Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve, needs little in the way of introduction. Blessed with idyllic scenery, and intoxicating and alluring in equal measure, the Algarve has put itself firmly on the map as Portugal’s flagship tourist destination.
This is part of the world best explored behind the wheel, we think, with winding roads revealing vista upon vista which will take your breath away. That said, make a couple of wrong entries in the satnav and you’ll be fighting off elbow-to-elbow tourists and developed destinations
Plan wisely though, and the promise of sunshine, rugged landscapes
Explore The Region’s Capital, Faro
The Algarve’s capital city, Faro, is a bustling place to spend time. It’s also where you’ll likely fly into; direct flights from London will set you back around £65 and three hours of your life.
As such, make a trip into town
Surf In Sagres
Portugal’s surfing scene is held in the highest regard by the pros. If you’ve got any skills on the board (or if you fancy a thrilling spectacle from the shore), then Sagres, on the western tip of Portugal, is your best bet.
This historic town is the perfect, peaceful place for a little stroll, with its old port particularly striking, and the most powerful lighthouse in Europe found here. The city’s beloved cafe A Fonte does a splendid cup of local coffee and the pastries are made fresh each morning. And we all know what pastries in Portugal mean.
The coastline and waves of Sagres are much livelier, which has seen it become a highly popular destination for surfers. Praia do Tonel, Praia da Mareta, Praia da Baleeira and Praia do Martinhal are wonderful beaches within a walking distance from central Sagres with glorious sand and waves.
Roll The Hills Of Alcoutim
A great way to take in the Algarve’s stunning, serene countryside is to take a drive up to Alcoutim, where hill rolls by and vistas reveal themselves as you descend. Rather than taking the A22 road from Faro, which takes around an hour, instead follow the road that clings the Guadiana River (and the border with Spain). It’s a far more beautiful drive, and that’s what you’re here for, right?
Once you arrive in Alcoutim itself, you’ll find a charming whitewashed village that feels worlds away from the bustling coastal resorts. The historical centre, with its narrow cobbled streets and traditional architecture, is perfect for a leisurely wander, whilst the 14th-century castle offers panoramic views across the river to the Spanish town of Sanlúcar de Guadiana. Pop into one of the traditional restaurants for some grilled river fish – freshly caught from the Guadiana – paired with a crisp local white wine. It’s the sort of unhurried, authentic Portuguese experience that makes the winding drive here entirely worthwhile.
Algarviana Nirvana
Though we’re in the car, consider checking out the The Grande Rota do Guadiana part of the famous Algarviana path, which is a walking or cycling route which stretches over 65km through mountains and coastal areas, giving you a stunning landscape for an afternoon of hiking.
If taking it in on two wheels sounds like your kind of thing, remember to plan your route carefully and bring enough water and food with you; it gets seriously hot here. Oh, and do take your time; it’s a quaint, rural part of the world best enjoyed, we think, at a canter. You can resume the comfort of your road trip
Tee Off At Quinta do Lago
For golf enthusiasts, Quinta do Lago represents the pinnacle of the Algarve’s impressive golfing offering. This exclusive resort, situated within the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park, boasts three championship courses that have hosted numerous professional tournaments and attracted players from across the globe.
The Quinta do Lago golf courses, designed by William Mitchell, offer challenging play amidst umbrella pines and freshwater lakes, with the North and South courses providing particular tests of skill, whilst the newer Laranjal course provides a more forgiving layout for those still finding their swing.
Beyond the greens, Quinta do Lago’s upscale restaurants and the trendy beach club at Praia do Ancão make it an ideal spot to unwind after 18 holes. Even if you’re not much of a golfer, the scenic drive through this prestigious estate, with its luxury villas peeking through the pines, is worth the detour.
Discover The Clifftop Drama Of Lagos
No Algarve road trip would be complete without a stop in Lagos, a vibrant coastal town that expertly balances historical charm with lively beach culture. The old town, encircled by 16th-century walls, is a maze of atmospheric lanes lined with traditional Portuguese tiles and buzzing restaurants serving cataplana and fresh grilled sardines.
But it’s the coastline here that truly steals the show. The famous Ponta da Piedade headland, just south of town, features dramatic honey-coloured cliffs, hidden grottoes and natural rock arches sculpted by millennia of Atlantic waves. Take a boat tour from the marina to fully appreciate these geological wonders from sea level, or simply park up at the viewpoint and let the scenery do the talking. For a swim, Praia Dona Ana offers sheltered turquoise waters framed by towering rock formations – it’s postcard Portugal at its finest.
Tavira
Tavira is a small town in the Algarve which packs a big punch in terms of beauty. It’s very picturesque indeed, some say the prettiest in the region, and lies just 18km from the Spanish border if you’d like to continue your road trip onwards into Spain.
But don’t cast your mind to The Bull Skin just yet. If you want to know what the Algarve looked like before the influx of
Should you be starting or finishing your road trip in the country’s capital Lisbon, then you’re in for a foodie treat. Check out our article on 7 IDEAL things to eat in Lisbon, Portugal to really whet your appetite.
