month European adventure, which had us arriving in southern Portugal at the end of November. We organized it that way because we knew that the Algarve was a safe haven from the cooler, grayer weather that would be descending on the rest of Europe at that time of year, and we were absolutely correct. 

The entire stretch of Portugal’s southern stretch from Sagres to Tavira is covered in a combination of beautiful beaches, coastal bluffs, and towering limestone cliffs that are practically begging to be explored. It’s also just a really, really pleasant place to relax on the beach with a book, or to get out on the water and do some surfing or kayaking. 

In this detailed guide to planning your trip to the Algarve, we’re going to go through the logistics you need to know to make the most of your time and avoid headaches, and a detailed 4 day Algarve road trip itinerary that takes you to some of our favorite spots from our trip. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Much Time Do You Need on the Algarve?

In short, it depends on what you’re looking for. 

Here’s the long version. 

The longer you have, the more relaxed your trip will be. You’ll have more time to lounge on the beach, drive along the coast, and stop for whatever else catches your interest.

With a shorter visit to the Algarve, you’re going to be hitting the highlights without too much time to slow down and relax, which is the best part about the Algarve, in our opinion.

It’s a great addition to the other places you’ll visit on a Portugal itinerary – Lisbon, Porto, and other cities – because the pace is slower, and there aren’t any traditional “sightseeing” sights to see.

3 days on the Algarve gives you enough time to drive out to Sagres, a charming surf town at Europe’s southwest corner, explore the area around Lagos, and walk the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and explore its beautiful beaches. 

4 days on the Algarve, which is what we’ve written this guide for, gives you a bit more time. You’ll do the things we mentioned above, but you’ll also be able to rent a kayak and head out to the Benagil Caves, and explore the eastern Algarve’s beaches. 

A full week on the Algarve gives you plenty of time to split between activities and relaxing on the beach. If you’re looking for a more relaxing beach holiday, 7 days on the Algarve is a good choice.

If the Algarve is a part of a broader Portugal itinerary , we’d recommend between 3 and 5 days. 

Where to Stay in the Algarve

Before we talk specifics, let’s quickly step back and think about “strategy,” for lack of a better word. 

You have a couple of choices in terms of your approach to staying in the Algarve.

At one end of the spectrum, you could stay in a different place every single night, moving around, packing and repacking every day, and experiencing a bunch of different towns and cities. 

If there’s anything we learned on our three month trip around Europe, it’s that packing SUCKS. So we’d recommend avoiding it as much as possible. 

On the other end of the spectrum is staying in a single place for your entire stay. You’ll have the benefit of not having to worry about check-in times or packing your stuff multiple times, but you might have to do more driving. 

If you have four days or more, we’d recommend splitting your time between two places to get the best of both worlds. 

Choose one place in the western Algarve, between Lagos and Sagres , and one place further east, around Carvoeiro . This will give you two different experiences, cut down on driving, and not add too much repacking. 

Want more details on which towns to choose? We have an entire guide breaking down five great places to stay in the Algarve that you should read.

Which Towns on the Algarve Should You Stay in?

Now that we’ve talked strategy, let’s talk specifics. We chose Lagos and Carvoeiro as our two home bases, and really enjoyed both for different reasons.

Lagos is a more developed city that sees a huge influx of tourists every summer.

The old town is charming, with plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops to choose from, all within walking distance of most of the places to stay. It’s lively and buzzing, so don’t expect a quiet stay if you’re here in the summer.

In Lagos, we stayed at The Salty Lodge , an apart-hotel with spacious apartments that had everything we needed for our stay, including a full kitchen. 

If you’re looking for something quieter than Lagos, look at the sleepy fishing village of Salema , about 20 minutes west. 

If you’re looking to spend your time surfing, look at staying in Sagres , which is very much a surftown.

Carvoeiro has a very different vibe than Lagos. It’s more low-key and residential, though the small downtown area near the beach has a nice selection of places to eat and drink.

The draw here is the location, which is central to a bunch of amazing beaches and stretches of coastline to explore. 

We enjoyed relaxing on our deck at Hello Villas , which is a nice complex of townhouse style one and two bedroom units that we stayed in. 

If you’re looking for a smaller, more charming town on this beautiful stretch of coast, look at Alvor , or Ferragudo .

Getting Around the Algarve

After traveling by train and bus for part of our trip to the Algarve, and then renting a car for the second part, we have a strong perspective that the best way to enjoy the Algarve is by renting a car . 

Sure, there is a regional train network that connects the major towns on the Algarve, but oftentimes the best beaches are going to be a bit outside of town, and a car makes it easier to get there. 

It will give you more flexibility, since trains aren’t that plentiful (they only come a few times a day) and it’s hard to figure out exactly when local and regional buses come (or if they come at all). 

Tips for Renting a Car in Portugal

We think you should definitely rent a car, it’s just a matter of figuring out the best way to do it for your particular trip.

Here are a few things to consider about renting a car in Portugal that we discovered over the course of our trip. 

• If you’re picking up a rental car in one place and dropping it in a different place, your rental will be subject to a “one-way” fee that escalates based on the distances between locations. For reference, we picked up our car in Lagos and dropped it in Évora, which is about a three hour drive, and it was a 50 Euro fee. We imagine the fee would be similar for Lisbon. 
• There is an airport surcharge of about 30 Euros, depending on the company, that applies when you are either picking up or dropping off at an airport (in this case, likely either Lisbon Airport or the Faro Airport). You could avoid this by picking up the car in Lagos instead, but if you are arriving at the Faro Airport, it makes more logistical sense to just pay the fee. 
• Always always always rent a car through trusted multinational corporations like Avis, Hertz, and Europcar. To be completely honest, this basically goes against everything we believe about traveling (supporting local companies, mainly), but we recommend avoiding renting a car through local companies, who are usually more likely to nickel and dime you half to death. Trust us on this one. 

We rented a car twice during our three month European adventure, once in Sicily , once on the Algarve.

Both times we used AutoEurope to compare prices with different rental companies and find the best rates, and booked a car through Europcar , which was a pleasant experience both times. We’d recommend both. 

A Note on Toll Roads in Portugal

There are toll roads on the Algarve (and throughout Portugal), which means you will pay to use the bigger, faster highways. The two you’re most likely to encounter are the A2 between Lisbon and the Algarve, and the A22 between Lagos and Faro.

You have three options. 

• Pay the tolls in cash as you drive or at the local post office if it’s an electronic toll road (don’t do this one, it seems super inconvenient to have to track down a post office at least 48 hours after using the toll road).
• Pay a couple of Euros a day for a transponder through the rental car company (this is our recommendation and is what we did just in case we needed it, though we managed to avoid all toll roads).
• Avoid using toll roads altogether and spend an extra 10-20 minutes on the road (we used the “avoid tolls” setting in Google Maps).

More information on toll roads in Portugal here . 

A 4 Day Algarve Itinerary: Planning the Perfect Algarve Road Trip

Now that we’ve covered the important logistics you’ll need to know to plan your trip, let’s get into exactly what to do on the Algarve. 

Day 1: Lagos and Around

On your first day, settle in and explore the area around Lagos. There are some amazing beaches within walking distance of the center of Lagos, which is a bustling little beach town with lots of bars and restaurants (many of them catering overtly to tourists).

A little further out, there are some beaches that are more easily accessible with a car. 

We’re assuming that it will take most of the morning to get to Lagos from wherever you’re arriving from, so consider this a half day. 

Walk from Lagos to Praia dos Estudantes and Praia da Dona Ana

Two of our favorite beaches on the entire stretch of coast between Sagres and Tavira were within walking distance of Lagos. 

The first, Praia dos Estudantes , is one of the Algarve’s most famous beaches thanks to the Roman bridge that is visible from the beach. 

Next, stop by Praia do Pinhão , where you can pick up a coastal route up on the bluffs that takes you to the third beach on your tour-de-Lagos-beaches.

The last beach, Praia da Dona Ana , is also one of the most-visited beaches in the entire region. It’s a little cove, accessible from both ends, and the best views of the beach are from the bluffs on the eastern side (which is where you’ll find yourself if you follow the coastal trail). 

All three beaches would be a good spot to relax in the sun for a few hours. Make sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water. 

