Portugal is one of those places where you always feel good. Amazing weather, fantastic food, affordable prices, idyllic villages, wonderful beaches and amazing nature.After our first trip between Porto, Pinhão (a porto wine town) and Lisbon coast, we decided to explore the southernmost region of this beautiful country, the Algarve.
After landing at Faro Airport, we picked up our car to start our coast-to-coast journey between Sagres (in the west) and Praia de Santo Antonio (in the east).
We had only 10 days, so we chose to stay in just two villages for our overnights: 5 nights in Estòi, near Faro, and the rest in Alvor, close to Lagos. This way, we wouldn’t waste time checking in every day.
Peak season in Algarve runs from June to September, which means accommodation prices soar during this time, so we opted for alternative accommodations.
The First 5 days we slept in a tent at Quinta da Boa Sorte, a campsite surrounded by olive trees in Estói 20 min drive from Faro airport, whilst for the rest of the nights, we picked a very unique open air farm close to a lake made from recycled stuff.
Below you will find our favourite Things to do in Algarve, on 10 days Itinerary.
Casela Velha & Praia de Casela Velha
Our First stop Casela Velha, a Portuguese village with stunning view beachfront.
After classic breakfast with coffee and pastel de nata, we had a walk around, experiencing a relaxed charm of this beautiful village.
A well deserved day chilling at the beach afterwards, with a pleasant walk on sea shore, admiring the surrounding nature.
Praia Verde e Castelo De Castro Marim
For our second stop, we drove all the way to the Spanish border in the easternmost part of Algarve.
We spent the morning relaxing at Praia Verde, a less touristy spot known for its peaceful and unspoiled nature. The beach is surrounded by green pine trees and bushes, and there’s a wooden staircase for easier access compared to other beaches. You’ll find a restaurant, bar, and a few shops there, but it still feels like one of the least developed beaches in eastern Algarve.
After a lunch break, we spent the afternoon exploring the Castle of Castro Marim, a medieval fortress on a hilltop overlooking the town of Castro Marim.
The castle was originally used during the Portuguese Reconquista and was later adapted during the Restoration War to defend the frontier.
Praia da Marinha beach in Lagoa and surroundings
Lagoa, probably one of the best parts of the Algarve. This area is known for its picturesque coves, surrounded by rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Being one of the most beautiful parts of the Algarve also means it’s one of the busiest. If you want to enjoy it without the crowds, I suggest visiting early in the morning or at sunset, as we did. But if you arrive later, don’t worry—the surrounding area is full of smaller, less-visited beaches waiting to be explored.
Wine tasting at Arvad Winery
Being Italian, we always like a good quality wine. When we’re travelling, we’re hunting local products, beers and wine included. We ended up in this amazing vineyard thanks to a big advertising sign on the highway.
Arvad was born only in 2016, next to Arade river, close to Silves. Care and quality of their wines, made from red grape varieties such as Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional or Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as white grape varieties, Alvarinho, Arinto and Sauvignon Blanc.
We spent few hours there, surrounded by vineyards, learning the history and testing their wines and a mix of cheese and charcuterie.
Hiking from Azenha do mar to Praia de Odeceixe Parque Natural dell’Alentejo e Vicentina coast
You already know that we love hiking, is the only way to explore the places inaccessible with any means of transportation.
On the Vicentina coast there is a natural park that you can explore by walking on the cliffs. Is accessible to everyone also if you are not an advanced hiker.
We parked our car on the village of Azenha do Mar, after 3 hours walk, we had a amazing lunch at the only restaurant available with a typical Portuguese soup with rice and mixed fish called Caldeirada à Pescador.
Sunset at Praia do Alvor
Sunsets are magical, another day terminating on our life. Its our favourite form of meditation, with the sound of waves, summer breeze, we love enjoying sunset and the sea at this time of the day.
Salema & Sagres
Our last stops Salema and Sagres.
Salema a jewel of Portugal’s western Algarve, is a sleepy fishing village. White-washed houses, cobbled streets, golden sand, Salema is a perfect blend between an escape from the crowd and adventure, being located in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
From the tip of Ponta de Sagres there are great views up the coast to Cabo Sao Vincente (Cape St. Vincent), Europe’s most south-westerly point. Sagres is well known as End of the world, is surrounded by many beaches loved from Surfers, van life enthusiasts attracted by his dramatic cliffs.
Disclaimer: We are not affiliated with any of these businesses. This information is gathered from personal experiences and our feedback and we are happy to share as a helpful guide. We do not vouch for or recommend any service or establishment.
