Portugal was the destination that first sparked my love for travel and honestly, I’m not sure why it took me so long to finally get there. For our first visit, we based ourselves in the Algarve region in southern Portugal, and I’m so glad we did. It turned out to be the perfect mix of stunning beaches, charming old towns, and laid-back coastal vibes.
We split our time between Lagos and Albufeira, which gave us the best of both worlds. Lagos felt more relaxed and artsy. It was perfect for slow mornings, scenic hikes, and golden sunsets. While Albufeira brought the energy with its buzzing nightlife, beach bars, and ocean-view patios. We also squeezed in a day trip to Lisbon and another across the border to Seville, Spain (both coming in separate blog posts!).
Getting There & Getting Around
We flew into Faro Airport and rented a car from Sixt. Renting a car was hands down the best decision of the trip. Having a car gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace and stop at all the coastal lookouts and beaches that caught our eye. Just note that most car rentals in Portugal come with electronic toll charges, which are added automatically, so keep that in mind for your budget.
Pro tip: parking near the most popular beaches can be tricky during peak hours, so go early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you want to snag a good spot.
Hikes & Beaches to Visit
The Algarve is famous for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and beaches that look straight out of paradise. Here are a few highlights from our week:
- Praia do Camilo – Probably one of the most photographed beaches in Portugal, and for good reason. The wooden staircase leading down to the sand is iconic, and the water is crystal clear.
- Praia dos Estudantes – One of my favorite spots for photos, especially with its tunnels and stone archway bridge connecting two coves. Not ideal for swimming, but absolutely worth visiting for the scenery.
- Praia da Marinha – Home to the famous heart-shaped rock formation. Parking can be tricky, but if you’re patient, it’s worth it for the view (and the photos!).
- Benagil Cave Kayak Tour – We joined a guided kayak tour that explored several caves along the coast, including the famous Benagil Cave. Seeing the sunlight pour through the cave’s opening was stunning and definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
If you have time, check out Ponta da Piedade near Lagos the cliff formations here are unreal, and you can explore by foot, boat, or kayak.
Where We Ate
We balanced eating out with cooking in our Airbnb, which gave us a nice mix of experiences (and saved us a few euros!).
🍽 The Garden, Lagos – A must-visit. The patio is lush and cozy, the food is fresh, and the sangria is some of the best we had. It’s popular, so expect a bit of a wait during dinner hours.
🌊 Boneca Bar, Benagil – This spot gets mixed reviews, but we had a great experience. The food was tasty, the staff was friendly, and the ocean views were unbeatable. It’s worth a visit for the location alone and is close to the Benagil Cave tours.
🍔 McDonald’s, Portugal-style – I know what you’re thinking… but hear me out! Trying McDonald’s in different countries has become a travel tradition for us. Portugal’s version features surprisingly good chicken wings and, yes, beer (Sagres!) on the menu. Something you’ll never find back home in North America.
🛒 Local Markets – We stocked up at Intermarché and loved cooking a few meals at our Airbnb using local ingredients. Fresh seafood, cheese, and local wine are easy to find and super affordable.
Wandering the Old Towns
Some of our favorite moments were simply spent wandering through the cobblestone streets of Lagos and Albufeira. We found charming shops, hidden courtyards, and local artisans selling handmade jewelry and ceramics. Every corner felt like a photo opportunity, especially during golden hour when the streets glowed with soft light.
Our thoughts on the Algarve
A week in Portugal flew by, but it was enough to fall in love with the Algarve’s natural beauty, friendly locals, and relaxed pace of life. Whether you’re there to surf, hike, eat, or simply unwind, this region has something for everyone.
Next up: our day trips to Lisbon and Seville. Both totally different vibes but equally worth the journey.
