To make the most of your holiday, here are some ideas for planning your stay in the Algarve.
Day 1
Welcome to Portugal
Arrival at Faro Airport
You can see the sea and the beaches as you leave the airport roundabout, direction Praia da Faro
If you are driving on the N125, direction Portimao / Albufeira, stop in Quarteira for a drink at the Savannah, or have a plate of cold cuts or seafood. Enjoy the view of the sea and the long sandy beach.
Afterwards, head back to Albufeira to pick up your rental.
For your shopping, there are many supermarkets on your way: Pingo Doce, Aldi, Intermarché, Lidl and Continente
If you still have courage, visit the Centro Antigo (old town) with its shops, restaurants and access to Albufeira beach
Day 2
Walk on the beaches of the Algarve (Praia in Portuguese)
Near Albufeira, go to Praia de Sâo Rafael, then Praia do Evaristo (a very good restaurant on the beach)
Then direction Praia de Galé (very nice sunset in low season with a "trendy bar" on the restaurant floor facing the sea)
Then direction Armacao de Pera to arrive at Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha (very good beach restaurant). You can reach the Praia Nova by walking through a small tunnel and then at the end of this beach, take the wooden stairs to go back to the parking and admire the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rock . Senhora da Rocha Chapel is a chapel located in Porsches, Portugal. It is a religious building dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is considered an important figure of the Catholic faith for the locals. The chapel is famous for its traditional Portuguese architecture and for its location on a cliff overlooking the sea, offering a spectacular view of the ocean. In addition, it is often used for religious ceremonies and weddings. The Senhora da Rocha Chapel is considered an important historical and tourist site in the region. The history of the chapel goes back several centuries. According to legend, a fisherman from the village was saved from a storm at sea by the Virgin Mary, who appeared to him in the guise of Senhora da Rocha. The fisherman, grateful, decided to build a chapel in honor of the Virgin in this place.
Day 3
For a change from the sea, why not visit the mountains (plan to leave early)
Direction Monchique
On the road, before arriving at the village, you will certainly have the opportunity to see storks and potters and on your right the Mina Park / Parque da Mina (very nice to visit with children)
Monchique : Village famous for its mineral spring water with therapeutic virtues. You can relax at the thermal baths located at the entrance of the village (swimming pool, sauna, massages, ...) Monchique resort & spa or Villa themal dac Caldas
Head towards the centre of Monchique to reach the highest point in the Algarve:
Mount FOIA / Miradoura da Foia: (breathtaking view of the mountains and the coast)
Local handicraft, restaurant, ...
Bring empty water bottles to fill them at the springs along the road
Then go back down on the other side of the pass to eat at the Olive Garden
Typical restaurant of the region (beware, the quantities served are impressive)
After this hearty meal, head for Silves and its medieval castle (Castelo de Silves)
A must see!!!
Welcome back to Albufeira after this busy day!
Day 4
Return to the sea
Go to the marina of Albufeira to go on an excursion with one of the many companies, to see the dolphins, Benagil caves, and discover the Algarve coast. You will be amazed. We advise you to book in advance one of the many tours on offer. Algarexperience , Xride, ...
Day 5
And why not a 4x4 safari to visit the back country, meet farmers, see orange groves, cork oaks, typical Portuguese meal, tasting of artisanal liqueurs, ...
Several companies offer half or full day tours
We recommend Al Safari Tours.
They can pick you up directly at your flat or give you a meeting point nearby
Day 6
Last day to enjoy the ocean
Go to Olhao (fisherman's town) Visit the market places (Mercados de Olhao) in the morning.
Find fresh vegetables, meats, fruits and herbs, as well as almonds, honey, dried figs and herbs for tea
Then head out to sea (usually around 11.30am)
to admire the islands of the Ria Formosa, discover the typical Portuguese houses, oyster beds, and fine sandy beaches. You can take the lunch option to eat in a fisherman's restaurant on an island.
If you wish to change a day in the above proposals, or if your stay lasts more than 7 days, we offer you 2 additional choices of outings
Amusement parks: Zoomarine Water park with a dolphinarium, Aquashow park, Aqualand, Slide & Splash, Fiesa (sand village)
(These parks are closed in winter)
Shopping: Algarve Shopping Very nice shopping centre with an open air part
Day 7
These holidays are definitely too short
It's time to head back to Faro airport
The holidays are over, but don't forget to come back. There is still so much to discover in the Algarve.
Have a drink Route Caffee 66,
our favourite cocktail bar in Albufeira
Open every day
The Strip is a long road of bars, restaurants and cafes that buzz all day and stay that way until the early hours of the morning.
From 10pm onwards, there's live music with a DJ (ask for Johanna, she's French)
You can eat at the Bodega down the strip (all you can eat)