A Road Trip from Lisbon to Faro – Along the Algarve Coast

Just a short flight from many European cities, the Algarve—Portugal’s most famous coastal region—awaits with its stunning beaches, idyllic coves, and impressive cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean. Add to that picturesque Portuguese towns full of charm, a pleasant climate year-round, and an abundance of culinary delights.
Whether you're looking for relaxation or seeking adventure and action – you'll find it in the Algarve!

Our route, along with the associated impressions, highlights, and insider tips, are shared with you in this post.

DAY 1 – DISCOVERING LISBON

Our Highlights: Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, the LX Factory & the traditional Pastéis de Nata in Belém
Accommodation: Casa Santa Marinha, Lisbon

As you may have read in our post “From Porto to Lisbon – A Road Trip Along the Portuguese Coast”, we started our journey in Porto, making several stops on the way to Lisbon before finally continuing to the Algarve.
Upon arriving in Portugal's capital, we were immediately captivated by the colorful house facades, winding alleys, streetcar tracks, and lively neighborhoods.
The unique atmosphere of Lisbon enchanted us. We had a fantastic stay! A detailed account of our experience can be found in our separate post “Lisbon – Tips for the Portuguese Capital”.

DAY 2 – FROM LISBON TO VALE DA TELHA (ALJEZUR)

Our Highlights: Sunsets along the coast & numerous surf spots
Distance Traveled: 325 kilometers, 3 hours
Accommodation: Utopia Guest House, Vale Da Telha

Early in the morning, we picked up our rental car in Lisbon for the days ahead and continued toward Aljezur.

Aljezur, a charming town in the Algarve, is well-known among surfers, hipsters, and yoga enthusiasts due to its proximity to Vale da Telha and Arrifana.
While the town itself isn’t on the coast, these idyllic places are close to the water – one of the reasons we chose to stay in Vale da Telha.

Stopping here proved to be one of the best decisions of our road trip, as the indescribably beautiful landscape and relaxed atmosphere made our stay unforgettable.
Though we only had three full days, we recommend staying at least four days or, if planning a surfing or beach holiday, even a whole week in this wonderful area.

The beautiful Praia da Arrifana, Vale Da Telha’s local beach, is surrounded by cliffs and offers perfect conditions for beginner surfers.
Wave height depends on the weather and tides, but the Atlantic’s cool temperatures remain constant.

There are no loungers, umbrellas, or similar amenities, so everything you need for a day at the beach must be carried down the winding path from the cliff-top parking area.
Only in the peak summer season is there a shuttle that runs up and down the hill every few minutes.

The best view of Praia da Arrifana is definitely from the parking lots above the cliffs. From there, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the beach and the endless blue ocean.
Whether you’re standing on the cliffs or down on the sand, the atmosphere is simply magical.
We could have stayed here for hours – surfing, sunbathing, or just watching the waves crash along the coast while enjoying the endless ocean view.

Our Tip: Be sure to bring a beach tent! For us, it’s an absolute must-have for any trip to Portugal.
This handy, lightweight tent not only provides sun protection but also shields you from the slightly chilly wind. Plus, loungers and umbrellas are scarce on Portugal's beaches.

DAYS 3 TO 5 – EXPLORING ALJEZUR’S DREAM BEACHES

• Praia da Amoreira: For many tourists, this beach is one of the most beautiful in the region – and rightly so!
  Nestled between light sand dunes and dark rocks, Praia da Amoreira offers a stunning natural spectacle.
  At the southern end, the Ribeira de Aljezur river flows into the sea, giving the beach a unique atmosphere.
• Praia de Monte Clérigo: Our absolute favorite beach! This white sand beach with clear water and steep cliffs, adorned with picturesque houses, is a true surfers' paradise due to the strong surf. The untouched surroundings and refreshing sea breeze make it perfect for unwinding and leaving the everyday behind.
• Praia da Bordeira: Also known as Praia da Carrapateira, this is one of the largest beaches in the Algarve.
  This beautiful natural beach offers ideal conditions for both surfers and bathers.
  A highlight is the long wooden boardwalk that winds along the cliffs, offering a breathtaking view of the expansive Praia da Bordeira.

