6-Day Algarve itinerary

The Algarve is a beautiful region in southern Portugal. It stretches along the coast from the Spanish border in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The region includes popular cities and towns like Faro, Albufeira, Lagos, Portimão, Tavira and Silves. With its warm climate, golden beaches and stunning cliffs, the Algarve is one of Portugal’s top travel destinations.  

What makes the Algarve special is its mix of scenic coastline, historic towns and outdoor activities. From dramatic sea caves and sandy coves to charming villages and delicious food, there’s something for everyone. This unique mix is what drew us to explore the region and we planned our trip to see the best of what the Algarve has to offer.

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The itinerary that follows is based on our trip to the Algarve. We had six full days to explore, not counting our arrival and departure days. This plan covers the best places we visited, giving a mix of coastal views, historic sites and local experiences.

We chose Albufeira as our base for this trip. It is centrally located, making it easy to visit other towns in the Algarve. From here, we planned day trips to explore different parts of the region. If you prefer to stay closer to the airport, Faro is another good option. It has great transport links and offers easy access to many key sights.

Day 1 - Albufeira

We spent our first day exploring Albufeira, a lively coastal town known for its beaches and historic charm. We started in the Old Town, walking through its narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings. Along the way, we visited some of Albufeira’s beautiful churches, including Igreja Matriz de Albufeira, Sant'Ana Church and Saint Sebastian Church, which also houses the Museum of Sacred Art. Each had its own unique history and charm. We also walked through the Albufeira Tunnel, which leads to Praia do Peneco Beach, a lovely spot to relax and take in the ocean views.  

One of the highlights of our day was a 'Caves & Dolphin Watching' tour, which lasted around four hours. The boat took us along the coastline, passing stunning sea caves and rock formations. We did not spot any dolphins but some other tours did. Nonetheless it was a wonderful experience.

In the evening, we headed to "The Strip", Albufeira’s nightlife hub. With its buzzing atmosphere, bars and live music, it was the perfect way to end our first day in the Algarve.

 

Day 2 - The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

On our second day, we did the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. It is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Algarve, offering stunning coastal views along the way. 

We absolutely loved this trail, with its dramatic cliffs, hidden caves and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The route takes you through some of the most scenic spots in the region, making it a must-do for nature and outdoor lovers.  

If you're planning to hike this trail, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking or hiking footwear, as some sections can be rocky and uneven. It’s also a good idea to carry plenty of water and some snacks, especially on warm days. The trail is a fantastic way to experience the Algarve’s natural beauty up close, and it’s well worth adding to your itinerary. 

The free time after you finish the trail can be spent at one of the many beaches.

Day 3 - Alte

On our third day, we took a trip to Alte, a charming village known for its traditional feel and scenic beauty. We started by exploring Fonte Pequena and Fonte Grande, two picturesque springs surrounded by nature. The peaceful setting made it a great spot for a short stroll. We then visited Igreja Matriz De Alte, also known as the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. This beautiful whitewashed church stood out with its simple yet elegant architecture. 

Next, we stopped at the Polo Museológico - Cândido Guerreiro and Condes de Alte Museum Center, where we learned about the village’s history and cultural heritage.  

As we wandered through Alte, we were delighted by its vibrant street art. The colourful murals added a modern artistic touch to the otherwise traditional village.

Later, we made our way to Queda de Vigário Waterfall. The walk to the waterfall was lovely, and the sight of water cascading into a natural pool was well worth it. It was a peaceful and relaxing spot, perfect for enjoying nature before heading back.

Day 4 - Silves

On our fourth day, we explored Silves, a historic town with a rich past. We started at the Roman Bridge (Ponte Romana de Silves), which has stood for centuries over the Arade River. From there, we walked to the Turret of the City Gate (Torreão da Porta da Cidade) and Silves City Hall, taking in the town’s old-world charm. One of the highlights was visiting Silves Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Silves), an impressive Gothic church with a striking red-stone exterior. Nearby, Silves Castle (Castelo de Silves) offered stunning views over the town and a glimpse into its Moorish history. We also stopped at the Archaeological Museum (Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves) to learn more about the region’s past through fascinating artifacts.  

As we explored Silves on foot, we noticed its unique urban art. Unlike traditional murals, Silves has creatively painted electricity boxes scattered around town. Each one featured different designs, adding an artistic touch to the streets. Spotting these little works of art made our walk even more enjoyable, blending history with modern creativity.

 

Day 5 - São Brás de Alportel

On our fifth day, we visited São Brás de Alportel, a quiet town with a rich cultural heritage. Our first stop was the Museu do Trajo do Algarve (Algarve Costume Museum), which we found really interesting. The museum showcased traditional clothing and everyday objects from the region’s past, giving us a glimpse into Algarve’s history and way of life. We then visited Igreja Matriz de São Brás, a beautiful church with a peaceful atmosphere and lovely architectural details.  

As we continued exploring, we stopped by Casa Memória da EN2, a small museum dedicated to Portugal’s famous National Road 2. Walking through the town, we admired the charming streets, colourful murals and painted electricity boxes scattered throughout, just like in Silves. The blend of history and modern street art made São Brás de Alportel a delightful place to visit.

Day 6 - Faro

Faro, the capital of the Algarve, offers a mix of history, nature and vibrant city life. Visitors can start by exploring the Old Town, a charming area with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and the impressive Arco da Vila gateway. A visit to the Ria Formosa Natural Park is a must for nature lovers, with its lagoons, wetlands and diverse birdlife. Those looking to unwind can relax on Faro’s beautiful beaches, such as Praia de Faro, just a short drive from the city center.

For something unique, the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) offers a fascinating yet eerie experience, with walls lined with human skulls and bones. In the evening, Faro’s nightlife comes alive with lively bars, restaurants and music venues, making it a great place to end a day of exploration.

How we got around the Algarve?

To make the most of our time in the Algarve, we decided to hire a car from Faro Airport. We picked it up from the airport upon arrival, which made it easy to start our journey without any delays. Having a car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, without being restricted by public transport schedules. While it is possible to travel between towns by bus or train, it takes more time and doesn’t offer the same flexibility as driving.  

We used the car to travel between towns, choosing a central parking spot upon arrival. Once parked, we explored each town on foot, which was the best way to take in the sights and discover hidden corners. Driving in the Algarve was straightforward, with well-maintained roads and clear signage. Having our own transport allowed us to visit smaller villages and natural spots that would have been harder to reach otherwise, making our trip even more enjoyable.

Shopping for souvenirs in the Algarve

One of the best parts of exploring the Algarve was the chance to pick up unique Portuguese souvenirs. Each town had something special to offer, from traditional crafts to handmade products. In São Brás de Alportel, we found beautiful cork items, including bags, wallets and coasters. The Algarve is known for its cork production and these made for perfect souvenirs to take home.  

In Silves, we came across stunning hand-painted ceramics, a popular craft in the region. The colourful plates, bowls and tiles showcased traditional Portuguese designs. We also discovered natural olive oil soaps, made using local ingredients. These small but meaningful souvenirs were a great way to bring a piece of the Algarve back with us.

We had a fantastic time exploring the Algarve, from its stunning coastline to its charming historic towns. Each place we visited had its own unique character, offering a mix of culture, nature and local experiences. Our trip was the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery and we loved every moment of it.  

For anyone visiting Portugal, we highly recommend going beyond the big cities (like Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Coimbra or Aveiro) and exploring the smaller towns. These hidden gems offer a more traditional and authentic experience, giving a deeper insight into local life. Whether it’s the street art of Alte, the history of Silves or the peaceful beauty of São Brás de Alportel, the Algarve has so much more to offer than just its famous beaches.