I have been fortunate to explore around Lisbon many times over the past year, but for this trip to Portugal I really wanted to explore a new area. With the Algarve being a little over 2 hours from Lisbon, it was a no brainer for me to come here. Who wouldn't want to be beachside with gorgeous cliffs as the backdrop??
Day 1
We decided to stay a little outside of the tourist towns at Quinta Dos Vales in Estômbar. This was the most perfect stay for us. It reminded me so much of staying in Tuscany with the vineyards as the backdrop, and it was nice to not be around the bustling tourist areas.
If you want to stay in the popular towns then I would suggest looking at Lagos, Carvoeiro, Albufeira, Portimão, or Faro.
For dinner we headed into Carvoeiro to O Rafaiol. This place had a very nice patio section - there is nothing like being on a European vacation and having dinner outside. Note: when we went it was still cash only.
Day 2
We headed to Lagos, which was only a 30-minute drive from our hotel, to explore the beaches there.
We wanted to go to Praia do Camilo, but when we got there, the stairway down was closed to construction - this did not stop people from hopping it to make the trek down. We decided to venture down the boardwalk to Praia Dona Ana. This beach wasn't that crowded, so it was easy to snag a spot. Either bugs love me or we were in a bad area, but I was constantly covered in little bugs.
Shortly after, we decided to head back to our hotel to hang out by the pool before dinner.
We went to Armação de Pêra to watch the sunset and have dinner. I was taught in Italy to never eat by tourist areas, but surprisingly the restaurant we ate at here was very good and not overly priced - Restaurante Clipper - and it had a great view of the sunset.
Day 3
We had lunch reserved at Boneca Bar, so we spent a couple hours driving around to see different beaches and climbing around the cliffs by our lunch spot. Down the stairs of Boneca Bar there is a cave that has the most stunning view. Pro tip: wear something more sturdy for shoes rather than cute sandals if you are going to be climbing around.
For dinner, we went into Portimão. The main strip of the town made it feel like I was walking around NoLa with the clubs and bars, so we decided to head towards the marina for dinner at Club Naval De Portimão. Honestly, my seafood pasta was average, but my boyfriend got chicken and french fries, which we ended up ordering a second side of fries because they were so good.
Day 4
Every trip I try to find a piece of art and an ornament for my Christmas Tree to take home with me. Porches Pottery was the perfect place to find both. Every piece is hand painted with different graphics - if I had more room in my suitcase I would have come home with a full plate and cup set.
There is also a little patio you can have a quick bite to eat on - highly suggest the carrot cake!
Next up was a tour to Benagil Caves. I did not want to be on a blow up boat with a group of people for 2.5 hours, but it was worth it. The coastline of Algarve is STUNNING, so you have to see it from the water if you have the chance.
For dinner, we headed in to Estômbar for dinner at Restaurante Casa do Rio. We had a beautiful view of the sunset. Highly recommend the pork belly bao buns and the octopus cataplana (serves 2 people).
Day 5
Arguably our favorite day! We went to Praia dos Três Irmãos (Three Brothers Beach), and I was nervous it would be similar to the beaches in Lagos. NOPE - this is what I expected beaches in the Algarve to be like.
It was so much fun exploring these connecting beaches. At one point my boyfriend went MIA and then I hear someone screaming my name - I look up and he climbed up to the top of the cliff, so naturally I joined. Pro tip: bring shoes if you're hiking up because the rocks are HOT and there are little burs you may step in.
Before dinner we went to have a drink at a rooftop bar in Carvoeiro - Skybar 360. There was a DJ playing music for us all, so it was a great spot for a pre-dinner drink. Note: there is not much shade once the sun starts to set, so be prepared to be in the sun!
Then dinner at The Garden. This restaurant had vibes that reminded me of Mexico and the food was so yummy - also there was live music during our dinner.
Things To Know Before You Go
Having a car is a huge plus to explore the different areas in Algarve.
There is so much to do, so narrowing it down is key. You can always go back to visit again!
Unless you want a really good table or want to go to a popular restaurant, you don't really need to book reservations in advance.
The water is COLD - the Algarve is on the Atlantic, so at the end of May the water was icy cold.
Beaches are a hike to get to - but so worth it. Bring comfortable shoes
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