How many days to spend in the Algarve: the perfect itinerary

My perfect 7-Day Itinerary (from me to you!)

If you're wondering how many days you need in the Algarve, I'm here to help! After spending years exploring this gorgeous region in southern Portugal, I can honestly say the Algarve is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. So whether you're in it for wild coastlines, charming villages, epic hikes, or lazy beach days—this place will totally steal your heart.

Near Praia da Marinha (Benagil)

So... how many days should you stay in the Algarve?

I’d say 6 to 8 days is the sweet spot. Why?

Because it gives you time to:

• Chill on the most beautiful beaches (like Praia da Marinha and Praia do Carvalho)

• Explore picturesque towns like Carvoeiro, Silves, and Lagos

• Try something new like coasteering, a surf lesson, horse riding, or one of the stunning cliff hikes

• And most importantly, go with the flow ✌️

Here’s a full 7-day Algarve itinerary you can follow—or tweak to your vibe!

Explore more activities

My favorite boutique stays in Carvoeiro

Day 1: land, settle in & sunset dinner

You’ll most likely land at Faro Airport, and here’s my first tip:➡️ Rent a car. It gives you so much freedom to explore at your own pace.

Drive about 40 minutes west and stay somewhere around Benagil or Carvoeiro—a great central base. In the evening, go for a stroll and have a warm outdoor dinner in one of the cozy town squares.

Day 2: beach day & boat tour (optional)

Slow mornings are a must. Grab a bica (Portuguese espresso), have a little wander, and pick one of the beautiful nearby beaches to spend your day:

• Praia da Benagil (famous cave! but busy in summer)

• Praia da Marinha

• Praia do Carvalho

• Praia do Carvoeiro

• Praia do Paraíso

• Praia do Vale de Centeanes

☀️ Tip: These beaches are stunning, so just relax, swim, maybe grab lunch with your feet in the sand.

Up for more?You’re right in the middle of the Algarve’s famous cliffs—book a boat tour! You might spot dolphins, and the coastline from the water is just... unreal.

If you're like me and love to stay active, go for a sea swim, a round of padel, or hit the gym at Carvoeiro Tennis Club.

Dinner tip: Some of my faves are O Pescador or Rei das Praias—seafood and sunset views 😍👉

My favorite restaurants

Rei das Praias between Carvoeiro and Ferragudo

Day 3: hike day – Seven Hanging Valleys trail

Today’s adventure day!

Start the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail from Praia da Marinha. I honestly can't stress enough how stunning this hike is. Insane cliff views, hidden beaches, and pure magic all around. You can do a round trip or end in Benagil or Carvoeiro for a delicious seaside lunch.

Full hike guide

Day 4: road trip & change of scenery

I always recommend staying in two different spots in the Algarve—it feels like two holidays in one!

Time to:

• Pack up and check out

• Drive to Ferragudo for breakfast or lunch. Wander its cute cobbled streets, admire the azulejos, and take in the charm of this tiny fisherman’s town.

Then head west to a totally different Algarve—more wild, raw, and untouched (and sooo beautiful).

Stay in:

• Burgau, Praia da Luz, or Salema if you still want that beachy town vibe

• Or go quieter in Aljezur, Arrifana, or Odeceixe (just around the corner on the west coast)

From Lagos, the highway ends and the road becomes a beautiful scenic route.

Once you arrive, treat yourself to a sunset hike and a drink on the beach. You’ve earned it.

Tiraul, Arrifana (Algarve West Coast)

Day 5: full-on adventure mode

Today’s your chance to do something totally new:

• Coasteering (dooo it!)

• Another cliff hike—sunset is especially magical

• Horse riding through rolling hills

• Or take a surf lesson on the wild west coast

✨ Big tip: Head to Tiraul Arrifana for lunch or sunset drinks. Watch the surfers, take in the cliff views... it’s honestly one of the best views in the Algarve.

Day 6: chill, explore, or both

Sleep in, grab breakfast at one of my fave spots like:

• Café Sul (in Burgau)

• Café Corso (in Burgau)

• Laundry Lounge in Sagres

Then spend your day however you feel:

• Revisit a favorite beach

• Try that one thing you didn’t get to earlier

• Or just do nothing and soak it all in 🧘‍♀️

Tip from me: if you havent been to Arrifina or Odeceixe yet, choose this day to go here, explore and enjoy some food with the most beautful views ever! Odeceixe has a beautiful Lagoon that is perfect for swimming on a hot summer day.

Day 7: time to say goodbye

Your final day… and I hope you’re feeling sun-kissed, happy, and relaxed

Maybe you’ll squeeze in one last espresso, a short beach walk, or just smile at how good the Algarve has been to you.

Good to know: the drive back can be between 1 and 1.5 hours depending on where you're staying.

See you soon, Algarve ❤️

Algarve road tripping

So… How Many Days in the Algarve?

If you’re still wondering how many days in the Algarve is enough, the answer is simple: plan for at least 6 to 8 days. It’s the perfect amount of time to:

• Discover the most beautiful beaches in Portugal

• Explore charming towns like Carvoeiro, Silves, and Lagos

• Enjoy unforgettable activities like hiking, coasteering, and surfing

• And most importantly—relax and soak up the Algarve sunshine ☀️

Of course, if you have more time—stay longer! But one week in the Algarve gives you the perfect mix of adventure and chill.

Still planning your trip? Save or share this 7-day Algarve itinerary to make the most of your stay. And if you’ve been here already—how many days did you stay in the Algarve? Let me know!