48 hours in Algarve starts with a coffee in Faro and a commitment to pretending you’re in no rush. The old town may be small, but it knows it’s beautiful—cobbled streets, sun-faded façades, and a marina that looks like it was made for a slow-paced European drama. Stop by Café Aliança, one of Portugal’s oldest, for a dose of history with your caffeine, then meander through Arco da Vila, a gateway to a world where every street corner whispers a story, and every pastel-coloured house seems to have perfected the art of effortless charm.
Hit the road to Lagos, where cliffs and the Atlantic do their best to outshine each other. Ponta da Piedade is the show-off here—think towering rock formations, golden hues, and water so blue you’ll wonder if it’s been filtered by Instagram. If you fancy a boat trip, this is the place to do it. The grotto tours are the stuff of postcards and travel envy. But don’t rush off just yet—wander into Lagos town itself, where whitewashed streets lead to Praça Infante Dom Henrique, the square named after the famed Portuguese navigator. Find a terrace café, sip a chilled glass of vinho verde, and watch the world amble by.
Take a breather at Praia do Camilo, because at some point you’ll want to lie down and marvel at your own good decisions. The descent to the beach is a mini-adventure—200 wooden steps that make you question your fitness levels, but it’s worth it when you hit that perfect patch of sand. If you’re feeling up to it, venture a little further to Praia Dona Ana, another stunner with turquoise waters and golden cliffs that look like they’ve been sculpted by the gods themselves.
Lunch at O Camilo, perched on the cliff, because fresh seafood with an ocean view is the only way to live properly. Order the grilled octopus or a cataplana, a bubbling seafood stew that will have you making ‘mmm’ noises without shame. If you’re still feeling peckish, try some amêijoas à Bulhão Pato—clams cooked in garlic, olive oil, and coriander, which pair suspiciously well with a crisp white wine.
Sagres calls next, the untamed rebel of the Algarve. Head to Cabo de São Vicente, Europe’s southwesternmost point, where the wind is dramatic, the cliffs are sheer, and the lighthouse looks like it’s keeping an eye on the end of the world. Stop at the fort of Sagres for a dose of nautical history and views so good you’ll want to linger. If the rugged coastline has inspired your inner explorer, take a walk along the nearby trails, where the Atlantic air and the salty breeze do wonders for the soul.
Wrap up the day with sunset at Praia da Arrifana, because nature knows how to do golden hour best. Grab a beer at a beach bar, toast to your impeccable taste, and settle into the rhythm of the Atlantic. If you’re lucky, there might be a few surfers catching the last waves of the day, their silhouettes framed against the fiery sky.
Morning means pastel de nata, because starting the day without one is just bad manners. Aljezur is next—charming, slightly scruffy in the best way, and a gateway to Costa Vicentina’s wild beaches. Praia da Amoreira is a top pick, where the river meets the ocean and you get that ‘am I in a dream?’ moment. If you’re up for a bit of culture, explore the ruins of Aljezur Castle, which offers panoramic views of the town and the lush surrounding countryside.
Swing down to Carvoeiro for the famous Algar Seco rock formations. There’s a boardwalk for those who like their nature with a side of ease, or you can clamber over the rocks if you’re feeling adventurous. The Boneca cave, with its natural ‘windows’ framing the sea, is a smug little photo spot. If you’re still in the mood for adventure, take the cliffside walk to Praia de Vale Centeanes, a lesser-known but equally stunning beach with a sense of secluded bliss.
Lunch at Boneca Bar, because why move when you can eat fresh grilled fish right here? Then it’s a short hop to Benagil, where the cave of the same name is waiting with its Insta-famous skylight. Hire a kayak or take a boat, because swimming is only for the truly fearless (or foolish, given the currents). If you have the time, explore the nearby beaches of Marinha and Albandeira, both of which deserve their own chapter in the book of ‘ridiculously beautiful places.’
Ease back towards Faro, but make a stop in Tavira, because it’s just too pretty to skip. Cobbled streets, a Roman bridge, and a sense that time slows down here. If you have the energy, take the ferry to Ilha de Tavira—endless sandy beach, no cars, just the sound of waves and seagulls with questionable morals. Wander the narrow streets, pop into a local tasca for a petisco or two, and soak in the charm that makes Tavira one of the Algarve’s best-kept secrets.
Wrap up your 48 hours in Algarve with dinner at Faz Gostos, where local flavours get a little creative without trying too hard. Raise a glass of vinho verde to the Algarve, to the cliffs, to the sea, and to the best two days you could possibly have spent. If you’re not already planning your next trip back, you might need another glass of wine to think it over properly.
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