After falling under the spell of Lisbon and Porto , we went to the South of Portugal to visit the Algarve in 3 days . This is the first time we have discovered this region of Portugal and we can say that we were amazed. Visiting the Algarve in February was one of our best ideas! We tell you why in this article and we reveal our favorites and the must-sees of this magnificent region!
Visit the Algarve in 3 days: what to do in the South of Portugal?
OUR ITINERARY
We must admit that 3 days is short to visit the entire Algarve coast. So, we had to make choices. For example, we skipped Faro, Lagos, Olhão to focus on the beaches. But in just 3 days, it is still possible to see a lot. With a length of about 155 km, you can, by organizing your days well, discover the must-see places of the entire sea coast and its incredible landscapes. Here are all our discoveries from east to west!
CACELA VELHA
Let’s start with this charming little village 50 km east of Faro and only 20 km from the Spanish border . It is located on a hill with a superb view of the Ria Formosa lagoon . When you discover Cacela Velha, you feel like you are taking a leap into the past. There are also traces of the various occupants of the village such as the Muslims or the Romans among others. Its historic center with its church and its fort is really small but it is really worth the detour for its magnificent panorama.
TAVIRA
About ten kilometers from there, in the direction of Faro, we stop to visit the small town of Tavira. And as always, we start the discovery with its historic center. We stroll through its cobbled streets with its facades covered with azulejos and bougainvillea. Then head to the Praça da República, the main square of Tavira, lined with cafes and restaurants. Not far from the square is the Ponte da Roman , the famous Roman bridge, symbol of the city that crosses the Gilão River . Finally, at the top of the Santa Maria hill, we discover the Castle of Tavira but especially its superb garden hidden inside its ramparts. Free access.
ALBUFEIRA & ITS BEACHES
Albufeira
This former fishing village has now become a very popular seaside resort in summer. It is also the largest in the region! During our 3 days in the Algarve, we put down our suitcases in Albufeira. And the least we can say is that in February, the city is very calm and quite pleasant. On the other hand, given the number of closed bars and clubs, we imagine that come summer the city must have a completely different face. In any case, we enjoyed being there in the off-season to stroll through its old town and its colorful marina .
Falesia Beach
This is without a doubt our favorite beach in Albufeira! Too bad the sun wasn’t really there when we discovered it because it must be even more incredible under a big blue sky. What is most amazing is the contrast between its red rock and the blue of the ocean. This beach, which stretches over more than 5 km, offers an incredible setting with its immense cliffs. And it seems that the sunsets are magical! It is certainly for all these reasons that Praia da Falesia will remain one of our favorite beaches in the Algarve!
For more travel tips, check out our post on the Visit Venice in 3 days
Fishermen’s Beach
This large beach, called Fisherman’s Beach , is the main beach in the city of Albufeira and therefore very accessible because it is located right in the city center. It is also very strange to find escalators and an elevator to reach the beach! Of course, at this time of year the beach was deserted, which was not to displease us. However, in the summer you can rent deckchairs and practice many activities such as pedal boats or parasailing (an activity that you can book by following this link ). To admire the Praia dos Pescadores, head to the heights of the old town. You will also have a panoramic view of the city and the sea from the Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira at the other end of the city.
Arrifes Beach
We wanted to discover this small beach at sunset but the weather was rather capricious that evening. Praia dos Arrifes is nonetheless a pretty beach nestled in the cliffs . Due to its strong rocky presence, it is not the most suitable beach for swimming and especially with children. We come here for its preserved and natural environment even if the small beach hut has given way to a famous seaside restaurant A Sardinha (closed in low season).
Ponta Pequena Beach
It was while searching for Praia do Ninho de Andorinha that we came across this hidden but oh so beautiful beach : Praia da Ponte Pequena. What makes it so beautiful is surely the presence of its natural arch . At high tide, the sand is almost completely submerged by the sea. You can get to Praia da Ponte Pequena by a small, rather steep path that goes down the cliff or by boat from the Marina of Albufeira.
Ninho Beach in Andorinha
This is another beach that amazed us during our mini road trip in the Algarve. It is located between two very beautiful beaches: Praia da Ponta Pequena and Praia da Ponta Grande. First, its view from above is magnificent because it is connected to Praia da Ponte Grande by an arch . Then, we go down stone stairs to find ourselves alone in the world in this wild place . It was quite magical and at the same time mysterious. Like the feeling of being at the end of the world! To enjoy this place, the best is to go at low tide to have a strip of sand on which to sit to admire this natural beauty.
Coelha Beach
A 15-minute drive west of Albufeira is the magnificent Coelha beach. We loved this beach surrounded by golden cliffs that we found magnificent. It is also a children’s paradise for collecting shells. At the end of this beach you can even find a natural cave . And if like me you like to gain height, a path that leaves to the left of Praia da Coelha, allows you to climb the cliffs and admire the view .