Sarah Wallock6 Days in the Algarve for Sunshine Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
When dreaming up the surf trip we’ve always wanted to make a reality, we set our sights on Portugal’s Algarve. With tickets booked to London to see family and one week of time set aside for the next outdoor adventure, we were amped up and ready to go.
Portugal’s Algarve is golden sandy beaches, fresh seafood and home to some of the world’s best surfing. It seemed like the perfect antidote after a chilly, snowy winter in Colorado. After ski season tapered off, nothing sounded better than 6 days in the Algarve of sun, sand and sea! Here’s how we decided to spend our 6 day trip, what worked, what didn’t and what I’d do differently next time.
Day 1: Faro to Sagres
Driving along the A22 highway and snacking on seafood
- Where We Stayed: Algarve Surf Hostel
- Highlight of the Day: The white sand beach in Sagres and sunny, warm weather made such a wonderful welcome day after the chill of England and summer thunderstorms in Colorado.
- Best Food of the Day: Laundry Lounge
For other places to stay in Sagres, check them out here.
Day 2: Surf Camp in Sagres
Our first time ever surfing
- How We Got There: Transfer included with our surf package from Algarve Surf Hostel
- Where: Sagres, Praia de Aramado
- Highlight of the Day: Standing up on a surfboard, of course!
- Best Food of the Day: Octopus ceviche from Água salguda
Day 3: Surf Camp and Sagres to Lagos
Surfing, playing in the waves, then journeying onward
- Where We Stayed: Happy Silva Guesthouse
- How We Got There: In our manual transmission Fiat500 from Hertz
- Where: Sagres, Praia de Aramado, Lagos
- Highlight: Feeling more comfortable on our surfboards
- Favorite food: South African garden restaurant with lots of cuisine options, expat influences and a lively atmosphere
For other accommodation options in Lagos, check out the Booking.com selection here.
Day 4: Lagos
- Where: Lagos, Praia de Camilo, and Luz
- Highlight: Visiting white sand beach and dunking in crystal clear waters
- Favorite food: Dinner overlooking the ocean in Luz at historic Fortaleza de Luz
- Additional highlight: Flat whites at Goldig were a tasty start to the day.
Day 5: Bengali and Lagos
- Where: Lagos, Carvoeilo, Bengali Caves
- Highlight: Spectacular hiking trails and authentic local Portuguese food
- Highlight: Praia Dona Ana was insanely gorgeous and serene! A highlight of the entire trip and a beachfront view I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
- Favorite food: Shrimp piri piri at Casa do Prego, finger-licking good
Day 6: Lagos to Luz via Catamaran
- Where: Along the coast of Ponta Piedade
- Highlight: Jumping off a boat into the turquoise sea. Full vacation mode!
- Lowlight: Afternoon thunderstorms, rain, cold weather and rolling waves!
- Favorite food: Nina 11, European style breakfast and a mellow way to start the day
If I return to the Algarve, there might be a draw to stay in Luz vs. Lagos, for a bit of a quieter scene. Additionally, although both of our trip accommodations served the purpose they set out for (affordable and convenient); next time, we’d probably book something more private, quiet and self-contained.
Day 7: Lagos to Faro
On our final day in the Algarve, we drove from Lagos to Faro to flew back to London.
To conclude, the Algarve is a rad destination for an annual vacation. Maybe it’s a shorter weekend trip, a pitstop on a long-haul adventure, or that one holiday you’ve been waiting all year to take. Whatever it is, Portugal’s Algarve is a wonderful spot to land. Our 6 days in the Algarve were well spent.