Go to Lunch at Restaurante Chico Zé

For seafood that’s about as fresh as it can be, head out to Restaurante Chico Zé , which is a 10 minute drive north of the center of Lagos.

It’s a family run, lunch-only establishment where there is almost always a line out the door during the high season (and sometimes during shoulder seasons). Don’t miss the grilled sardines, served with potatoes. 

They also have a rotating selection of other grilled fishes and meats. Not a place for vegetarians – barely a vegetable in sight!

An alternative closer to town would be Tasca Da Lota , which is within walking distance of the city center near the train station. It’s cash only. 

End the Day at Ponta da Piedade

For sunset, drive out to Ponta da Piedade , which is a unique rock formation surrounded by sheer cliffs. It’s a spot that most of the boat tours leaving from Lagos stop at because there’s a series of cool sea caves and hidden grottos. 

On foot, you can walk down the long set of stairs to get to the base of the cliffs – just remember that you’ll have to climb back up. Once you’ve done that, it’s also worth finding the trail that heads west from the parking lot and walking along the boardwalks for more amazing coastal views. 

On the way, stop by Praia do Camilo , a small, hidden beach accessible only by climbing down a long set of steep stairs (and, again, climbing back up when you’re done, of course).

It should be mentioned that you can absolutely connect the beaches close to Lagos with Ponta da Piedade by hiking along the coastal bluffs, but it’s a long walk. 

Day 2: Sagres and the Western Algarve

On your second day, head out to explore the windswept coast to the west of Lagos, eventually making it to the furthest point to the southwest in Europe. 

Sagres is a sleepy little surf town, at least when we were there in the early winter when only the most committed surfers were in town.

We’d start by driving all the way out to Farol do Cabo de São Vicente , the southwestern-most point in Europe, and making your way back east towards Lagos. 

Farol do Cabo de São Vicente

First of all, this entire stretch of coast reminds us of the stretch near where Alysha grew up in California – Point Reyes National Seashore. This lighthouse in particular, along with the picturesque cliffs it’s perched on, are reminiscent of the Point Reyes Lighthouse.

It’s beautiful, but there’s really not a whole lot to do or see here. It’s mostly a spot to admire the views and to say you have visited the furthest southwestern point in Europe. 

Praia do Beliche

The stairs leading down to Praia do Beliche are not for the faint of heart. Most of the stairs in Portugal, whether they’re leading up to a church bell tower or down to a hidden beach, are steep. These are a whole other level.

As we drove up, we noticed that, despite the fact that it was kind of a blustery and cold day (the blustery part is true of basically every day in Sagres, which is notoriously windy), the parking lot was full of campervans with surfboards and wetsuits strewn about.

Keep in mind, this is the last few days of November, which means the water is likely very, very cold. Hard pass from us. 

The beach itself is lovely, and because of the distance from the main cities on the Algarve, it’s relatively quiet compared to the beaches near Lagos.

It’s one of the best surfing destinations in all of Europe, so if you’re into surfing (or are looking to learn), this beach should be on your list. 

The Town of Sagres

The town of Sagres is, well, tiny. There’s not a whole lot going on, and it has very “surf town” vibes. It’s a small town, and was very sleepy when we were around in November. 

It’s worth heading out to the Fortaleza de Sagres , which you’ll have to pay a few Euros to access, but the views from the point are worth it. It is going to be windy when you’re there – it almost always is. 

We liked Praia da Mareta ( here on Google Maps) too, a wide, sandy beach with cliffs on either end.

It’s one of the better swimming beaches because it’s protected by those cliffs, and it’s not too busy even in the summer season. Praia do Martinhal ( here on Google Maps) is another nice beach just a few minutes east of Sagres. 

To get there, you drive back out on the main highway you took into town, then take a winding road down to the beach (we took a wrong turn and found ourselves in the housing development that looks suspiciously like a retirement community in Florida). 

From here, you have a couple of options, and it depends on your appetite for more beaches and pristine coastline. 

• Head back to Lagos and take a well-earned siesta before finding a place to have dinner and drinks. 
• Drive north along the coast to Praia da Arrifana ( here on Google Maps), another great beach that will give you a nice taste of Portugal’s Atlantic Coast. There are plenty of other beaches in the area, but a lot of them are on questionable dirt roads that your rental car may not like so much. Praia da Amoreira ( here on Google Maps) is also worth a stop as it’s just north of the first beach and has a good road leading to the northern end of the beach. 
• Head back to Lagos, but make a quick detour to Salema , a quiet fishing village with a wide, sandy beach where literally not a single place was open on the afternoon we were there. We’d imagine that changes drastically in the high season. 

Day 3: The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

On your third day, move to your second home base and hike the best trail in southern Portugal – the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail .

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

This hike, best done from east to west starting from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes , was one of our favorite experiences in Portugal. And we’re from coastal California, which we learned is very similar to the Algarve in terms of scenery, flora, and fauna.

The point is, it’s a great hike, and that’s coming from two people who have done countless hikes with similar views and scenery. 

First, an overview of the full out-and-back hike. 

• Length : 7 miles / 11.4 km (shorter versions below)
• Elevation Gain : 1,200 ft. / 365 meters
• Season : Year round
• Trail Type: Out and Back (we have ideas on alternate routes below)
• Difficulty : Easy / Moderate
• Trailhead Location : Either Praia da Marinha or Praia do Vale de Centeanes
• Dog Friendly : Yes! 

If that sounds like too much for you, you have a few options in terms of shortening the hike. 

• Option 1: The Full Hike, Round Trip – 7 miles / 1,200 feet of elevation gain (11.4 km / 365 m). Hike the entire trail out-and-back from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes, and then back the way you came. 
• Option 2: The Full Hike, One Way – 3.5 miles / 600 feet of elevation gain (6 km / 180 m). Do the entire hike, but only one way. This requires using either taxis, Uber, or hitching a ride to get back to your car at the first trailhead (or finding a way to get there without a car). 
• Option 3: Partial Hike, Out and Back – 3.3 miles / 600 feet of elevation gain (5.6 km / 180 m). Hike the section between Praia da Marinha and Praia do Carvalho, which in our opinion is the best part of the trail. You can continue on to the nice lighthouse – Farol de Alfanzina, for an additional 2 miles (3.2 km) added to your round-trip distance. 

If you’re attempting this hike in the summer, you should plan on being either a) on the trail hiking by 8:00 am at the latest, with plenty of water and sunscreen for the journey or b) absolutely miserable hiking through the heat of the day. Seriously, get an early start. 

If you’re interested in doing the entire thing, you should head over and read our Seven Hanging Valleys Trail Guide , which has more details that will help you tackle it safely and have a great experience. 

Sunset at Praia do Vale de Centeanes

End your day at the ending point for the trail you hiked earlier in the day, which is a pretty spectacular place to watch the sunset. 

Either head down to the beach, where you’ll be able to sit in the golden sand and watch the sun dip below the horizon line, or walk back up onto the bluff on the east side of the beach (where you came down on the hike) and walk out to the point, where there are a bunch of benches to sit on facing west. 

Day 4: Benagil Beach and Caves

On your fourth day, get out on the water and explore the rugged Algarve coastline by boat.

In this case, we’d recommend exploring by kayak because there are a seemingly unlimited number of secret beaches and caves where you’ll be able to actually get out inside the cave, which is not possible on a speed boat trip (at least that I’ve ever seen).

If you’re a beginner in a kayak, we’d also recommend joining a guided tour rather than trying to do it yourself. We love kayaking, but the weather was a bit cold for us, and most companies were shut down for the winter by then. We added it to our list for next time instead.

Which tour you choose depends on where you’re coming from, as there are tours leaving from different points near Benagil Beach, which is just east of Carvoiero.

The easiest way is to do a tour that leaves directly from Benagil Beach (here’s a sunrise tour , which is the best time to be there thanks to calm water and fewer people). 

There are also tours that leave from nearby cities like Albufeira or Portimão , or tours with a stand up paddleboard rather than a kayak. 

The Headlands West of Carvoiero

After a break in the afternoon, head back out to explore the beaches and bluffs around Carvoiero. We’re going to give you our favorite points, but be sure to do some exploring and ask around to see if you can discover one or two of your own. 