OUR HIGHLIGHT OF THE REGION

It’s almost impossible to decide which is more breathtaking – the sunrise or the sunset. Both are simply magical.
At sunrise, the surroundings are bathed in soft pink and orange tones, while at sunset, the sky is lit up in warm, vibrant colors.
No matter which beach you’re on, the spectacular colors and picturesque landscape make each of these moments unforgettable.

Even during peak season, you can find a quiet spot on the beach or the cliffs to enjoy the gentle sound of waves as the sun rises or sets – a truly dreamy experience!

RESTAURANT TIPS FOR VALE DA TELHA

After a long day at the beach, hunger kicks in by evening at the latest. Here are three delicious restaurant recommendations in Arrifana and Vale Da Telha:

• ‍SEA YOU: This cozy restaurant in Arrifana offers delicious sandwiches, burgers, and burritos with a great surfer vibe. It’s also highly recommended for breakfast.
• Arte Bianca: While we usually prefer local dishes when traveling, we couldn’t resist this pizzeria.
  In the restaurant’s garden, under romantic, twinkling fairy lights, you can end the evening with fantastic food. During the summer months, reservations are recommended.
• Maxi’s Warung: Here you’ll find tasty Thai-Indonesian cuisine instead of typical Portuguese food. We enjoyed it so much that we ate here twice!

OUR ACCOMMODATION TIP

Our accommodation, Utopia Guest House in Vale Da Telha, is the perfect base to explore the surrounding beaches, all reachable within five minutes by car.
The hotel has a cozy boho-style decor – simple yet providing everything needed for a pleasant stay. We’re sure this won’t be our last visit!

DAY 6 – FROM VALE DA TELHA TO LAGOS

Our Highlights: Sunrise at Ponta da Piedade, the swimming beach Praia Dona Ana & dolphins in the open sea
Distance Traveled: 40 kilometers, 35 minutes
Accommodation: Ancora Park – Sunplace Hotels, Lagos

Loaded with beautiful memories, we headed further south to the Algarve’s most famous tourist spot, Lagos. But first, we stopped in Sagres.

STOP IN SAGRES

The area around Sagres offers wide, sandy beaches surrounded by imposing cliffs. The rough Atlantic wind and high waves create perfect conditions for surfing.
Though we didn’t surf here, we found the beaches Praia do Tonel and Praia de Beliche to be absolutely breathtaking in terms of landscape.

The absolute highlight of the region is Fort Cabo de São Vicente with its iconic lighthouse at the Algarve’s westernmost point.
Here, the European mainland ends, and before you lies the vast Atlantic stretching to America.
Right in front of the fortress is a unique snack stand aptly named 'The Last Bratwurst Before America' – offering a taste of Germany in a remarkable location.

DAYS 7 TO 9 – LAGOS & SURROUNDINGS

The port city of Lagos is an ideal base to explore the many sights and beaches along the Algarve, so we decided to stay there for three nights.
Looking back, we should have stayed four to five nights – we could have easily spent a week without getting bored.

Lagos' old town forms the lively heart of the city, with charming souvenir shops, cozy cafes, bars, and restaurants in a typical Portuguese style. However, we didn’t find notable sights here and instead focused mainly on the stunning beaches and beautiful swimming coves that had been recommended to us – and we were not disappointed!

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AROUND LAGOS

PRAIA DONA ANA

This gem is an absolute must-see! A few steps lead down to a stunning swimming beach with fine golden sand, crystal-clear water, and a sheltered bay surrounded by high cliffs, perfect for swimming in the Atlantic. At low tide, you’ll find numerous beautiful shells.

For the more adventurous, you can climb over a small rock wall on the left side of the beach to reach another smaller but equally enchanting bay.
At low tide, you can even walk under the rock wall and discover a hidden mini-beach section.

