The Best Day Trips from the Algarve (Including Seville)

The beaches are wonderful, but some of the best days of an Algarve holiday are spent away from them: a whitewashed hill town, the cliffs at the end of Europe, the mountains of Monchique, or even a day in Spain. Here are the best day trips from the Algarve, with how to get there and what to expect.

Quick answer: the top picks are Seville (about 2 hours from Faro, a full but amazing day), Sagres and Cape St Vincent, Monchique and Fóia, Silves, Tavira and the Ria Formosa and the riverside town of Mértola. A car gives you the most freedom; organised tours run from all the main resorts.

1. Seville, Spain

Andalusia’s capital is about 200km and 2 hours by car from Faro (2h30–3h from Lagos or Albufeira). See the huge Gothic cathedral and the Giralda tower, the Real Alcázar palace, the Plaza de España and the lanes of Santa Cruz. Remember: Spain is an hour ahead, and bring your passport or ID. Group tours with pickups across the Algarve cost around €65–75 for a long (about 12-hour) day. See Seville day trips.

2. Sagres and Cape St Vincent

The southwest tip of Europe: the Sagres fortress on its windswept headland, wild cliffs, surf beaches and the lighthouse at Cape St Vincent, famous for its sunsets. Combine it with the beaches of the west coast. About 30 minutes from Lagos. See Sagres tours or read our Lagos and western Algarve guide.

3. Monchique and Fóia

Green, cool mountains just 30 minutes inland from Portimão. Drive up to Fóia, the Algarve’s highest point (902m), stop at the old spa village of Caldas de Monchique, and try medronho, the local firewater. Jeep safaris are a fun option. See Monchique tours.

4. Silves

Once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, Silves has a red sandstone castle, a Gothic cathedral and a pretty riverside. About 20 minutes from Portimão, and lovely combined with Monchique.

5. Tavira and the Ria Formosa

The prettiest town in the Algarve, plus island beaches and boat trips through the lagoons. See Tavira and the eastern Algarve and the best Algarve boat trips.

6. Mértola

A hilltop town above the Guadiana river in the Alentejo, about 1h30–2 hours from the coast, with a castle, a mosque turned church, and Islamic and Roman museums. Wonderfully off the beaten track.

7. The Costa Vicentina

Huge empty beaches and cliffs on the wild west coast, from Arrifana to Odeceixe, about 30–45 minutes from Lagos. See our Costa Vicentina guide.

8. Évora

The UNESCO-listed Alentejo capital with its Roman temple and Chapel of Bones is about 2.5 hours away, so it’s a long day, better as an overnight. See Évora and the Alentejo, and Monsaraz nearby.

9. Gibraltar (only if you’re keen)

Tours do run, but it’s about 5 hours each way, with very early starts and a late return. Possible, but we’d only recommend it if Gibraltar is high on your list. You’ll need your passport. See Gibraltar trips.

10. Lisbon?

The fast train takes about 3–3.5 hours each way, so it’s too much for a day. Spend at least two nights. See Lisbon to the Algarve.

Tips

• Car or tour? A car is cheaper for families and more flexible. Tours avoid the driving and include pickups. See car rental and driving in Portugal.
• Start early in summer to avoid the heat inland, where it can be 10°C hotter than the coast.
• Tolls: the A22 motorway across the Algarve is now free; Spanish motorways to Seville are mostly free too.
• Spain: remember the time difference, and check your car hire allows cross-border driving.

Where to base yourself: where to stay in the Algarve.

From our sister blog: Our 7-day Algarve road trip itinerary on Sunset Travellers.

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