3 Days in the Algarve Itinerary

Written By: Henk and Jane

Here are the top things to do in the Algarve when you only have a few days to spend there. For a small sampling of the Algarve’s beauty, here is how to make the most of 3 days in the Lagoa area, including visiting one of the most beautiful sea caves in the Mediterranean!

3 Days in Algarve Itinerary

what to do in the Algarve itinerary
Benagil Cave

Visiting Portugal without visiting the Algarve and its spectacular coast is like going to Italy and not trying the pasta.

Day 1 – Tour the coastal grottos and Benagil Cave

benagil cave video algarve itinerary

If I had you at ‘most beautiful sea cave’, wait until you actually see Benagil Cave for yourself.

For starters, the cave is massive enough to have its own beach, which you only reach by sea, entering through either of two large rock arches.

Inside, far from being gloomy or dark, the cave is bathed in sunlight through a naturally-formed circular ‘skylight’ in the rock ceiling almost 100 feet above the beach.

The sunlight streaming in through this opening creates an Oscar-worthy spotlight in the middle of the cave, while illuminating the turquoise waters that cast green reflections onto the rock walls. It is nothing short of spectacular.

Currently, only motorized boat tours can enter Benagil Cave. Kayakers and Paddle Boarders are banned due to some recent incidents and overcrowding. It is not clear if this will change, but as of now, there is no swimming in the cave or getting out to enjoy the beach. This tour is similar to the speed boat tour we booked through our hotel and entered Benagil Cave as well as other caves along the Algarve Coast.

Hotels in the Algarve

algarve itinerary where to stay

Tivoli Carvoiero – We stayed at the Tivoli Carvoiero overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Grotto. This 5-star hotel has the best location in the Algarve within walking distance to the Seven Hanging Valleys Walk. Plus shuttles to Marinha Beach, (The start of the Seven Hanging Valleys) town and beaches. TripAdvisor / Booking.com

Hotel Baia Cristal – Cliff Hotel overlooking the ocean. Midrange hotel Vale de Centenaes Beach. Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com

Epic Sana Algarve – Luxury hotel located between Vilamoura and Albufeira. Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com

Day 2 – Carvoeiro to Praia da Marinha

things to do in the algarve itinerary 3 days portugal
Beautiful Algarve

Hike any or all of the cliff-top trail between Carvoeiro and Praia da Marinha

Benagil is mid-point between the resort town of Carvoeiro, and Praia da Marinha beach (one of the Algarve’s most beautiful), between which there is a 12km clifftop hiking trail that offers panoramic views of this stunning piece of the Algarve coastline.

Whichever piece you decide to explore, or whichever direction you choose to hike, there are incredible vantage points all along the trail, where every undulation in the coast reveals yet another beautiful bay or secluded beach.

Praia da Marinha

what to do in the Algarve sea cliffs near Lagoa 3 days in the algarve itinerary
Hiking the spectacular coastline in the Western Algarve near Lagoa

At the eastern end of the trail is Praia da Marinha, one of the larger coves in the area, with carved-rock formations and sea stacks that punctuate the jewel-coloured ocean, as well as a popular sandy beach for swimming.

Luckily, this part of the Algarve is nowhere near as crowded or developed as some of the larger beaches, making Praia da Marinha feel more like a local beach than a resort playground.

Of course, it also means there are few facilities here, and access is via stone steps down the side of the cliff.

Algar Seco

3 days in the Algarve itinerary Portugal
Natural rock windows frame the Mediterranean at Algar Seco

Hiking west and just before you reach the town of Carvoeiro, you’ll discover Algar Seco, a piece of the coastline known for its rock formations that have been hollowed out and sculpted by both water and wind.

Here you can walk around the rocky ledges, exploring the eroded and hollowed-out landscape with its organic ‘windows’ that look out onto the Mediterranean.

There’s even a restaurant and bar nestled in between the rocks if you want to break up your hike with a very civilized rest stop (read ‘cocktail’!)

Carvoeiro

three days in the Algarve itinerary
Carvoeiro Coast

Just past Algar Seco at the western end of the hiking trail is Carvoeiro, a resort town that is small enough for it to feel local, but large enough to offer the amenities tourists want.

And if you time your hike so that you arrive in Carvoeiro in time for sunset, the top of the town offers a pixel-perfect vantage point for capturing one of the Algarve’s famous sunsets. Check out: Visit Lisbon in under 5 Euros

Day 3 – Road trip to Praia da Rocha beach

what to see in the Algarve itinerary 3 days
Praia da Rocha

For a change of pace from the small, hidden coves near Benagil, drive west for an hour or so to Portimao, to see one of the larger resort and tourist areas in this part of the Algarve.

