10-Day Ultimate Algarve Itinerary: Beaches, Culture, and Cuisine in Southern Portugal

Day 1: Explore Faro

Faro, Portugal on April 16, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Padaria Portuguesa

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and strong Portuguese coffee at this popular local bakery open from 7AM to 8PM.
EUR5, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Visit Faro Old Town

Explore the charming cobblestone streets, visit the Faro Cathedral, and enjoy the views of the marina. Open all day, best experienced in the morning to avoid crowds.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Vila Adentro

Savor traditional Algarve dishes such as cataplana in this highly rated restaurant located in Faro's Old Town, open 12PM-3PM for lunch.
EUR25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Municipal Museum of Faro

Immerse yourself in Algarve's history and archaeology. Open 10AM-5PM, Tuesday to Sunday.
EUR3, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Praia de Faro

Enjoy some beach time on this sandy stretch just outside Faro. Perfect spot for a late afternoon stroll or swim.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Faaron Steakhouse

Indulge in prime meat cuts and a lively atmosphere. Open 6PM-11PM.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Lagos Coastal Adventure

Lagos, Portugal on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Goji Lounge Café

Enjoy healthy breakfast options and excellent coffee before heading out. Open 8AM-5PM.
EUR10, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Ponta da Piedade Boat Tour

Take a 1.5-hour boat tour exploring the stunning cliffs, grottos, and sea caves of Ponta da Piedade. Tours operate 9AM-6PM weather dependent.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Praia Dona Ana

Relax or swim on one of Algarve’s most picturesque beaches with golden cliffs surrounding the calm waters.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante dos Artistas

Treat yourself to gourmet Portuguese cuisine with a creative twist, open 12PM-3PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Lagos Old Town

Visit the historical city walls, the slave market museum, and quaint shops. Open all day.
EUR6, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset at Meia Praia

Enjoy a serene sunset beach walk at this large stretch of sandy beach close to Lagos town center.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Casinha do Petisco

Experience authentic Portuguese tapas and fresh seafood in a cozy setting. Open 7PM-10:30PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Sagres and Cape St. Vincent

Sagres, Portugal on April 18, 2025

7:30AM

Early Breakfast at Café Central Sagres

Grab a quick, hearty breakfast with pastries and coffee before heading out. Open from 7AM.
EUR7, 30 minutes

8:15AM

Visit Sagres Fortress

Explore this iconic 15th-century fortress with spectacular sea views, open 9AM-7PM in April.
EUR3.50, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Cape St. Vincent Lighthouse

Walk to the southwesternmost point of Europe to admire rugged cliffs and lighthouse. Open to the public with no entrance fee.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at A Sagres

Enjoy traditional grilled fish and seafood specialties. Open 12PM-3PM.
EUR25, 1 hour

1:00PM

Relax at Praia do Martinhal

Spend a few hours swimming or sunbathing at this beautiful beach near Sagres.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Portimão

Travel east to Portimão, approximately 1-hour drive along the scenic coastline.
EUR15 fuel, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Figueiras - Portimão

Dine on sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine featuring fresh local ingredients. Open 6PM-10PM.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Portimão & Albufeira Beaches

Portimão & Albufeira, Portugal on April 19, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pastelaria Riviera

Enjoy traditional Portuguese pastries and coffee in Portimão. Open 7AM-7PM.
EUR6, 45 minutes

9:30AM

Praia da Rocha Beach

Spend the morning relaxing on one of Algarve’s most famous beaches known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at O Marinheiro

Experience fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes in a charming setting, located atop a cliff. Open 12PM-3PM.
EUR28, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Drive to Albufeira

Short 30-min drive east to Albufeira.
EUR7 fuel, 30 minutes

2:45PM

Explore Albufeira Old Town

Stroll the quaint streets, visit shops, and get a taste of local life. Best in the afternoon to avoid morning market crowds.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Praia dos Pescadores

Spend late afternoon on this popular beach near Albufeira’s town center.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Vila Joya

Dine at this Michelin two-star restaurant offering exquisite gourmet meals; reservation recommended. Open 7PM-10PM.
EUR150, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Tavira Culture & Beaches

Tavira, Portugal on April 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pastelaria Tavira

Traditional bakery serving excellent breakfast pastries and coffee. Open 7AM-7PM.
EUR6, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Explore Tavira Old Town

