7-Day Algarve Tour by Campervan

The Algarve is one of the most renowned destinations in Portuguese tourism: this region is overrun in summer, especially by surf lovers (don’t expect a relaxing swim, since the waters are anything but warm) and nature lovers, but even in winter it’s a destination for many people making the most of its mild climate to “winter” there. Its beaches and cliffs are truly wonderful and deserve a stop in any season. If you want to visit the rest of the country with us too, head to the general article.

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Sagres:

  Sagres is located in the westernmost part of the Algarve, and thanks to its position it’s managed to stay a bit more isolated from the touristy invasion the rest of the region has faced. The main attraction is the Fortaleza, a defensive wall structure, nestled among the cliffs. Not far from Sagres is the westernmost point of the Algarve, Cabo de São Vicente. This lighthouse (under restoration at the end of 2022) offers breathtaking views, especially at sunset.

• Day 2 - Lagos:

  Lagos, a small Algarve town, is famous for its golden beaches, its pleasant historic centre and its fun atmosphere. Lagos’s best beaches are Praia de Porto de Mós, Praia do Camilo (we fell in love with it!), Praia de Dona Ana, Praia do Pinhão, Praia da Batata and Meia Praia.

  

• Day 3 - Portimão/Ferragudo/Carvoeiro:

  Portimão is famous for its white sand beaches and for waters warmer and calmer than other Algarve destinations. The two beaches we particularly loved are: Praia do Alemão, also reachable via a lovely walk along the cliffs, and Praia dos Três Castelos, a bit more crowded with tourists. Not too far from Portimão we recommend Ferragudo, a small fishing village where time seems to have stopped. Walking through little streets and staircases you reach the church of Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, from which you can admire a beautiful view.

  A bit further south you’ll find Carvoeiro, a picturesque village overrun in summer by every kind of tourist. The small beach overlooking the town square is sandy and surrounded by cliffs. The whole coast around Carvoeiro alternates between cliffs, caves and coves, to explore with private or group boat trips. A really lovely excursion could be one heading to the Benagil caves. We walked along the Carvoeiro Boardwalk, which stretches from the centre of Carvoeiro and offers splendid views over the coast.

• Day 4 - Silves:

  Silves was the most important city of the ancient Arab kingdom of the Algarve and is located inland. The imposing castle still dominates the scene, and today the walk along the walls offers a view over the orange groves below.

• Day 5 - Albufeira:

  Albufeira offers a historic centre with numerous restaurants, bars and shops, and a modern area full of hotels and apartments. In the small historic centre you can still find a few glimpses of the past. The two main beaches are Praia dos Pescadores and Praia do Túnel. We loved walking along the not-too-distant Praia da Falésia, a long sandy beach with reddish cliffs, reachable via a boardwalk.

• Day 6 - Faro:

  Faro is usually used by tourists as a place to pass through. In the historic centre you can see the Arco da Vila gate and the Sé Cathedral, as well as the old walls dating back to the Moorish period and the various entrance gates. 5 kilometres from Faro is Praia de Faro. The airport isn’t far away, and nearby there’s a lagoon where you can take lovely walks.

• Day 7 - Tavira:

  Tavira is a fishing village typical of this region, surrounded by a series of beaches belonging to the protected area of Ria Formosa Natural Park. Located on Tavira Island is a beach reachable on foot, Praia do Barril, home to more than two hundred rusted anchors that once belonged to old tuna fishing boats, giving this place the nickname “cemetery of the anchors”.

Fun facts

The Algarve is a region that, if experienced on the road, in our opinion offers views genuinely worth a stop. Even the small villages are great for pleasant walks. Visiting these places out of season can give you a taste of saudade, but it certainly makes them more authentic than in summer, when they’re overrun by tourism.

Our vlog

Want to relive our on-the-road adventures in Portugal? You’ll find the full playlist at this link  .