Portimao signals the start of a string of beaches including Praia da Rocha, where you’ll find a very different type of Algarve beach with huge expanses of sand that attract both locals and tourists by the thousands in peak season.

Beaches line the coast here for kilometers, giving this area a busy resort feel, and the main strip above Praia da Rocha is filled with bars, shops, restaurants and hotels.

TIP: Be prepared for a bit of a hike down the stairs to the Praia da Rocha beach, but once there you’ll find plenty of amenities on the beach.

3 days in the Algarve itinerary Coast Portugal
Hidden sea caves on the Algarve Coast

Whether your vision of the Algarve is discovering secluded coves and hidden beaches while hiking along a spectacularly beautiful coastline, or being part of a hopping beach scene in a resort town, this small piece of Portugal’s famous coastline near Lagoa can offer it all – and still leave you time to enjoy it.

Getting around the Algarve

To make the most of your time and to have the most flexibility, rent a car to get around in the Algarve, especially if you want to visit places like Benagil which are tiny and don’t have direct access by bus or rail.

Fortunately, driving in Portugal isn’t as crazy as some people may think, and the main highways are easy to navigate and well-maintained.

Selected Tours in the Algarve

three days in the Algarve itinerary Portugal
The Algarve coastline near Benagil

Get your Guide – is a great company for day tours and discounts

Benegal Caves – 2-Hour boat tour to the Benigal Caves

1,3 or 7-day scooter rental – We love renting a scooter. It’s the best way to get around an area like the Algarve

Surfing Lessons – The Algarve is a great place to learn to surf. Give it a shot with this 3 hour lesson

Golden Coast Cruise – See the spectacular Algarve coast on this four hour cruise.

What to Pack for your Trip to the Algarve 

Lonely Planet Algarve – When it comes to guide books, we don’t leave home without Lonely Planet. 

Flip Flops – You can’t go to the beach without flip flops. Tevas are comfortable and durable.

Hiking Shoes – There are a lot of hikes in the Algarve. Keen hiking shoes are made with waterproof leather and breathable mesh uppers. My kind of shoe. 

Universal Plug Adapter – This all in one adapter is great for all countries and you aren’t stuck with trying to find a different plug for each new destination.

Portable Water Filter – It’s important to stay hydrated when traveling in hot climates especially. Take care of the environment and fill up safely with the LifeStraw.

things to do in the Algarve in three days itinerary

Read Next

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

About Henk and Jane

Jane and Henk are the husband and wife team behind GrownupTravels.com, a website offering inspiration and information for travellers 45+. They believe that “the best souvenirs are stories”, and while Jane obsesses over uncovering the unique and the boutique around the world, Henk focuses on capturing the photos of their travels. Follow them at: GrownUpTravels / Facebook / Twitter

Leave a Comment

23 thoughts on “3 Days in the Algarve Itinerary”

  1. Nice article on adorable Algarve. The mysterious coastline of Algarve is quite addictive and limestone formation is quite exceptional. Your pictures make your article impressive.

    Reply
  2. Which lens did you use to take landscape pictures?
    I have a Canon T3i Rebel and I’m looking for recommendation for my next trip.
    Thank you,

    Reply
  3. Hi Where is the best place to stay we are in the algarve for 3 days and I cannot decide. I want to see the beaches and the benagil caves.

    Reply
  4. The Taruga Benagil Tour company is no longer allowed to drop off passengers inside the cave. While they still offer boat tours into the cave, the law no longer allows passengers to exit the boat.

    Reply
  5. The Benagil cave is the most amazing part of the Algarve. Nowhere else in the world would you see such beauty! The Praia Da Marinha beach too are simply breathtaking!

    if you ever go to the Algarve I agree, these are two places you must visit.

    Adam

    Reply
  6. Why does everyone think that the coast of Portugal is on the Med, It’s on the Atlantic coast.
    Try the snails next time your in a Portuguese bar.

    Reply
  7. Great article except the Algarve is on the Atlantic Ocean, rather than the Mediterranean Sea.
    We just visited Benagil and found it easier to swim over to the first cave rather than kayak.
    Beautiful views and lovely shells.

    Reply
  8. Congratulations on the site, the photos and the landscape is very beautiful is a portigal is a werent good pis to spend the holidays with family.

    Reply
  9. Oh, how this place can be so awesome. Really incredible photos of Carvoeiro and one of the most famous cave – Benagil Cave that inspire me.)

    Reply