Algarve Explorer

15 days individual self drive

This 15 day individual roundtrip will take you to all corners of the Algarve. Travel by car through the Algarve, with a visit to the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, one of the most spectacular nature reserves in Portugal, the end of the world and the region around the Spanish border.

Highlights: Ria Formosa, Tavira, Castro Marim, Silves, Monchique, Lagos, Sagres

Day 1: Arrival in Faro, receive rental car, drive to Tavira. Overnight in Tavira

Day 2: Exploration Tavira and its surroundings, such as Ilha de Tavira. Tavira is the most beautiful and picturesque town in the Algarve with a beautiful architecture. The beautiful beach of Monte Gordo is only 4km. Overnight in Tavira

Day 3: Castro Marim was the old entrance of the Arab AL Garb with a castle and a fortress. In the north lies the nature reserve Sapal do Castro and in the south the city of Vila Real de Santo Antonia. It is located near the river Guadiana, where there is the possibility to make a boat trip. Across the river lies the Spanish town of Ayamonte. The village of Alcoutim is a pleasant stop. Overnight in Tavira

Day 4: After breakfast you leave to your next hotel in Albuferia. Olhão is one of the busiest fishing ports in the Algarve with a long promenade and excellent seafood restaurants. Later you pass the cities of Moncarapacho, São Brás and Loulé. Loulé is a lovely town with many cultural influences over the centuries. It has an old part and ruins of a Moorish castle. Overnight in Albufeira

Day 5: Discover the new and charming old part of Albufeira. Squeeze a break and enjoy a coffee at the luxurious Marina of Vilamoura. Or have a look at the market of Quarteira. Overnight in Albufeira

Day 6: Visit the beautiful seaside resorts Armacão de Pera, Porches and Carvoeiro known for its rock formations Algar Seco. You have also the possibility to make a short boat trip along the coast to see these impressive caves, and, with luck, perhaps even dolphins. Overnight in Albufeira

Day 7: Free day to test the beach or pool. Overnight in Albufeira

Day 8: After breakfast, drive to the next hotel in Portimão. Between the cork, almond and carob trees, many lemon - and orange groves, lies the city of Silves. On top of a hill lies one of the best preserved castles in the Algarve. Continue your way towards the mountain villages of Caldas de Monchique and Monchique. The ride offers spectacular views. Enjoy the panorama in Foia. The rural atmosphere and natural surroundings give you a different picture of the Algarve. Overnight in Portimão

Day 9: Visit today Portimão. Once the city hosted the largest sardine fleet of Portugal at the estuary of the Rio Arade. Visit the sardine factory, converted into a museum. The old bridge was built with the remains of the Eiffel Tower. One of the longest beaches in the Algarve is Praia da Rocha. Long trails are laid out over the beach to the ocean. You can go for a walk and enjoy the nice views of the colorful rocks. At the top of the boulevard there are many shops, bars and restaurants. Overnight in Portimão.

Day 10: Spend the morning visiting Ferragudo. This town was originally an old fishing village next to Portimão, not so well known among tourists with an attractive center. On the quay you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Arade. Have a delicious fish or seafood dish in one of the many typical restaurants. Later you drive to Alvor. Alvor has a picturesque harbor with several bars and restaurants. The beach is vast with photogenic rock formations at Praia dos Três Irmãos.

Day 11: After breakfast you leave for your next hotel in Lagos. Lagos is a fantastic town for young and old. Visit the Slave Market, Meia Praia and the sumptuous church of Santo Antonio. Definitely make a stop at the most photogenic beach of the Algarve: Praia Dona Ana. Enjoy a romantic sunset at Ponte de Piedade. Overnight in Lagos

Day 12: The biggest attraction of the western peninsula is the fortress of Sagres. From here Henry the Navigator would have led his dangerous expeditions and with this began the golden age of Portugal. We recommend a coffee stop in the typical village of Salema. Drive certainly until the end of the world, Cape St. Vincent. You may drive to the small coastal village of Aljezur. It features the ruins of a Moorish fortress situated on a hill that offers beautiful views. Overnight in Lagos

Day 13: After breakfast you drive to your last hotel in Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Explore today the beautiful Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. This is possible by boat, by foot or by bike. Enjoying the beach at one of the many islands is also one of the possibilities. Overnight in Faro

Day 14: The last day has arrived. Visit the old historic city center, Cidade Velha. You'll find museums, churches and restaurants. Faro offers beautiful wide avenues, parks and terraces. Overnight in Faro

Day 15: departure or beach extension

Advise: Check out our information page to learn more about the attractions. 

Prices*

November - March

€659 p.p.

April

€799 p.p.

May & October

€999 p.p.

June - September

€1199 p.p.

* Prices are based on a standard double room including breakfast, in carefully selected hotels, per person, VAT included. Day-to-day program included (road book). Per booking is a reservation fee of € 19.50. Flight and car rental are exclusive.

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