If you’re looking for how to spend 7 Days In The Algarve, Portugal, then look no further.
My visit to the south of Portugal was a perfect 7 days of sun, adventure and scenery. Now I’m sharing my 7 day Algarve Itinerary so that you can enjoy it too.
In an attempt to escape the Scottish “Summer”, I booked flights to Faro for a week of vitamin D and ocean air. Departing from Edinburgh and landing in Faro, in just 3 hours I was transported from grey & gloomy to sunshine and joy.
While the region is very popular for traditional package family holidays and resort hotels, do not rule out the Algarve as a unique and authentic destination. You just have to know where to look (and where to avoid!)
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What And Where Is The Algarve?
The Algarve refers to the southernmost part of Portugal and the most south western part of mainland Europe. While te Algarve refers to the entire region, and stretches up into the mountains, visitors will typically find themselves on the coastline visiting one of 4 main points.
Faro
The main city and airport in the Algarve is Faro, if you are arriving to spend 7 days in the Algarve it’s likely you’ll at least pass through here. Faro is a big city, with lots of bars, shops and hotels.
Lagos
Lagos, Portugal is where the party is at. It’s hip, bustling and full of great hotels and hostels. Lagos has particular appeal for anyone spending 7 Days In The Algarve as a solo traveller.
Albufeuira
This is the home of some incredible golfing. And the villas and hotels that accompany. Perhaps aimed at the higher price bracket of holidays and visitors to Lagos, it’s a little more secluded and luxurious, with an excellent proximity to Faro, especially for just 7 days in the Algarve.
Tavira
Tavira, and the neighbouring town of Olhao are the lesser known and quieter side of the Algarve in the East. The picturesque buildigs, quieter beaches and smaller hotels wll certainly appeal to those looking to spend a quieter 7 days in the Algarve.
How To Spend 7 days In The Algarve: A 7 Day Algarve Itinerary
For my solo travel trip of 7 Days In The Algarve, I split my time between East and West of Faro to get a mix of scenery and atmospheres. While the West has more dramatic landscapes, it also had more bars and people. There are fewer people in the East which has a smaller fishing towns vibe.
I don’t have a favourite, both sides offer very different experiences and I’m glad I did both.
Duration: 7 days / 6 Nights
Transport: 2 flights, 4 trains, 4 buses, 2 ferries and 1 bike ride.
Spending money: €210 on food, domestic transport, activities and souvenirs over 7 days
Total Cost: €370 (Flights/ Hostels/ Spending)
Day 1- Arrive and Beach Time in Lagos
After transferring from Faro Airport to Lagos on a pre-booked shuttleI checked- in at the Olive Hostel by noon.
I walked to Praia de Dona Ana and got the first taste of the Algarve’s beauty. Relaxed on the beach and slept off the early morning flight.
Then walking along Lagos’ harbour to Praia de Meia Praia and enjoying the uncrowded sand, golden glow and tranquility that comes with the gorgeous sunset.
Day 2 – The Beaches and Cliffs of Lagos
Walk to Ponte de Piedad along the rugged and stunning cliffs.
To get the best views, take the streets to Praia do Camillo, turn left towards the beach, then right onto the trails instead of taking the steps down to the beach.
From Ponte de Piedad, walk back along the main road and stop at any (or all) of the other small beaches on your way back to town. I checked out Praia do Camillo, Praia da Pinahao and Praia da Batata. Enjoy a beer on the beach or head into town for a drink and some food for the evening.
Day 3- Day trip to Sagres and Cabo de Sao Verde
Catch the bus from Lagos -> Sagres and arrive in Sagres an hour later. I caught the later bus as my hostel offered yoga on the roof in the morning which was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.
From Sagres visit Continental Europe’s most South Westernly point and enjoy the stunning landscapes. For more information on how to make the most of a day trip to Sagres check out my other blog.
Day 4 – Beach chill and train to Olhao
Check out of the hostel but leave your bags there for the day and walk (or catch the water taxi) to Meia Praia.
If you wanted, you could take a Kayak or SUP tour of the area but I chose to just chill and play in the waves as I’d see a lot of the cliffs in previous days.
Catch the train around 5pm (confirm exact times online) from Lagos -> Olhao, transferring in Faro.
Arrive in Olhao and check in to your new hostel. Walk to the local supermarket for dinner or try one of the many seafood restaurants in town.
Day 5 – Olhao and Cycling to Tavira
Wander through the colourful town of Olhao enjoying the quiet streets and contrast to the bustle of Lagos.
Rent a bike and cycle to Tavira for the day, returning by train at night. See THIS BLOG for more tips and details on the cycle route.
Day 6 – Island hopping
Catch the ferry to Ilha da Culatra and walk along the sand to Ilha do Farol. At the very end of Farol there is a SUP rental shack which is a great way to cool off in the crystal clear water.
There are a number of cafes at each end of the island but I settled somewhere in the middle, where there were so few people it felt like a private beach. (There is actually a Ilha de Deserta but I decided to skip the 2 boats required to get there since there was so much space where I was already).
Depending which end you’re closest to, catch the ferry back to Olhao from Culatra or Farol.
Day 7 – Faro and a Final Beach
As you need to head to Faro to get to the airport, it makes the most sense to explore it on the final day.
Naturally, depending on the timing of your flight you may have enough time to fit in a final beach day.
Or else just wander around the town and get a final custard tart before heading to the airport.
Where To Stay For 7 Days In The Algarve
I stayed in a couple of different hostels & hotels while solo travelling for 7 days in the Algarve. At the time I was travelling on a budget, and so these hotels are probably most suited to this. The Algarve also has some great luxury travel options for you to explore as well if that’s better suited to your trip.
More Info For How To Spend 7 Days In The Algarve
And there you have a fun run down of how to spend the greatest 7 days in the Algarve, Portugal.
For more tips on LGBT Travel To Portugal, visit IGLTA Portugal Guide.
And for more information for your 7 days in the Algarve, check out these other blogs:
