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Latest update: 22 July 2024
The Algarve in Portugal is perfect for a road trip. The distances are relatively short, the roads are generally good, and it is a beautiful region to visit. In this blog, you will find an itinerary for 10 days and tips to plan your road trip.
Rent a car in the Algarve
Your road trip through the Algarve starts with arranging a rental car—unless, of course, you travel with your own car or van. For the renters among us, Discover Cars and Rentalcars are useful sites for comparing prices.
Good to know if you rent a car in the Algarve
The traffic rules in Portugal are pretty comparable to those in The Netherlands. No drinking and driving, only hands-free calling (only special headsets are allowed) and driving on the right. Please be careful: you cannot park near the yellow lines. And there are some more rules. The most up-to-date information can be found here.
You pay tolls on some roads. That is why a small device in your rental car registers where you drive. The rental company keeps an extra deposit and settles the toll when you return your vehicle. According to the man at the counter, most people spend around €30 for 10 days in the Algarve.
My road trip itinerary in the Algarve
Because the distances are short in the Algarve, you can flexibly plan your route. In fact, many people stay in one place and make trips from there. That is also easy to do.
This list shows where I spent the night. From Sagres, it is about a 1.5-hour drive to the airport in Faro.
- Day 1 & 2: Faro
- Day 3: Tavira
- Day 4: Loulé
- Day 5: Ferragudo
- Day 6: Monchique
- Day 7 & 8: Lagos
- Day 9 & 10: Sagres
Traveling around the Algarve with a rental car
Okay, so you have the itinerary. But what can you do and see along the way? I will give you a short summary of what you can experience at each location and a link to an article that will help you discover even more cool things.
Faro
Faro is the capital of the Algarve, but it is actually not that big at all. One or two nights in Faro is sufficient, depending on what you want to do. A city tour or visit the Ria Formosa nature reserve is always a good idea. Faro also has a great beach.
Read more about Faro
Hotel tip: Lemon Tree Stay or Lemon Tree Urban Camping
Tavira
From Faro you drive to Tavira in about 40 minutes. Tavira is in the east of the Algarve, and I think it is a wonderful town. A night in Tavira is enough to discover the center, go on a tuk-tuk tour, or visit the island of Tavira.
Read more about Tavira
Hotel tip: Formosa Guest House
Loulé
After Tavira, you drive back to the west of the Algarve. After about half an hour, you will find a vineyard just outside Loulé where you can take a tour and, of course, taste wine. Not too much, because you still have to drive a short distance to the center of Loulé. There, you can view the beautiful market hall and enjoy the outdoor cafés.
Read more about Loulé
Hotel tip: Loulé Coreto Guesthouse
Ferragudo
If you leave Loulé in time, you can drive to Ferragudo via Benagil. At Benagil you can join a kayak tour to the Benagil Caves. A good plan in theory, but my tour was canceled due to bad weather. So I drive to cute Ferragudo at once (with another stop at a vineyard). This village has a pleasant center, beautiful views of Portimão and a lovely beach. From Ferragudo, you can easily drive to the starting point of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. I only stayed one night in Ferragudo, but two would have been better.
Read more about Ferragudo
Hotel tip: Vitor’s Village
Silves
Because Silves is only a tiny village, it was enough for me to wander around here for half a day. It is a 20-minute drive from Ferragudo, further inland. See the Moorish castle, eat a pastel de nata and on to the next stop!
Read more about Silves
Monchique
After about a 35-minute drive from Silves you arrive in Monchique. This is truly a mountain village. The area is perfect for cycling and hiking. Including donkey hikes! Go to the highest mountain peak in the Algarve and order a cheesy bread from the food truck there. I stayed one night in Monchique, but if you enjoy hikes, you should really stay a little longer.
Read more about Monchique
Hotel tip: VilaFoia
Lagos
Drive back to the coast and head to popular Lagos. It is about a 45-minute drive from Monchique. A lot of people just stay in Lagos for a whole week, which also works. Make sure you allow at least two nights in Lagos. You will find many trendy coffee shops and nice bars. Try taking a kayak trip to Ponta da Piedade, and perhaps you would also like to spot dolphins.
Read more about Lagos.
Hotel tip: Indigo Guest House
Sagres
If you want to surf, Sagres is the place to be. But even if you don’t want to surf, Sagres is worth a visit. Nearby is Cabo de São Vicente, the most southwestern point of Europe where you can get an authentic German bratwurst. And Sagres itself is chock full of nice cafés and restaurants. For that alone you have to stay two nights.
Read more about Sagres
Hotel tip: Casa Azul Sagres
More Portugal inspiration?
Useful links for your Portugal trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorites: Booking.com and Campspace. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. Try WithLocals for experiences with Portuguese locals. Book your ‘free’ walking tours with Freetour.com or GuruWalks, and try bike tours with Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Car rental. If you want to compare prices, check out Discover Cars or Rental Cars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Guidebooks. I love paper guidebooks to flip through. Buy them at Amazon.
- Money. Your debit and credit cards may not get accepted everywhere. You could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card when you travel.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Maybe Expedia or CheapOair has a good option.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train and Bus Travel to Portugal with Busbud. And reserve buses and trains on the go with 12Go or Omio.
- Yoga retreat. Or maybe treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Portugal.
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