Itinerary Summary
Day one flies into Faro and drives to a Lagos beach apartment, day two is the Lagos old town and Praia Dona Ana, day three the Benagil cave boat and Praia da Marinha, day four the Cabo de Sao Vicente…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Faro Arrival, Car Pickup and First Night in Lagos
10:00
2h
Faro Airport car pickup to Lagos
Collect a rental car at Faro Airport and take the A22 west to Lagos in about an hour. Book the car ahead, inspect it for scratches before leaving, and keep coins for the older toll-free N125 route.
📍 Faro → Lagos
18:30
2h
Lagos old town first evening
Walk through the old town gates to Praça do Infante for a first dinner of grilled sardines. The squares fill after 20:00, so arrive early for a table without a booking, and carry cash for smaller tascas.
📍 Lagos
💡 Pro Tip: Faro Airport (FAO) is the main gateway to the Algarve; the drive west to Lagos takes about an hour on the A22. Book the rental car in advance and check insurance excess and toll options. Portugal uses UTC+0 in winter and UTC+1 in summer. Entry rules depend on your passport; see the Portugal visa section. Beach parking fills early in August.
Days 2-7 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$58035%
Lagos beach apartments, 6 nights
Food & DiningUS$33020%
Cataplana, grilled squid and piri-piri chicken
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to rent a car for a week in the Algarve?+
Yes, a car is the practical choice: the Algarve has no main coastal train line, and buses between Lagos, Benagil and Tavira are slow or infrequent. Rent from Faro airport on arrival and return it there. Book ahead for July and August, when automatic cars and child seats sell out.
What is the best time to visit the Algarve for swimming?+
June to September brings water around 20-24 C and 250-plus sun hours, with July and August the warmest and busiest. May and September are the sweet spot: warm enough to swim, quieter beaches and lower room rates. October is still pleasant but sea temperatures start to drop.
How do you visit Benagil cave and are tickets needed in advance?+
Benagil is reached by boat, kayak or paddleboard from Benagil beach or Portimao, and operators fill up in summer, so reserve a slot a few days ahead. Sea conditions decide whether boats run, and morning departures are usually calmer. There is no path down from the cliff top into the cave.
Is the Algarve beach trip good for families with young children?+
It suits families well: Lagos beaches such as Dona Ana are sheltered, drives are short and day six is a free resort day. Take care with Atlantic surf and cliff edges at Praia da Marinha and Cabo de Sao Vicente. Book family rooms in Lagos early for July and August.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 7 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,350–1,940 (≈ €1,170–1,690), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: Beach Getaway
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