The Algarve’s southern coast is Portugal at its most sun-drenched: ochre cliffs, scalloped coves, and fishing towns that once provisioned caravels for the Age of Discoveries. Today, surfers chase Atlantic swells while walkers trace coastal boardwalks above turquoise coves, and boats nose into sea caves like the famed Benagil “algar.”

Roman ruins, Moorish place-names, and 16th-century bastions hint at a layered history. Lagos was a launching point for explorers; Albufeira evolved from a whitewashed fishing village to a lively resort with quiet corners if you know where to look. Fresh-off-the-boat seafood, cataplana stews, and pastel de nata fuel your days in the sun.

Practical notes: Summer (June–September) brings heat and crowds—book boats and dinners early. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking and cave tours. Beaches can have strong currents; heed flags and lifeguards. For intra-Europe flights, check Omio Flights; for long-haul, see Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Lagos

Lagos is the Algarve’s west-side stunner: honeycombed cliffs at Ponta da Piedade, a walled Old Town, and beaches from tiny Camilo to broad Meia Praia. Its 17th-century fortress guarded a harbor tied to Portugal’s maritime saga; today, cafés line cobbles where sailors once traded stories.

Top highlights include the clifftop boardwalks to Ponta da Piedade, swimming at Praia Dona Ana, fresh-grilled sardines at unfussy tascas, and sea-kayak trips into grottoes. Evenings glow with rooftop bars and live fado, while the marina side dishes up sunset strolls and gelato.

• Stay: Old Town for walkability; Meia Praia for beachfront calm.
• Search stays: VRBO Lagos | Hotels.com Lagos
• Getting to Lagos: Fly into Faro (FAO) via Omio Flights (intra-Europe) or Trip.com Flights/Kiwi.com (long-haul). From Faro city station, a regional train to Lagos takes ~1h50 (from ~€7–10)—compare on Omio Trains or Omio Buses.

Day 1: Arrival in Lagos, Old Town Flavors

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the journey with a gentle loop through the Old Town—Praça Luís de Camões, the 17th-century Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, and the humble but poignant Mercado de Escravos (slave market museum). Grab a first pastel de nata at a local pastelaria.

Evening: Dinner at A Forja (“The Bell-Ringer”) for grilled sardines, carapau, or dourada with batatas a murro. If you prefer petiscos, Casa do Prego does Algarve black pork, octopus, and a rooftop caipirinha. Nightcap at Bon Vivant’s terrace or a scoop at Gelícia by the marina.

Day 2: Ponta da Piedade by Kayak + Beach Time

Morning: Coffee and a light breakfast at Coffee & Waves (specialty espresso, banana bread). Then take a guided kayak into the grottoes—flat seas and early light are sublime.

Recommended activity: From Lagos: Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves on Catamaran

Afternoon: Lunch at O Camilo, perched above the 200 steps down to Praia do Camilo—try the seafood rice or a shared cataplana. Lounge at Praia Dona Ana’s sheltered cove, or stroll the boardwalks atop Ponta da Piedade for photo stops at every bend.

Evening: Sunset at the lighthouse cliffs, then dinner at Don Sebastião for traditional fare (razor clam rice, almond cake). Sip a local Algarve arinto or a chilled vinho verde along Rua 25 de Abril.

Day 3: Benagil by Speed Boat, Markets and Meia Praia

Morning: Browse Lagos’ Mercado Municipal (ground floor fish hall is a lesson in Atlantic bounty). Espresso at Goji Lounge Café, then get ready for a thrilling coastal run east to the Benagil Sea Cave.

Recommended activity: From Lagos: Benagil Caves Tour by Speed Boat with Guide

Afternoon: Late lunch at Tasca Jota (petiscos like piri-piri prawns and chorizo flambé). Stretch out on Meia Praia’s long arc of sand—great for a beach walk or a casual swim.

Evening: For something cozy, Casinha do Petisco serves an excellent octopus lagareiro. Fancy a modern twist? Mar d’Estórias pairs regional ingredients with a concept-store vibe; end on their rooftop with a gin infused with Algarve botanicals.

