Exploring the Algarve
A favourite year-round holiday destination, the Algarve has much to offer visitors. Celebrated for its fantastic beaches and peaceful resorts, the Algarve has an equally enticing interior just waiting to be discovered. Here are a few ideas for a two-day and a week-long stay, which will help you to make the most of coast and country.
Two Days in the Algarve
Day 1
Start in Faro with some sightseeing in the Old Town. Ponder ancient artifacts at the Museu Municipal de Faro and follow with a visit to the handsome 13th-century Sé. Afterwards, climb the cathedral’s bell tower and enjoy the views across the wetlands.
Have lunch at Faz (Rua do Castelo 13; 289 878 422), and then join a boat cruise (see Coastal And River Cruises) through the protected Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. End the day exploring Faro’s New Town and strolling by the riverfront.
Day 2
Travel east to Tavira and begin by perusing the Núcleo Islâmico. Climb the hill to the Moorish castle (see Tavira) for splendid rooftop views. Next, look for the tombs of Crusader knights in Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo. Meander back to the river, the Rio Gilão, and take in views of the photogenic Ponte Romana.
Stop for lunch at Brisa do Rio then recharge on Ilha de Tavira, reached by ferry from Quatro Águas quay.
Seven Days in the Algarve
Day 1 and 2
Follow the two-day Algarve itinerary.
Day 3
Day 4
Continue to Lagos, where it is easy to spend a few hours in the fascinating Museu Municipal Dr José Formosinho. Take a cruise to the sea caves at Ponta da Piedade. Back on land, head for the sand on Meia Praia, then enjoy an evening drink at a bar on the Frente Ribeirinha.
Day 5
Drive further west to Sagres. Delve into history at the mysterious Fortaleza de Sagres. Afterwards, follow the bracing Ponta de Sagres Panoramic Walk. Linger in the afternoon on sheltered Praia do Martinhal. For a dramatic finale, drive over to windblown Cabo de São Vicente for awe-inspiring ocean vistas.
Day 6
Journey north through the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. Turn inland at Aljezur for the quaint spa hamlet of Caldas de Monchique. Continue to Monchique. Saunter through its steep, narrow streets to shop for cadeiras de tesoura. End the day with great views from the peak of Fóia.
Day 7
Arrive in Silves. Allow time to absorb the excellent Museu Municipal de Arqueologia. For a more tangible sense of history, amble up to the impressive castle (see Silves). Use the afternoon to visit Portimão, before relaxing on Praia da Rocha.