Visit Tavira Castle, Roman bridge, and churches such as Igreja da Misericórdia. Most sites open 9AM-5PM.
EUR5 combined ticket, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Brisa do Rio

Enjoy fresh fish dishes overlooking the Gilão River, a favorite among locals. Open 12PM-3PM.
EUR22, 1 hour

2:00PM

Tavira Island Beach

Take the ferry (approx. 15 mins) to Tavira Island for pristine beaches and clear waters. Ferry runs hourly from 9AM to 7PM; return tickets approx EUR7.
EUR7, 4 hours

6:30PM

Return and Dinner at Restaurante Brisa do Rio

Relax with a light dinner or tapas in the Old Town before a restful evening.
EUR18, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Monchique Mountains

Monchique, Portugal on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel in Faro

Fuel up with a buffet breakfast at your hotel before heading inland to the mountains.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Monchique

Scenic 1.5 hour drive into the Serra de Monchique mountains.
EUR20 fuel, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Foia Summit

Hike or drive to the highest point in Algarve for panoramic views of the coast and countryside.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Jardim das Oliveiras

Enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine with ingredients from the mountains, open 12PM-4PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Monchique town

Visit local markets, small shops, and relax in the mountain ambiance.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive back to Faro

Return drive to Faro to prepare for the next day.
EUR20 fuel, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Vila Adentro Faro

Light dinner option with various tapas and seafood specialties, open 7PM-10PM.
EUR20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Silves History & Nature

Silves, Portugal on April 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Faro Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading to Silves, about 40 minutes drive.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Silves Castle

Explore this well-preserved Moorish castle with fantastic views and historical significance. Open 9AM-7PM.
EUR3, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Silves Cathedral

Visit the Gothic-style cathedral adjacent to the castle, open 10AM-5PM.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Café Inglês

Casual dining serving Portuguese and international dishes in the town square. Open 12PM-3PM.
EUR15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Arade River

Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks or rent a kayak to explore (kayak rentals approx EUR15/hour).
Free or EUR15 for rental, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive back to Faro

Return to Faro to rest or explore evening options.
EUR10 fuel, 40 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at A Venda

Enjoy a cozy meal with local specialties and wines in Faro. Open 7PM-10PM.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Ria Formosa Natural Park

Faro, Portugal on April 23, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Nostro Café

Trendy café offering homemade pastries and coffee. Open 8AM-7PM.
EUR8, 45 minutes

9:30AM

Ria Formosa Boat Tour

Take a 3-hour guided boat tour of the lagoon, spotting wildlife and learning about the ecosystem. Tours operate 9AM-1PM.
EUR35, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Vila Adentro Faro

Return for a sea-inspired lunch in the Old Town, open 12PM-3PM.
EUR25, 1 hour

2:15PM

Visit Faro Municipal Aquarium

Explore local marine species and ecosystems, open 10AM-6PM.
EUR4, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax in Faro Municipal Garden

Stroll or rest in this green space in downtown Faro.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Vila Adentro

Enjoy your final night’s celebratory dinner with fresh seafood and Algarve specialties. Open 7PM-10PM.
EUR35, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Day Trip to Loulé

Loulé, Portugal on April 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel in Faro

Start with a leisurely breakfast before traveling to Loulé, 30 minutes away.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Loulé Market Visit

Browse colorful market stalls filled with local products and crafts, open 8AM-2PM on weekdays.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Loulé Castle and Municipal Museum

Discover the town’s rich history through this castle and attached museum, open 9AM-5PM.
EUR3, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante O Castelo

Taste regional dishes in a traditional restaurant near the castle. Open 12PM-3PM.
EUR20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Return to Faro

Drive back to Faro for afternoon relaxation or last-minute sightseeing.
EUR7 fuel, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Shopping and Exploring Faro

Visit local shops for souvenirs or walk along Faro's marina.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Faaron Steakhouse

Enjoy a final indulgent dinner with steaks and wine, open 7PM-11PM.
EUR40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure Day

Faro, Portugal on April 25, 2025

7:00AM

Quick Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before your journey home.
Included, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Transfer to Faro Airport

Allow adequate time for check-in and security for your departure flight.
EUR15 taxi, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability