1. Faro
If you are flying in from another country, you will most likely arrive at Faro’s international airport (the only one in Algarve).
Faro is the Algarve’s largest city and is situated in the heart of the country, making it a perfect location to rent a car. But don’t just leave yet. Faro, too, is waiting to be explored, which you should do before heading out on your road trip.
Don’t miss the famous chapel of the bones. The ossuary is situated in the lovely 18th-century Our Lady of Carmel. Inside the church, follow a sign to a small courtyard where the chapel is. Every surface of the chapel is covered in the bones and skulls of monks who once worked in a nearby monastery.
2. Albufeira
Heading west, the first stop should be Albufeira, one of the Algarve’s liveliest and most famous beach resorts. You can’t wish for better, cleaner, or wider beaches that are family friendly, too. In reality, there are three beaches to choose from.
After a swim, take a walk through the charming old town, which is packed with bars and restaurants, colorful buildings, and shops, thus taking the opportunity to rest and enjoy the best of what this beautifiul city has to offer.
3. Carvoeiro
The Algarve coastline is the most eye-catching feature of this romantic former fishing village turned tourist destination.
The town is cut into the steep red sea cliffs, with a few small beaches thrown in for good measure. You can go down the steps if you wish, and we recommend that if you do so, do it gently, as the steepness of this slope makes the fall somewhat far from small.
Praia da Rocha, close by, is perhaps the most photographed of the sites. Apart from a ruined castle, the town has a colorful history of pirates and naval wars, but little remains today to remind visitors of that period.
4. Lagos
Unlike the rest of the tour, which has focused on the beautiful coastline, Lagos is steeped in history and has many monuments to commemorate it. The 17th-century Bandeira Fort, the Santo Antonio Church, and the Mercado dos Escravos, Europe’s first slave market, are all worth seeing.
Enjoy the beautiful waterfront and charming streets while taking a walk trought the city center, we guarantee you won´t regret it.
5. Sagres
The terrain becomes more difficult as you approach Portugal’s westernmost point. Sagres is known for having some of the best surfing spots in the world. Take a glance at the Atlantic Ocean’s raging waves to understand why.
The most notable attraction here is Sagres Fort, which is where Henry the Navigator began his 15th-century discovery of Africa’s uncharted waters. Inside the fort, a massive wind compass serves as a reminder of how sailors navigated centuries ago.
6. Monchique
Monchique is a charming mountain town with whitewashed houses. It’s full of art galleries, and in the heart of town, a lady bakes and sells fresh buns from an open oven.
Monchique’s thermal waters, which are volcanic, have been prized since Roman times, and here you can soak in one of the village spas, and certainly enjoy a good opportunity to rest and relax.
7. Estoi
Estoi is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of coastal tourist resorts, and the town’s two main attractions make it a must-see. One is Estoi Palace, which has a pink rococo facade and a lovely garden, and is now a pousada, or luxury hotel, in Portugal.
After a coffee or a drink, visit the Villa of Milreu, a Roman complex based on a 2nd century AD villa, and be fascinated by what this wonderful place has to offer you.
8. Olhão
Back on the coast, in Olhão, you’ll notice a new architectural theme. White houses are square with roof terraces and outdoors staircases, clearly influenced by the theme of the North African people.
The fish market, which is located in a bright red brick structure, is an exception. Park your car, look at the wide selection of fresh fish and seafood, and taste for yourself this experience in one of the many sales tents, with a few chairs and tables, that you are sure to enjoy good time.
9. Ria Formosa
This is a large lagoon and nature reserve formed by the same-named river. Sandbanks are everywhere, inhabited with birds and flamingos. Fishermen work oyster banks, and a few islands, the most popular of which is Culatra.
The catamaran ferry ride from Olhao takes about 20 minutes. There are also water taxis available if you miss the return ferry. The water is shallow and calm, a big diffrence from the ocean’s beaches. Passengers include tourists as well as Culatra residents, who are carrying their weekly shopping hauls.
10. Tavira
Tavira, the heart of Portugal’s cork industry, has a wide range of delightful and innovative items, from shoes and handbags, to coasters for cups. In Tavira, Cork All has two shops where you could just find the perfect piece to take home.
You could have imagined the Algarve region as a beach paradise before visiting, and you would be right. However, you’ll be enchanted by the diversity of nature, history, and culture once you’ve been there, and surely you will be tempted to return to discover even more in the future.