Algarve 5-Day Itinerary: The Perfect Balanced Trip

If you have 5 days in the Algarve, you’ve chosen one of the best possible lengths of stay.

It’s long enough to see the region’s highlights, but short enough to keep the trip relaxed — if you plan it right.

This Algarve 5-Day Itinerary was created with one clear goal:
👉 help you experience the Algarve without rushing, backtracking, or spending half your holiday in the car.

It’s ideal for:

  • First-time visitors
  • Couples and relaxed travelers
  • Anyone renting a car
  • Travelers who want beaches and culture
Algarve 5-Day Itinerary Lagos Beach
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Is 5 Days Enough in the Algarve?

Yes — if you accept one important truth:
You can’t see everything, and you shouldn’t try.

The Algarve rewards travelers who slow down just enough. With 5 days, you can:

  • Explore the dramatic western coast
  • Visit iconic beaches and caves
  • Experience historic towns
  • Enjoy great food without stress

This itinerary balances West, Central, and Eastern Algarve while keeping daily drives reasonable.

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Overview: How This Algarve 5-Day Itinerary Works

Recommended bases

  • Days 1–2: Lagos (West Algarve)
  • Day 3: Central Algarve or Faro
  • Days 4–5: Tavira or Eastern Algarve

🚗 Car rental is strongly recommended for flexibility, but alternatives are included.

Day 1: Lagos & the Iconic Algarve Coast

Algarve 5-Day Itinerary Praia Camilo Lagos

Your Algarve journey starts in Lagos, one of the best all-around bases in the region.

Morning: Lagos Old Town & Beaches

Take your time this morning. Wander through:

  • Lagos Old Town
  • Small cafés and local bakeries
  • The historic city walls

Then head to the beaches:

  • Praia Dona Ana
  • Praia do Camilo

These beaches are close together and showcase the Algarve’s famous golden cliffs.

Afternoon: Ponta da Piedade

Spend the afternoon exploring Ponta da Piedade, the Algarve’s most iconic coastal formation.

You can:

  • Walk the cliff-top trails
  • Take photos from multiple viewpoints
  • Descend to small coves (if sea conditions allow)

💡 Local tip: Late afternoon light is perfect for photos.

Evening

Dinner in Lagos offers plenty of options, from seafood to modern Portuguese cuisine. Stay overnight in Lagos.

Day 2: Benagil Caves & Central Algarve Highlights

Algarve 5-Day Itinerary Benagil

Morning: Benagil Cave Experience

Start early and head east toward Benagil.

The famous Benagil Cave can only be accessed by:

  • Boat tour
  • Kayak tour
  • Swimming (only for very strong swimmers)

🛥️ Boat tours are the safest and easiest option, especially in high season.

After the cave, relax at:

Afternoon: Algar Seco & Coastal Walks

  • Praia da Marinha, one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches

Continue to Algar Seco near Carvoeiro, a scenic area with:

  • Rock pools
  • Natural arches
  • Easy walking paths

This area is less crowded than Benagil and perfect for a slower afternoon.

Evening

Overnight in:

  • Central Algarve (Carvoeiro, Lagoa), or
  • Continue to Faro if you prefer fewer hotel changes

Day 3: Albufeira, Faro & Ria Formosa

Algarve 5-Day Itinerary Albufeira

Morning: Albufeira Old Town

Albufeira often surprises travelers.

Ignore the party reputation and explore:

  • Albufeira Old Town
  • Cliff-top viewpoints
  • Small beaches below the town

It’s a good short stop — no need to rush.

Afternoon: Faro Historic Center

Drive to Faro, the Algarve’s capital.

Don’t skip it. Faro offers:

  • A beautiful old town (Cidade Velha)
  • Historic churches
  • Calm local atmosphere

Have lunch here before continuing.

Late Afternoon: Ria Formosa

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a peaceful contrast to the beaches.

Options include:

  • Boat trip to barrier islands
  • Walking paths
  • Birdwatching

Stay overnight in Faro or nearby.

Day 4: Tavira & Eastern Algarve Calm

Algarve 5-Day Itinerary Tavira

Today the pace slows down — and that’s intentional.

Morning: Tavira Old Town

Tavira is one of the Algarve’s most charming towns.

Explore:

  • Roman bridge
  • Historic churches
  • Quiet streets and squares

This is a great place to enjoy coffee without crowds.

Afternoon: Tavira Island Beaches

Take the ferry or water taxi to Ilha de Tavira.

Expect:

  • Long sandy beaches
  • Fewer cliffs, more open space
  • A calmer atmosphere than the west

Perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Evening

Stay overnight in Tavira and enjoy traditional Algarve cuisine

Day 5: Sagres & Cape St. Vincent

Algarve 5-Day Itinerary sagres ligthhouse

End your Algarve trip with drama.

Morning: Drive to Sagres

The drive back west is scenic and worth it.

Visit:

Afternoon: Cape St. Vincent

  • Sagres Fortress
  • Windswept cliffs
  • Atlantic Ocean views

Cape St. Vincent feels like the edge of Europe — and historically, it was.

Stand by the lighthouse, watch the waves, and take it all in.

This is a powerful, memorable way to end the trip.

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Where to Stay for This Itinerary

Best locations:

  • Lagos: perfect base for Days 1–2
  • Faro or Central Algarve: convenient for Day 3
  • Tavira: ideal for Days 4–5

Choose accommodation close to town centers to reduce driving.

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Getting Around: Car Rental Tips

  • Renting a car saves time and stress
  • Book early in summer
  • Full insurance is worth it

Without a car:

  • Base yourself in Lagos or Faro
  • Use guided tours for Benagil and Sagres
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Optional Variations

With kids

  • Skip Cape St. Vincent
  • Add extra beach time

Shorter drives

  • Remove Albufeira
  • Spend more time in Tavira
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Final Thought

The Algarve isn’t about checking boxes.

It’s about balance — beaches, towns, food, and moments where you stop and just look around.

This 5-day itinerary gives you that balance.

When you’re ready, the Algarve will do the rest 🌊☀️

Return to Algarve Itineraries

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