3 Days in the Algarve: Benagil, Lagos and Sagres

Three days is enough for a great taste of the Algarve: the famous cliffs and sea caves, a beautiful old town, and a sunset at the end of Europe. Here’s our 3-day Algarve itinerary, based in Lagos or Carvoeiro.

Quick answer: Day 1: a boat or kayak to Benagil, then Praia da Marinha and the Seven Hanging Valleys trail. Day 2: Lagos: Ponta da Piedade, Praia Dona Ana and the old town. Day 3: Sagres and the sunset at Cape St Vincent, or a beach day. Base yourself in Lagos or Carvoeiro, and hire a car.

Day 1: Benagil and Marinha

• Morning: a boat trip or guided kayak to Benagil Cave while the sea is calm. See Benagil Cave.
• Midday: swim at Praia da Marinha.
• Afternoon: walk part of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail along the clifftops.
• Evening: sunset on the Carvoeiro boardwalk at Algar Seco. See Carvoeiro.

Day 2: Lagos

• Morning: Ponta da Piedade by small boat or kayak. See things to do in Lagos.
• Afternoon: Praia Dona Ana and the old town.
• Evening: dinner and drinks in Lagos. See the best restaurants in Lagos.

Day 3: Sagres or a beach day

• Sagres: the fortress, surf beaches and the famous sunset at Cape St Vincent. See Sagres.
• Or relax: a beach day on Meia Praia or at a family resort.
• Or the east: Tavira and the islands, if you’re flying from Faro. See Tavira.

Tips

• Book boats for the morning.
• Arrive early at Marinha and Benagil for parking.
• From Faro airport: about an hour to Lagos. See Faro airport transfers.
• Where to stay: see the best hotels in Lagos or where to stay in the Algarve.

Got a week? See the 7-day Algarve itinerary.

Prices and details change, so please double-check before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the groups.