Best Places in Algarve to Visit

The Algarve is one of the most beautiful regions in Europe, famous for its beaches, caves, and golden cliffs. The good news is that you don’t need a car to explore the Algarve. With public transport and some local tours, you can discover incredible places. In this guide, we show you how to get to the Algarve from Lisbon Airport and provide a multi-day itinerary to help you make the most of the region.

How to Get to the Algarve from Lisbon Airport (Cheapest Option)
If you land at Humberto Delgado Airport, there are several ways to get to the Algarve—you can rent a car or use public transport.

Budget Option (Recommended)

At the airport, take the Lisbon Metro to Gare do Oriente station. At Oriente station, take a FlixBus coach.
The bus goes directly to Algarve cities such as:

• Lagos
• Portimão
• Albufeira
• Faro

💰 Average price: €5 – €20
⏱ Travel time: 2h30 – 3h

This is usually the cheapest way to travel in Portugal.

Alternative: Train

You can also take a train from Oriente Station, operated by the Portuguese railway company Comboios de Portugal.

Main destination:
• Faro

💰 Average price: €20 – €35

5-Day Algarve Itinerary

Day 1 – Lagos and Ponta da Piedade

Start your trip in Lagos, one of the most beautiful cities in the Algarve.

Places to visit:
• Ponta da Piedade
• Praia Dona Ana
• Praia do Camilo

💡 Tip: Watching the sunset at Ponta da Piedade is a must.

Day 2 – Portimão and Praia da Rocha

Head to Portimão.

Must-see places:
• Praia da Rocha
• Forte de Santa Catarina
• Praia de Alvor

At night, there are many bars and restaurants by the beach.

Day 3 – Benagil and the Famous Caves

One of the most famous experiences in the Algarve is visiting:
• Benagil Cave (Algar de Benagil)

Here you can enjoy:
🚤 Boat tours
🚣 Kayaking
🚴 E-bike tours and hiking

Local companies like XploreBenagil offer tours to explore the cave and other incredible rock formations.

Other nearby beaches:
• Praia da Marinha
• Praia de Benagil
• Praia do Carvalho

These beaches are considered among the most beautiful in Europe.

Day 4 – Albufeira

Visit the lively city of:
• Albufeira

What to do:
• Walk through the historic center
• Praia dos Pescadores
• Praia de São Rafael
• Praia da Falésia
• Praia da Galé
• Enjoy the nightlife in the old town