Last Updated July 3, 2026
Ochre and rust-coloured rocks rising from the sea, patiently sculpted by the tides: that’s the image that sums up the Algarve better than any word could. I spent 3 days in the Algarve exploring its jagged coastline, between towering cliffs, hidden coves and white villages hugging the water’s edge. Here’s the itinerary I followed and all my recommendations for an unforgettable Algarve trip!
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How many days do you need in the Algarve?
For our first trip to the Algarve, we chose to spend 3 nights in Lagos, which gave us 3 full days on the ground including travel. I found that 3 days in the Algarve gave us a great taste of the region, even though I would have loved to stay longer.
The coastline is dotted with villages and beaches we simply didn’t have time to discover: Faro, Tavira, Santa Luzia and many more. Something to look forward to next time! If you have more than a long weekend to dedicate to the Algarve, I think a week to ten days is the ideal length of stay.
Day 1: Arriving in the Algarve, hotel check-in and exploring Lagos
Our plane landed in Faro around lunchtime, which made it the perfect moment to stop for a bite before hitting the road to our final destination: Lagos! I’d spotted a lovely beach not far from the airport, Praia de Faro, a long stretch of white sand lined with small beach restaurants.
By the time we picked up our rental car, we were already soaking in that very particular Algarve atmosphere: warm wind, almost blinding light and a brilliantly blue sea. We headed straight for the coast and stopped at Wax RestoBar, which caught our eye with its colourful vibe and good-vibes music. Sitting on the terrace with the sea almost at our feet, beautiful plates of tapas in front of us and the sun on our faces, our trip could not have started better!
After lunch, a swim was non-negotiable. We were in the Algarve at the end of June and the sun was already blazing. The contrast when we hit the water was quite something though: the sea was absolutely freezing! It took some courage to actually get in, but it was completely worth it.
We then headed towards Lagos, about an hour’s drive from Faro. Check-in at Hotel Dom Manuel I, a charming residence I completely fell in love with, more on that below!
After a dip in the pool, we headed out to explore the historic centre of Lagos for the first time. Between whitewashed alleyways and typical facades, the real highlight of the evening was dinner at A Petisqueira, whose colourful plates did not disappoint.
We started with grilled squid and a very refreshing goat’s cheese salad, then moved on to braised octopus and excellent sea bass fillets served with a kind of razor clam risotto (arroz de lingueirão). It was absolutely delicious, a great address not to miss in Lagos.
We ended the evening with a stroll through the rest of the lively streets of the city. There are plenty of great bars to grab a drink and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Lagos, which I really loved.
Day 2: Benagil, Praia da Marinha, Carvoeiro and the Black & White Night
For this second day of our Algarve itinerary, I really wanted to discover the Benagil cave and Praia da Marinha, two of the region’s most iconic spots. After some research, I found out it was possible to explore Benagil and its surroundings by kayak. I loved the idea and booked it enthusiastically!
After a proper hotel breakfast, we set off for Benagil, about 40 minutes from Lagos, to discover the famous cave and Praia da Marinha by kayak. But once we arrived, it was a bit of a cold shower! Despite Benagil’s popularity on social media, it’s hard to imagine just how crowded it gets.
Timed kayaks, a good half-hour wait before we could get on the water, then a traffic jam on the sea as we approached the cave. Once inside, it’s as breathtaking and magical as you’d imagine! But we had about five minutes to enjoy it before being ushered back out.
The paddle to Praia da Marinha more than makes up for it though: you weave through beautiful caves lit up by crystal-clear turquoise water and pass under the famous elephant-shaped arch. Once there, same time limit, but the magnificent ochre rocks rising from the water were absolutely worth it.
My advice with hindsight: go for a boat excursion rather than a kayak to avoid the rushed, stressful side of it, head there early in the morning (we made the mistake of arriving around 11am), and aim for May, early June or late September to dodge the crowds. It was still a beautiful experience though!
After all that, it was already mid-afternoon and we were starving. We drove to Carvoeiro, a charming seaside town with a spectacular beach nestled between golden cliffs. After a well-deserved lunch at O Patio (decent but nothing special), Carvoeiro beach welcomed us with open arms. A lovely moment of relaxation after our long kayak excursion!
On the beach, we couldn’t help but notice technicians setting up what looked like a big music event. It turned out we’d stumbled across (and got very lucky with!) the famous Black & White night, an annual festival well-known across Portugal. We danced on the sand until the very end, it was truly an unforgettable night. If you’re visiting the Algarve around that time, don’t miss it!