From east to west, here are the spots we enjoyed: 

• Praia do Paraíso : Major Greece vibes as you head down the white steps to this small, secluded beach. Lots of steps to get down to the beach, but we think it’s worth it. 
• Miradouro da Arriba da Salgadeira : Head out onto the spit for great views along the coast in both directions. It’s very windy. 
• Praia dos Caneiros : Beautiful beach with golden sand and shallow, turquoise water that’s far enough from town to mean it’s quieter than other beaches in the area. 
• Farol da Ponta do Altar : The lighthouse is fine, but the views over the beaches to the east of the lighthouse are the reason we included this. Walk east from the parking lot along the cliffside until you’re above Praia do Torrado (we couldn’t figure out how to get down to the beach without rock climbing, which we passed on). 

Afterwards, grab dinner in Carvoeiro’s charming downtown area. Another good option is out at Quinta Dos Santos , a lovely winery / brewery / restaurant on a farm 15 minutes outside of town. 

You could turn this into a nice loop, starting in town, heading out to each of the beaches, eating dinner at Quinta Dos Santos, and heading back into town. 

More Time in the Algarve: Choose Your Own Adventure

Generally, if you have more time on the Algarve, we’d recommend spending it relaxing more rather than trying to do more activities. More beach time and coastal drives rather than planned activities. 

However, here are a few specific things we think are worth your time. 

Surfing Lessons : I’m not sure there’s a better place in Europe to learn how to surf (or go surfing if, unlike us, you’re already a pro). Unfortunately, winter wasn’t the time for us to try our hands at surfing, but during the warmer months we’d be in. 

Albufeira : A charming small town with wide white sand beaches nearby that is worth a full day, if not an overnight. It’s only a half hour by car from Carvoeiro, so it’s an easy day trip. Here’s a guide we liked.

Head to Faro and Tavira : Even further east, you’ll find the charming towns of Olhão , known for its fish market on the water, and Tavira , along with the major city in the region, Faro , which is home to the region’s only airport. We actually spent one night in Tavira, stopping there on our way into Portugal from Seville , and it’s a lovely little riverfront town. The best meal we ate on the Algarve was at O Tonel , in the heart of Tavira’s old town. Don’t miss Ria Formosa Natural Park and Ilha de Tavira , which are both accessible from this stretch of coast. 

What to Do with Less Time on the Algarve

If you have fewer days on the Algarve, what you choose to do is going to depend on your interests. For us, we’re not super into just hanging out on the beach, so we’d cut those portions out first and focus on road tripping and hiking along the coast. 

However, we also totally understand that you might be super into relaxing on the beach, which is why we’re putting our bias out there for you. 

The other thing to consider is where to stay. With 1-3 days on the Algarve, we’d suggest picking just one base and staying there the entire time. We’d recommend Lagos for most people, because it’s a central point between the eastern and western parts of the coast. 

However, like we mentioned above, there’s basically an unlimited number of charming little towns littering the Algarve, so Lagos is by no means the only place you could stay and have an enjoyable trip. 

With all that being said, here’s how we would spend three days on the Algarve. 

What to Do with 3 Days on the Algarve

On your first day, follow “Day 1” as written above.

On your second day, choose between either the Benagil Cave tour by kayak , or hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail .

You could also combine them by doing part of the hike (we’d recommend going from Praia da Marinha to Carvalho Beach ), then returning to Benagil Beach to meet a tour (or vice versa, depending on the timing of the tour). 

On your last day, follow “Day 2” as written above with a road trip out to the western Algarve and a stop in Sagres to see the southwesternmost point in Europe. 

When to Visit the Algarve?

In every single guide, we say something along the lines of “summer is the busiest and hottest time of year – visit in shoulder season instead!”

And, to be clear, that’s probably more true of the Algarve than other places in Portugal (and Europe as a whole). 

But, ultimately, it comes down to when you are able to travel. If you have kids, chances are summer is when they have time off school and are able to go on longer trips.

Just know that if you visit the Algarve in the summer , you’re going to experience blistering hot temperatures that make it tough to be out in the sun for more than an hour at a time, and hordes of other tourists flocking to the same tiny seaside fishing villages that, all of a sudden, aren’t nearly as charming. 

So when we say “VISIT IN SHOULDER SEASON,” we really mean it. Fall and spring will bring milder temperatures and fewer people – particularly fewer kids and families . If you have the ability to avoid traveling in the summer, we’d strongly recommend it . 

We were actually in the Algarve over the winter – at the end of November into the beginning of December – and it was generally lovely. The weather was very mild, though too cold for spending a day on the beach (which isn’t really our thing anyway).

It’s a much more pleasant time to hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail , which is more what we’re into. 

The other thing to know about visiting in the off-season is that many places will be closed – bars, restaurants, other tourist related services – especially in the smaller beach towns that become very, very sleepy when the tourists go home for the winter. 

Where to Start and End Your Algarve Road Trip / Getting to the Algarve

There are basically two ways to get to the Algarve that are going to be good for 95% of people, and it largely depends on what the rest of your trip to Portugal looks like. The two options are coming to or from Lisbon (by car or bus/train) or flying directly to the Algarve. 

Coming from Lisbon

If your trip starts or ends in Lisbon and you’re going directly to/from Lisbon to the Algarve, then you can rent a car or take a train/bus to make the journey. 

We definitely recommend that you rent a car for your Algarve itinerary , and if you’re flying in and out of Lisbon, then it probably makes the most sense to rent a car in Lisbon, drive to the Algarve, and drop the car off back in Lisbon. 

However, that proposition becomes a little more expensive if you’re renting the car for a one-way journey thanks to “one-way” rental car fees.

If you’re flying into Lisbon and out of Faro (or the reverse), then it probably makes more sense to train or bus to Lagos or Faro and rent the car from there to avoid the one way fee. 

Coming from Elsewhere and Only Visiting the Algarve

If your trip doesn’t involve going anywhere near Lisbon and it’s just a trip to the Algarve, then there’s only one airport that you’ll be able to fly into: Faro Airport . 

You can either rent a car from there, which incurs an “airport rental fee” of about 30 Euros, or take a bus or train to Lagos and rent from there.

For what it’s worth, we’d probably just shell out the extra Euros for the airport fee here given the public transit connections between Faro and Lagos aren’t great. 

Planning a trip to Portugal?  

Here are our other Portugal travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip (even if you have to eat gluten free!).

If there’s no link below, it means we’re still working on it – long, in-depth guides take time! We’re working on it, though, we promise.

• 10 Days in Portugal: Planning the Perfect Portugal Itinerary
• 25 Incredible Things to Do in Lisbon: A Complete Guide
• 3 Days in Lisbon: Planning the Perfect Lisbon Itinerary
• One Day in Lisbon: The Best of Lisbon in 24 Hours
• Where to Stay in Lisbon: Our Guide to 4 Amazing Places to Stay
• Gluten Free Lisbon: A Complete Guide to Lisbon’s Best Gluten Free Restaurants
• The Best Coffee in Lisbon: 9 Amazing Lisbon Coffee Shops to Add to Your List
• 3 Days in Porto: Planning the Perfect Porto Itinerary
• One Day in Porto: How to See the Best of Porto in a Day
• Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal: The 3 Best Places to Stay

The Algarve:

• A Complete Guide to Planning an Algarve Road Trip (3-7 Days)
• Where to Stay in the Algarve: 5 Charming Towns to Use as a Home Base
• How to Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: Complete Trail Guide

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

Thank you so much for this post! Doing my research on the region for my upcoming road trip in Portugal late July… (already worrying about the crowd & heat , and fuel price…), super helpful!!

It will definitely be hot in late July! But I’m sure it will be amazing. Enjoy!

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Tour of Algarve Stage 2 Highlights: Dani Martinez pips Remco Evenepoel to win sprint atop the Alto da Foia

Watch the Stage 2 highlights of the Tour of Algarve where Dani Martinez beat Remco Evenepoel to come away victories atop the Alto da Foia. Stream the cycling season live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com.

