Hey there, fellow Portugal lovers! Picture this: day trips Algarve! Sunny beaches, charming whitewashed towns, fresh seafood sizzling on the grill, and a glass of local vibo in your hand. It’s a dream come true.

Well, that’s the Algarve for you! This southernmost region of Portugal is a true slice of paradise, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. But, the real magic lies beyond the Lagos beach resorts in these hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered on day trips in the Algarve!

Trust me, there’s nothing quite like hopping in a car, cranking up your favorite travel playlist, and exploring the best beaches in the Algarve, quaint villages, and scenic countryside. Ready to embark on one of the unforgettable day trips from the Algarve?

• Check out my list of the best hotels in Faro!

Algarve Tours

Day Trips from Lagos Portugal

Lagos is one of my favorite towns in the Algarve. I have spent a lot of time taking tours in Lagos, enjoying the beaches in Lagos, and even spending a few nights out exploring the town!

Lagos is located in the western Algarve region and is a perfect home base for day trips in the Algarve. There are so many things to do in Lagos and is renowned for its stunning cliffs and golden beaches, Lagos offers a blend of natural beauty and historic charm.

Its strategic location allows for easy travels to other Algarve gems, from the captivating caves of Albufeira to the bustling marina of Portimão, making Lagos an excellent starting point for your adventures in the Algarve. Plus the Lagos nightlife is amazing!

Day Trips from Albufeira

Albufeira, situated right at the midpoint of the Algarve coastline, is an ideal base for day trips throughout the region. It has a vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and beautiful beaches, and there are so many things to do in Albufeira.

From Old Town Albufeira, you can easily take day trips in the Algarve, from the charming town of Tavira to the beautiful restaurants in Albufeira with a view, making it a versatile and convenient home base for your Algarve exploration.

Did you know the Albufeira nightlife is some of the best in Portugal? This is another reason to make it your home base!

• Find one of the best resorts in Albufeira!

Best Places to Visit in Algarve | Best Day Trips Algarve

You may be thinking, how many days in the Algarve? You should plan at least one day in these lovely towns below. But if you want a true Algarve vacation, give yourself a week!

Tavira Portugal

Tavira a charming town in the eastern Algarve region, is an ideal day trip destination. With its rich history, traditional architecture, and natural beauty, this town offers a unique blend of experiences. Take a tuk tuk tour of Tavira!

Or Begin your day at the Tavira Castle. This ancient fortress not only offers perfect views of the town and the Gilão River but also has beautiful gardens that are perfect for a peaceful morning walk.

Next, explore the narrow cobblestone streets, where you’ll find traditional whitewashed houses adorned with colorful azulejos (painted ceramic tiles).

The historic center of Tavira is home to over 37 churches, each with unique architectural features. Don’t miss the Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo, a church built on the site of a Moorish mosque.

For lunch, head to a local restaurant and indulge in the Algarve region’s specialty – fresh seafood dishes

In the afternoon, take a ferry to Ilha de Tavira. This pristine island boasts beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and diverse birdlife. As the day ends, return to the mainland and spend your evening at the Roman Bridge, the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Gilão River.

Morning:

• Visit Tavira Castle and Gardens
• Stroll through the quaint streets

Midday:

• Explore Tavira’s historic churches
• Enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant

Evening:

• Take a ferry to Ilha de Tavira
• Watch the sunset at the Roman Bridge

Book a ride from Faro to Tavira!

Nazare Surf Town in the Algarve

You are going to love all the things to do in Nazare! Kickstart your day by visiting the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo. Nazare used to be a small fishing village, but today it is a major tourist attraction in the Algarve!

This 17th-century fort offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is home to the Nazaré Lighthouse. Follow this with a walk along the Nazaré Beachfront.

Feel the golden sand under your feet, soak up the sun, hear the big waves crashing down, and watch tiny surfers and jet skis out in the monstrous waves.

For lunch, treat yourself to Caldeirada Nazarena, a traditional seafood stew that is a local specialty.

After lunch, take the funicular railway up to the Sitio neighborhood. Here, you’ll find the beautiful Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Church and a panoramic view of the town below.

In the afternoon, experience the thrill of a day trip to Nazare to see the big waves firsthand by taking a surfing lesson or watching the professionals from a safe distance. If surfing isn’t your thing, the Nazaré Marina offers boat tours where you can spot dolphins and enjoy the stunning coastline.

As the day draws to a close, head to one of the seafront restaurants for dinner. Indulge in fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

• Read my Lisbon to Nazare Post for more information!

Morning:

• Visit the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo
• Stroll along the Nazaré Beach

Midday:

• Enjoy Caldeirada Nazarena for lunch
• Ride the funicular to the Sitio neighborhood
• Visit Nossa Senhora da Nazaré Church

Evening:

• Take a surfing lesson or watch professional surfers
• Join a boat tour at Nazaré Marina, or rent a jet ski
• Have dinner at a seafront restaurant

Book a ride to Nazare from Lisbon!

