Algarve Beach Road Trip

The Algarve Beach Road Trip is a spectacular route along the coast of Portugal, beginning in Faro and ending in Sagres. With a total distance of 170 km, the trip is recommended to take 3 days in order to fully appreciate the breath-taking views and attractions along the way. The route takes you through the vibrant towns of Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos, each with its own unique attractions. Whether it's the stunning beaches, the cobbled streets of Lagos' old town or the lively nightlife of Albufeira, there is something to suit every taste. The best time to take this road trip is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. On the way, you will be treated to stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as breathtaking landscapes and stunning beaches. The roads are generally in excellent condition, although some parts may be narrow. This is a road trip that will provide memories to last a lifetime. It is suitable for all drivers, and can be managed on a budget. So, if you are looking for an unforgettable experience, the Algarve Beach Road Trip is the perfect choice.

Faro is a quaint city that lies in the south of Portugal and makes a great starting point for the Algarve Beach Road Trip. Located on a beautiful estuary, Faro offers an abundance of activities and sights that are sure to captivate the adventurous traveler. Among the most notable activities in Faro is a visit to the Old Town, where one can explore the cobblestone streets and take in the unique architecture. Additionally, the city is home to the Faro Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century and stands as a great example of Gothic architecture. For those traveling by air, Faro International Airport (FAO) is the closest airport and offers car rental services. Once you have your car, there are a number of exciting places to visit. The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a great spot for nature lovers, featuring stunning lagoons, salt marshes, and a wide variety of birdlife. Further, the stunning beaches of Praia de Faro, Praia da Barreta, and Praia de Faro Ilha Deserta are all within easy reach and offer breathtaking views of the sea. Faro is a great starting point for any Algarve Beach Road Trip, and offers plenty of activities and sights to explore. From the Old Town to the stunning beaches, Faro offers something for everyone.

Embark on a 58 km road trip from Faro to Albufeira and explore the best of the Algarve region! The drive will take you less than 3 hours and you will experience the region’s picturesque landscapes, as well as its historical sites. As you drive, pay attention to the narrow sections of the road and take in the views of the rolling hills, the vibrant blue sea, and the terracotta-roofed houses. Along the way, you can visit the Faro Old Town, the Ria Formosa Natural Park, and the Praia do Ancão beach. In Albufeira, you can explore the old town and the charming fishing village. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.

Embark on an exciting road trip from Albufeira to Portimão, a journey of 48 km that will take you less than 2 hours. Get ready to experience the stunning beauty of the Algarve coast, with its historical sites, scenic roads, and narrow sections. Along the way, you will be able to admire the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the unique landscapes of this region. Don't forget to take plenty of photos of the incredible views and to stop for a few moments to admire the breathtaking landscapes. Make sure to pay attention to the historical sites and the scenic roads, as they will take you to another world. Once you reach Portimão, you will be able to explore the city, enjoy its local attractions, and relax. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along this route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Embark on a memorable road trip from Portimão to Lagos, just a 31 km drive away. The journey will take you less than an hour, but the sights you’ll see along the way are worth it. Take your time to enjoy the picturesque landscapes, the historical sites, and the scenic road. Parts of the road are quite narrow, so be sure to drive carefully. Make sure to visit the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Portimão and the old city walls in Lagos. You can also take a stroll around Lagos Marina and explore the old town. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

Welcome to the beautiful road trip stage starting in the vibrant city of Lagos, Portugal and ending in the picturesque town of Sagres. This 33 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and along the way, you'll be able to take in some of the most stunning sights in the region. In Lagos, make sure to visit the historic city centre, with its quaint cobblestone streets, and the iconic Ponta da Piedade lighthouse. From there, you can take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the cliffs of the Algarve. Continue your journey to Sagres, and explore its unique culture and history. Don't miss out on the 16th century fortress, and the spectacular views of the coastline from the cape. You can also take a boat tour to the nearby islands, and discover the hidden coves of the region. As you travel along this route, make sure to take in the beautiful scenery and the many historical sites. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some of the hidden gems that you can find along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great trip!

Sagres is a stunning coastal town located in the Algarve region of Portugal. It is the perfect ending point for the ‘Algarve Beach Road Trip,’ offering a relaxing atmosphere and picturesque views. This small town, located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and secret coves in the area. One of the most popular destinations in Sagres is the Fortress of Sagres. Standing atop a cliff, the fortress offers amazing views of the coastline and the sea. Visitors can explore the fortress’s old walls and towers, as well as its nearby lighthouse. Other attractions in the area include the Praia da Mareta beach, where visitors can go swimming and sunbathing. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there are plenty of opportunities for surfing, sailing, and kayaking. If you’re looking for a great way to spend the day, head to Cabo de São Vicente, the most southwesterly point of Europe. Here, visitors can take in stunning views of the cliffs, sea and lighthouse. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. The closest international airport to Sagres is Faro International Airport (FAO). From there, the town can be reached in around an hour and a half by car. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful destination to end your ‘Algarve Beach Road Trip,’ Sagres is the perfect choice. With its stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and secret coves, it’s sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

We hope that the presented itinerary idea has become a superb inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
Our itinerary can be used as a base that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with diverse beauty spots of your choice.
If car travel is a means of travel that you prefer, there are a number of vital traffic regulations to follow and a bunch of things to keep in mind to make your adventure safe. These tips will surely become useful for drivers who are considering vehicle rental or renting a camper.
In Portugal, there are a number of road regulations to be bore in mind while on a tour. When moving around Portugal in a car, try to stay away from alcohol at any price. Drivers ought to remember that the legal alcohol limit is rather low and amounts to only 0.5‰. In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 50km/h, which is the maximum permissible speed in urban areas. Outside the cities, travellers can travel at the maximum speed of 90km/h. On highways, the maximum car speed is 120km/h. In order to stay safe, we recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your vehicle with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
You’re probably wondering about the costs of the whole trip. The budget option that you choose determines the total expenses during the whole road trip. A wide range of budget possibilities is described below.
If you’d like to benefit from the cheapest option to cover the planned 170km while travelling around Portugal, it can amount to 25 EUR. Economy accommodation options may cost you around 176 EUR. The travel expenses related to restaurants and food within this option can cost up to around 144 EUR. Travellers will have to pay approximately 81 EUR if they choose the cheapest car rental offer as well. Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to roughly 345 EUR without vehicle rental and 426 EUR with vehicle rental.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 25 EUR to cover the planned stages of the road trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should remember that the expenses may amount up to roughly 253 EUR. On food and restaurants within the standard range of services, you will have to spend around 216 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car can expect a cost of about 162 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay roughly 656 EUR for the whole road trip, whereas those who are not interested in car hire will spend approximately 494 EUR.
Holidayers who would like to take advantage of the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium offer. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay roughly 1,083 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend roughly 678 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the road trip in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of approximately 405 EUR. When it comes to the premium option of the itinerary, the fuel cost will be up to about 38 EUR. Tourists should expect to pay around 288 EUR for restaurants and food and roughly 352 EUR for accommodation if they opt for the highest standard of services.
Our trip is also an exciting opportunity for all camper enthusiasts. When it comes to this means of transport, you should expect the costs of roughly 675 EUR. You have to spend the maximum of 50 EUR on the gasoline required to cover the tour in a camper. Travellers who would like to go for camper rental should expect to pay more or less 165 EUR for accommodation and about 144 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the above costs in detail.
The part of Portugal described in our road trip idea is superb to be explored between April and October. There are numerous picturesque adventures that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip options. The broad spectrum of travel opportunities will surely measure up to the expectations of the most demanding travellers.