Photo of AI-VascoDaGama
01 Feb 2025Updated last time
Edit Trip Edit
Bookmark TripSave

1 Week Southern Portugal Trip Itinerary

Discovering Southern Portugal – An Enchanting Journey

Embark on a journey to the captivating southern region of Portugal, where the sun-kissed beaches meet the rich tapestry of history and culture. Start your adventure in the laid-back city of Faro, the gateway to the Algarve, with its charming old town and picturesque marina. Be sure to explore the nearby Ria Formosa lagoon, a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. Next, find yourself mesmerized by the stunning cliffs and historic sites of Lagos, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural excursions. Wander through the cobbled streets, dive into the past, and relax on some of Portugal's most famous beaches.

Move on to Albufeira to experience a bustling resort town with a vibrant nightlife and abundance of water-based activities for all ages. Enjoy the sun on its expansive beaches and indulge in local cuisine at one of the many seaside restaurants. Let history lead you to Silves, a testament to ancient civilizations with its impressive Moorish castle and the remnants of its storied past. In Portimão, delight in the energetic atmosphere, discover the majestic Praia da Rocha beach, and take part in an unforgettable boat tour along the coast.

Conclude your journey in Sagres, a place of dramatic landscapes and raw beauty. Stand at the edge of Europe at the windswept Cape St. Vincent, and feel the weight of history at the fortress where sailors once prepared to explore unknown worlds. Sagres also offers some of the best surfing spots in Portugal, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.


Recommended Activities

  • Faro is the capital of the Algarve region, offering a historic old town with medieval architecture, a scenic marina, and the nearby Ria Formosa lagoon, a natural park known for its diverse bird life.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Lagos is famous for its dramatic cliffs, sea caves such as Ponta da Piedade, pristine beaches, and a charming old town with cobbled streets and lively nightlife.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Albufeira boasts a vibrant atmosphere, beautiful beaches like Praia dos Pescadores, an active nightlife with numerous bars and clubs, and is close to theme parks and water parks for family-friendly fun.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Tavira is known for its enchanting historical center, traditional Portuguese architecture, the Roman bridge spanning the Gilão River, and its proximity to the beautiful Ilha de Tavira beaches.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Silves is steeped in history featuring a well-preserved Moorish castle, a Gothic cathedral, and an archaeological museum. It offers a glimpse into Portugal's rich history and cultural heritage.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Portimão is a bustling coastal city with a major port, offering access to stunning beaches like Praia da Rocha, seafood restaurants along the waterfront, and opportunities for water sports and boat tours.
    Open Google Maps Button
  • Sagres is situated at the southwestern tip of Portugal and is known for its dramatic coastal scenery, historic fortress, and Cape St. Vincent lighthouse, plus it's a hotspot for surfing and maritime history.
    Open Google Maps Button

Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Can the Can Lisboa

    Can the Can Lisboa

    A unique restaurant in Lisbon that offers a modern twist on traditional canned fish, a staple of Portuguese cuisine, in a stylish, contemporary setting.
    Picture for Can the Can Lisboa
  • Restaurant Icon

    The Old Pharmacy Wine Inn

    The Old Pharmacy Wine Inn

    Located in Lagos, this atmospheric venue was once a pharmacy and now offers an extensive selection of wines paired with tapas in a setting surrounded by antique woodwork and charm.
    Picture for The Old Pharmacy Wine Inn
  • Restaurant Icon

    Restaurante Rei das Praias

    Restaurante Rei das Praias

    Situated on the beach in Ferragudo, diners enjoy fresh seafood with their toes in the sand at this restaurant accessible by a wooden walkway, offering stunning ocean views.
    Picture for Restaurante Rei das Praias
  • Restaurant Icon

    Ode Marine Restaurant

    Ode Marine Restaurant

    Offering a secluded dining experience near Odeceixe beach, this restaurant serves locally sourced, organic dishes emphasizing sustainability and connection to the sea.
    Picture for Ode Marine Restaurant
  • Restaurant Icon

    Arte Náutica Beach Restaurant

    Arte Náutica Beach Restaurant

    On the sands of Armação de Pêra beach, this restaurant provides an elegant beachfront dining experience with a menu that highlights the best of Algarve's seafood cuisine.
    Picture for Arte Náutica Beach Restaurant
  • Restaurant Icon

    Boneca Bar Restaurante

    Boneca Bar Restaurante

    Carved into the cliffs of Carvoeiro, this eatery offers spectacular sea views from its terraces, serving a mix of Portuguese and international dishes in a truly distinctive setting.
    Picture for Boneca Bar Restaurante
  • Restaurant Icon