Day Trip to Obidos Portugal

Obidos Portugal Castle is an old medieval town in Portugal. It has beautiful castle architecture, cobbled streets, and a fairytale atmosphere. A day trip to Obidos promises a journey back in time.

Start your day by walking along the ancient city walls in Obidos. This vantage point offers panoramic views of the town’s whitewashed houses and terracotta roofs. Next, explore the labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, each one more picturesque than the last.

Midday is the perfect time to visit the imposing Castelo de Obidos. This 12th-century castle has been converted into a luxury hotel and is open to the public. For lunch, try Ginja de Obidos, a sour cherry liqueur traditionally served in a white or dark chocolate cup, and sample some local Portuguese cuisine.

In the afternoon, check out Obidos’ many boutiques and art galleries. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the beautiful Igreja de Santa Maria, a church famous for its stunning tiles and paintings.

As the day ends, head to one of the local restaurants for dinner. Enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes as you reflect on your day exploring this enchanting castle medieval town on Portugals silver coast.

Morning:

• Walk along the ancient city walls
• Explore the cobblestone streets

Midday:

• Visit Castelo de Obidos
• Try Ginja de Obidos and local cuisine for lunch

Evening:

• Browse local boutiques and art galleries
• Visit Igreja de Santa Maria
• Have dinner at a local restaurant

Visit Algarves Sagres

One of the Algarve’s best things to do is to visit Sagres. This Algarve town is located at the westernmost tip of the Algarve in Portugal, it is a town steeped in local history and surrounded by the beautiful ocean.

Begin your day at the Fortaleza de Sagres, a fortress from the 15th century. Here, you can explore the fort’s chapel, and compass rose while enjoying the stunning views of the rugged coastline.

Afterward, take a walk to the nearby Cape St. Vincent, the southwesternmost point in mainland Europe, often referred to as the “End of the World”.

During midday, head to the town center for lunch, where you can try local specialties like seafood rice, or cataplana.

Post-lunch, visit Sagres Point, an iconic location known for its lighthouse and the Monument of Prince Henry the Navigator.

In the afternoon, experience the surf culture of Sagres first-hand by taking a surf lesson at one of the town’s beautiful beaches, such as Tonel Beach or Mareta Beach.

If surfing isn’t for you, these beaches are also perfect for sunbathing or a refreshing swim.

As the evening approaches, indulge in freshly caught seafood at a beachside restaurant. As you dine, watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, which is the perfect end to your day in Sagres.

Midday:

• Enjoy local cuisine for lunch
• Visit Sagres Point and the Monument of Prince Henry the Navigator

Evening:

• Take a surf lesson or relax at the beach
• Dine at a beachside restaurant while watching the sunset

Hike Ponta da Piedade in the Algarve

Ponta da Piedade, located near Lagos in Portugal’s Algarve region, is a stunning natural landmark renowned for its dramatic coastal cliffs, turquoise waters, and picturesque grottoes.

A day trip to this beautiful locale is one of the best hikes in the Algarve!

Begin your day at Ponta da Piedada with a hike along the cliff tops. This walking path has breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the fun rock formations to see below.

Around midday, join a boat tour to explore the sea caves and caverns that Ponta da Piedade is famous for.

After one of the best boat trips Algarve Albufeira, take some time to relax on Camilo Beach or Dona Ana Beach. These nearby Algarve beaches are stunning with clear water and golden sand.

In the late afternoon, consider visiting the nearby town of Lagos. Here, you can explore the historic city center, visit the Lagos Marina, or even try some restaurants in Lagos with a view.

As the day comes to a close, return to Ponta da Piedade to see the sunset. The sun setting over the ocean, with the cliffs and grottoes as a backdrop, is a sight you will always remember.

Morning:

• Hike along the cliff tops of Ponta da Piedade, it is one of the best hikes in the Algarve.

Midday:

• Join a boat tour to explore sea caves and caverns.

Afternoon and Evening:

• Relax at Camilo Beach or Dona Ana Beach
• Visit the town of Lagos
• Watch the sunset at Ponta da Piedade

ria formosa nature reserve

Visit Seville Spain from the Algarve

Seville, the capital of Spain’s Andalusia region, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively flamenco culture. A day trip to Seville promises a deep dive into Spanish culture and traditions. It takes bout two hours to drive from Faro to Seville Spain!

Begin your day with a visit to the Royal Alcazar of Seville, one of the oldest palaces still in use in the world.

Explore its beautiful gardens, intricate tilework, and stunning courtyards. Next, head over to the Seville Cathedral, the third-largest church in the world and the final resting place of the now infamous Christopher Columbus.

For lunch, try traditional tapas at one of the many local bars or restaurants. Seville is known for its culinary scene, so this is a must-do. Then walk along the Guadalquivir River and visit the Torre del Oro, a military watchtower with an amazing history.

Then, explore the Santa Cruz neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, flower-filled patios, and colorful houses.

As the evening approaches, head to a local tablao for a flamenco show. Flamenco is an integral part of Sevillian culture, and watching a live performance is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Finish your day with a late-night dinner, as is customary in Spain. Try local dishes like salmorejo (tomato soup) or carrillada de cerdo (pork cheeks).

