Fabulous forts, golden sands and infinite cerulean skies: The best way to explore the Algarve is by road
- Take the slow route through the Algarve on a road trip adventure to discover its incredible beaches.
Ad feature by British Airways Holidays
PUBLISHED: 08:50, 01 August 2023
With rust-red dunes, sugary sands and glistening waters, Portugal’s Algarve region offers the perfect backdrop for a beach escape.
But if you want to delve deeper into the region, you should take to the road. Take Portugal’s southern coast at a slow pace and you can spend your days popping into charming seafront villages, discovering dramatic seascapes off the beaten track, and hopping between beaches.
And from verdant vineyards to limestone cliffs, whitewashed guest houses to vibrant resort towns, everything is within easy reach, meaning you can head out and explore at your leisure.
If you’re planning a fly-drive holiday in Portugal, British Airways Holidays and its exclusive car hire partner Avis make it easy to book everything you need in one package.
You’ll find a curated collection of hotels and a selection of budget to luxury car rentals, all offered with 24-hour roadside assistance.
Simply plot your route, choose your accommodation and vehicle, and enjoy an ATOL-protected package with 23kg baggage per person and the benefit of a customer helpline for support round-the-clock.
With frequent and convenient flights to Faro, it’s easy to fly in and begin exploring this spectacular coast in style. Looking for inspiration? Here’s one suggested route that circles back to Faro for an easy and authentic Algarve adventure.
The charming town of Faro enjoys sun-kissed terrace restaurants, buzzing market squares and wrought iron balconies overflowing with flowers.
Faro to Albufeira
The charming town of Faro enjoys sun-kissed terrace restaurants, buzzing market squares and wrought iron balconies overflowing with flowers. There are also frequent British Airways flights to this coastal spot.
Give yourself time here to explore the cobblestone streets of the ancient Old Town before leaving for Albufeira, which is just a 40-minute drive west.
The route takes you away from the coast, but the journey is so short, it’s easy to turn back to the coast to seek out different beaches. Head to Praia da Falesia for sparkling stretches of golden sands flanked by reddish cliffs, or Cerro da Vila for sun-baked Roman ruins.
Pop into a collection of picturesque beachfront restaurants, or swing by the Family Golf Club at Vilamoura for a quick round under cerulean skies.
Arrive in Albufeira in the early evening to admire how sunset bathes the Moorish streets and sandstone cliffs in a nostalgic light, then head to the vibrant marina for a seafood feast.
Arrive in Albufeira in the early evening to admire how sunset bathes the Moorish streets and sandstone cliffs in a nostalgic light
Albufeira to Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro is just 30 minutes away if you follow the road that leads inland, but if you stay by the coast, you can explore some beautiful stop-offs.
Take the scenic route to weave together beautiful beaches and charming towns. Slightly west of Albufeira, the charming beach of Sao Rafael is ideal for adventure, with kayak tours to discover the beautiful sea caves nearby.
For a more private slice of paradise, Praia dos Arrifes is just 10 minutes away. With incredible rock formations shielding the small beach from the Atlantic winds, this is a calm choice for the little ones, as are the sweeping golden sands of Praia de Gale.
Visit the grotto-like sea cave of Benagil, hike the rugged Seven Valleys, then continue to the laid-back vibes of Carvoeiro, a picturesque fishing village that blends the best of traditional Portugal with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Explore some beautiful stop-offs in Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro to Lagos
Hug the coast on your route to Lagos and you’ll discover the colourful riverfront of Portimao, or head deeper inland for the scenic dam and traditional cuisine of Odiaxere. Follow the signs from the village towards the Barragem to Bravura dam, built in the 1950s to relieve water shortages in the local area.
Pick up the perfect picnic from Odiaxere, then savour views of the serene lake at Bravura, submerge yourself in the refreshing waters, or bring your binoculars to catch sight of local and migrating birds as you walk across the dam.
A little over an hour from your departure point, the small coastal town of Lagos packs a mighty historical punch, with winding city walls, patterned pavements and a 17th-century fortress that once protected the seafaring inhabitants from pirates.
Ponta da Piedade is a rugged headland chiselled by the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean
Lagos to Sagres
A 15-minute drive south of Lagos brings you to the golden cliffs and turquoise waters of Ponta da Piedade, a rugged headland chiselled by the wild waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Step carefully down a staircase clinging to the cliffs to admire a beguiling world where sea grottos, pillars and caves rise out of the mesmerising waters.
Then a short drive west from Lagos to dive into the crystalline waters of Praia da Luz, a Blue Flag beach with shallow waters, golden sands, and infinite ocean views.
From there, it’s just a 30-minute drive to Sagres town. A 16th-century parish turned surfing hotspot, Sagres blends ancient history and rugged forts with nature reserves brimming with biodiversity, the perfect family escape.
Dive into the crystalline waters of Praia da Luz, a Blue Flag beach with shallow waters, golden sands, and infinite ocean views
Sagres to Faro
Opt for the inland route on your way back to charming Faro to see another side of the Algarve, where vineyards unfurl through deep valleys and whitewashed villages stand frozen in time. Just an hour and 20 minutes via the A22, this scenic journey will help you wrap up your fascinating Algarve experience.
A Portuguese adventure
Book your fly-drive holiday with a low deposit from just £75 per person and all the security that comes from booking with British Airways Holidays and Avis. Simply pick your perfect family-friendly resorts or romantic beachfront boltholes, a convenient flight from an airport near you and start planning the perfect Portuguese road trip adventure.
With great rates and flexibility to suit your travel plans, you’ll also enjoy a 24-hour customer service helpline, and roadside assistance.
Are you an Executive Club Member? Make the most of additional benefits such as a free additional driver with every rental, as well as priority check-in and boarding, lounge access and the chance to collect Avios with Avis.
With British Airways Holidays, your ATOL-protected package gives you the chance to enjoy the best of the dramatic Algarve coast as you hop between blissful beaches and picturesque towns.
Book your perfect Portuguese fly-drive holiday at ba.com/flydrives