• Algarve Tours
• Portugal Travel Advice

How to Get from Lisbon to Algarve: The Best Ways

• ~ mins read

Located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve region’s jaw-dropping scenery, sandy beaches, and Mediterranean climate keeps visitors flocking year-round. Although best accessed via direct flights to its main hub in the city of Faro, travelers can easily reach the Algarve and its many cities via land transportation from all over Portugal as well as Spain. A popular starting point to get to the Algarve is Lisbon. From Lisbon, Faro is approximately 280 kilometers by road.

Below we have broken down the four major ways to get to Algarve from Lisbon and offer in-depth information for each. We hope it will come in handy on your trip to Portugal .

• gary Holzman
• From Australia
• Duration: 45 mins

You can fly from Lisbon to Algarve , but there is only one airport—located in Faro. Although it is the most time-efficient choice of travel, it may not be the most convenient if you plan on going elsewhere in the Algarve. Flights from Lisbon to Faro are usually around 45 minutes and offered by TAP Portugal . Airfare ranges from roughly USD 55 to 127 (one-way), depending on the season (peak tourist season is June to August).

While flight time is short, factoring in additional travel time to the airport, check-in, and security checks makes the flying procedure the slowest on our list. A further 3 hours should be taken into account, along with the standard risks of cancellations and delays.

• Lisbon airport often catches travelers off-guard with the distance from Lisbon center. Allocate another hour for the trip from Lisbon proper south to Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS).
• Of all listed travel methods, ticket prices fluctuate heaviest with flying. Expect variances between starting prices of USD 80, up to double that in peak season.
• Lisbon is full of relatively hilly streets, making wheeled suitcases a bit of a challenge to pull around. If you can, just a carry-on bag or backpack will reduce the physical toil of getting around Lisbon’s streets.
• All flights from Lisbon to Algarve depart during the day, with an average of 4 departures each day.

• Duration: 3 hrs

Driving from Lisbon center to the Algarve region will set you back up to 3 hours. New travelers to Portugal will get the most out of a private-hire car journey, whether you wish to drive yourself or hire a driver affects costs. Kayak offers car rentals in Lisbon from USD 25 per day, with Guerin and Enterprise Cars also offering rental services.

Once outside Lisbon, cross the beautiful Vasco da Gama Bridge and get on the A12 for 10 kilometers. Then join the A2 Highways for 257 kilometers before arriving at the Algarve region .

A good alternative scenic route is by taking the N123 , getting you closer to the coastline and some fantastic detour viewpoints. Both of these options are a great way to absorb the stunning views on the drive south.

• Portugal operates many toll roads. Not all accept cash, so make sure you have a card on hand. Alternatively, most local car rental companies can arrange a pre-paid device to make sure you can stay in the fast lane.
• When renting a car, many companies require 2 forms of ID, as well as proof of a return ticket to the country of origin.
• When collecting your rental car, give it a thorough inspection. Make sure every single existing scratch and dent is recorded by the rental company before leaving.
• Choosing the “compact” smaller-car option is better, as some of Portugal’s southern roads really slim down!
• Duration: 4 hrs

Making the journey from Lisbon to Algarve by bus is your cheapest option. With buses, you’re less likely to need a second travel method, unless you want to get to a few further areas in the Algarve. Set aside a minimum of 4 hours, even for direct buses with no transfers.

Buses start running as early as 00:15 and run as late as 23:00. There are over 48 available bus trips each day, which is conveniently frequent. Websites like Flixbus offer bus tickets from Lisbon to Lagos beginning as low as USD 8. A few cheaper bus tickets are available to Albufeira , the next major city in the Algarve region, starting at USD 5 per ticket.

• Passengers with bags too large for overhead seat storage may be charged extra, and excess baggage can sometimes be more than the cost of the actual ticket.
• Flixbus offers the cheapest service, while Rede Expressos and Alsa offer slightly more expensive tickets. Rede and Alsa offer more reliable services in terms of Wi-Fi, charging ports, and snacks while on board.
• As the bus is your cheapest option, it’s the least reliable for comfort in your travel experience. Check carefully the amenities your bus service offers, choosing higher-class makes this more reliable.

Traveling by train is a well-rounded choice, factoring in time, cost, and the chance of scenic country views while you ride. Portugal’s flagship Pendolino high-speed trains run directly from Lisbon to Faro in the south of the Algarve in only 3 hours. There’s also the Intercidades train service which arrives in just over 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Those traveling by train can expect to pay a fare of USD 30 to 50, with the cheaper options usually coming from the Alfa Pendular (Pendolino) high-speed train service. Overall, the train is a solid option for travelers who want to go specifically from Lisbon to the Algarve and is an option that is as easy as it is beautiful.

• Uber and other rideshare app services are readily available and affordable when arriving in the Algarve region. If you arrive by train, rideshare apps can get you anywhere you need to go.
• Most of the Alfa Pendular train services offer power sockets and wi-fi for the ride’s duration, perfect if you need to work on something while on the go.
• On direct trains, comfy seating is available, with convenient access to basic amenities like toilets, wash facilities, and power outlets (great news if you’re traveling with kids).
• Both Lisbon's Oriente and Entrecampos stations arrive at Faro station in the Algarve, so choose the station nearest to you.

Overview table

Tours to the algarve.

While it is not difficult to get to the Algarve from Lisbon on your own, arranging transportation, transfer, tours and accommodations can be daunting if you are traveling with a young family or doing it solo. Consider joining a group tour to the Algarve or taking a private trip to take the hassle of planning out of the holiday. Our local travel experts can also help you design custom itinerary to Portugal . 

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17 of the most beautiful Portugal holiday destinations for your next getaway

These stunning escape-to-the-sun hotspots should be on your must-visit Portugal holiday destinations list

Much like Spain and Greece 's top places to visit, Portugal's best beauty spots are well worth adding to your bucket list. For a cultural buzz on sun-soaked streets, head to Lisbon. The Portuguese capital offers historic architecture, authentic fare, traditional museums and contemporary hotels aplenty; don't forget to take in the sites on the city's famous yellow trams, too.

Meanwhile, wine-lovers and foodies should plan a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Porto and the Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards and mountain-scapes meet traditional architecture and delightful food markets.

Sun-seekers will love the vast stretches of beaches in the Algarve , that also makes a fantastic getaway for golfing fans, as well as cycling and walking enthusiasts.

And anyone looking for a rustic, authentic experience should head to Alentejo, home to medieval villages and farm-to-fork eateries. Our insider tip? The chic, boho crowd heads to the low-key yet luxe coastal retreat of Comporta for top-notch seafood and vast swathes of powdery sand. We highly recommend you do the same.

We've rounded up the top Portugal holiday destinations below so you can start planning your next adventure – and where to stay when you get there. Suitcases at the ready...

Just a short three-hour flight will land you in Portugal’s famed capital city of Lisbon. An urban paradise that's brimming with culture, history and even more fascinating scenery, this is a city break destination that should be right at the top of your travel bucket list.

Be sure to stop off at Lisbon’s main square, where you can view some beautiful Portuguese architecture and head through the ‘Door to Lisbon’, which leads to the true heart of the city. Here, you’ll find authentic restaurants, boutique shops and traditional museums to visit.

Jump aboard one of Lisbon’s famous yellow 1930s 'Remodelado' trams to take an adventure up and over the rolling hills – it’s a great way to see the city in all its glory. Be sure to stop off in the area of Alfama, famed as one of the best neighbourhoods in the city for architecture and sunsets.

What also makes Lisbon such a perfect getaway is its proximity to some of the beautiful, quaint coastal towns and villages just a short half-hour train journey out of the city centre, such as Cascais and Tavira.

Where to stay: The Palácio Ludovice is Lisbon’s exclusive wine experience hotel, which is the perfect destination if you're looking for a place to stay in the heart of Lisbon to explore the true spirit of the city. The former private residence of João Federico Ludovice, architect to King João V in the 18th century, it boasts 61 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as an elegant courtyard restaurant, Caudalie spa and gym. It's right between the Chiado, Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real neighbourhoods, facing the beautiful panoramic views of the São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint and the emblematic Glória Tram.

