A Week of Adventure: Exploring Faro's Surfing Scene

• Day 1: Praia do Barril
  30 minutes (14 miles) from Faro Airport

  Start your trip off right with some surfing at Praia do Barril. This beach is home to some of the best waves in the area and offers lessons for beginners or board rentals for more experienced surfers.

• Day 2: Ria Formosa Natural Park
  20 minutes (9.5 miles) from Praia do Barril

  Take a break from the surf and explore the beauty of Ria Formosa Natural Park. Go kayaking through the lagoons, hike the nature trails, or join a bird watching tour to see the diverse wildlife that calls this area home.

• Day 3: Zoomarine Algarve
  40 minutes (21 miles) from Ria Formosa Natural Park

  Experience the thrill of swimming with dolphins at Zoomarine Algarve. After your encounter, visit other marine life exhibits, catch a dolphin or sea lion show, or cool off at the water park.

• Day 4: Praia de Odeceixe
  1 hour and 10 minutes (55 miles) from Zoomarine Algarve

  Spend the day at Praia de Odeceixe, a picturesque beach with a river running through it. Surf the morning waves, take a midday break for fresh seafood at one of the beachside restaurants, and finish the day hiking the surrounding cliffs for stunning views.

• Day 5: Lagos Surf Safari
  1 hour and 25 minutes (79 miles) from Praia de Odeceixe

  Join a Lagos Surf Safari for a day filled with adventure. Surf different beaches along the coast, hike to secluded coves, and finish the day with a barbecue on the beach.

• Day 6: Sagres Fortress
  40 minutes (25 miles) from Lagos Surf Safari

  Explore the historic Sagres Fortress, a 15th-century fortress that was strategically built at the southwestern tip of Portugal. Learn about the history of Portugal's maritime exploration and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Day 7: Praia da Rocha
  1 hour (38 miles) from Sagres Fortress

  End your trip with a visit to Praia da Rocha. This beach is known for its stunning cliffs, great surfing, and lively nightlife. Spend the day in the sun, watch the sunset from one of the beachside bars, and end your trip with a dance party.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Praia do Barril (2 hours, $30)
• Ria Formosa Natural Park (4 hours, $20)
• Zoomarine Algarve (6 hours, $60)
• Praia de Odeceixe (8 hours, $40)
• Lagos Surf Safari (10 hours, $100)
• Sagres Fortress (2 hours, $10)
• Praia da Rocha (6 hours, $50)
Total Estimated Costs: $310

Transportation

During your trip, it's recommended to rent a car to get around Faro and the surrounding areas. Public transportation options are limited and taxis can be expensive. Car rentals range from $20-$40 per day depending on the type of car and rental agency you choose.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider spending a night in Sagres or Lagos to explore those areas more fully. If you have less time, consider skipping Zoomarine Algarve or Sagres Fortress to allow more time for surfing.

Airports

Faro Airport (FAO) is the main airport in Faro and is located just 4 miles from the city center.