    Gulli Bistrot

    Gulli Bistrot

    In the heart of Albufeira, this inventive bistro merges Italian cuisine with Algarvian flavors, presenting innovative dishes in a quirky, art-filled environment.
    Picture for Gulli Bistrot
  • Restaurant Icon

    A Ver Tavira

    A Ver Tavira

    Perched high in Tavira with panoramic views of the town, this restaurant offers a sophisticated menu focused on fresh, local ingredients, with a special emphasis on tuna dishes.
    Picture for A Ver Tavira

Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Pousada Palácio de Estoi

    Pousada Palácio de Estoi

    A luxurious hotel set in a Rococo palace, providing a unique blend of historical architecture and modern comforts in Faro's countryside.
    Picture for Pousada Palácio de Estoi
  • Hotel Icon

    Hotel Vivenda Miranda

    Hotel Vivenda Miranda

    Nestled on the cliffs near Lagos, this boutique hotel offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean with a tranquil, intimate atmosphere.
    Picture for Hotel Vivenda Miranda
  • Hotel Icon

    Conrad Algarve

    Conrad Algarve

    Located in Quinta do Lago, this high-end resort offers an unusual setting with its contemporary design, elevated service, and sophisticated amenities.
    Picture for Conrad Algarve
  • Hotel Icon

    Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

    Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

    This resort in Lagos provides an indulgent experience with its comprehensive spa facilities and direct access to a beautiful beach, delivering modern comfort in a scenic location.
    Picture for Belmar Spa & Beach Resort
  • Hotel Icon

    Ecorkhotel, Évora Suites & SPA

    Ecorkhotel, Évora Suites & SPA

    An eco-friendly hotel situated near Évora, uniquely clad in cork to provide excellent natural insulation, offering a sustainable stay in the Alentejo region.
    Picture for Ecorkhotel, Évora Suites & SPA
  • Hotel Icon

    The Literary Man - Óbidos Hotel

    The Literary Man - Óbidos Hotel

    Claimed to be the world's largest literary hotel, located in Óbidos, it offers thousands of books and a cozy, intellectual ambiance for book lovers.
    Picture for The Literary Man - Óbidos Hotel

Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Mad Cool 2024 | Wednesday Ticket

    Mad Cool 2024 | Wednesday Ticket

    The event will take place at Recinto Iberdrola Music in Madrid.
    Map IconRecinto Iberdrola Music in Madrid (334.89 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
    Picture for Mad Cool 2024 | Wednesday Ticket
  • Event Icon

    Mad Cool 2024 | Thursday Ticket

    Mad Cool 2024 | Thursday Ticket

    The event will take place at Recinto Iberdrola Music in Madrid.
    Map IconRecinto Iberdrola Music in Madrid (334.89 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
    Picture for Mad Cool 2024 | Thursday Ticket
  • Event Icon

    Mad Cool 2024 | Friday Ticket

    Mad Cool 2024 | Friday Ticket

    The event will take place at Recinto Iberdrola Music in Madrid.
    Map IconRecinto Iberdrola Music in Madrid (334.89 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
    Picture for Mad Cool 2024 | Friday Ticket
  • Event Icon

    Mad Cool 2024 | Saturday Ticket

    Mad Cool 2024 | Saturday Ticket

    The event will take place at Recinto Iberdrola Music in Madrid.
    Map IconRecinto Iberdrola Music in Madrid (334.89 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
    Picture for Mad Cool 2024 | Saturday Ticket
  • Event Icon

    Fletcher | Ultimate Meet and Greet Experience 

    Fletcher | Ultimate Meet and Greet Experience 

    The event will take place at Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid.
    Map IconPalacio Vistalegre in Madrid (336.37 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
    Picture for Fletcher | Ultimate Meet and Greet Experience 
  • Event Icon

    Fletcher | Soundcheck Experience Package 

    Fletcher | Soundcheck Experience Package 

    The event will take place at Palacio Vistalegre in Madrid.
    Map IconPalacio Vistalegre in Madrid (336.37 mi)
    Calendar IconN/A
    Picture for Fletcher | Soundcheck Experience Package 
  • Event Icon

    The Teskey Brothers

    The Teskey Brothers

    The event will take place at La Riviera in Madrid.
    Map IconLa Riviera in Madrid (338.25 mi)
    Calendar Icon19 Jul 2024
    Picture for The Teskey Brothers

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Hello!! Well I'm staying in southern Portugal for 12 days in Albufeira and then my partner will be returning to the states. Since I'm not working, where should I stay in that ...

    Where to stay in southern Portugal

    Hello!! Well I'm staying in southern Portugal for 12 days in Albufeira and then my partner will be returning to the states. Since I'm not working, where should I stay in that ...

