A beautiful region of Portugal and some tips to reach it and visit it if you have only one day available.
I have already told you about this beautiful one region of Portugal and its beautiful beaches in a previous article. Now, I want to try to offer you a one day trip to the Algarve.
How to reach it and how to move
I assume that if you are here for just one day, you might like to visit more things in this region, therefore I exclude the use of public transport and I recommend the car rental, in order to be autonomous.
The cost of renting a car will depend on the company you choose, but in general with 20 € / 30 € per day you should get by.
You can reach the Algarve in train / car from Lisbon, or simply find a flight to the city airport.
Faro, not to be missed
The trip to this region cannot fail to start from the town of Faro, but what to see in Faro in less than a day?
The Cidade Velha (the historic center) of this town is really beautiful and characteristic and testifies to the different cultures that have influenced it (Arab and Roman).
Arco da Vila gate, a structure dating back to the XNUMXth century located in front of the ancient city walls.
The buildings of the Municipality of Faro
Cathedral - sacred place - from the top of the clock tower you can enjoy an excellent view.
The ancient walls dating back to the Moorish period and the various access gates.
The Archaeological Museum
The Manuel Bivar Gardens
The Capela Dos Ossos in the complex of the Chiesa del Carmo (the bones are incorporated into the drawings and ornaments of the church structure itself).
Small Tips:
Guided tours depart daily from the small port of Faro to discover the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
The beaches around Faro
At 5 kilometers from Faro there is Praia de Faro, which is certainly the best beach of the whole area around the city.
An alternative beach to visit is that of Ilha Deserta.
It can be reached by ferry and it is an almost completely uncontaminated islet.
The city of Loulé
From Faro, you could then continue on to Loulé, a busy city with a lively daily market and shops.
After checking point in Loulé continue to Silves.
The Silves Carnival
Silves, a small town in the Algarve famous for its carnival, is endowed with a lot of character and charm inherited from the long history that characterizes it.
Silves is a delightful fortified town that was once theancient capital of the Algarve.
During the Moorish era it was a great defensive stronghold and an important trading city.
As you explore Silves you can see traces of this illustrious past, from the huge red brick castle and impregnable walls to the Gothic cathedral built where once there was a majestic mosque.
Towards Albufeira
From here, head towards Albufeira and on the way maybe stop at Villa Moura or visit the splendid one Praia Do Falesia.
Albufeira, the beautiful “white town” of the Algarve whose houses lie on the mountain that descends to the sea, will appear to you as an Amalfi overlooking the ocean with Portuguese notes.
If you have not already done so, maybe take a lunch break and with fresh energy, head towards Armaçao de Pera and then the splendid Praia De Benagil, a beach that cannot fail to be mentioned.
By the calm sea, the area is ideal for boat excursions, discovering inaccessible beaches by land that offer emotions that are difficult to imitate.
The city of Lagos
Then continue through Portimao and arrive in Lagos.
The city of Lagos, as well as being known for its walled historic center, is characterized by beaches and cliffs overlooking the sea.
Graceful wooden stairs lead down to the sandy bay of Praia do Camilo; while the nearby cliffs of Point of Pity, offer panoramic views and a lighthouse.
To avoid a general rush, I would recommend that you end your trip here in Lagos, so that you can enjoy the end of this day.
And if you have enough time, but above all if you are a nature lover, you could reach the end of this wonderful coast reaching Sagres.
Sagres is located on the far western tip of the Algarve and stands out from any other southern Portuguese destination.
A truly scenic territory awaits you at the end of this magnificent coast.
Huge cliffs overlooking the sea are broken by strong winds and very high waves.
Due to these characteristics Sagres is mainly one surf destination, but there are pristine sheltered beaches for relaxing and a modest vibe to town.
Don't miss to visit here Cabo de Sao Vicente, a remote and desolate promontory that makes real travelers happy; a promontory that I myself failed to visit, but which I promised myself to see in the near future.
As you may have read, one day it would take only to visit the town of Faro, but also to fully enjoy the towns of Silves and Loule; not to mention the beautiful beaches of Lagos and the Cabo and Sao Vincente.
The ideal would be to be able to spread this trip in 3-4 days.
One day only, it can only make you want the Algarve even more.
