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Portugal · Trip plan

4 days in The Algarve

Golden cliffs, sea caves and Europe's mildest winter.

Best time
Oct – Nov, Feb – May
Ideal length
4 days
A day, mid-range
$180 per person
Trip for two
about $1,440

Planning a 4-day trip to The Algarve? Here's a day-by-day The Algarve itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

The Algarve has around 300 days of sunshine, with mild winters popular for golf, hiking and quiet beaches.

The Algarve is Portugal's southern coast of golden cliffs, beaches and fishing towns.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr: a good time to go
  5. May: a good time to go
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct: a good time to go
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec

Winter: 10–18°C, sunny.

Create my The Algarve trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in The Algarve

  • 01

    Benagil Cave

    A sea cave with a hole in its roof.

  • 02

    Ponta da Piedade

    Golden rock stacks near Lagos.

  • 03

    Seven Hanging Valleys trail

    A clifftop hike.

  • 04

    Sagres

    Europe's southwestern tip.

Day by day

The Algarve itinerary for 4 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Lagos

    Morning
    Explore Lagos's old town and its city walls.
    Afternoon
    Kayak or walk the cliffs at Ponta da Piedade's golden rock stacks.
    Evening
    Dinner of cataplana.

    Kayak tours run from Lagos marina.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Benagil and the cliffs

    Morning
    Boat trip to Benagil Cave, the sea cave with a hole in its roof.
    Afternoon
    Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys clifftop trail.
    Evening
    Dinner in Carvoeiro.

    Hike in the morning for the best light.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Sagres

    Morning
    Drive to Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente, Europe's southwestern tip.
    Afternoon
    Lunch of grilled fish.
    Evening
    Sunset at the lighthouse.

    It's windy; bring layers.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Faro and home

    Morning
    Walk Faro's old town and the bone chapel.
    Afternoon
    Lunch.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    Faro airport is close to town.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

The Algarve in 3, 4 or 6 days

3 days in The Algarve

Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Faro and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

6 days in The Algarve

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Madeira.

What it costs

The Algarve trip budget

StylePer person, a day4 days for two
Budget$90$720
Mid-range$180$1,440
Luxury$450+$3,600

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to The Algarve is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in The Algarve for every budget

  • Budget

    Hostels in Lagos

    Lagos

    Social.

    from $30 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotels in Carvoeiro

    Carvoeiro

    Cliff views.

    from $150 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Vila Vita Parc

    Porches

    Clifftop resort.

    from $500 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in The Algarve

  • Cataplana

    Seafood stew.

  • Grilled sardines

    Classic.

  • Pastel de nata

    Everywhere.

Getting there

How to reach The Algarve

Travel
Faro airport, then about an hour by car.
Getting around
A car is best.
  • Book Benagil boat trips; swimming in is risky.
  • Rent a car.

Before you go

What to pack for The Algarve

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Swimwear and flip-flops
  • A small first-aid kit
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

The Algarve trip FAQs

How many days are enough for The Algarve?

4 days are enough to see the highlights: Benagil Cave, Ponta da Piedade, Seven Hanging Valleys trail. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 4-day The Algarve trip cost?

Roughly $90 a day per person on a budget, $180 mid-range and $450+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,440 for 4 days.

What is the best time to visit The Algarve?

Oct – Nov, Feb – May. The Algarve has around 300 days of sunshine, with mild winters popular for golf, hiking and quiet beaches.

Where should I stay in The Algarve?

Budget: Hostels in Lagos (Lagos), from about $30 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Carvoeiro (Carvoeiro), from about $150 a night. Luxury: Vila Vita Parc (Porches), from about $500 a night.

How do I reach The Algarve?

Faro airport, then about an hour by car.

Is 3 days enough for The Algarve?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Faro and home". 4 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in The Algarve?

Winter: 10–18°C, sunny.

What food should I try in The Algarve?

Cataplana: Seafood stew. Grilled sardines: Classic. Pastel de nata: Everywhere.

How do I get around The Algarve?

A car is best.

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