The island of Madeira boasts beautiful natural surroundings, from staggering mountains to idyllic coastlines. On the same latitude as Morocco, the island has a sub-tropical climate and rich volcanic soil. Its unique ecosystem means that it is one of the only places in the world where banana trees grow next to vineyards. Little wonder, then, that it's often referred to as the ' floating garden of the Atlantic'.

The lifestyle on the island centres around nature, adventure and outdoor activities, which suits Madeira’s warm and mild climate. You can expect sun and clear skies all year round: well-known as a popular summer destination, Madeira is equally as enticing in the winter months, with something to offer every traveller.

Looking for an active Portugal holiday destination? You won't be disappointed, with rugged mountains lending themselves perfectly to biking routes, golf courses with stunning panoramic views and walking trails, such as a hike through the beautiful Laurissilva forest.

You can also discover the region’s many ‘Levadas’, small irrigation canals which weave in and around the mountains of Madeira. Plus, a visit to this island would not be complete without a trip to the warm waters, dive sites and long sandy beaches of Porto Santo.

Where to stay: Madeira is famed for its wellness attributes due to its mineral-rich volcanic soil, clean, clear waters and unique ecosystem – so there is no better place to enjoy a well-deserved break at one of the island's many spa resorts, such as The Cliff Bay . The recently refurbished five-star hotel has direct access to the sea, epic views over the bay of Funchal, a two Michelin star restaurant and beautiful gardens to explore.

Alternatively, you can explore Madeira on Good Housekeeping 's exclusive eight-day tour of the island during the wonderful Flower Festival every May . The itinerary also includes visits to the Funchal Botanical Gardens and the Quinta do Arco Rose Garden, a vineyard tour with wine tasting, and a stay in a five-star hotel just outside of Funchal, where you can kick back in the bar, sauna, gym or one of the hotel's two swimming pools after a busy day exploring. You can book ahead now to secure your spot for 2025.

Historically a refuge for Portuguese nobility during WWII, and now an elegant blend of 19th-century architecture and traditional Portuguese charm, Cascais is a paradise for those seeking endless culture, sun and sand.

The historic wealth of Cascais’ royal past is still visible on every winding cobbled street, with grand palaces and extravagant villas dotted in between chic boutiques and classic eateries.

An as-yet-undiscovered region of Portugal that is just 20 minutes by train from the capital of Lisbon, the charming cultural town of Cascais and neighbouring palatial Sintra offer a welcome escape for a more refined, relaxed break.

Experiences not to be missed include: the casino that inspired Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale, the world-famous gelato shop Santini, and sailing, golfing, water sports, museums, and countless seaside walks showcasing the beauty of Portugal. It’s easy to take a day trip into Lisbon, too, or venture out to the fairytale palaces of nearby Sintra – just be sure to take the coastal route for scenic views.

Where to stay: Check into Onyria Marinha , a family-friendly boutique hotel ideally located close to the area's attractions and sites. Little ones will be well taken-care-of at the Kids Club, while adults enjoy some well-deserved 'me time' between the spa and 18-hole golf course before embarking on a tour of the region.

If you’re looking to get away from it all in an off-the-beaten-track location, Sagres, on the westernmost tip of the Algarve, is just the ticket. It’s a haven for surfers and walkers, and is rugged, wild and windswept.

Take in the local sights, including Baleeira Harbour, Mareta Beach view, Praça da República, Sagres Fortress monument and St. Vincent Cape. Cycle on the Ecovia trail to discover the natural marvels of the region, including the lush greenery of the Costa Vicentina Nature Park, the birdwatching haven of the Alvor Estuary and the majestic cliffs of Sagres Point.

And walkers can explore the Via Algarviana trails . The route crosses 11 of the 16 municipalities of the region, offering the chance to discover the diverse natural landscapes and culture by foot.

Where to stay: Located on the western tip of Portugal’s Algarve coast, Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts ’ flagship Sagres hotel has something for everyone, with kids clubs and a huge variety of activities ranging from cycling to surfing. It's spread out over 220,000 square metres and boasts its own access to a 700m beach.

Otherwise, if you have an eye on the budget, Memmo Baleeira is a great affordable option for couples and solo travellers who still want the luxury of staying just a few meters from the beach.

Alentejo is an intriguing mountainous region steeped in culture and ‘off the beaten track’ gems to explore. Boasting both mountains and a rugged coastline adorned with coves, Alentejo really is the adventurer's and surfer’s dream. It's also home to many historic, medieval towns and villages such as Evora and Elvas, now recognised UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with unique museums, architecture and restaurants.

Take a day trip to the laid-back locale of Comporta, a protected nature reserve and fisherman’s village that offers oyster farms, local markets, river sunsets and horse riding. Enjoy the walking trails of Rota Vicentina spreading across the fields and mountain ranges of the region and the Vicentine Coast, including highlights such as The Historical Way and The Fishermen’s Trail. Alternatively, for bike lovers, the Rota Vicentina offers a network of dedicated cycle routes.

Where to stay: While in the region, stay at Herdade da Malhadinha Nova , located in Albernoa, Beja, in the heart of the Baixo Alentejo region. This lovely Relais & Chateaux hotel and winery seamlessly combines contemporary style with unique traditions, offering activities such as a romantic picnic in the vineyards, chocolate tasting and bread baking.

The Comporta region, with its hippy-chic atmosphere, is located just one hour south of Lisbon at the base of the Troia Peninsula.

This picturesque Portugal holiday destination is made up of seven sleepy villages offering a beautiful, laid-back and low-key beach escape with 12km of pristine sand.

A longtime favourite holiday destination for locals, Comporta is now slowly becoming known and loved by the international set, including a number of designers, such as Christian Louboutin. This is due mainly to its simple charm and magical landscapes of rice fields and pine forests, thatched cottages and long unspoilt golden sandy beaches.

You can soak up sunsets and views over stretches of fine sand watching dolphins playing in the surf while enjoying locally-caught seafood at rustic beach shacks. Bliss.

Where to stay: Don't miss Sublime Comporta , a luxury eco-lodge where the natural environment meets contemporary design. Sandwiched between miles of empty white sandy beaches and the Sado River estuary, it’s hard to believe that this is Europe. Describing itself as a country house retreat, Sublime sits in its own 17-hectare estate, with the suites and villas scattered among pine and cork trees and drifting swathes of wild flowers.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Porto is a city not to be missed off your bucket list for a whirlwind trip of culture, adventure, relaxation and food. If you're short on time, Porto has it all in one place. With sprawling food markets, laid back Douro River cruises and stunning architecture, there's never a shortage of places to explore and things to do.

Sitting in the Mediterranean weather belt, the city boasts plenty of dry and pleasant days. Famed worldwide for its port, wine and culinary delights, a visit to WOW, World of Wine , in Porto is a must. WOW pays homage to the region, and shines a light on the most important Portuguese industries and traditions. It's an entire district full of new and exciting things to do, explore, and learn with nine restaurants, shops, exhibitions and events.

Plus, a great way to see the region is by taking the luxurious Presidential Train . Built in 1870, the Presidential Train carried presidents, heads of state, Kings and popes for over a century. Today, you can enjoy an unforgettable journey from the city of Porto, through the stunning countryside stopping off at vineyards and staying in boutique hotels along the way.

Where to stay: Look down over the historic city from your terrace at The Yeatman , a five-star spa hotel offering upscale gastronomy and local wines.

NEYA Porto Hotel is also an excellent pick if you're looking for an affordable, modern and comfortable sport in the centre of town.

Douro Valley

Porto is the gateway to the Douro Valley, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a lovely idea to combine a break to Porto with a longer stay in the Douro Valley. An epicurean paradise, the sun-dappled mountainscape is the oldest wine-making region in the world, and makes for a stunning Portugal holiday destination.

Take a cruise along the river, which winds lazily through verdant vine-enhanced terraces. Or take to the water in a canoe or by water skiing. You can also enjoy cycling through the countryside, forest hikes and picnics in the woods. There's culture to be soaked up, too.

Start at Vila Nova de Gaia with a visit to the lodges where Port wine is aged. Or head to the Peso da Régua to visit the Douro Museum to learn more about the region. And don't miss Lamego, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Portugal, located at the base of an immense blue and white tiled flight of steps leading to the Shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remédi.