    /r/travel
  • Reddit Icon

    My gf and i are planning a trip to the southern part of Portugal, the Algarve, this September, but we're finding it challenging to finalize our destination. I'm hoping some of...

    Alvor/Lagos vs. Faro/Fuseta/Tavira: Where to Travel in ...

    My gf and i are planning a trip to the southern part of Portugal, the Algarve, this September, but we're finding it challenging to finalize our destination. I'm hoping some of...

    /r/travel
  • Reddit Icon

    r/travel is a community about exploring the world. Your pictures, questions, stories, or any good content is welcome. Clickbait, spam, memes, ads/selling/buying, brochures, cl...

    Planning a trip to Southern Portugal

    r/travel is a community about exploring the world. Your pictures, questions, stories, or any good content is welcome. Clickbait, spam, memes, ads/selling/buying, brochures, cl...

    /r/travel
  • Reddit Icon

    If you want to visit luxury travel locations, you'll probably have to go to Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and some other places around Vilamoura. Here you might run into them b...

    Where would you recommend in Southern Portugal

    If you want to visit luxury travel locations, you'll probably have to go to Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and some other places around Vilamoura. Here you might run into them b...

    /r/portugal
  • Reddit Icon

    Notice: Are you asking for travel advice about Portugal? Read what redditors had to say in the weekly destination thread for Portugal. I am a bot, and this action was performe...

    Southern Portugal (Faro) in October?

    Notice: Are you asking for travel advice about Portugal? Read what redditors had to say in the weekly destination thread for Portugal. I am a bot, and this action was performe...

    /r/travel
  • Reddit Icon

    r/travel is a community about exploring the world. Your pictures, questions, stories, or any good content is welcome. Clickbait, spam, memes, ads/selling/buying, brochures, cl...

    Itinerary for Southern Portugal

    r/travel is a community about exploring the world. Your pictures, questions, stories, or any good content is welcome. Clickbait, spam, memes, ads/selling/buying, brochures, cl...

    /r/travel

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Salvador Sobral - Amar Pelos Dois

    Salvador Sobral - Amar Pelos Dois

    A charming Portuguese ballad that won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2017, perfect for a romantic evening in the Algarve.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Salvador Sobral - Amar Pelos Dois
  • Music Icon

    Amália Rodrigues - Barco Negro (Mãe preta)

    Amália Rodrigues - Barco Negro (Mãe preta)

    A classic Fado song that captures the essence of Portuguese melancholy and the deep connection to the sea.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Amália Rodrigues - Barco Negro (Mãe preta)
  • Music Icon

    Toquinho - Onde Anda Você

    Toquinho - Onde Anda Você

    A soft and melodic tune that invokes the feeling of longing, fitting for the contemplative moments while watching the sunset over the cliffs.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Toquinho - Onde Anda Você
  • Music Icon

    Tom Zé - Vai (Menina Amanhã de Manhã)

    Tom Zé - Vai (Menina Amanhã de Manhã)

    An upbeat song with traditional Portuguese rhythms, great for a morning drive along the coast.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Tom Zé - Vai (Menina Amanhã de Manhã)
  • Music Icon

    Pequeno Cidadão - O Sol e a Lua

    Pequeno Cidadão - O Sol e a Lua

    A contemporary Portuguese hit that exudes the vibrant energy of a sunny day in the Algarve.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Pequeno Cidadão - O Sol e a Lua
  • Music Icon

    Dulce Pontes - Canção Do Mar

    Dulce Pontes - Canção Do Mar

    A powerful ballad that reflects the country's deep ties with the ocean, evoking the sights and sounds of the Portuguese coastline.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Dulce Pontes - Canção Do Mar
  • Music Icon

    Quarteto Em Cy - Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser

    Quarteto Em Cy - Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser

    A mix of bossa nova and jazz, perfect for winding down after a day of exploring the historic towns.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Quarteto Em Cy - Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser
  • Music Icon

    Pedro Mizutani - Chuva De Verão

    Pedro Mizutani - Chuva De Verão

    A soothing Fado tune that complements the quiet streets of Tavira or Silves after a gentle rain.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Pedro Mizutani - Chuva De Verão
  • Music Icon

    The Cranberries - Zombie

    The Cranberries - Zombie

    An iconic rock anthem to energize your travels and keep your spirits high as you adventure through southern Portugal.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for The Cranberries - Zombie
  • Music Icon

    Carlos Do Carmo - Lisboa Menina E Moça

    Carlos Do Carmo - Lisboa Menina E Moça

    Though about Lisbon, this song's nostalgic melody suits the atmosphere of any Portuguese city and is a tribute to the country's beauty.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Carlos Do Carmo - Lisboa Menina E Moça