Morning:

• Visit the Royal Alcazar of Seville
• Explore the Seville Cathedral

Midday and Afternoon:

• Enjoy traditional tapas for lunch
• Stroll along the Guadalquivir River and visit the Torre del Oro
• Explore the Santa Cruz Neighborhood

Evening:

• Watch a flamenco show
• Have a late dinner at a local restaurant

Combine Sao Vicente & Sagres Portugal

Start your day early and make your way towards Sagres, the nearest town to Cabo de São Vicente. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Lagos or a 3-hour drive from Faro.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the local cafes in Sagres to prepare you for the day ahead.

After breakfast, take some time to visit the Sagres Fortress. This historic site offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is home to a giant compass rose, believed to be used by Henry the Navigator.

Lunchtime calls for some of the freshest seafood in Portugal. Sagres has plenty of seafood restaurants where you can sample dishes like grilled sardines or cataplana, a try a traditional seafood stew.

Post-lunch, it’s time to head to Cabo de São Vicente. The drive is short but scenic, taking you along the beautiful coastline.

Once there, spend your afternoon exploring the area. Walk around the grounds, visit the lighthouse and its small museum, and enjoy the panoramic sea views from the cliff edge.

As the afternoon winds down, find a comfortable spot to watch the sunset. Cabo de São Vicente is renowned for its spectacular sunsets. Watch as the sun slowly dips below the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink.

With the day drawing to a close, make your way back to Sagres for dinner. Choose from one of the many local restaurants offering Portuguese cuisine. Try dishes like piri-piri chicken or bacalhau, a traditional codfish dish.

Algarve Day Trip from Lisbon

Taking a Lisbon day trip to the Algarve would be a memorable experience if not a little tiring. You can travel by bus, train, or car.

Depending on which day trips from Lisbon to Algarve you pick and where exactly you plan to visit, it should take you about 3-4 hours to get there. Check out my list of day trips to the Algarve from Lisbon below for an easy-peasy travel day.

Algarve Sightseeing Tours

Another way to enjoy day trips in Algarve Portugal is to take one of these sightseeing tours. Even if you don’t book one of these tours, it will still give you a great idea on how to spend your day.

Rent a Car for Algarve Day Trips

Alternatively, if you want an independent and flexible journey, renting a car would be best. This allows you to make unplanned stops along the route and explore the different day trips from Lisbon.

However, you need to remember that the distance from Lisbon to the Algarve is over 200 miles, so plan your day trip from Lisbon to Algarve accordingly to make the most of your time.

Renting a car for day trips in the Algarve is pretty simple. Most of the international and local car rental companies will have offices at the Faro Airport and in major towns across the Algarve.

You can book your vehicle online in advance, which is highly recommended especially during the busy summer season.

When booking remember that the Algarve towns have narrow streets in the old town areas.

Also, remember that manual transmission cars are more common in Europe, so if you need an automatic, (no shame I can’t drive a stick either) be sure to specify this when booking.

Driving in the Algarve is generally straightforward, with well-maintained toll roads and clear signs in English. Be prepared for toll roads; you can usually ask for an electronic toll payment system when you rent your car. Click here to find a rental car in the Algarve!

Bus & Train Day Trips Algarve

A bus journey is the cheapest choice, with ticket prices between 18 and 22$. The buses that service this route are exclusively operated by Rede Expressos / Renex. Conveniently, they can be boarded from a few locations throughout Lisbon.

On the other hand, if you like train travel, there are trains bound for the Algarve from Lisbon’s Estação do Oriente. Traveling by train is one of my favorite ways to do a day trip from Lisbon to the Algarve because you have scenic views while you chill back in comfort.

Check down below for the days and times you are taking trips to the Algarve.

Is a Day Trip to the Algarve Worth it?

Yes! A day trip to the Algarve is worth it! Particularly to places like Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente, is worth it. While it may be a long trip from Lisbon, if you’re already in the Algarve region or nearby, it offers beautiful scenery, rich history, and delicious local cuisine. However, ensure to plan your trip well to make the most of your day.

Is one day in the Algarve enough?

One day in the Algarve is never enough. It can give you a taste of what the region has to offer, but you may not be able to see everything. It’s perfect for visiting a specific location like Sagres or Cabo de São Vicente. However, if you want to explore multiple towns, beaches, and historical sites, you might need more than one day.

Can you do a day trip from Algarve to Lisbon?

Yes, you can do a day trip from Algarve to Lisbon. However, it is at least a 3-hour long journey. There are guided tours available that provide a great experience of monuments and culture. But due to the travel time, you will need to leave early in the morning to fully enjoy your day in Lisbon. It’s crucial to plan well to make the most of your trip!

What is the nicest part of the Algarve?

The nicest part of the Algarve is Lagos. It is favored for its beaches and cliffs. Faro is another nice part and has an old-town charm. Tavira is also nice for Portuguese tradition. Albufeira for nightlife, and Vilamoura for its marina and golf courses!