The Algarve by RV: the best road trip

How about visiting the Algarve in an RV? Renowned for its heavenly beaches and cultural heritage, the south of Portugal is a great destination if you're dreaming of a sunny vacation!

Tips, must-see activities, and a detailed itinerary, discover right away the best road trip in the Algarve in an RV.
 

Summary of the road trip in Algarve in an RV

Days 1-2 : Faro

Considered one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal, the Algarve is perfect for a road trip in an RV. Your trip to Portugal begins in Faro, the capital of the Algarve.

Start your visit with the Arco da Vila, symbolizing the entrance to the old town. Continue with the Faro Cathedral built in 1251, and feel free to climb to the top of its gothic tower to enjoy a superb view.

Next, take a walk through the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. On foot, by bike, by kayak, or by boat, all means are good to discover this incredible place populated by flamingos and storks. Nature lovers will adore it!

Faro is also the ideal place to relax on warm sand. You have plenty of choices to find a nice beach to lay your towel. Here are my favorites:

• Praia da Barreta
• Praia da Quinta do Lago
• Praia do Ancão
• Praia da Armona
• Praia da Fuseta

Don't forget to bring your picnic!

Once back on solid ground, you can visit the excellent Museu Municipal de Faro located in the old convent of Nossa Senhora Assunção and discover archaeological remains found in Faro and its surroundings.

Move a bit away from downtown to visit the Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo. This superb 18th-century church has a chapel made from monks' bones and skulls. Not for the faint-hearted!

Located right next to Faro, the small town of Tavira is also worth a visit. Start with its quaint historic center, full of cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. Many buildings are also covered with azulejos, the typical Portuguese mosaics.

Continue your visit with the Castelo de Tavira, this beautiful castle situated on the heights of the town. The view from the walkways is magnificent. On your way down from the castle, cross the Roman Bridge overlooking the Gilão River just after visiting the Igreja da Misericordia, a charming little church featuring 18 scenes in azulejos.

If you want to discover a unique beach, head to Praia do Barril and its anchor cemetery. You can reach it via a lovely footpath or a small train.

Between Faro and Tavira is Olhão, another must-see town in the Algarve. Nicknamed "the cubist city" due to its square houses, you can stop here to enjoy the seafood festival if you visit in August. Stroll through the small streets of the historic center to appreciate the city's unique architecture.

A tip for your RV rental in Portugal: prefer parking outside city centers as the streets are often narrow.

Day 3 : Albufeira (45 km)

On this third day of road trip in Portugal, head west to Albufeira, known as the "Saint-Tropez of Portugal". This seaside resort, one of the most popular in the Algarve, has a very charming historic center and superb beaches.

During this day dedicated to relaxation, take a walk along the marina to admire the sailboats and colorful buildings. It is also the starting point for boat excursions to visit the region's caves and meet the dolphins swimming in the southern waters of Portugal.

If you like water sports, you'll love scuba diving or snorkeling in the clear waters off Albufeira. Thrill-seekers will try parasailing to discover the coast from the air. Finally, if you're looking for a nice spot to lay your towel, the Praia dos Arrifes is undoubtedly the most beautiful beach in the area.
 

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Day 4 : Monchique (55 km)

Today, take the road again with your rental RV towards Monchique. This small mountain village is perfect for a day trip. Wear good shoes, as the streets are particularly steep. You'll discover colorful façades and impressive stork nests.

Thanks to its spring water's benefits, the town of Monchique has thermal baths with healing properties. With its whitewashed houses, the village architecture perfectly illustrates The Moorish heritage of the region.

Push the door of the Igreja Matriz de Monchique, this church built in the 16^th century then go see the ruins of the Convent of Our Lady of Desterro to dive into a post-apocalyptic atmosphere where nature has taken over.

Art lovers will not miss visiting the Studio Bongard Ceramics. You can discover the artist's workshop and his sculptures. To enjoy an incredible view, go to the Miradouro da Fóia which is the highest point in the Algarve.

Days 5-6 : Lagos (47 km)

The road trip continues towards Lagos! With its lively port, its fortified old town, its impressive cliffs, and its beautiful beaches, Lagos definitely has it all. Start from Infante Dom Henrique Square to discover the Church of Santa Maria de Lagos and the old slave market which now houses a museum retracing this dark period of history.

Continue towards the Lagos castle without forgetting to take a look at the São Gonçalo gate. As you head towards the waterfront, you will see the Fort da Ponta da Bandeira built in the 17th century.

If the weather is not great, feel free to visit the Centro Ciência Viva. This space dedicated to science and technology offers exhibitions, conferences, activities, and workshops for all ages.

Because the journey also goes through the taste buds, take the opportunity to discover delicious Portuguese specialties during your stay in Lagos. Taste the grilled sardines, cod fritters (pataniscas de bacalhau), not to mention razor clam rice (arroz de lingueirão) and clam cataplana, on the menu of taverns, breweries, and local restaurants.

To end your meal on a sweet note, try almond-based pastries like the Dom Rodrigo, this typical Algarve treat, or carob tart and almond paste.

Once satisfied, it's time to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Lagos to perfect your tan between two swims. Steep cliffs, golden sand, small coves, and emerald water give the landscape an air of paradise.

Here are some of the most beautiful beaches in Lagos:

• Praia do Camilo
• Praia dos Estudantes
• Praia do Pinhão
• Praia Dona Ana
• Praia do Barranco do Martinho
• Praia do Canavial
• Praia de Porto Mós

If you're looking for a nice viewpoint, head to Ponta da Piedade, you'll be delighted. From the marina, you can also take a tour to discover the coast from another angle with its sea caves. Keep your eyes open for a chance to spot dolphins.

While Lagos is more known for its tranquility than its nightlife, you will find plenty of very nice bars in the city center like Bon Vivant, Peppers Bar, or Three Monkeys Bar.

Before returning to Faro, make a detour to the village of Sagres, the paradise of surfers, but not only... People also come for its pristine beaches and large cliffs offering splendid views over the Atlantic Ocean. Less frequented by tourists than Faro or Lagos, you'll feel like you're alone in the world, especially if you come in the off-season. The fort of Sagres located on the edge of a cliff and swept by the winds is very impressive.

Right next to it is the superb beach Praia do Tonel from which you can admire a magnificent sunset. However, be careful of the waves which are particularly strong here. Continue to the cape Saint-Vincent which is the southernmost point of Portugal. This wild and windy place has a lot of charm. A must-see during a road trip in RV in the Algarve.

Day 7 : Faro (90 km)

The journey is coming to an end and it is now time to return to Faro. On the way, don't hesitate to make a small detour to the villages of:

• Alte, this village preserved from mass tourism with its typical streets and its lovely waterfall
• Salir, this small town that produces almonds, carob, and olives
• Loulé, for its authenticity and regional products
• Almancil, the paradise of golf enthusiasts

Enjoy the beaches of Faro one last time before returning your RV and heading home, with memories full of your head!

When to visit the Algarve in RV?

Located in the far south of Portugal, the Algarve is a very sunny region with a Mediterranean climate. Temperatures remain quite mild in winter with values between 11 °C and 17 °C and little precipitation.

In summer, the thermometer can easily rise above 30° from July to September.

The Algarve can therefore be visited by van or in an RV all year round, although the most pleasant period is from June to October.

And there you have it, you now know the best itinerary to visit the Algarve in an RV. If you have recommendations or questions, feel free to share them in the comments.

Have a great trip to the south of Portugal!