The Algarve is amazing for driving. Roads are wide and generally pretty empty trough beautiful landscapes. Perfect for a road trip!
Wherever you're staying at the south coast, start driving west. The highway ends when you get to Lagos. Start your drive in the direction of Aljezur. From here it's about a 40 kilometer drive to Praia do Amado. The endless winding roads take you trough beautiful hills with, as I call them, cloud trees. They're actually Stone Pine trees growing close together on the hills. Open your car windo's because with the many Eucalyptus trees the smell is sooo good!
After driving trough the beautiful empty hilly landscape you will drive trough a few tiny towns right before you enter the town of Carrapateira. Next to the Beautiful beach it gets really fun, your trip continues on unpaved and sandy roads on top of the beautiful cliffs with the ocean on your right side. It's absolutely stunning! Stop at Sitio do Forno for a drink with a spectacular view and take your time to check out the many viewing points on the way.
Finally you arrive at Praia do Amado. One of Portugals most beautiful beaches. It's the ultimate surf beach where especially in wintertime, big waves hit the wild beach and cliffs. There is a beach bar where you can enjoy a Pastel de Nata or a sunset beer.
You can drive the same route back or visit Sagres and Vila do Bisbo on the way back and drive along the most South West Point of Europe.
Check out the Google maps route here.
Haven't booked a car yet? I have also written a blog about the best car rentals at Faro Airport (main airport Algarve).