Have a week's holiday and feel like a trip to see some spectacular beaches and cliffs? This route through the towns and villages of the Algarve also allows you to get to know unique historical sites in an unforgettable road trip.
5-day tour of towns and villages in the Algarve
The Algarve is the southern region of mainland Portugal. Alongside the island of Madeira, it is one of the most famous Portuguese tourist areas for its golden sandy beaches, spectacular cliffs and mild climate all year round. This southern region is also known for its charming towns and villages that maintain that unique blend of Arab and seafaring heritage.
All this and more is what you can see with your own eyes with this proposed route through the towns and villages of the Algarve for a week.
Day 1: Ayamonte-Tavira
Entering from the Spanish town of Ayamonte, in Huelva, and crossing the river via the famous Guadiana International Bridge is a foretaste of the natural landscapes you will enjoy on this route. In this case, you get a breathtaking panoramic view of the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean.
Your intermediate destination is the village of Cacela Velha. It is a tiny fortified enclave on a cliff, with spectacular views of the Ria Formosa.
Your final destination for this first day is Tavira, with an impressive historic centre along the Gilão river. We recommend a walk along its walls until you reach the Cais das Quatro Águas (Four Waters pier), where you can take the ferry to spend an afternoon at the beach on the island of Tavira.
Day 2: The fishing tradition of Olhão and Faro
Take the N125 westbound early in the morning. In about 25 minutes you will reach Olhão, the largest fishing port in the area. Don't miss a stroll through its fishermen's quarter or a visit to its red-brick Municipal Market. Also make sure to take the opportunity to eat in the seafood and fresh fish capital of the Algarve.
In just 15-20 minutes along the N125 you will reach Faro. Leave the car at the Largo de São Francisco car park. This is the best option because it is free and you are a 3-minute walk from the Arco da Vila, the entrance to the historic centre. There, in addition to strolling along its cobblestone paving, do not miss the tower of the Cathedral and the impressive Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of the Bones) in the Igreja de Carmo.
Day 3: Albufeira, a must-see tourist destination
Albufeira is the Algarve's tourist hub par excellence. It has two areas with very distinct atmospheres. The Old Town, a maze of pedestrian streets with white houses, shops and restaurants that leads to the Fisherman’s Beach (Praia dos Pescadores). This is the most beautiful area for an afternoon stroll.
And the nightlife of Praia da Oura, with nightclubs and bars, which make this street the festive epicentre of the region.
Day 4: The heart of the cliffs
This is probably the most spectacular and genuine day of your route through the towns and villages of the Algarve. You will see the golden cliffs that are so iconic in this area. Praia da Marinha is an essential stop. Try to leave early, because the drive is short (23 km (14 mi) from Albufeira), but the car park fills up quickly in high season.
Walk down the stairs to the beach to marvel at its imposing rock formations (the famous "M" rock). On the way up, hike a section of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail to enjoy breathtaking views over the ocean.
Day 5: Cape St. Vincent
The last leg of the journey is toward the westernmost point of this route through the Algarve. We recommend a stop in Lagos first, a walled city where you can stroll through its walled old town. Especially worth a visit is the spectacular Ponta da Piedade, where limestone rocks form arches and caves in the water.
Fancy a typical lunch based around fresh fish? Then stop in the town of Sagres. You will be surprised by the drastic change in the landscape: it becomes flat, windy and desert-like.
Relax for a few hours at Praia do Beliche or Praia do Tonel, you are bound to be impressed by its surfing atmosphere with waves pounding on the cliff.
The route ends at Cape St. Vincent, the southwesternmost point of continental Europe. Sitting on the edge of the cliff and watching the sun go down is the perfect end to this route through the towns and villages of the Algarve. However, to avoid problems and inconveniences, rent your car in Portugal with OK Mobility. We cover everything so you can avoid nasty surprises!
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