Fully Flexible South Portugal Self-Drive: Coastal Cliffs & Hidden Atlantic Beaches

Your detailed trip plan

A suggested sequence — every flight, hotel and day can be changed.

• 8Destinations
• 2Transport
• 4Accommodation

1. 06 Apr

   Flight WAW → FAO

   Flight
   Wizz Air Direct 0KG

   13:15 WAW 4h 20m 16:35 FAO
2. 06 Apr

   Faro

   Stay from
   

   • Portugal

   The Algarve’s capital and largest city, Faro is the starting point for many northern Europeans’ holidays in the sun. Yet tourists have not overrun Faro, it’s a large city, and its marvellous beach, floating on an islet outside the town, help the jaded forget their lot. Despite being just the arrival point for many holidaymakers, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it's an enticing city-break destination in its own right. Faro's Old Town is a little gem. It's small, quiet and wonderfully atmospheric. The Cidade Vella is crammed with tourists and locals visiting the handicraft markets or just wandering around looking at the old buildings, many of which show signs of the city’s Moorish ancestry. Leading into Faro’s Old Town stands the Arco da Vila, a gate originally constructed as an arched gateway with a bell tower atop and a statue of the city’s patron saint, St Thomas Aquina. In the centre there is a beautiful square, Largo da Sé that used to be the Roman Forum. It's lined with orange trees and it is flanked by Faro’s Cathedral, the Bishops Palace and a 16th Century convent that is now the Faro Museum of Archaeology. Se Catedral, Faro’s Cathedral, dominates the Old Town. The original Gothic church was built in the 13th century, but was severely damaged during an earthquake. Only the tower and a doorway remains from that era and the temple presents today elements of different styles like Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. From the tower you can enjoy panoramic views of Faro and the coastline. Faro has a beautiful marina which lies just to the north of the Old Town and is probably the busiest part of the city. The city of Faro is a busy cosmopolitan centre, offering plenty of things to do, whether it's a wander around the shops, relaxing at one of the many pavement cafés, or visiting some of the historic places of interest, this city has much to tempt you off the beach.
3. 06 Apr

   Albufeira

   Stay from
   

   • Portugal
   • 3 nights

   Albufeira is a city in Algarve, in the south of Portugal. It is called the Gateway of the Algarve. Once a small fishing village it has now developed to be a very touristic area. Many holiday makers return year after year because of the lovely beaches, very good climate and the many restaurants, bars and pubs. The town is divided into two parts, 'The Old Town' and the 'STRIP', or newer town, including Montechoro, Arias de Sao João. The city of Albufeira maintains a historical and cultural heritage that demonstrates the spirit and strength of a population that believes in the essential power of Faith. There are various physical proofs of this way of life to confirm this like the Clock Tower and the Paris Church. Albufeira resort has gained a wide variety of recreation possibilities to offer to its visitors in terms of sport and leisure activities as well as entertainment.
4. 06 Apr

   Velamar Boutique Hotel - Adults Friendly

   3 nights
   

   ★★★ 9.0 Booking.com · 1,817 reviews

   • FAO-80, Albufeira
   • Twin classic (2a)
   • BUFFET BREAKFAST
5. 09 Apr

   Portimao

   Stay from
   

   • Portugal

   Portimão is the largest town in the western Algarve. It has been an important port since ancient times because of its location at the mouth of the river Arade. Today it is a busy provincial town and a commercial fishing port. During the summer months the quay on the town side of the river is lined with boats offering game-fishing trips and coastal and river cruises. Praca da Republica is an impressive square in the centre of Portimao. There are a number of water fountains located in and around the square and plenty of benches to sit on and watch the world go by. Along one side of the square is the imposing Church of the Colegio. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição dominates the city center skyline. This historic building was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake retaining an excellent Manueline style door from the original 14th century building. The interior is impressive with walls covered in glazed tiles from the 17th century. Praia da Rocha, the main beach in Portimão, is very beautiful and exotic and has an excellent beach bar. A modern and new marina is also one of the attractions on the Praia da Rocha path, full of new bars and restaurants from where to watch the rest of the world go by Summertime is clearly the busiest time of the year, reaching a climax with a popular annual event in Portimão: the sardine festival in august. The mild climate of the Algarve, and many sunny winter days attract a multinational crowd in all seasons, exploring the regional markets, visiting historical sites, strolling along the river boulevard or just sipping a drink in a terrace bar.
6. 09 Apr

   Lagos

   Stay from
   

   • Portugal
   • 2 nights

   Set along the sun-drenched Algarve coast, Lagos blends dramatic seaside scenery with a relaxed, small-town feel. Once a major port during the Portuguese Age of Discovery, today it’s known for golden cliffs, turquoise coves, and a lively historic center. Cobbled lanes wind past whitewashed houses, azulejo-covered churches, and remnants of the town’s medieval walls, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and welcoming. The coastline around Lagos is its greatest showpiece. Just outside town, Ponta da Piedade offers breathtaking rock formations, sea arches, and hidden grottoes best explored by boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Beaches like Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo are tucked between cliffs and accessed by stairways, while Meia Praia stretches for kilometers, ideal for long walks, swimming, and water sports. Sunsets here, with the cliffs glowing orange and the Atlantic fading to deep blue, are not to be missed. Beyond the beaches, Lagos offers plenty of culture and history. Visit the Igreja de Santo António with its gilded Baroque interior, or the former slave market, now a museum that addresses a darker chapter of Portugal’s past. The marina is a pleasant place to stroll, lined with cafés and restaurants serving fresh seafood—don’t leave without trying grilled sardines or cataplana, a traditional seafood stew. In the evenings, the old town comes alive with bars, live music, and street performers. Lagos also makes an excellent base for exploring the wider Algarve. Day trips can take you to surf spots on the wild west coast, charming inland villages, or other coastal towns like Sagres and Portimão. Whether you’re seeking beach time, outdoor activities, nightlife, or a touch of history, Lagos offers a balanced mix that suits both relaxed holidaymakers and more adventurous travelers.
7. 09 Apr

