Your Guide to 3 Days in the Algarve: Explore Carvoeiro, Albufeira, and Lagos
The Algarve: one of Europe’s best beach destinations and home to some of Europe’s (and the world’s) most beautiful beaches. However, what many visitors don’t expect in this beachy paradise is the wealth of culture that can be found as they meander down cobbled streets, lose themselves among whitewashed houses, and dive into the surprisingly rich history of the region. Whether you’re choosing the Algarve for a long weekend city break or plan to split your time between lounging and exploring, check out the itinerary we’ve prepared for 3 days in the Algarve, covering where to go, what to do, and what to eat!
Check it out!
Day 1: Check out Carvoeiro
First up on our Guide to 3 Days in the Algarve: Carvoeiro. One of the Algarve’s most picturesque fishing villages made up of whitewashed houses scattered across a clifftop leading down to a golden sandy beach, Carvoeiro is the perfect place to spend any day – especially your first day of adventuring in the Algarve.
How about starting your 3 days in the Algarve with a leisurely breakfast as you meander down the main street towards the beachfront? Then we recommend a walk. Whether you prefer a stroll along the Carvoeiro Boardwalk to a full-morning (12K) hike along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and back, either option provides breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding areas.
After a morning of exertion, you’ll be ready to kick back, so how about a relaxing afternoon boat trip? A few options are available, from Benagil cave tours to a range of watersports, from kayaking and canoeing to getting out on the water on a SUP board. The bay at Carvoeiro is the perfect place to set off from, so make the most of your time here by mixing up land and sea activities.
Speaking of SUP boards, you could also save your SUP experience for a sunset paddle, though there are many ways to explore Algar Seco – a series of rock formations and caves along the coast – before sitting down at one of the local seafood restaurants in Carvoeiro, where you can indulge in freshly-caught local fish paired with local wine to round off your day.
Day 2: Adventure in Albufeira
Next on our Guide to 3 Days in the Algarve: Albufeira. The Algarve’s most popular beach holiday destination, Albufeira is a bustling town that combines traditional picturesque architecture with traces of its Moorish past, natural beauty, and bustling nightlife. There’s no better place to spend a second day of adventuring!
Kick off your day by wandering around the old town, taking in the independent shops and cafés. You won’t be short of options for snacks and lunch here, where you’ll find food from around the world. However, you won’t do much better than a traditional local “cataplana” – Portugal’s answer to a paella without the rice, made in a huge pan.
Once you’ve sampled the best of the local cuisine, how about spending some time relaxing on Pescadores (Fishermen) beach? However, if your Carvoeiro day didn’t allow for a boat trip, you’ve also got the option of several boat trips in Albufeira, including parasailing and a boat trip from Albufeira to Benagil caves, taking in the gorgeous seascape on the way.
Albufeira’s famous nightlife starts ramping up around sunset, so why not make the most of your 3 days in the Algarve and go for a cocktail or two on a rooftop terrace? Whether you’re after a quiet dinner overlooking the sea in the old town or live music in an Irish pub on the strip (Rua da Oura), Albufeira’s got it all.
Day 3: Leap into Lagos
The third and final day of our guide to 3 Days in the Algarve will lead you to Lagos: once the Algarve’s capital city, home to Europe’s first African slave market and former fortified trading centre. So, let’s explore some things to do in Lagos!
Home to some of the Algarve’s best secret beaches, the Lagos coastline is not to be missed. From the stunning headland at Ponta da Piedade to heading down the steep steps at Camilo Beach or adventuring through a tunnel at the far end of Batata Beach to Estudantes Beach and its famous hanging Roman-style bridge, your hardest job will be deciding where to start! You can also explore via the water, on kayaks or an organised boat tour, which may include dolphin watching in Lagos.
Once you’ve stopped for a spot of lunch – whether that looks like fresh fish on a clifftop, traditional “condelipa” clams in a square, or Portuguese tapas paired with wine – how about a meander around Lagos’ historic centre? Ancient city walls, churches, museums, a castle, and the local market await. Then, you can round off your last day of your 3 days in the Algarve with a leisurely dinner overlooking the boats at the marina for sunset.
Spending 3 days in the Algarve exploring everything the region has to offer certainly makes for a holiday to remember. When you’re staying at the Rocha Brava Village Resort, you’ll be sure to be in the midst of it all. Located just 6 minutes away from Carvoeiro, 35 from Albufeira, and 38 from Lagos, you’ll be perfectly placed to hike along coastal cliffs, explore historic towns, or simply relax on the beach.
