Driving isn't for everyone, but that doesn't mean you can't explore the beauty of the Algarve. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to stay that don't require a car to get around. If you're looking for convenience and accessibility, consider staying in a slightly larger town that offers all the amenities you need within walking distance. And if you need to travel further afield, taxis are a relatively cheap and convenient option. Here are the best towns in the Algarve to stay without a car, so you can enjoy a stress-free and relaxing vacation.
1.
Lagos
About an hour drive by taxi (or train) from Faro Airport you'll find the beach town of Lagos. It's one of the bigger towns in the Algarve and is famous for the stunning viewing point Ponta de Piedade the sandy cove of Praia do Camilo. Lagos has a beautiful old town with many restaurants, cafe's, shops and surf schools and many beaches nearby the town centre. There is lots to do in this beautiful beach town. If you stay close to the the town centre everything you need is within walking distance and you don't need to rent a car. But you'll find some stunning hotels in Lagos that offer everything you need as well.
How to get there
Public transport: from Faro airport you can take a bus for around €8 or the train for about €11.
Taxi: you can also book a private transfer for about €60 (one way).
Make sure to check out my blog about the the most beautiful beachfront boutique hotels in the Algarve. You'll find some beach front gems in Lagos in there as well.
2.
Praia da Luz
Next to Lagos you'll find the beach resort of Praia da Luz. It's quite a bit smaller then Lagos and is not as easy to reach. There is lots to do in this beach town and you really don't have to leave. There are some beautiful hiking trails around and the main sandy beach is perfect for spending long sunny days and enjoying water sports. With many cute restaurants, cafe's and shops this towns has everything you need nearby.
How to get there
Public transport: I would not recommend public transport to Praia da Luz as it takes over 3,5 hours to get there.
Taxi: you can book a private transfer for about €74 (one way).
3.
Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro is cute town with whitewashed houses and a beautiful sheltered bay situated on the typical Algarve coastline with its clear blue waters and large rocky cliffs. This beach town has everything you need and the cliffs here are absolutely stunning. Perfect for hiking and visiting one of the many caves with amazing views. You'll find lots of shops, bars and restaurants in this town and it's the perfect place to stay if you're a beach lover and don't feel the need to hire a car. Small drives can easily done by taxi.
How to get there
Public transport: you can take a bus to Lagoa and switch busses there to Carvoeiro. It takes about 1,5-2 hours and costs about €7,50 in total.
Taxi: you can also book a private transfer for about €50 (one way).
4.
Alvor
The beautiful town of Alvor has everything you need. A cute town center, many options to eat out and enjoy drinks and other amenities. You'll also find some beautiful beaches here to visit that are within walking distance from the town centre. If you're not renting a car, it's easy and not expensive to take trips to Portimão if you're in need of a change of scenery.
How to get there
Public transport: you can take a bus to bus which takes 2h 21m and costs €5 - €11.
Taxi: you can also book a private transfer for about €60 (one way).
5.
Burgau
I just want to highlight one of my favorite beach towns because this place deserves it! The towns of Burgau is a beautiful tiny fishing village situated about 10 kilometers from Lagos just next to Praia da Luz and about an hour drive away from Faro Airport. It's by far the smalles beach resort of all towns in this blog. However, if you stay in this beautiful town centre, like in my beach flat for instance, you have everything with in walking distance and you won't need a car to get around. Some cute restaurants, a bakery, 2 small supermarkets, hiking and mountainbike trails and of course the beach
How to get there
Taxi: you can also book a private transfer for about €81 (one way).