   Aparts & Suites summer cascade Alvor

   2 nights
   

   ★★★★

   • FAO-46, Alvor
   • Deluxe Room,1 King Bed
   • WITH BREAKFAST
8. 11 Apr

   Sagres

   Stay from
   

   • Portugal

   Sagres is situated inside the Algarve at the south-westernmost point of Portugal and of Europe. It is in Barlavento, western Algarve. Reach the Sagres region is entering a mystical atmosphere, surrounded by an untamed, unexplored dramatic landscape, where the sea and the mountains come together to form an unusual natural heritage. The beauty of its beaches, many almost deserted, and towering cliffs leaning over the sea, along with the historic grandeur constitute the principal. Visitors can also devote to nature defying the waves, admiring the sea bottom, climbing cliffs and exploring new paths. Sagres is one of the few places in the Algarve where wild nature, along with a rich historical and cultural heritage remains intact.
9. 11 Apr

   Zambujeira do Mar

   Stay from
   

   • Portugal
   • 2 nights

   Zambujeira do Mar is a former civil parish in the municipality of Odemira, Alentejo region, Portugal. In 2013, the parish merged into the parish São Teotónio.[3] Odemira Municipality in the Portuguese. It has a population of 911 inhabitants, dispersed over an area of 40.975 square kilometres (15.821 sq mi).
10. 11 Apr

    Monte Do Zeca

    2 nights
    

    ★★★ 9.0 Booking.com · 571 reviews

    • FAO1, Costa Alentejana
    • Double room
    • WITH BREAKFAST
11. 13 Apr

    Monchique

    Stay from
    

    • Portugal

    Monchique (Portuguese pronunciation: [mõˈʃik(ɨ)]) is a municipality of southern Portugal, in Faro District (province of Algarve). The population in 2011 was 6,045, in an area of 395.30 km2. The Municipality of Monchique is situated in the Serra de Monchique and together with the town of Monchique is a tourist destination. Attractions include a historic town centre, views from the two peaks of Foia and Picota, hiking, bird watching and biking. There are hot sulfur springs, with baths and health spas 6 kilometres (4 mi) south in 'Caldas de Monchique' (Spring of Monchique). Eucalyptus, cork oak, oranges, lemons, honey, olive oil, chestnuts, scissor chairs made from chestnut wood, black pork and black pork ham and sausages are the chief products. There are several small industries producing tourist artifacts that are sold in local shops, and medronho, a local brew made from distilled medronho berries (Arbutus/Strawberry Tree), is produced.
12. 13 Apr

    Faro

    Stay from
    

    • Portugal
    • 2 nights

    The Algarve’s capital and largest city, Faro is the starting point for many northern Europeans’ holidays in the sun. Yet tourists have not overrun Faro, it’s a large city, and its marvellous beach, floating on an islet outside the town, help the jaded forget their lot. Despite being just the arrival point for many holidaymakers, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it's an enticing city-break destination in its own right. Faro's Old Town is a little gem. It's small, quiet and wonderfully atmospheric. The Cidade Vella is crammed with tourists and locals visiting the handicraft markets or just wandering around looking at the old buildings, many of which show signs of the city’s Moorish ancestry. Leading into Faro’s Old Town stands the Arco da Vila, a gate originally constructed as an arched gateway with a bell tower atop and a statue of the city’s patron saint, St Thomas Aquina. In the centre there is a beautiful square, Largo da Sé that used to be the Roman Forum. It's lined with orange trees and it is flanked by Faro’s Cathedral, the Bishops Palace and a 16th Century convent that is now the Faro Museum of Archaeology. Se Catedral, Faro’s Cathedral, dominates the Old Town. The original Gothic church was built in the 13th century, but was severely damaged during an earthquake. Only the tower and a doorway remains from that era and the temple presents today elements of different styles like Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. From the tower you can enjoy panoramic views of Faro and the coastline. Faro has a beautiful marina which lies just to the north of the Old Town and is probably the busiest part of the city. The city of Faro is a busy cosmopolitan centre, offering plenty of things to do, whether it's a wander around the shops, relaxing at one of the many pavement cafés, or visiting some of the historic places of interest, this city has much to tempt you off the beach.
13. 13 Apr

    À da Avó - The Guesthouse

    2 nights
    

    ★★★ 8.7 Booking.com · 352 reviews

    • FAO-72, Faro
    • WITH BREAKFAST
14. 15 Apr

    Flight FAO → WAW

    Flight
    KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 1 stop 0PC

    08:30 FAO 6h 55m 16:25 WAW