Albufeira

Albufeira blends a photogenic Old Town above a broad beach with coves westward toward São Rafael and Evaristo. The marina’s colorful geometries launch cave tours and dolphin-watching, while Praia da Falésia unfolds beneath rust-red cliffs and umbrella pines.

Beyond the bustle, you’ll find family-run seafood spots, cliff-top trails, and mellow beach bars at sunset. Base in the Old Town for walk-everywhere convenience, the Marina for boat days, or Falésia/Galé for upscale resorts and wide sands.

• Stay: For resort comforts and beach access, consider Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort (clifftop elevator to Falésia). For a splurge near Albufeira/Carvoeiro, Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa in Porches is a destination in itself.
• Search stays: VRBO Albufeira | Hotels.com Albufeira

Day 4: Lagos → Albufeira, Old Town and Viewpoints

Morning (travel): Depart Lagos for Albufeira. Regional train: ~1h20 to Albufeira–Ferreiras, then 10-minute taxi to the Old Town (from ~€6–12; compare on Omio Trains). Buses take ~1h30 on Omio Buses. Driving is ~45–60 minutes along the A22.

Afternoon: Check in and wander Albufeira’s lanes down to Praia dos Pescadores—ride the public escalator to the lookout for a sweeping bay view. Lunch at Flavours or a simple grilled-fish prato do dia at a family-run tasca in the Old Town.

Evening: Dine at A Ruína, set on the ruins above the beach—order clams Bulhão Pato and a whole-grilled robalo. For quieter vibes, detour west to O Marinheiro (Sesmarias) for Mediterranean dishes and local wine pairings.

Day 5: Dolphins and Benagil, São Rafael Sunset

Morning: Breakfast at Pastelaria Riviera (old-school pastries) or a light start at a café on Rua 5 de Outubro. Head to the marina for a combo cave-and-dolphin ride—keep your camera ready.

Recommended activity: Dolphins Search and Benagil Caves from Albufeira

Afternoon: Lunch with toes-in-sand at Praia de São Rafael’s beach restaurant—try the grilled cuttlefish or a simple tuna steak. Laze on São Rafael’s cove, or pop to Praia da Arrifes for photogenic rock stacks.

Evening: Catch sunset from the rocky point west of São Rafael. Back in town, dinner at Sal Rosa (modern Portuguese, great wine list) or tascas around Largo Eng. Duarte Pacheco for piri-piri chicken and local petiscos.

Day 6: Full-Day Coastline Cruise + Beach BBQ

Make this your indulgent boat day—caves, swimming, a secluded-beach barbecue, and an open bar. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for the return ride.

Recommended activity: Albufeira Beach BBQ with Caves and Coastline Cruise with Open Bar

After docking, keep dinner light: seafood soup and a shared salad at a marina-side spot, or gelato and a moonlit beach walk.

Day 7: Falésia Cliffs, Last Bites, Departure

Morning: Coffee at your hotel or a local café, then head to Praia da Falésia. Wander the clifftop trail beneath umbrella pines, then descend to the wide, golden strand—perfect for a farewell swim.

Afternoon (departure): Quick lunch at Evaristo (if you’re west-side) or a simple bifana near the Old Town. Transfer to Faro Airport (~35–45 min drive). For intra-Europe options check Omio Flights; for long-haul, compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. If you need a night by the station/airport hub, consider Hotel Sol Algarve in Faro.

Evening: If your flight is later, toast the trip with a last caldo verde and a glass of vinho branco on a terrace. Pocket a box of pastéis de nata for the journey home.

Extra Ideas (If You Have More Energy)

• Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Carvoeiro): A half-day cliff walk between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes—go early for shade and parking.
• Surf lesson at Praia do Amado (west coast): Consistent swells and surf schools for all levels.
• Cultural hour: Igreja Matriz in Albufeira and Lagos’ Igreja de Santo António (gilded interior) give a glimpse of local devotion and artistry.

Another boat option you might like: Benagil Cave Boat Tour - 2 H From Portimão

This 7-day Algarve itinerary threads Lagos and Albufeira for a coastal greatest hits—sea caves, clifftop trails, markets, and long lunches by the water. With smart bases and easy transport, you’ll see why the Algarve is Europe’s go-to for sun, sea, and superb seafood.