On the left side of the beach is a small beach bistro that offers basic food and drinks as well as loungers and umbrellas for rent.
In the off-season, you can easily find free parking above Praia Dona Ana.
However, in summer, both the parking area and the beach can be quite crowded by morning, so it’s worth arriving early.

Our Tip: Definitely bring a beach tent! For us, it’s an absolute must-have on every Portugal trip. You can find our beach tent here.

PONTA DA PIEDADE

Ponta da Piedade is perhaps the most famous and popular postcard image of the Algarve – and for good reason.
This impressive limestone rock formation is among the region’s most stunning sights.
Unlike the many beaches along the Algarve, this isn’t a swimming beach but a spectacular coastal landscape.

Within the cliffs are hidden coves and fascinating grottoes. Narrow paths allow you to climb the limestone rocks and take in the magnificent views.
A staircase leads between the rock formations down to the water, where you can experience the rugged beauty of the coast up close.

If you’d rather explore the rocks and grottoes from the water, you can join one of the stand-up paddle or kayak tours that depart daily from Praia da Batata.
These tours last about 2.5 hours and provide a unique opportunity to explore the hidden corners of this breathtaking coastline.

A more comfortable option is a motorboat tour. It’s worth comparing providers ahead of time, as some boats can be quite crowded.
Motorized or not, each of these tours is absolutely worth it.

OUR ABSOLUTE HIGHLIGHT

The breathtaking sunrise at Ponta da Piedade is an experience not to be missed.
Especially in the off-season, you have the chance to enjoy this impressive rock formation entirely on your own.
Find a cozy spot on the highest rock or on the eastern side of the cliffs and watch as the sun slowly rises over the Atlantic, bathing the cliffs in a warm, golden light – a magical moment!

You can conveniently park in the large, free lot directly in front of Ponta da Piedade.

PRAIA DO CAMILO

On the way to Ponta da Piedade, be sure to make a detour to the enchanting Praia do Camilo. This beach is also one of the Algarve's best-known.
A wooden staircase with over 200 steps leads down into the small bay, surrounded by imposing limestone cliffs and featuring a fine sandy beach.

Praia do Camilo consists of two beach sections connected by a small tunnel. Due to its popularity and narrow beach, both sections can be crowded even in the off-season.
To get a good spot in this picturesque bay, it’s best to arrive before 9 am.

There are no facilities for renting loungers or umbrellas at Praia do Camilo, so be sure to bring everything you’ll need for your beach day.
Remember, you’ll have to climb the 200 steps back up afterward! Parking spaces are limited, so arriving early or walking to the beach is advisable.

Photo Tip: The best photos on the wooden steps are captured in the warm light of sunrise – simply breathtaking!

PRAIA DOS ESTUDANTES

Praia dos Estudantes is a real hidden gem in the off-season. However, due to its small size, it can become crowded by late morning in peak season.
Sheltered by surrounding rock formations, the beach offers calm swimming conditions in the Atlantic.

On the right side of the beach, there is a tunnel hand-carved through the massive rock walls long ago. Walk through it to reach another smaller bay.
The highlight of this bay is an offshore rock connected to the mainland by the historic Lagos Roman Bridge.
At low tide, you can either walk under the bridge or use another tunnel to reach the neighboring Praia do Pinhão.
From there, you can climb over a stacked rock pathway to reach Praia de Dona Ana.

Photo Tip: The best pictures of the beach with the Lagos Roman Bridge in the background are taken in the light of sunrise.

Parking at Praia dos Estudantes is scarce, so it’s best to walk there.

PRAIA DA MARINHA

Another beach highlight of the Algarve is Praia da Marinha. Like many beaches in this region, it can only be accessed via a few steps leading down to the water.
The impressive cliffs, up to 30 meters high, protect the beach from the wind, making it quite warm, especially at midday in summer.
Therefore, be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water. There are no loungers or umbrellas, so come prepared.