Two more addresses to note in Carvoeiro: Kulinarium, a simple and good Italian restaurant, and Decadente, a wine and tapas bar.
Day 3: Praia do Camilo, jet ski at Porto de Mós and dinner in Lagos
For our third day in the Algarve, we decided to explore the area around Lagos, and in particular Praia do Camilo with its famous wooden staircase descending along the rust and ochre cliffs. It’s a truly breathtaking spot: the rocks emerge from the water and cut against an emerald sea. Spectacular views!
After making our way down to the beach hoping to settle in for a while, we quickly turned back: the heat was furnace-like and the beach was packed. I’d say it’s more of a place to admire from above than a beach to actually relax on!
We’d planned to walk the coastal path that links Praia do Camilo to Ponta da Piedade, about 40 minutes of walking with stunning cliff views along the way. But in 30-degree heat under a blazing sun, all we wanted to do was jump in the water.
We drove to Praia de Porto de Mós instead, a beautiful stretch of sand flanked by cliffs with fascinating clay strata. There, we had everything we needed for a wonderful afternoon: space, a breeze, sunshine, a gorgeous sea and a little beachside restaurant. We made the most of every minute!
For the first time, I even tried jet skiing and I laughed so much! There’s something genuinely exhilarating about going that fast on the water. I’m usually more of a snorkel-and-mask kind of sea explorer, but I absolutely loved it. That rush of adrenaline when you pick up speed… so much fun.
Walking along the beach, we noticed the cliff strata are made of clay. They actually reminded me in a way, from afar, of the stunning landscapes of Corfu I know so well. We couldn’t resist doing what the locals do and covered ourselves in it from head to toe!
For our last evening in the Algarve, we discovered a second great address in Lagos: Casa do Prego, a tapas restaurant very popular with locals. I’m not sure it’s possible to book a table there: both evenings we walked past, there was a very long queue. We went around 9.30pm and the wait was manageable at that time.
We tried the Pica Pau (strips of beef in a delicious mustard sauce), the Serra (traditional grilled sausages known as chouriço de Serra da Estrela in Portugal) and the Prego Do Jardim (a dish of sun-ripened vegetables with goat’s cheese). Absolutely delicious!!
Return Day
For our last morning in Lagos, we took one final stroll through the city to do a little shopping and brunch. Lagos is full of charming little boutiques, I of course couldn’t resist bringing back a few souvenirs!
One little find in Lagos worth mentioning: The Original Grater, a shop specialising in small ceramic dishes typical of Portuguese craftsmanship. We brought several home and they’ve immediately become my favourite dishes for serving aperitivo!
Last stop before hitting the road to the airport: Café Indigo, which I loved for its laid-back atmosphere. They serve excellent avocado toasts, bowls and fresh smoothies. The perfect spot for brunch in Lagos!
Where to stay in the Algarve: Why I chose Lagos
We went back and forth for a long time between Faro and Lagos. After reading several travel blogs about both destinations, we chose Lagos for its small holiday village feel, its pretty architecture, its lively atmosphere and its proximity to the most beautiful beaches in the region.
I’ve never been to Faro, so I can’t say whether Lagos turned out to be the better choice. What I can say is: we absolutely loved Lagos, and in my eyes it’s the ideal base for 3 days in the Algarve. It’s exactly the kind of destination I love when I travel as it has everything: stunning landscapes and exceptional beaches, but also a gastronomy worth talking about and lively spots to go out in the evening.
Where to stay in Lagos: Our favourite, Hotel Dom Manuel I
For our stay in Lagos, we based ourselves at Hotel Dom Manuel I, a charming residence I completely fell in love with. Ideally located just a short walk from the historic centre of Lagos, it has a wonderfully gentle atmosphere and every room and shared space has been decorated with real taste.
I particularly loved the pool and breakfast area, both surrounded by beautiful lush shrubs, plants and colourful flowers. We stayed in the more modern wing of the hotel, which I’d wholeheartedly recommend for a stay in Lagos. Booking link: Hotel Dom Manuel I.
How to get to Lagos
The go-to airport for the Algarve is Faro, about an hour’s drive from Lagos. That’s the option we went for: we picked up a rental car straight from the airport, which gave us the freedom to move between beaches and villages at our own pace (and it’s genuinely essential for the itinerary we did, especially for Carvoeiro and Porto de Mós).
If you’d rather travel without a car, there’s a direct bus (Aerobus) from Faro airport to Lagos, running from May to October, with a journey time of around 2 hours for €17. A train also covers the Faro-Lagos route year-round for around €8, though you’ll usually need to get from the airport to Faro station first via a local bus (about 20 minutes, €2.25). If you’re not planning to move around much once you arrive, these options are perfectly manageable.