Where to stay: Drop your bags off at Octant Douro , a contemporary, design-led hotel that blends into its surroundings and offers sweeping views across the Douro River. Embedded within spectacular scenery from every angle, the spa hotel is flooded with natural light and offers a menu of treatments, sessions with visiting practitioners, immersive dining experiences and exclusive boat excursions. Boasting a Michelin-starred chef, the hotel is a must-visit for food and wine lovers, too.

Alternatively, taste the wines of the Douro during Good Housekeeping 's relaxing eight-day river cruise in autumn, when you can also take part in the harvest, picking grapes and crushing them by foot.

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Rugged red cliffs, stretches of golden beaches, delicious local cuisine and beautiful traditional villages: this is what the Algarve is famous for.

The southernmost region of Portugal, it enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year, making it one of the most popular Portuguese spots for UK travellers. The region's capital, Faro, is a diverse and intriguing city. Steeped in history, the charming old town is surrounded by ancient city walls, while the pretty city centre is filled with pedestrianised shopping streets and peaceful plazas.

The city is also the gateway to the Ria Formosa nature park, a series of saltwater lagoons and mudflats that are a haven for migratory birds and wildlife.

Beyond the Ria Formosa are three sandbar islands, which are the location of Faro’s pristine beaches, along with traditional fishing communities. Explore nearby towns of Olhão and Loulé, both famous for their markets to experience a truly cultural stay in the Algarve.

Where to stay: Surrounded by citrus trees, pink bougainvillaea and olive groves sits Octant Vila Monte in an unspoilt corner of the Algarve, around a 20-minute drive from Faro. It's the epitome of boho chic with an array of beautifully designed luxury suites and rooms. The design takes its cues from traditional Algarve architecture with whitewashed walls, wooden trusses and rustic roof terraces. Just a stone’s throw away from Faro, and the quieter fishing village of Olhão, it's a destination for all generations.

This lovely town on the sparkling Bay of Cascais offers the best of both worlds – it’s a place where you can really get away from it all by the seaside, but it’s also just a short and easy hop from all the culture and other lures of Lisbon.

If you have a hire car, it’s a 40-minute drive west of the capital, or there are great-value trains from Cais do Sodré station by Lisbon's waterfront every 10-20 minutes, taking 30-40 minutes and offering glorious river and sea views as you travel.

Estoril itself has uncrowded beaches (Tamariz being the most popular), a pretty promenade to stroll, coastal paths perfect for bike rides, tennis courts and golf courses, while local culture can be ferreted out in its various art galleries and museums. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Casino Estoril, either, while surfers should head to the nearby Praia do Quincho, one of the most famous beaches in Portugal.

Where to stay: Relax on the Portuguese coast with Good Housekeeping 's exclusive four-night yoga break at the Palácio Estoril , a glamorous grand hotel that opened in the 1930s. It's ideally located for the beaches as well as being fantastic for a spot of self care. The GH package offers the best of both worlds, with private yoga classes and spoiling treatments at the three-storey Banyan Tree spa, as well as plenty of free time to explore the region.

Quinta do Lago

Golf fanatics are well-catered-for in Portugal, and you can play a round on one of the stunning courses in the exclusive ‘Golden Triangle’ of the Algarve: Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lago.

Set among 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park and just a 15-minute drive from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago has been at the forefront of Europe’s elite golf, sports and family destinations for nearly five decades and features a combination of world-class golf and lifestyle facilities.

As well as three 18-hole championship golf courses and outstanding practice facilities, you can enjoy an array of sports at the state-of-the-art performance centre The Campus, a world-class sports hub designed for professionals and amateurs alike to train and live well.

Complementing the facilities is a choice of 13 first-class bars and restaurants that deliver a range of delicious world cuisines, including the acclaimed Bovino Steakhouse and UMAMI, the resort’s first Asian restaurant. What's more, you might even spot some celebrities, with everyone from Wayne Rooney to Madonna having visited the resort.

Where to stay: Paying homage to the iconic vintage motel, The Magnolia Hotel brings a taste of Palm Springs to the Algarve. It's ideal for families, couples and solo travellers of all ages, set in the heart of the resort and a perfect base for enjoying everything from water sports on the lake to cycle rides through the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Vila Real de Santo António

There’s a reason the Algarve is a perennial holiday favourite for tourists – as well as sunny Atlantic-facing beaches, golf courses and buzzy marinas, it has charming towns, such as Vila Real de Santo António, a traditional Portuguese fishing town directly opposite the Spanish border.

Spain is just over the Guadiana River and you’ll be able to hop on a ferry to the town of Ayamonte if you fancy swapping country for the day. A 20-minute drive west is the equally attractive Algarve destination of Cacela Velha, a tiny hilltop village.

But there's much to see in the town itself, too. Think typical Pombaline-styled buildings, a grand central plaza, as well as pristine pine forests (home to the Mediterranean chameleon) that lead to beautiful deserted beaches.

Where to stay: For a hotel that lives up to its striking surroundings, book a stay at Pousada Vila Real de Santo Antonio , which has all the stucco ceilings, parquet floors, vintage tiling and wrought-iron details you could hope for. Housed across four historic buildings in one of the prettiest squares around, these old Customs Offices have been transformed into a stylish design-led hotspot boasting three pools – including one on the rooftop.

For an Atlantic adventure, this is the far-flung archipelago for you, with islands that have emerald-green cliffs, quiet fishing villages and spectacular landscapes. The largest of the nine islands is São Miguel, known for its volcanic peaks, cedar forests, crater lakes and tea plantation. Also known as 'the Hawaii of the mid-Atlantic', the Azores are an excellent destination for whale-watching, sailing, canyoning, water-sports, diving and, of course, hiking – the coastal trails in particular are truly magnificent. Three of the islands, Corvo, Flores and Graciosa, have been decreed biospheres by UNESCO. Where to stay: Enjoy the Azores’ subtropical climate at Santa Barbara Eco-Beach Resort , on its namesake beach in São Miguel. As the name suggests, the retreat aims to be as sustainable as possible, with natural materials such as cork and bamboo used in the construction.

The former capital Coimbra is a university town on the banks of the Mondego River in central Portugal, roughly mid-way between Porto and Lisbon. The medieval old town is the highlight, but the ancient university is rather special, too – it has a baroque library and a bell tower that dates back to the 18th century. The university was founded in 1290 and it’s rumoured to have formed some of the inspiration for Hogwarts. The historic quarter also has a Romanesque cathedral that was built in the 12th century.

Indeed, many think of Coimbra as a mini-Lisbon, offering all the excitement and intrigue of a city but without the madding crowds. Make sure to take some time wandering the mazes of narrow streets, savouring local delicacies at tiny tascas (budget eateries), enjoying the authentic vibes at the vibrant Mercado Municipal market, visiting the Machado de Castro Museum and by night, listening to some authentic fado folk music in a club or on a street corner.

Where to stay: Tivoli Coimbra Hotel is perfectly placed for guests who want to explore Coimbra’s old town – you’ll be within walking distance of most of the major sights. And helpfully, it has a coffee shop to ensure you’re suitably caffeinated for the day ahead.

In the province of Estremadura, Óbidos is a little over an hour’s drive north of Lisbon. The picturesque medieval town has been perfectly preserved, with a castle within the city walls and a labyrinth of whitewashed houses and winding streets to happily lose yourself in. There are several churches to visit, as well as an aqueduct beyond the walls. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to a restaurant to try bouillabaisse made with fish from the lagoon, washed down with wine from Oeste; or try the region’s sour-cherry brandy. The town hosts events all year round, from a chocolate festival to open-air concerts come summer. And this close to the Atlantic, you’re never far from a gorgeous beach – even the golf courses overlook the ocean. Where to stay: Spend the night in an ancient castle (only one with WiFi and room service) by checking in to Pousada Castelo de Obidos . Steeped in more than 1,000 years of history, it features medieval elements from the 9th century as well as a seriously romantic restaurant.

Alternatively, for something a little more modern, try the nearby Casa das Senhoras Rainhas . It's located within the medieval walls of Óbidos, has just 15 rooms and boasts classical-mannerist architecture and great views.