Praia da Marinha is no longer a secret spot and draws many tourists in both the high and off seasons. But what makes this beach special is the spectacular panoramic view from above. Follow the signs to the Miradouro Viewpoint from the parking area, and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the picturesque limestone cliffs in their golden and yellow hues.

Photo Tip: The famous “Heart of the Algarve” is located on the cliffs at Praia da Marinha, behind the Miradouro Viewpoint.
We took a few minutes to find the exact spot, but if others are already there taking photos, you won’t miss it!

LAGOS INSIDER TIP: DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING TOUR

We stumbled upon a dolphin and whale watching tour from Lagos online – and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip!
The approximately 1.5-hour tour departed from the Marina de Lagos on the Estrada de São Roque.
With about 20 other tourists and a marine biologist on board, we headed out into the Atlantic on a speedboat.

Since these are wild dolphins, there’s no guarantee of spotting them. However, we got lucky!
Shortly after setting out, the captain spotted a pod of dolphins, with six or seven surfing the boat’s waves – a fascinating experience. And then, the real highlight emerged.

After a few minutes, it became clear that it wasn’t just six or seven dolphins but several pods – a total of at least 80 or more.
The conditions for watching were ideal: slightly overcast skies and a perfectly calm water surface made the experience even more spectacular.

This adventure was truly unforgettable! You can find more information about our tour and further details here.

DAY 10 - FROM LAGOS TO OLHÃO

Highlights: The beautiful, authentic old town and the nearby bathing islands
Distance Traveled: 97 kilometers, 1 hour
Accommodation: Sol Posto Cozy Apartment, Olhão

After a wonderful stay in Lagos and its surroundings, we decided to explore the eastern Algarve around Olhão/Faro.
Both towns are an ideal starting point for exploring the beaches, islands, and small villages between Faro and the Spanish border.

OLHÃO

Olhão doesn’t boast many historical attractions but instead stands out with the largest fishing port in Portugal and a significant tuna and sardine canning industry, which keeps it off the radar for most tourists, making it a hidden gem in our eyes.

Olhão captivated us immediately, not just for its typical Portuguese houses adorned with colorful Azulejos tiles, flowering shrubs along the facades, and charming narrow streets, but also for its relaxed atmosphere and the warmth of the locals.
We stayed in a fantastic accommodation, a small, traditional townhouse in the heart of the old town, where we immediately felt at home among friendly Portuguese neighbors.

Though Olhão itself has no beach, this is no problem. Ferries depart daily from the harbor to the idyllic sandy islands of Ilha da Culatra, Ilha do Farol, and Ilha da Armona.
If you want even more, there are numerous beautiful beaches within an hour’s drive toward the Spanish border, most of which are accessible by ferry or water taxi.

We’re certain: we’d gladly return to Olhão and spend at least five days or longer in this beautiful town!

MARKET IN OLHÃO

Every Saturday, a traditional market is held at the Algarve's largest port in Olhão, in and around the market halls.
Here you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and many other foods, as well as freshly prepared regional dishes to eat on the spot.

You can park directly at the market (paid) or further away at the harbor, where parking is free. Better yet, find accommodation in the old town, so you can walk there as we did.

DAY 11 TO 15 – EXPLORING THE BEACHES & ISLANDS IN THE AREA

THE ISLAND ILHA DA CULATRA

Want to discover the “Maldives of Portugal”? Take a ferry or water taxi from Olhão harbor to the nearby island of Ilha da Culatra.
After a 30-minute trip, you’ll arrive at a seven-kilometer-long, pristine white sandy beach – Praia da Culatra.
Only a few Portuguese live here, and mass tourism is virtually unknown due to the limited number of accommodations.

You won’t find any cars here either. The two small towns and the entire island can only be explored on foot or by bicycle.
Ilha da Culatra is a true paradise for those seeking peace in a breathtaking location directly by the sea.