What to eat in the Algarve: Local dishes to try
Beyond the dishes we tried ourselves, here are some local specialities recommended by a Portuguese friend originally from the Algarve.
Cataplana
The most iconic dish of the Algarve, referring both to the recipe and the traditional copper vessel it’s cooked in. This rounded two-part pot that clamps shut allows for slow steam cooking, preserving all the flavour of the ingredients. The best-known version, cataplana de marisco, combines prawns, clams, squid and mussels with sausage, onions, garlic, peppers, fresh tomatoes and white wine.
Açorda Algarvia
A traditional bread-based soup flavoured with garlic and coriander, usually topped with seafood or fish. Simple and comforting, it’s a staple of southern Portuguese cooking.
Carne de Porco à Alentejana
A classic found on almost every menu in the Algarve: pork marinated in white wine, garlic and salt, pan-fried then tossed with clams, served with coriander and cubed fried potatoes.
Frango da Guia
The region’s star fast-food dish: piri-piri grilled chicken, made famous by the Ramires restaurant in Guia, near Albufeira. The chicken is marinated in a blend of oil, garlic, chillies, sweet paprika, lemon juice and cognac, then grilled until golden and crispy.
Seafood and Fish
The region is packed with seafood specialities: sapateira (crab), ameijoas à Bulhão Pato (clams with garlic and coriander), conquilhas à algarvia (small shellfish), arroz de lingueirão (razor clam rice), lulinhas à algarvia (small fried squid), arroz de berbigão (cockle rice) and bife de atum (tuna steak).
Desserts
To finish on a sweet note: Dom Rodrigo (an egg yolk, almond and angel hair dessert), Morgado de amêndoa (almond paste) and Figos cheios (stuffed figs, often with almonds or chocolate).
The most beautiful beaches in the Algarve
After 3 days in the Algarve, we managed to visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the region, though certainly not all of them! Here’s a list of the beaches I’d shortlisted, starting with the ones we actually visited:
- Praia da Marinha (Lagoa): often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, known for its spectacular rock formations, golden sand and crystal-clear water
- Praia de Benagil: famous for its sea cave accessible by kayak or boat, right next to Praia da Marinha
- Praia de Carvoeiro: as much a village as a beach, with pretty white houses perched on the cliff and a cove framed by golden rocks
- Praia do Camilo (Lagos): with its famous wooden staircase descending between ochre cliffs, one of the most photographed beaches in the region
- Praia de Porto de Mós (Lagos): a wide stretch of sand bordered by cliffs with intriguing clay strata, more spacious than its neighbours
- Praia da Falésia (Albufeira): one of the longest beaches in the Algarve, known for its striking orange cliffs plunging into the sea
- Praia de Albandeira (between Porches and Benagil): accessible via a coastal trail, with a natural arch sculpted by the sea, perfect for a picnic stop
- Praia dos Três Castelos (Portimão): connected to its neighbour by a passage carved through the rocks, wilder and quieter, surrounded by rocks shaped like castles as the name suggests
- Ponta da Piedade (Lagos): not strictly a beach but a rocky headland with spectacular caves, unmissable by kayak or boat, or on foot along the coastal path
FAQ: Everything to know before your Algarve trip
What is the best time to visit the Algarve?
To avoid the crowds at the most popular spots like Benagil, April, May or late September and October are the best periods. We were there at the end of June and the crowds were already very dense, especially in the middle of the day.
I also found that the heat made it harder to really explore the coast properly, even though I love it and it was great for swimming. For this particular trip though, I would have preferred a slightly less intense sun to be able to do more walking during the day!
What budget should I plan for a trip to the Algarve?
For a mid-range trip like ours (charming hotel like Dom Manuel I, restaurants like A Petisqueira, car rental, a few activities like kayaking or jet skiing), budget around €150 per day per person, based on two people travelling together.
Do I need to rent a car in the Algarve?
If you’re staying just between Lagos and Carvoeiro, you can manage without a car using local buses. But to explore the coastline more widely (Benagil, Porto de Mós, Praia do Camilo as in this itinerary), renting a car quickly becomes essential: the beaches and villages are quite spread out and poorly served by public transport.
I hope this article on our 3 days in the Algarve inspired you and made you want to discover this beautiful region for yourself! As always, feel free to reach out on Instagram @thebeachmuse or by email at hello@thebeachmuse.com if you have any questions or need more recommendations.
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