Start early at Faro station and aim for a train around 08:00 so you’re in Lagos by roughly 09:45–10:00. The easiest public-transport option is the CP regional/InterRegional service, usually with a simple change at Tunes on many departures. It’s a relaxed ride, generally 1h45–2h, and tickets are usually about €7–€15 one way depending on the service and whether you book in advance. If you’re carrying a day bag only, it’s very straightforward; if you’re bringing a bigger bag, there’s still no drama, just keep it with you. From Lagos station, it’s an easy 10–15 minute walk into the old town, mostly flat and simple to follow.
Begin gently in Lagos Centro Histórico, drifting through the whitewashed streets toward Praça Infante Dom Henrique. This is the kind of place where you don’t need a plan: grab a coffee, take your time around the little squares, and let the day feel unhurried. From there, head out to Ponta da Piedade for the main scenic stretch of the day. The cliffs are genuinely worth the extra time, especially if you follow the paths slowly and stop often for photos; allow about 1.5 hours total. If you’re not up for a long hike, that’s fine too — the views are still great from the easier lookout areas. For lunch, Casinha do Petisco is a classic pick near the old town; it’s popular for a reason, so if you can, go a little early or be prepared to wait. Expect around €15–€30 for a proper lunch, especially if you go for seafood or a local-style dish.
If you want a little extra coastal time without overdoing it, add the Algarve Surf & SUP small-group boat outing from the Lagos waterfront / Marina area after lunch. Keep it simple and relaxed — this kind of trip is ideal for seeing the grotto area from the water without committing to a long excursion. Plan for about 1 hour and roughly €20–€35. After that, make your way to Portimão Marina by regional train or a short bus/taxi combo if timing is tight; the most practical public-transport option is usually the train via Lagos → Portimão, then a taxi or local bus to the marina if needed. Try to arrive at the marina with a buffer so you’re ready for your 1.5-hour boat tour around 15:30–16:30. Tours typically cost about €25–€40, and the late-afternoon slot is the sweet spot: the light is softer, the sea is usually calmer than you’d expect, and you’ll be back on land with enough time to head home without rushing.
After the boat tour, head from Portimão Marina to Portimão station and plan a train back to Faro around 18:30–19:30. The CP regional service is the simplest public-transport choice again, with a journey time of about 1h20–1h40 and fares usually around €6–€14. If you can, leave a small cushion so you’re not sprinting between the marina and the station; a taxi is the easiest fallback if you’re short on time or tired. Back in Faro, you’ll likely arrive comfortably in the early evening, which makes this a nicely paced solo day: scenic, easy, and not overloaded.