MORE DREAM BEACHES AROUND OLHÃO

DAY 16 - FROM OLHÃO TO FARO

Highlights: The endless Faro Beach
Distance Traveled: 10 kilometers, 20 minutes
Accommodation: Happy House Comfort plus, Faro

The last stop on our road trip led us to Faro, the capital of the Algarve. With the region's largest airport here, Faro is an ideal starting or endpoint for a road trip.
To be upfront: Faro itself may not be an exceptionally noteworthy city, but a brief visit or using it as a base to explore the surrounding area is worth it.

Main attractions include the riverside promenade, Faro Cathedral, where you can enjoy an impressive view of the Ria Formosa National Park from its tower, and the baroque Igreja do Carmo. In the adjoining monastery garden is the Capela dos Ossos (Bone Chapel), made from over 5,000 human skulls and bones of deceased monks embedded from floor to ceiling.
If you’ve visited Évora, you may already be familiar with this type of chapel.

During the day, Faro is calm and relaxed, but in the evening, it transforms into a lively, social place with a vibrant nightlife scene.
Unlike Albufeira, where British tourists often party, Faro offers an international mix of tourists and Portuguese students.
Thanks to the young crowd, Faro has many trendy restaurants catering to all tastes – from traditional Portuguese cuisine to fast food, Indian dishes, vegan options, and sweet treats.

PRAIA DE FARO

While Faro has a large harbor, it doesn’t have a beach within walking distance. The closest beach is Praia de Faro, located on a peninsula near the airport.
To reach it, you’ll need to cross a narrow, one-lane bridge used by both cars and pedestrians.
The beach spans over 5 kilometers and offers fine white sand, unlike the beaches around Lagos, Sagres, and Aljezur, which are surrounded by towering cliffs.
Access is easy since there are no stairs, but it can sometimes be a bit windy.

Right by the bridge, there’s a large parking area with several bars and restaurants, giving the front part of the beach a somewhat touristy vibe.
However, if you walk a little to the left or right, you’ll find quieter spots, mostly frequented by Portuguese holidaymakers who often bring their own food and drinks.

The Atlantic water remains quite cool even in summer, with an average temperature of around 19°C.

Our Tip: What better way to end a day in the Algarve than with a stunning sunset right on the beach?
At Praia de Faro, you can watch the sun disappear on the horizon with the sound of the waves, painting the sky in beautiful pink and orange hues – an unforgettable moment!

SHOPPING IN FARO

The area around Faro offers not only dream beaches but also a variety of shopping options.
Near the old town lies Forum Algarve, a modern shopping center with many international stores, fast food restaurants, and cafes.
Additionally, there’s a huge supermarket and a cinema, making it an ideal destination for a relaxed shopping afternoon.

A bit outside the city, you’ll find Designer Outlet Algarve and the adjacent Mar Shopping Mall. If you’re in a shopping mood, you can easily spend half or a full day here.
Besides a wide range of international stores and many restaurants, there’s also a large Ikea, perfect for extended shopping sprees.

It’s best to drive here, and there’s plenty of free parking.

MORE TIPS & ADVICE

THE BEST TRAVEL TIME FOR A ROAD TRIP ALONG THE ALGARVE

Thanks to its mild climate, Portugal is an attractive destination year-round. However, the best travel time depends on your personal preferences.

Spring and fall are ideal for activities like hiking, biking, or city trips.
With pleasant temperatures between 18°C and 25°C, you can be active during the day and relax outdoors in the evenings, even if it cools off a bit.
In our opinion, these seasons show Portugal’s nature at its best. Spring brings lush green landscapes, while autumn bathes nature in warm brown and orange tones.

In summer, you can expect lots of sunshine but also very high temperatures that can exceed 40°C. From our experience, sightseeing in the interior can be strenuous at these temperatures. Staying near the coast or water is a better option during this time. Accommodation and rental car prices are significantly higher during the high season.

In winter, the weather is often foggy and rainy. If damp, gray weather doesn’t bother you, winter might also suit you. Temperatures rarely drop below 0°C, and snow is rare.
In the last 30 years, Portugal has only experienced snow occasionally, and it doesn’t stick.

