8-Day Nature Itinerary in the Algarve, Portugal

Day 1: Arrival in Faro

Faro, Portugal

10:00AM

Check into Hotel

Arrive at your hotel in Faro and check in; this is your base for exploring the Algarve.
Make your way from the airport to the hotel by renting a car or taking a taxi.
EUR 80, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Ria Formosa

Head to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, famous for its lagoons and diverse wildlife; perfect for nature lovers.
Drive to Ria Formosa, approximately a 15-minute ride.
EUR 5, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante O Parque

Enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine at this lovely restaurant overlooking the park.
Just a short 10-minute drive from Ria Formosa.
EUR 20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Faro Old Town

Wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town and visit the Arco da Vila.
A quick 5-minute drive to the Old Town.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Vila Adentro

Dine on fresh seafood and local specialties in this charming vintage setting.
Dining area is found in the Old Town.
EUR 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Tavira Day Trip

Tavira, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pastelaria Algarve

Start your day with a selection of local pastries and coffee.
Only a 5-minute walk from your hotel.
EUR 10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Tavira

Embark on a scenic 30-minute drive to Tavira, known for its stunning architecture and flora.
Via N125 road.
EUR 5, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Tavira Castle

Explore the ruins of this castle for panoramic views of the town and the river.
5-minute walk from parking.
EUR 2, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante da Ria

Enjoy a fresh fish platter with a river view.
5-minute walk from Tavira Castle.
EUR 25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Beach Time at Ilha de Tavira

Take a short ferry ride to the beautiful beach on Ilha de Tavira for some relaxation.
Ferry terminal is a 10-minute walk.
EUR 4 (ferry), 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Faro

Drive back to Faro after a day of exploration.
Retrace your route back to Faro.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at O Fialho

Enjoy a cozy dinner featuring tasty local dishes.
An easy drive from your hotel.
EUR 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cacela Velha Exploration

Cacela Velha, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Café

Have a light breakfast at a local café before hitting the road.
A quick stop on the way out of Faro.
EUR 8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Cacela Velha

Travel approximately 30 minutes east along the coast to Cacela Velha.
Easy route through N125.
Free, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Cacela Velha Beach

Relax at this picturesque beach with clear turquoise waters and breathtaking views.
Drive to the beach parking area.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Bistro Tapas

Savor some delicious tapas and a glass of local wine.
A short drive from the beach.
EUR 20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Cacela Velha Village

Walk through this charming village, known for its whitewashed houses and stunning landscapes.
Easily walkable around the village.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit the Cacela Velha Fortress

Check out the fortress that offers fantastic views of the coast.
Located in the village center.
EUR 3, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at A Cachaçaria

End your day with traditional Portuguese meal enjoyed in a lovely courtyard.
In the village.
EUR 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Vila Real de Santo António

Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to start your day.
Dining room at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Vila Real de Santo António

Travel towards the eastern Algarve, a scenic drive that will take approximately 30 minutes.
Via N125.
Free, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit the Guadiana River

Explore the beautiful banks of the Guadiana River, offering lovely walking trails.
Easily accessible from the main roads.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at A Canga

Enjoy a delightful meal with a river view, specializing in fish dishes.
Located along the riverfront.
EUR 20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at Praia de Monte Gordo

Spend a few hours relaxing at this nearby beach with soft sand.
A quick 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Faro

Head back to Faro for the night.
Retrace your route back.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Fado ao Centro

Enjoy dinner with entertainment featuring Fado music that richly narrates Portuguese culture.
Not far from your hotel.
EUR 30, 2 hours
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Day 5: Albufeira Adventure

Albufeira, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pastelaria Vilhena

Savor delicious pastries and coffee to kickstart your day.
Close to your hotel in Faro.
EUR 8, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Albufeira

Make your way to Albufeira, a popular coastal town with vibrant beaches.
Approximately a 40-minute drive from Faro.
Free, 40 minutes

10:15AM

Visit Praia dos Pescadores

Relax on the beautiful sandy beach and soak in the sunny ambiance.
Easily accessible by foot.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurante Maré

Enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking the beach – the catch of the day is a must-try!
Located directly along the beachfront.
EUR 25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Albufeira Old Town

Wander through the charming streets filled with shops, cafes, and vibrant colors.
Walking through the town.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Take a Dolphin Watching Tour

Venture out into the ocean for an unforgettable dolphin watching experience.
Near the harbor where tours depart.
EUR 40, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at A Casa do Alves

Enjoy more local seafood dishes in a casual dining atmosphere.
Located near the harbor.
EUR 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Lagos Discoveries

Lagos, Portugal

7:30AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
Dining area at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Lagos

Enjoy a scenic drive to Lagos, approximately 30 minutes away.
Follow the N125 road.
Free, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Visit Ponta da Piedade

Explore stunning coastal rock formations and natural caves; it’s a must-visit!
Follow signs to Ponta da Piedade.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at O Camilo

Dine at this restaurant famous for its exceptional views and seafood dishes.
A short drive from Ponta da Piedade.
EUR 25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at Praia Dona Ana

Spend the afternoon leisurely sunbathing or swimming at one of the Algarve's most beautiful beaches.
Just a 5-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Visit Lagos Old Town

Stroll through the historic center and discover beautiful architectures such as the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira.
Walking distance through the town.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante dos Artistas

End your day with a fine dining experience, featuring a creative menu with local ingredients.
A short 5-minute drive from the Old Town.
EUR 40, 2 hours
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Day 7: Exploration in Sagres

Sagres, Portugal

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Lagos before heading to Sagres.
Dining area of the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Sagres

Take in the coastal views during the 30-minute drive to Sagres.
Head west on the N125.
Free, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Visit the Sagres Fortress

Walk around this important historical site, which offers breathtaking ocean views.
Short drive from parking.
EUR 3, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Cape St. Vincent

Stand at mainland Europe's southwesternmost point and experience the dramatic cliffs.
Easy drive to Cape St. Vincent.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at A Tasca

Enjoy some delicious traditional Portuguese dishes after a morning of exploration.
Located nearby the Cape.
EUR 20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Enjoy Praia do Amado

Relax on this popular surfing beach and take in the coastal beauty.
Short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Drive back to Lagos

Return to Lagos for the night after a full day in Sagres.
Retrace your route back.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at A Forja

Enjoy a hearty dinner filled with regional specialties.
A short drive from your hotel.
EUR 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Return to Faro

Faro, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in the Algarve focused on local flavors.
Dining area of the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Faro

Take a leisurely drive back to Faro for some last-minute exploration.
Follow the N125 route.
Free, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit the Faro Municipal Museum

Learn about the rich culture and history of the Algarve at this well-curated museum.
Close to the town center.
EUR 5, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Mercado do Bairro

Explore the market for lunch options and Local delicacies.
5-minute walk from the museum.
EUR 15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Stroll through Faro's Streets

Take a final walk in the charming streets and perhaps buy some souvenirs.
Walking around the city.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Airport Departure

Head to the airport for your flight back home, ending your beautiful Algarve trip.
Drive back to the airport, return your rental car.
EUR 20 (for the airport drop-off), 30 minutes
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