The Algarve in 7 Days: Coast, Cliffs and the Wild West
A week lets the Algarve show both faces: the sculpted gold-cliff south coast and the wild, protected west. The route below works as one drive with three bases — east, centre, west — and no backtracking.
Days 1–2 — East: Tavira and the islands
Base in Tavira or Olhão. Ferry to Ilha de Tavira, the anchor cemetery at Barril, cubist Olhão and its market halls, Cacela Velha’s clifftop view over the lagoon. Seafood dinners where the octopus is a religion.
Days 3–5 — Centre: cliffs and caves
Base around Carvoeiro or Albufeira. Walk the Seven Hanging Valleys trail from Marinha — the Algarve’s best morning — kayak into Benagil, swim at São Rafael, and spend an evening in Lagos: Dona Ana, Camilo and the Ponta da Piedade sunset.
Days 6–7 — West: the Costa Vicentina
- Amado and Arrifana surf beaches — lessons available year-round
- Sagres fortress at the end of the world, Cabo de São Vicente sunset
- Final dinner in Lagos or on the road back to Faro airport
The week that becomes a life plan, more often than you’d think.
When the Algarve visit starts turning serious, Daria Melnik Realty runs the residency-and-housing track in parallel.
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