GETTING THERE

Planning a road trip along the stunning Portuguese coast? You can fly into Lisbon, Porto, or Faro from many destinations worldwide, with frequent connections offered by airlines such as Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal, and other major carriers.
Use platforms like skyscanner.com to compare and find the best flight options for your trip.

Flight times to Portugal vary depending on your starting point—flights from many European cities typically take around 2–3 hours, while longer-haul flights from other continents may require layovers and take 8–12 hours.
While last-minute deals are sometimes available, booking in advance is highly recommended to save money and secure your seats, especially during the busy peak season.

RENTING A CAR FOR YOUR ROAD TRIP

Renting a car is essential for exploring Portugal’s coastline. Many hidden beaches, bays, and special places are not accessible by public transport.
A rental car gives you the flexibility to discover Portugal’s beauty at your own pace.

Driving in Portugal, especially on highways, is very relaxed. We didn’t encounter a single traffic jam throughout our trip.
We booked our rental car in advance through rentalcars.com, which was convenient.
Booking online allows for quick processing at the counter, and you’ll be on the road in just a few minutes.

Important Tip: Ensure that the person renting the car uses their credit card for both payment and deposit to avoid extra costs.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DRIVING IN THE ALGARVE

Before you set off to explore Portugal’s beauty with your rental car, here are some essential things to keep in mind when driving in Portugal:

• Motorways are toll roads: Many motorways in Portugal require toll payments.
• Via-Verde Transponder for toll collection: More and more motorways in Portugal use a fully automated payment system. For tourists with rental cars, this is not an issue.
  Cameras either detect the Via-Verde transponder (usually located near or below the rear-view mirror) or the license plate when you enter, exit, or travel long sections of the motorway.
  Toll fees are settled when you return the rental car and are directly charged to your registered credit card.
  Be sure to confirm with your car rental company whether your rental agreement includes the Via-Verde transponder – if not, make sure to add it.
  Only with this transponder are you allowed to use the green-marked Via-Verde lanes on motorways.
• Appropriate insurance: To avoid misunderstandings regarding potential damage to the rental car, carefully document all existing damage when picking up the vehicle, preferably with photos. A fully comprehensive insurance policy with no excess is particularly important, as it provides additional security.
  This way, you won’t have to worry about being held accountable for damages you didn’t cause.
• Parking in big cities: In Portugal’s major cities, parking spaces are scarce and usually expensive.
  To avoid unnecessary stress and high parking fees, we recommend parking your rental car on the outskirts of the city for day trips and using public transport to reach the city center.
  If you’re staying in a city for several days, it’s worth returning the rental car during this time and renting it again on the day of your departure.
• Caution when choosing your route: Whether you’re using a GPS or a map, in Portugal, dirt roads and gravel paths are sometimes marked as regular streets.
  Be cautious when selecting your route to avoid ending up on an unpaved road in the middle of nowhere, where turning back might be difficult.

FOOD IN PORTUGAL

Don’t miss out on Portuguese cuisine during your stay! Traditional stews and soups are especially popular, like the “caldeirada” – a fish stew – or “feijoada”, a hearty bean stew.
Grilled meats with ample vegetables are also typical.

Along the coast, you’ll find a wide selection of fresh fish, seafood, and shellfish – a must-try for seafood lovers.

For dessert, the most famous treat is undoubtedly Pastéis de Nata – small puff pastry tarts filled with custard.
If you prefer savory flavors, many bakeries and cafes also offer less-sweet versions of these delicious pastries.

During your stay, be sure to try regional fruits like oranges, lemons, figs, mulberries, and passion fruits.
Portugal is a paradise for tropical fruits, and you can find these fresh and delicious on local weekly markets, often at very reasonable prices.
What could be better than fresh, locally sourced fruit?

Here’s how we started our road trip along the Portuguese coast „From Porto to Lisbon – A Road Trip Along the Portuguese Coast“.

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Discover the best accommodations
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• The best Travel Guides for Lisbon
• The best Travel Guides for Algarve
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Lisbon
• Unique Excursions to Experience in the Algarve Region

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Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.