Algarve road trip in 5 days: sea caves, cliffs and the Ria Formosa
The Algarve is more than beach resorts. In five days you can kayak into sea caves, walk one of Europe's most beautiful cliff-top trails, visit a Moorish castle and finish on an island with no cars. This route starts in Lagos in the west and ends in Faro, whose airport is the main gateway to the region.
Lagos and Ponta da Piedade
Start at Ponta da Piedade: walk the cliff-top path in the morning, then see the arches from the water on a boat or kayak trip. Spend the afternoon at Dona Ana beach and the evening in Lagos old town.
Ponta da Piedade → Dona Ana Beach → Lagos Old Town
Night: Lagos · hotels in Lagos
Benagil and the Seven Hanging Valleys
Drive about 40 minutes east. The Benagil cave can only be visited from the sea, by boat, kayak or paddleboard, and landing on its inner beach is not allowed. Then walk the Seven Hanging Valleys trail from Praia da Marinha, early or late to avoid the midday heat, and finish at Algar Seco.
Benagil Cave (Gruta de Benagil) → Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos) → Algar Seco
Night: Lagos · hotels in Lagos
Silves and the Monchique hills
Head inland to Silves, the old Moorish capital of the Algarve, with its red sandstone castle. In the afternoon drive up to Fóia, the highest point of the Algarve, for views down to the coast. Try medronho, the local strawberry-tree brandy, in Monchique.
Silves → Fóia, Monchique Hills (Serra de Monchique)
Night: Lagos · hotels in Lagos
Tavira and Cacela Velha
Drive about 1 h 15 east to Tavira and move your base there. Cross the Roman bridge, then take the little train across the lagoon to Barril beach and its anchor cemetery. End the day at Cacela Velha, a white village above the Ria Formosa.
Tavira → Barril Beach and the Anchor Cemetery → Cacela Velha
Night: Tavira · hotels in Tavira
Ria Formosa islands and Faro
Take a boat from Faro through the channels of the Ria Formosa to Ilha Deserta or Culatra, islands with no cars and long empty beaches. Back in Faro, walk through the old town inside the walls before your flight or your next stop.
Ria Formosa and Ilha Deserta (Desert Island) → Faro Old Town (Cidade Velha)
Night: Faro · hotels in Faro
Practical tips
- A car is the easiest way to follow this route. Buses and trains link the main towns, but not the beaches and viewpoints.
- The A22 motorway along the Algarve has electronic tolls only. Ask the rental company for a toll transponder.
- July and August are busy and hot. May, June and September have warm sea, long days and fewer people.
- Book boat and kayak trips to Benagil in advance in summer, and check the sea conditions on the day.
Want to go deeper?
Each part of this route is also a full circuit with more stops and extra days.