Peneda-Gerês

Portugal only has one national park: Peneda-Gerês, close to the Spanish border in the country’s far north. Visitors can call in at small towns such as Soajo in Arcos de Valdedez, with traditional stone barns that are a few centuries old. The hilly landscape is home to golden eagles, wild horses, wolves and deer. Other highlights include a hiking trail along a Roman road, the spa town of Gerês and the village of Lindoso, which has a medieval castle and more of the region’s famous stone granaries. Where to stay: Pousadela Village is a collection of guesthouses within the national park, designed to respect local history and crafts, as well as the surrounding nature. It’s about 60 miles from Porto’s airport.

The Algarve’s ancient capital, Silves was a stronghold and trading hub during the Moorish era. The pretty town has narrow cobbled streets leading to its cathedral, a castle and a harbour to explore – or you can just enjoy the atmosphere from one of the alfresco cafes. Within the municipality is Armarção de Pêra, a popular resort town with a fortress that was built in 1667. It was initially a fishing community, with a wide bay and smaller coves below the region’s signature ochre sandstone cliffs. Where to stay: Vila Vita Parc is one of the finest hotels in the Algarve, not least because of its impressive wine cellar. It’s also home to several restaurants, one of which has two Michelin stars, another that's a breezy eatery down by the beach, and one where you’ll be serenaded by Fado singers. Plus, the resort has a Sisley spa and a swim-up bar. What more could you wish for?

READ OUR REVIEW AND BOOK

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Volta ao Algarve broke the media impact record in 2024

The 50th edition of the Volta ao Algarve, held between 14 and 18 February, broke all media impact records, reveals a study carried out by Cision for the Portuguese Cycling Federation, released this week. The media space occupied by the Volta ao Algarve is equivalent to a value of 36,054,649 euros, an absolute record since 2018, the year of Cision’s … Read More

Remco Evenepoel wins Volta ao Algarve for the third time

Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) confirmed his favoritism and celebrated the overall victory in the 50th Volta ao Algarve. In the final stage, the Belgian resisted all attacks and arrived at Alto do Malhão in second place, behind Daniel Martínez (BORA-hamsgrohe), securing his third title in Algarve and tying Belmiro Silva’s record (won in 1977, 1981 and 1984). “I’m happy with … Read More

A little bit of history in Alto do Malhão?

Alto do Malhão. A traditional finish, but every year with its own story. It’s climbed twice – the second coincides with the finish line – and it can decide the Volta ao Algarve. With a 47 second lead, Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step), who got the Yellow Jersey Turismo do Algarve after the time trial, has a good lead. But will … Read More

Remco Evenepoel dominates time trial and takes the lead

Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) won the 22-kilometer time trial of the fourth stage of Volta ao Algarve, in Albufeira, imposing himself with a time of 27m09s (average of 48.619 km/h), which boosted him into the lead of the general classification. He is the new owner of the Turismo do Algarve yellow jersey. The Belgian proved why he is wearing the … Read More

Albufeira time trial promises changes in the general classification

The fourth day of competition in the 50th edition of Volta ao Algarve will be highlighted by the unprecedented 22-kilometer time trial in Albufeira, with many changes expected in the general classification. Daniel Martínez (Bora-Hansgrohe), leader of the Algarve Tourism Region yellow jersey, will be the last to set off from the Albufeira Marina and will try to defend his … Read More

Wout van Aert wins thrilling sprint in Tavira

Wout van Aert (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) celebrated his victory in the third stage of Volta ao Algarve, after overcoming Rui Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates) and Marius Mayrhofer (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) in a thrilling sprint finish in Tavira. Daniel Martínez (BORA-hansgrohe) remains leader in the general classification. “My goal was to avoid problems at the sprint finishes. … Read More

Tavira is always for the sprinters… almost

After a complicated day in Alto da Fóia, the weather will once again be much nicer and the third stage of the 50th Volta ao Algarve will also have less difficulties. At least as far as the climbs is concerned because the finish in Tavira has its challenges on a day that the 192.2 kilometer route starting in Vila Real … Read More

Daniel Martínez overcomes Remco in Fóia and takes the lead

Volta ao Algarve was once again synonymous of happiness for Daniel Martínez (BORA-hansgrohe). In the second stage, the winner of the last edition triumphed over Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) at the top of Foia and took the overall lead. “I am very happy, we wanted to win the stage here and with me and with Sergio we did quite well … Read More

Alto da Fóia: time for the candidates to present themselves

It’s the day to start defining the favorites to win the Yellow Jersey Turismo do Algarve, owned by Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché-Wanty) after the win in Lagos. The second stage of Volta ao Algarve ends in Alto da Fóia and there is no shortage of candidates, with two looking to make a little more history in Volta ao Algarve: Remco Evenepoel … Read More

On the day @giroditalia starts, we wish all the best to the 31 cyclists competing in the Corsa Rosa who, in February, gave us the pleasure of taking part in the Volta ao Algarve. #VAlgarve2024 #giroditalia2024

Volta ao Algarve

Giro d'Italia vs Volta ao Algarve 🥇 Tadej Pogačar 🇸🇮 Vencedor da Volta ao Algarve 2019 🥈 Daniel Felipe Martinez

2024 Tour de Suisse Preview: How to Watch, Route, & Favorites

As the eight-day stage race honors Gino Mäder’s memory and gears up riders for the Tour de France, it offers a platform for underdogs to shine and favorites like Tom Pidcock to fine-tune their strategy.

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How to Watch

What happened last year, riders to watch.

Race History

This is the 87th edition of the Tour de Suisse, making it one of the longest-running stage races in the world. First run in 1933, it’s skipped years for World Wars and COVID-19, but nothing else. The race is well known for its brutal (but picturesque) climbs up mountains in the Swiss Alps, like the famed Gotthard Pass.

A women’s iteration of the race was first added in the late 1990s but only existed for four years. A new women’s race was added in 2021, and this year, it will cover four stages starting June 15. (Stay tuned for How to Watch the Women’s Tour de Suisse.)

There are eight stages in the Tour de Suisse, including two individual time trials to start and finish the race. Despite two extremely short time trials, the eight stages still cover 950 kilometers of racing and a whopping 19,000 meters of elevation gain. And considering the climbing doesn’t really get going until the second half of the race, expect some extremely grueling days for climbers from Stage 4 onward. But for the first few days, it’s a time trialist and sprinter paradise, with two relatively flat stages following the initial blazingly fast time trial. And the real challenge? The final stage. Sure, it’s only 15 kilometers. But it’s also 900 meters of climbing: The stage essentially goes from the bottom to the top of a mountain.

• Stage 1: Vaduz - Vaduz individual time trial (4.77km)
• Stage 2: Vaduz - Regensdorf (177.3km)
• Stage 3: Steinmaur - Rüschlikon (161.7km)
• Stage 4: Rüschlikon - Gotthard Pass (171km)
• Stage 5: Ambrì - Carì (148.6km)
• Stage 6: Locarno - Blatten151.4km)
• Stage 7: Villars-sur-Ollon - Villars-sur-Ollon118.2km)
• Stage 8: Aigle - Villars-sur-Ollon individual time trial (15.7km)

Tour Director Olivier Senn said that this year, to win is to climb. “Only the best climbers will have a shot at overall victory. Stage wins, on the other hand, will be up for grabs for different types of riders.”

You can watch a preview of the route here:

If you’re in the US, Canada, or Australia, FloBikes ($29.99/month or $150 annually) is the best way to watch the the Tour de Suisse with all eight stages available live and on-demand on FloBikes.com , the FloSports IOS app, and the FloSports app for Amazon FireTV, Roku, and Apple TV.

The Tour de Suisse will also be televised throughout the week on Discovery+ in the UK and Europe. However, there will be no Eurosport coverage.

It’s impossible to talk about last year’s race without first acknowledging the tragic death of Gino Mäder , who—along with American racer Magnus Sheffield—fell off of a cliff during stage 5 while descending on the Abula Pass. Sheffield suffered a concussion, but Mäder was found submerged in water at the bottom of the ravine. The accident led to many discussions around safety measures in races with steep descents, though little has been done since then to make racing safer.

In the race itself—which was subdued in the last three stages after Mäder’s death—Trek Segafredo rider Mattias Skjelmose took the overall win. At 22 years old, he’s just slightly older than second place, the 20-year-old Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates). Tour de France favorite Remco Evenepoel (Soudal–Quick-Step) finished in third.

This is a great race for some lesser-known talents to shine since many of the teams won’t send their big guns to a stage race this close to the Tour de France . But there are still some big guns like Tom Pidcock (INEOS Grenadiers). And with a time trial as the final stage, the racing could get interesting as riders try to create time gaps big enough that a single 15.7-kilometer time trial won’t make a major difference in the standings.

Tom Pidcock: It has to be said that Pidcock’s schedule for the next two months is wild. He’ll race Tour de Suisse, then the Crans-Montana MTB World Cup, and then hop into the Tour de France as race leader for INEOS Grenadiers, then head to the Olympics. No big deal.

Mattias Skjelmose: The Lidl-Trek rider who took the surprise win last year is back again for another attempt at a GC win.

Mark Cavendish : While Cavendish is obviously not a usual GC contender, expect to see the Astana Qazaqstan rider lighting up plenty of the sprint stages.

Stephen Küng: The Groupama-FDJ racer is one of the best time trialists out there, so with two ITT stages up for grabs, he’s definitely a contender for those wins at minimum.

Richard Carapaz : He’s won this race twice in the past, and the EF Education-EasyPost racer is likely still feeling particularly grumpy after being left off of the Olympic roster , which may give him the extra push he needs to take another victory.

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Tour of Britain Women 2024: dates, route and how to watch

T he Tour of Britain Women cycling event has risen from the ashes with a new identity after last year’s event was halted due to financial constraints .

The Tour of Britain Women will begin with 88 riders, and while this is a smaller field than in some of the other races in the elite racing series , several riders stand out as possible contenders for the overall classification.

While reigning champion Elisa Long-Borghini won’t be participating this year, the current world champion Lotte Kopecky (Team SD Worx-Protime) will be present.

Other names to watch out for include Lizzie Deignan (Team Great Britain), Pfeiffer Georgi (dsm-firmenich PostNL), Henrietta Christie (Human Powered Health) and Letizia Paternoster (Liv Alula Jayco).

But when does the event start and how can I watch? Here’s what you need to know.

When is Tour of Britain Women 2024?

The Tour of Britain Women starts today, on Thursday, June 6, and runs until Sunday, June 9.

Stage one – June 6, 11.15am

Stage one will take riders through North Wales.

The day begins at Welshpool, Montgomeryshire, and turns north when the flag drops. As the peloton navigates the opening climbs of the 2024 Tour of Britain Women, the path will soon become hillier.

Following Ty'n y Llindiart's second classified climb, the race will descend the Conwy River and head into Llandudno, the stage's finish.

Stage two – June 7, 11.15am

Stage two revolves around Wrexham. After a few kilometres, the parcours enters England, funnelling the riders down simple, level roads. The first category climb and intermediate sprint of the stage crosses over into the Welsh border again.

The race will descend through the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB after reaching the summit of the hill. When the race reaches Wrexham once more in the last five kilometres, the road will level out.

Stage three – June 8, 11.15am

Stage 3 of the Tour of Britain Women is held in Warrington. The course for the day will wrap around the town in the north-west on a profile that is primarily level. The route will pass through charming towns in Cheshire, including Wilmslow and Knutsford, which are suburbs of south Manchester.

Stage four – June 9, 11.15am

The 2024 edition's last stage provides a demanding and unforgiving profile around Greater Manchester. The National Cycling Centre in eastern Manchester is where the day starts. The race swiftly moves out of the urban sprawl and into hilly outlying roads.

Grains Bar appears on the profile somewhat less than 20 miles from the beginning (2.4km at 5.8 per cent). The Ramsbottom Rake, a steep kicker in Bury's outskirts, is 1.1km long and 10.1 per cent grade.

The slopes continue here. The race's last section winds through the foothills of Lancashire in a more moderate fashion, leading to the finishing town of Leigh.

How to watch Tour of Britain Women 2024

In the UK and around Europe, The Tour of Britain Women will air live on Discovery+. As of right now, no live TV broadcasts are planned for the UK or Europe.

Stage 1: Welshpool – Llandudno, Thursday, June 6

Discovery+: Midday to 2pm

Stage 2: Wrexham – Wrexham, Friday, June 7

Stage 3: warrington – warrington, saturday, june 8, stage 4: manchester – leigh, sunday, june 9.

Discovery+: Midday to 2pmOn the other hand, ITV4 will provide free-to-air highlights lasting an hour in the UK. From June 6 to June 9, these will be screened starting at 8pm on the days of the event.

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As it happened: A GC shakeup in the mountains on Critérium du Dauphiné stage 6

Dani martínez wins the volta ao algarve with stunning final time trial.

Colombian overhauls Ineos teammate Pidcock to take overall title in Lagoa as Stefan Küng takes the stage win

Dani Martínez (Ineos Grenadiers) shows that consistent performance pays off after a solid time trial performance in the finale of the Volta ao Algarve on Sunday launched him into overall victory. The Colombian finished third on the 24.4km course, which was enough to claim the overall title by two seconds ahead of teammate Filippo Ganna. 

Stefan Küng (Groupama FDJ) won the stage, looking in fine TT form and clocking a 29:34 on the somewhat technical course to beat Rémi Cavagna (Soudal Quickstep), who finished four seconds down on the Swiss rider. 

Wearing the Italian colours as national TT champ, Ganna claimed third place, 10 seconds back on Küng, while yellow jersey wearer Tom Pidcock finished in 19th place at 1:27 down on Küng to finish seventh overall.

"This morning, everyone on the team said, 'okay, Filippo is number one for GC.' Day by day, I was feeling better, but today was a surprise for me," Martínez said after the finish.

Küng, meanwhile, said he knew it would be a close-run thing for the win, but added that he liked the Lagoa course.

"It feels very nice (to take the win)," he said. "I knew this course suited me. I was feeling good. I had power until the end, but I also knew it was going to be close.

"It's really nice to take the victory and also the first victory of the season for our team. We worked a lot over the winter on our TT position, so a big thanks to my performance team and my mechanic. Without the team, it's not possible to win here.

"For me, I really like this course. The rhythm is always changing. You have to push on all the time. I really like that when you have to change rhythm left and right. This course suits me well."

How it unfolded

The skies were grey with a slight drizzle in the air during the finale stage of the Volta ao Algarve. The time trial was set to be the GC decider, and with just a minute separating the top 10 overall, the chance for a classification shake-up seemed imminent.

In the earlier wave of riders, Kasper Asgreen (Soudal-QuickStep) was the first rider to occupy the hot seat for a lengthy period of time, clocking a 31:00 flat on the 24.4km course around Lagoa.

Asgreen powered through the first and second intermediate checkpoints and set times that stood for about 20 minutes until Nils Politt (Bora-Hansgrohe) bettered the Dane by to seconds.

It didn't take long for Rémi Cavagna (Soudal-QuickStep) to threaten Politt's time, along with Küng, who went across the first two intermediate checks with the fastest time, but the third check, went to Cavagna.

The French time trial specialist found himself briefly at the top of the leaderboard with a time of 29.38, but was quickly ousted by Küng, who took four seconds off Cavagna's finishing time.

All eyes were on Ganna to storm into action. The Italian had a solid performance, but it wasn't quite enough to take top honors at the end of the day. Still, the Ineos Grenadiers rider jumped from 10th to second overall, finishing just outside the top step by a mere two seconds behind his teammate Dani Martínez.

Ilan Van Wilder (Soudal-Quickstep) had an impressive ride to hang onto third place overall. The Belgian ended up seventh on the stage, 49 seconds back on Küng.

Yellow jersey Tom Pidcock knew he had a big task ahead of him to hang onto yellow and was pushed to show his cyclocross abilities when he lost control around a corner, flew up onto a dirt berm, but still managed to hold the bike up. He ended up 19th on the day, sliding down to seventh overall on GC and out of contention.

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A former professional and two-time cyclo-cross US national champion, Beard is also an award-winning journalist and cycling commentator. Since leaving competition, she has written for several major cycling media outlets, worked as media director for major US stage races and consulted with men's and women's professional cycling teams.

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