Itineraries — Algarve

The Algarve is best approached from west to east — starting in Lagos and Sagres, then working along the coast, stopping at the beaches and coves tucked between the cliffs. This direction puts the most dramatic scenery first and finishes with the Ria Formosa lagoon and Faro, the regional capital.

For a short stay (5-7 days), Lagos deserves two nights to explore Ponta da Piedade, Praia da Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo and to make a day trip to Sagres and Cape São Vicente. A night in Carvoeiro or Lagoa for the boat excursion to Benagil and Praia da Marinha. A final night in Faro for the old town and the Ria Formosa islands.

With ten to twelve days, the hinterland opens up: the whitewashed town of Silves with its Arab castle, the thermal baths at Monchique in the hills and the wine estates around Tavira in the east round out an itinerary that moves well beyond the coastline.