You know how many people want to visit as many countries as possible? Well, if I like a country, I like to go back. Especially when it’s as diverse as Portugal! After the train journey through the centre, it was time to do a road trip along the southern and western coastline. Aka the Algarve.
Falling for Faro
Luckily one of the towns in the Algarve has an airport. And a spot where you can pick up a rental car. So our first stop is Faro! A cute place where you can quickly walk around, swim in the sea and drink a Porto Tonic. Cheers! Into hiking? Don’t be shy and do the Ludo Hiking Trail in Ria Formosa Natural Park. With lots of birds and wild flamingo’s besides you!
How to spend 2 days in tiny Faro? I got you covered! (coming soon)
Awesome Albufeira & charming Carvoeiro
I’ve been told that Albufeira is quite the party city. So I didn’t expect much of it. But I was so surprised about how pretty this place is. The many colored buildings make you smile! Definitely take a boat trip to explore the beautiful coast. Up for a hike? You can do the Carvoeiro Boardwalk, the Algar Seco cave and the Seven Hanging Valleys trail all in 1 day.
Tips on how to chill and hike in just 2 days in and around Albufeira. (coming soon)
From Silves to Lagos
When you drive from Albufeira to Lago, you have to pass Silves! It’s the oldest town in the Algarve. And the former capital. With a cool Moors castle, pretty streets and delicious food it’s more than worth a stop! Afterwards: off to Lagos! Beautiful rocks, dazzling cliffs and Ponte da Piedade are waiting for you. Don’t forget to visit Benagil cave as well. We did it on SUPs. Pretty cool. Oh yeah, kayaking is also a lot of fun there. Enough ways to let off some steam!
Visiting Silves and being sporty Lagos in 2 days, here’s how you do it! (coming soon)
Through Sagres to Aljezur
First, drive to Cabo de Sao Vicente. Europe’s most south-western point. Then take your car to the closest city Sagres. Visit its fort! Yup, do it! And eat some ice cream. Mmm! And then drive to Aljezur. The surfing paradise of Portugal. So yeah, go for at least one surfing lesson. Or take a swim in the high waves! Or better: do it both! And don’t forget to enjoy the rougher nature.
Sagres and Aljezur as the last 2 days of a trip? Perfectly possible! (coming soon)
Extra tips:
- Doubting whether you should rent a car, rely on Uber or travel by public transport? Rent a car! It’s so nice to be flexible and it’s not that expensive. You’ll always find a parking spot. My advice? Go with Sunny Cars! Everything is in your contract, so you don’t have to pay any extra costs.
- Nice to have: an Airbnb with a terrace. I’m not the biggest fan of touristy restaurants. So it’s nice to have a drink or even order food there and enjoy the view.
- Take some nice sandals with you for the beach, some cute sneakers to walk through the villages and some good hiking shoes to do the trails.
- Don’t forget your bathing suit and extra clothes that can get wet when you’re kayaking or SUPping.
- It can get quite hot, with no wind or shade. So take enough sunscreen and a hat with you!
Up for a trip through Portugal but more a fan of citytyippin’? Check out how you can visit 4 Portuguese cities by train!
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