tour andalusia e algarve

• Tour in Andalusia e Algarve

Due regioni che incantano per la loro bellezza. Fare un tour Andalusia e Algarve significa fare un viaggio tra la cultura, la storia, la natura e l’ottima gastronomia di due paesi straordinari.

Abbiamo creato questo itinerario per una coppia di nostri viaggiatori che sono partiti per un tour Andalusia e Algarve a settembre 2023.

• Viaggio di 16 giorni
• Cultura – mare – cucina
• Totale (escluso pasti ed escursioni) circa 2.600€ per due persone

Per loro abbiamo studiato l’itinerario più consono al loro modo di viaggiare, creando un giusto mix tra visite, escursioni e relax.

Anche tu vorresti partire per un tour Andalusia e Algarve ma non hai tempo o abbastanza esperienza per organizzarlo? Scrivici a [email protected]

Cosa ti interessa?

Tour Andalusia e Algarve: cosa devi sapere

Se vuoi partire per un tour Andalusia e Algarve prima di tutto considera il clima . Soprattutto in Andalusia le temperature possono raggiungere picchi di caldo molto impegnativi, perciò evita i mesi estivi in particolare da metà giugno a metà agosto . In Algarve l’acqua dell’oceano è sempre fresca anche in estate e le maree possono influenzare moltissimo l’area disponibile nelle spiagge, trasformandole da ampie a minuscole nel giro di una giornata!

Per esplorare al meglio queste due regioni è necessario noleggiare un’auto e metti in valigia delle scarpe adatte alle escursioni, crema solare, cappello e anche una giacca a vento che tornerà utile soprattutto sulle scogliere.

Giorni 1-2: Arrivo e visita di Malaga

Il tour Andalusia e Algarve inizia con un volo dall’Italia direzione Malaga . Questa è la seconda città per importanza dell’Andalusia, dopo Siviglia. Il centro storico della città racchiude le principali attrazioni da visitare:

• Calle Larios , il viale più famoso denominato “salotto di Malaga”
• Cattedrale di Malaga , una delle più maestose del mondo
• Centre Pompidou Malaga , la sede distaccata del famoso museo di Parigi
• Teatro Romano , una struttura del I secolo d.C.
• L’Alcazaba , situato su una collina nel centro storico. Questa fortezza araba è simile all’Alcazar di Siviglia e anche se più piccola è altrettanto bella.
• Plaza de Toros , l’arena dove si tengono le corride.
• Casa natale il museo di Picasso
• Castello di Gibralfaro , una fortezza costruita nel XVI secolo.

Se si ha poco tempo consigliamo di partecipare a un Free Tour ossia un tour guidato a piedi tra i monumenti più significativi di Malaga con una guida del posto . Il prezzo è a offerta.

Giorno 3: Caminito del Rey

Si tratta di uno dei percorsi a piedi più spettacolari al mondo , un’esperienza adrenalinica da includere sicuramente in un tour Andalusia e Algarve. Spesso etichettato come uno dei sentieri più pericolosi, dopo i lavori per la sicurezza e la riapertura nel 2015 il Caminito del Rey è diventato una bellezza naturale aperta a tutti, anche alle famiglie. Una passerella in legno addossata a rocce verticali all’interno di un canyon posta ad un’altezza di 100 metri dal fiume Guadalhorce, conduce i visitatori alla scoperta di questa bellezza naturale.

Giorno 4: Granada

Granada è una vera perla andalusa che dista poco più di un’ora e mezza da Malaga. Una visita della città non può non iniziare che dal suo monumento più famoso- nonchè uno dei luoghi più suggestivi della Spagna – l’Alhambra . Per il suo fascino è considerata l’ottava meraviglia del mondo. Oltre all’Alhambra non perdere:

• Alcaiceria . In passato sede del Gran Bazar della città, ospitava il famoso mercato delle spezie e delle pietre preziose.
• Bañuelo di Granada , sono i bagni arabi più importanti e ben conservati della Spagna.
• La Cattedrale Metropolitana de la Encarnación , la principale chiesa della città con all’interno la Cappella reale.
• Quartiere Albayzin con ben 26 moschee

Giorno 5: relax al mare

Malaga è la capitale della Costa del Sol e offre diverse spiagge dove potersi rilassare nelle vicinanze. In alternativa la vicina Marbella (a circa un’ora di distanza) seduce i suoi visitatori con oltre 27 km di costa e deliziosi locali.

Giorno 6: Pueblos Blancos

In un tour Andalusia e Algarve, non può mancare una visita dei famosi Pueblos Blancos . Questi piccoli villaggi andalusi che si trovano nell’entroterra , nella provincia di Cadiz. Una terra selvaggia e incontaminata, un viaggio attraverso il tempo e lo spazio. In particolare consigliamo:

• Alcalà del Valle
• Setenil de la Bodegas

Giorni 6-7: Siviglia

Siviglia è una città che incanta e affascina i visitatori, inconfondibile grazie al suo mix particolarissimo di architettura araba, influenze gitane e tradizioni tipicamente spagnole.

Cosa non perdere in città:

• La Cattedrale di Siviglia e la Giralda , un’immensa chiesa in stile gotico al cui interno è presente la tomba di Cristoforo Colombo.
• Plaza de España , il simbolo della città
• Parco Maria Luisa
• Plaza de Toros e il museo taurino
• Alcazar , il palazzo reale costruito dai Mori è l’attrazione principale di Siviglia. Per viverla al meglio si può partecipare a un tour guidato.
• Barrio Santa Cruz , un labirinto di case bianche
• Museo del Flamenco
• Palazzo di Pilatos , una tipica dimora signorile sivigliana
• Il caratteristico Barrio San Bartolomè
• Metropol Parasol : un’opera d’arte contemporanea che regala una magnifica vista sulla città.

Vedere e ascoltare un’esibizione di flamenco significa provare un’emozione viscerale che rimanda a luoghi e tempi lontani e non c’è luogo migliore del Museo del Baile per assistere a uno spettacolo di flamenco. Un’esperienza autentica per calarsi nella vera atmosfera di Siviglia.

Giorno 8: arrivo in Algarve, la città di Faro

Faro è la capitale dell’Algarve . Questa graziosa e pittoresca cittadina ha un fascino insolito ed è riuscita a conservare la propria tradizione senza diventare commerciale. Merita una visita sicuramente il centro storico e il Parco Naturale Ria Formosa una riserva naturale protetta , tra laghetti, ruscelli, isolette e lingue di sabbia, particolarmente suggestiva da visitare con una gita in barca al tramonto.

Giorno 9: Albufeira

Albufeira è una cittadina graziosa e tradizionale con spiagge dorate , ottima per un giorno di relax durante il tuo tour Andalusia e Algarve. Sono due le principali spiagge cittadine ma ce ne sono di molto belle anche a pochi minuti in auto. Scegli la tua preferita e trascorri una giornata in completa pace.

Giorno 10: Sentiero delle 7 valli + Lagos

Questa è una delle zone più incredibili del Portogallo. Il Sentiero delle 7 valli si snoda su una scogliera a picco sul mare tra Praia da Marinha e Praia do Vale Centeanes. Gli scorci panoramici si susseguono uno dopo l’altro e il rumore delle onde accompagna il viaggiatore per l’intero cammino. Sicuramente il punto più conosciuto e instagrammabile del sentiero è la grotta di Benagil , raggiungibile a piedi o in kayak dal paese omonimo.

Giorno 11: Lagos

Lagos è una delle località più apprezzate dell’Algarve con bellissime spiagge nei dintorni. In particolare ti suggeriamo: la zona di Ponta da Piedade, Praia do Camilo, Praia de Dona Ana, Praia dos Tres Irmaos e Praia da Marinha.

Giorno 12: Carrapateira e Cabo de São Vicente

Ci troviamo nella parte sud-occidentale del Portogallo, la più rude e selvaggia. Cabo de São Vicente è l’estremità sud-occidentale dell’Europa , conosciuta per millenni come la “fine del mondo”; da qui l’Oceano Atlantico si mostra in tutto il suo splendore insieme alle suggestive scogliere di Sagres.

Carrapateira invece è una mecca del surf . Questo grazioso e tranquillo villaggio vanta due magnifiche spiagge nelle vicinanze che attirano un popolo di hippy e di surfisti. La costa qui è selvaggia, le spiagge ampie e di sabbia chiara.

Giorni 13-16: visita di Lisbona

Questo tour Andalusia e Algarve si conclude visitando Lisbona, una capitale dal fascino decadente e profondo. Ecco come puoi suddividere le visite durante il tuo soggiorno:

Primo giorno a Lisbona : visita del centro partendo da Praça Dom Pedro IV – meglio conosciuta come Piazza del Rossio – percorrendo Rua àurea, una delle vie più importanti e famose della città e arrivando fino all’Elevador Santa Justa un’ascensore in stile neogotico realizzato da un allievo di Eiffel nel 1901. Da qui puoi facilmente raggiungere il Barrio Alto per visitare il Convento do Carmo . Seguendo Rua Augusta , la via più importante di Lisbona, superato l’omonimo ed imponente arco di trionfo, arriverai a alla piazza principale Praça do Comércio . Da questa piazza si ha una bellissima vista sul fiume Tago e il ponte XXV Aprile, inconfondibile per la sua somigliata al Golden Gate di San Francisco.

Secondo giorno a Lisbona : dedica questa giornata al quartiere dell’Alfama . Questo è il più importante della città per quanto riguarda il Fado, un genere di musica popolare ed estremamente tipico . Visita della Cattedrale (nota come La Sè) e giro sul mitico e caratteristico Tram 28 . Non perdere poi due bellissimi punti panoramici: il Miradouro de Santa Luzia e il Miradouro das Portas de Sol . Visita del Castello di São Jorge . Trascorri il resto della giornata nel cuore letterario di Lisbona: il Chiado, il quartiere preferito di Pessoa .

Terzo giorno a Lisbona : escursione a Sintra per la visita dei suoi fiabeschi castelli oppure visita della località balneare di Cascais e del punto più occidentale d’Europa, Cabo da Roca .

Quarto giorno a Lisbona : fine del tour Andalusia e Algarve. Sfrutta le ultime ore in città per visitare il quartiere di Belem , uno dei più famosi poiché proprio da qui partirono nel XV secolo le navi che andarono per prime alla scoperta dell’India, del Brasile e dell’Africa Orientale. Partenza per l’aeroporto e rientro in Italia.

Hai bisogno di organizzare il tuo prossimo tour Andalusia e Algarve? Scopri come possiamo esserti di aiuto sul nostro sito!

Siamo Jessica & Roberta, consulenti di viaggio e Travel Planners. Ti facciamo scoprire il mondo con itinerari di viaggio unici, creati su misura per te. Dopo anni trascorsi a organizzare le nostre vacanze passo dopo passo, abbiamo deciso di mettere a disposizione la nostra esperienza alle persone come te che amano viaggiare.

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The Perfect Andalucia Itinerary for 7, 10, or 14 Days

• Isabelle Hoyne
• February 15, 2024

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Pulling together the perfect southern Spain itinerary can be testing – I remember feeling overwhelmed when first sitting down to plan my trip to Andalucia – and you might be feeling this way too. This is a long one, but stick with me and by the end, you’ll know how to craft the perfect Andalucia itinerary!

I close my eyes and I am back there – flashes of orange blossoms, dusty, white towns that teeter on the precipice of yawning gorges, the solitary echo of footsteps on ochre-hued streets at siesta time. 

I taste the salty tang of Manchego cheese as it hits my tongue and squint my eyes in the bleached light of the midday sun, as I am once again immersed in the kaleidoscope of experiences that make up a road trip in Andalucia . 

Andalucia is famous for its shoreline – along its fringes are the beaches of the Costa del Sol, firm-favourite of many a package holiday fan. 

Its gateway is the port city of Malaga, but to step inside the interior of this region is to discover its beating, cultural heart and the very best of Southern Spain.

Our route first took us from the coast to the sweeping arches of the Puente Nuevo at Ronda, and on then to cosmopolitan Seville , capital city of Andalusia.

From here we journeyed our way further through southern Spain to gawp at La Mezquita in Cordoba before finishing at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, racking up our step count at Granada’s Alhambra .

Since initially writing this Andalucia itinerary guide, I’ve spent a number of months living in the marvellous metropolis that is Seville. I’ve fallen even further under Andalusia’s charms and hope to help you do the same through this comprehensive guide.

I understand that time constraints may be different for all readers of this post, and so below, I have outlined a variety of proposed itineraries depending on number of days you have available.

Further on in the post, I lay out my recommendations for each destination mentioned. Happy planning!

Essential links for booking your Andalucia trip

Search for and book flights via  Skyscanner Book your car rental via Rentalcars Make sure to book in advance: ☆ Make sure to book tickets to the Alhambra well in advance, that include entry to the Nasrid Palaces as visitor numbers are limited daily. To get the most from your visit, book a small group guided tour or alternatively, a private tour . ☆ The Seville Super Combi Pass offers a discounted bundle price for access to the Alcazar, Cathedral & Giralda Some memorable experiences in Andalucia ☆ Arabian Baths Experience at Granada’s Hammam Al Ándalus ☆ VIP early-access Alcazar of Seville tour (editor’s choice) ☆ Tastes, Tapas & Traditions of Seville Food Tour (great for foodies – I took this tour & loved it!) ☆ Small group catamaran trip in Marbella with dolphin watching ☆ Kayak and Snorkeling Tour in Acantilados de Cerro Gordo-Maro Natural Park Recommended hotels : Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria (Ronda hotel with spectacular views) // Soho Boutique Hotel (luxe for less, Seville) // Villa Oniria (boutique beauty I stayed in, Granada) // H10 Palacio Colomera (reasonably priced Cordoba luxury hotel with pool) Best Andalucia vacation rentals : take a look at these dreamy apartments

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Why history, culture and gastronomy lovers should visit andalucia, when should i go to andalucia, what is the best way to get around andalucia, how many days do i need in andalucia, andalucia itinerary 7 days, andalucia itinerary 10 days, andalucia itinerary 2 weeks, andalucia by train itinerary, ronda & the white villages, related reading for granada & andalucia, like this post pin for later.

Andalusia’s history is a long one.

For millennia these lands have attracted a diverse range of people. From early, pre-Christian metalworkers to the Phoenicians, the Romans to the Moors, Andalusia finally found itself in the hands of the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, when it then became the nucleus of Spanish trade with the New World in the 16th century.

Responsible also for the Reconquista , they made it their business to either convert to Christianity or expel from Spain its Muslim and Jewish occupants.  

Each ruling dynasty left its mark on the region. Possibly the most unique and lasting legacy is that of the Moors – in fact, flamenco, one of Andalusia’s most distinct cultural outputs, finds its origins in Arabic roots.

Arabic influence on Andalusian architecture is also extremely distinct in this region, presenting a magical hybrid of Moorish and Spanish qualities (called ‘ Mudejar ’) that won’t be seen anywhere else in the world.

The perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, be wowed by architectural diversity and uniqueness and spend a good deal of time in tapas bars swilling local wine, an Andalucia road trip needs to make its way onto every traveller’s southern Spain itinerary .  

Planning your Andalucia road trip

Before embarking on our Andalusia road trip , it took a little bit of head scratching and quite a bit of research in order to answer all questions and decide on a route and itinerary for the trip. 

Where should I base myself in Andalucia and how much time did I need? Is it safe to self drive in Spain? Is it possible to get around Andalucia by train? You will likely have the same questions, so let me answer these for you below!

As with a lot of destinations, the shoulder months of April/May and September/October make for a great time to visit Andalucia, with average daily temperatures of anywhere between 20-30 degrees celsius (68-86 Fahrenheit).

I’ve visited Seville during May/June and temperatures sat at around 27/28 degrees celsius each day.

I would highly recommend that you avoid visiting at the peak of summer, particularly July and August, as the temperatures in places such as Seville can soar to a blistering 40 degrees celsius (104 fahrenheit) or more.

Bear in mind that the temperatures will vary from place to place – Seville, for example, will be milder than Ronda and Granada.

I spent a week in Andalucia across the New Year period and found it to be an excellent time to visit.

Conditions ranged from ‘short-sleeve weather’ in Seville, to ‘wear a coat weather’ in Granada, but there was sunshine everywhere we went and minimal rain (especially compared to home- Ireland! ) which makes Andalucia a very attractive winter sun destination in Europe.

I looked into buses, trains and hiring a car in Andalucia as a means of completing our southern Spain itinerary. We opted in the end to hire a car. My reasons for this:

Getting around Andalucia by train

Train routes in Andalucia are good, with fast AVE trains linking Malaga, Seville and Cordoba.

They don’t, however, work out very well when trying to incorporate Ronda and any of the White Villages into your itinerary and you have a little less flexibility if you want to venture off the beaten path outside of Andalucia’s larger urban centres.

Price wise too, when I looked at the cost of train tickets for two travellers and compared to hiring a car, there was little in the difference. Weighing it up, it was worth the flexibility of having a car at our disposal for our particular itinerary.

If it makes sense for your itinerary, though, train is still a solid option and you can check times and book tickets here .  

Getting around Andalucia by bus

Travelling around Andalucia by bus is also an option, but not one I opted for. Like the train, you’re tied to bus schedules and bus station drop off/pick up routes.

Personally, too, I just prefer to travel by car (or train), but if you would prefer to travel by bus then you can search for and book your tickets here.

Hiring a car for an Andalusia road trip

If you have decided that hiring a car is a good move for you too, then wonderful – let your Southern Spain road trip begin!

I suggest hiring something that’s not too much on the large side and that is comfortable enough for the longer stretches but small enough to navigate the often minimal spaces of narrow, cobbled city centre streets and car parks. 

I always use rentalcars.com when hiring a car abroad. I like them for the following reasons:

• You can compare all car rental companies in a given destination. They also have superior filtering options too, so you really can drill down to what you’re looking for – even to the deposit amount and payment type. 
• All the info you need for your relevant booking can subsequently be found in their convenient app – no print outs necessary.
• You can often amend/cancel your booking with no additional charges.

Driving in Andalucia during your itinerary for southern Spain- what you need to know

If you’ve ascertained that renting a car is the best way for you to get around Andalucia for your southern Spain itinerary, what else do you need to know?

Road conditions in Andalucia : the conditions of the roads in Andalucia are very good. Much of the road between main cities is motorway and when not, single lanes are wide and easy to navigate.

Driving distances and time : one thing I loved about our itinerary for Southern Spain was that there was never too much driving between locations.

As a rough guide, here is a summary of the time we spent transferring between cities (departing from and arriving to city centre locations in each):

• Malaga Airport to Ronda: 1 hr 15 mins
• Ronda to Seville: 1 hr 45 mins
• Seville to Cordoba: 1 hr 40 mins
• Cordoba to Granada: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Granada to Malaga Airport: 1 hr 25 mins

Provided that you leave at a sensible time and aim to arrive at your next stop in the same vein (i.e. not during the middle of rush hour traffic), the times provided by Google Maps between destinations are accurate and can be relied upon.

Parking is often not included in hotel rates, and is usually available at a nearby secure, underground car park.

Rather than source your own car parking (which might end up being far from your accommodation on the outskirts of town), I’d recommend taking the hit on this for peace of mind while driving a rental car in an unknown city.

It usually costs around €25-30 per day.

Is driving in Andalucia easy?

Driving in Andalucia really doesn’t pose too many problems. The roads we encountered were all high quality and we ran into no logistical issues when using Google Maps – once we followed the route provided we ended up where we needed to be.

Cities will be busy – Seville is a little tricky, as you first need to navigate larger intersections as you make your way towards the centre and then narrow streets once you go further in. Granada was much the same, although on a lesser scale.

We got caught out driving into the centre of Cordoba – there is a local access only zone that is controlled by electronic bollards so if your accommodation is in the old centre, arrange entry into the area in advance with your accommodation.

All in all though, a fairly straightforward driving experience as things go.

How long is a piece of string?! The charms of this region are plentiful and far reaching. To really cover a good chunk of the region of Andalucia as opposed to a city or two, then you need at least one week in Andalucia for it to be worth your while.

You want to allow for at least 2-3 days per stop (with a couple of exceptions requiring less time), so keep that in mind when crafting your Andalusia itinerary .

Personally, I spent a week in Andalucia and would have loved to extend my time there by another few days if I could.

I’ve included my 7 day Andalucia itinerary below, along with how I recommend organising your time should you have 10 days to spend in Andalucia. I’ve also included a 14 day Southern Spain itinerary as well.

• Ronda (2 nights)
• Seville (2 nights)
• Cordoba (1 night)
• Granada (2 nights)

A 7 day Andalucia itinerary allows you to get a real flavour of the region.

You will find yourself on the road at least every second day or so of the trip, but as I’ve mentioned above, journey times between destinations in Andalucia aren’t too long, so this won’t be too arduous. 

If you use the itinerary above in the given order (assuming most will be flying into/out of Malaga airport – so this is your starting point), you will be able to fit in many highlights of the region.

Each of the cities above are key points of interest in Andalusia and they are all also unique to each other, allowing you to uncover much of Andalucia in 7 days .

• Ronda & the White Villages (3 nights)
• Seville (3 nights)
• Malaga (1 night)

10 days in Andalucia will allow you to take some more time to explore the region a little more slowly. Rather than add in additional destinations, I’ve instead expanded on the 7 day itinerary to allow you a better immersion in those places I feel warrant more time. 

I’ve given an additional day in Ronda so you can explore the unique White Villages in the area.

Seville too gets an extra night – I’ve stayed in Seville for a week before and didn’t run out of things to do, so the 10 day Andalucia itinerary above allows a little more time to uncover the delights of my favourite Spanish city. 

Finally, I’ve ended this 10 day Andalucia itinerary in Malaga.

Instead of making your way straight to the airport, take a day to explore Malaga as a variation for this itinerary for southern Spain – perhaps visit an art gallery, admire the orange trees in Plaza de los Naranjos, or take a well earned dip in the Mediterranean Sea! 

• Granada (3 nights)
• Nerja (3 nights)

Your two week Andalucia itinerary builds on the 10 day route. Key changes include an additional night in Granada to allow for a day to visit the Sierra Nevada mountains (for skiing in winter or beautiful hikes in summer) and 3 nights in Nerja to slow down, grab a sun lounger and relax on the beach.

Yes, while having 14 days in Andalucia potentially means that you can cram in more destinations and stops, I know from experience that trying to cram in more does not usually result in a superior trip – the opposite.

In fact – so slow down, immerse yourself in each of your stops and don’t come back from your trip more exhausted than when you left for it! 

Trust me, Andalucia is a region that needs to be explored slowly, as much of this journey is about the experience in itself. 

While it wouldn’t be my recommended way to do it, as I prefer the flexibility of having a car, I understand that this might not be practical for everyone. It is definitely possible to undertake the above itineraries by train, with a little tweaking. 

Book your train tickets in advance here , especially if you are travelling during peak times.

You will be able to complete the loop of Malaga-Seville-Cordoba-Granada-Nerja-Malaga by train – the only thing you would miss out on would be overnighting in Ronda.

I really, really, would recommend visiting Ronda if you can (it’s very different to all of the cities), so there is a way to circumnavigate this conundrum by allocating your night in Ronda as an additional night in Seville and undertaking a guided day trip to Ronda and the White Villages from Seville.  

Building your Southern Spain itinerary – places to visit

So now that we’ve covered off where you should go, what is there to see in each of these places?

In this next section, I’m going to touch on some recommendations for each of the destinations that I mentioned on the 7, 10 and 14 day Andalucia itineraries above. 

I’m not going to provide you with one of those “on day 1, go to this place at 9am, followed by the next place at 11.15am” style itineraries – this is a holiday, not a military operation and Andalusia is a place that encourages you to relax!

I think it’s far more enjoyable to have a ‘menu’ of things to do in a place to have at your fingertips, depending on how you feel at the time. Decide on a couple of ‘must-sees’ in advance, book your tickets, and then fit the rest in around those booked activities. 

While known for being the birthplace of modern day bullfighting, Ronda is even more iconic due to its unique situation, perched atop what seems to be the almost bottomless El Tajo gorge, across which the giant arches of the Puente Nuevo stretch, joining the old Moorish town with the ‘new’ town. 

What to see & do in Ronda

Ronda is such a picturesque and inspiring location that merely walking around it was nearly enough to keep me going! However, below are some highlights and ideas of things to see and do in Ronda.

Get acquainted with Ronda

If you’d like to get your bearings and understand the history of the place, which is very interesting, then take a walking tour on your first day. For a history lesson that’s a little more quirky, drop into the Bandit Museum , Spain’s only museum that is dedicated to bandits and highwaymen. 

Visit the Municipal Museum that is housed in Ronda’s Mondragón Palace , with moorish courtyards, stunning gardens and awe-inspiring views.

Located in the old Arabic quarter of San Miguel, pop in to visit the Arabic Baths , which were built in the 13th century and are the best preserved in Spain.

Take in the views & the famous El Tajo Gorge

Examine the star of the show in Ronda, the Puente Nuevo from all angles and at different times of the day to really get a deep sense of appreciation for the feat of engineering that it is.

Hike down the gorge from the Plaza Maria Auxiliadora in town to view the Puente Nuevo from below – just don’t think about the fact that you have to walk back up it afterwards!

Make sure to take some air too at Ronda’s Alameda de Tajo , an elegant outdoor square that leads out towards sweeping views of the El Tajo gorge.

We went for an early morning run along here, and it definitely knocked the cobwebs off!

Get familiar with the surrounding countryside

Visit some more of the famous White Villages , or Pueblos Blancos. Suggestions include Zahara de la Sierra, Setenil de las Bodegas and Grazalema.

Alternatively, you foodies out there might enjoy this alternative White Villages experience – where you take to the countryside on e-bikes and sample wine and cheese as you go!

If you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie, want to take in the beautiful scenery and don’t mind getting a bit dirty, then the dramatic surroundings of the El Tajo gorge are the perfect location to do a gorge buggy tour .

Ronda bull ring

While a controversial topic and not a sport that I personally support, Ronda is famous for its bullfighting, making the Plaza dos Toros (or bullring) one of its most popular attractions. 

Where to stay in Ronda

Hotel catalonia reina victoria.

Upon pulling back the curtains and throwing open the doors of our balcony, I knew that I had chosen the right spot to stay in Ronda!

Offering absolutely insane views from the balconies of its rooms, the Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria is a Victorian style hotel that has undergone modern refurbishment.

Complete with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa and those exceptional views to boot, you really can’t go wrong with this one. 

Catalonia Ronda

I agonised between this hotel and Catalonia Reina Victoria. The Catalonia Ronda is located right in the heart of town, just across from the bull ring (Hotel Catalonia Reina Victoria is 500m walk from the centre).

Boasting a rooftop pool with views into the bull ring and on towards El Tajo gorge, this is one for those who want to be slap bang in the middle of the action and are looking for a hotel in Ronda town centre.

Ah, Sevilla. This delightful, stylish, historical city is hands down my favourite in Spain and needs to find itself on every Spain travel plan. Whether it’s cultural sights, architecture, cuisine or shopping (or a healthy dose of all four) that you seek, this city really has got it all.

I’ve written all about what to do in Seville in my Seville guide , but here’s a synopsis.

RELATED READING | The Best Airbnb Seville Spain [2024] – 22 Luxury Airbnb in Seville

What to see & do in Seville

EDITOR’S NOTE | TakeWalks , our small-group cultural tour company of choice, have recently launched a range of tours in Seville.

These include an excellent food tour that I’ve taken, and a Seville in a Day Tour with VIP Alcazar Access . I’d highly recommend that you check them out.

Alcázar of Seville

First things first, get yourself to my favourite landmark in Seville, the Alcázar of Seville . Still in use as the King of Spain’s Seville residence, this amazing palace boasts incredible Mudejar architecture and extensive gardens. It was also featured as Dorne in Game of Thrones.

It’s super popular and also sells out early in the day, so book your skip the line tickets here . Once you see the queue that forms as the day progresses, you’ll be happy you’ve bought yours in advance, trust me!

There’s also quite a lot to take in at the Alcazar, so if you’d love to know more about it and haven’t done your reading in advance, then consider taking this small group tour, which has received over 500 5 star reviews from past guests.

If you’re looking for something really special, then consider the TakeWalks VIP early-access tour .

Seville Cathedral & Giralda

Beside the Alcazar, you will find the incredible Seville Cathedral, (which is the 3rd largest church in the whole world !), along with its iconic Giralda, which towers beautifully above the rooftops of Seville.

Again, queues get crazy long, so book a skip the line ticket in advance. When you’re done exploring the cathedral, make sure to climb La Giralda , which is the cathedral’s bell tower, for beautiful views over the city.

TOP TIP | If you plan on visiting both Seville Cathedral and the Royal Alcazar, it can work out better for you to purchase a Seville Super Combi Pass . This includes skip-the-line entrance to both these attractions, plus a hop-on/hop-off bus around Seville.

You can also download audio guides for both the Cathedral and the Alcazar. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour that incorporates both the Alcazar and the Cathedral. With them located so closely together, it makes sense to visit them on the same day.

I’ve rounded up the best Seville Cathedral tours in this post – check it out!

Rooftop cocktails

All that touring is thirsty work! For those seeking a more glam viewpoint of Seville Cathedral and La Giralda, head to the rooftop bar of the EME Cathedral Hotel for cocktails. I’d highly recommend visiting at sunset.

Plaza de España & Maria Luisa Park

Another emblematic location in Seville is the expansive, fountain and tile filled Plaza de España . Try go early in the morning if you can to have more of the space to yourself, as it fills up quite quickly throughout the day.

Make sure to visit and take a stroll in the adjoining Maria Luisa Park during your time in Seville.

Explore the neighbourhoods

You could while away hours wandering the cobbled streets of Sevilla, but when you are in town, do make sure to wander through the Santa Cruz , the old Jewish quarter in the historic area around the Cathedral.

Cross the river, too, and explore some of the craft workshops of the Triana area.

Seville is the home of flamenco dancing, so it is a fitting location in which to attend a flamenco show.

This Flamenco show features 15 of Seville’s best flamenco dancers at Seville’s famous Tablao El Arenal, with a choice of three packages – show with drink, show with tapas, or show with dinner. Alternatively, you could consider TakeWalks Tapas Crawl & Flamenco experience .

Metropol Parasol

Finally, Seville is home to the very modern Metropol Parasol installation – evening time makes a great time to view this as the sun sets over Seville. If you visit early in the day, make sure to head underneath to the interior – where you’ll find an authentic food market in full swing.

Where to stay in Seville

Casa romana hotel boutique.

I had a hard time trying to find somewhere that was reasonably priced over the New Year period in Seville, that would also pass muster and my rather picky hotel standards.

Luckily, I happened upon this charming, 4 star boutique hotel after oodles of hours spent searching. 

Rooms are set around a delightful outdoor courtyard (like a Roman villa) that features a lovely, trickling water feature. There is also a rooftop terrace with a hot tub.

The street it is located on is quiet, and its position in the Old Town meant we were 15 minutes away from everything.

Hotel Alfonso XIII

If you want to splash out on a spectacular luxury hotel in Seville, then look no further than the emblematic Hotel Alfonso XIII.

Situated right beside Seville’s Royal Alcazar, the architecture and design of the hotel borrows heavily from its Mudejar-themed neighbour.

Comes with everything that you would expect a hotel of this ilk to offer.

Soho Boutique Villa

Those looking for something a little bit more affordable, but nonetheless luxe, will find that Soho Boutique Villa ticks all their boxes.

This stylish, 3 star boutique hotel features trendy rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and is located too in the old town area of Seville. 

Click here to discover a curated list of Seville holiday apartments

We arrived in Cordoba just as the sun was setting, casting a soft golden haze on the walls of the city as we made our approach from the river. Cordoba is special. For many years preceding the Reconquista, Jews, Muslims and Christains lived peacefully side-by-side. 

An important Roman city too, Cordoba is a melting pot of all these cultures. Famous also for its patios, this is a rather gorgeous and extremely atmospheric city that should not be left off any Andalucia travel itinerary.

What to see & do in Cordoba

Visit the Mosque-Cathedral

Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral, or ‘ La Mezquita ’ should be the first port of call when visiting Cordoba. This incredibly unique structure of a cathedral housed within a mosque is famous for its red and white arches.

If you’d like to learn more about the fascinating history of this astounding structure, this guided tour  is extremely well reviewed.

Discover the Jewish Quarter

One area of Cordoba that you need to get lost in is the Jewish quarter, or La Judería. It forms the Old Town of Cordoba and is where you will find most of the city’s main sites. 

A quick stop, but well worth popping into is the Cordoba Synagogue , which is the only existing synagogue in Andalucia. 

The Jewish Quarter is extremely interesting, so if you’d like to learn more, then it might be worth considering a combined Mosque-Cathedral and Jewish Quarter walking tour. This one is extremely well reviewed, and finishes with a tapa and a drink.

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Another must-see in Cordoba is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos . Having served as the residence of the Catholic kings, inside it features tranquil, Moorish patios and gardens. Climb the ramparts for views across Cordoba city.

You can book a skip the line ticket and guided tour here . You will also be able to see into the Royal Stables of Cordoba from the ramparts of the Alcazar. This is where the famous breed of Andalusian horses was created. You can visit the stables and also attend a show. 

Sample local dishes

Make sure to try Salmorejo , which is the local speciality of cold tomato soup made with bread, garlic, olive oil and vinegar and then topped with egg and ham. It might sound a little weird, but a friend of mine who lived in Cordoba encouraged me to try it and I can confirm that it is delicious!

Get acquainted with downtown Cordoba & its patios

Make sure to stop off and see some of Cordoba’s Patios! These colourful, flower-filled courtyards are dotted around the city.

Take a stroll through the Plaza de la Corredera . Nearby, you will also be able to observe, towering over the street, the columns of the Roman Temple of Cordoba .

Finally, cross the Guadalquivir River via the Roman Bridge for magnificent views back towards the old town of Seville. This bridge has been standing since before the birth of Christ!

Where to stay in Cordoba

Eurostars conquistador.

This 4 star hotel in Cordoba is where I stayed during my visit and it was absolutely perfect for one night.

Located on the opposite side of the street from the Mezquita, I could see the Mezquita’s beautiful Arabic arches illuminated at all times of the day right from my bed, which was really quite special.

At its centre is a beautiful courtyard, which was a lovely spot to grab a drink in.

Hospes Palacio del Bailio

If you are staying a little longer in Cordoba, or are looking for a luxury hotel in Cordoba, then I would opt for Hospes Palacio del Bailio.

This 5 star hotel with swimming pool is located in a 16th century former palace, with interiors that incorporate a stylish blend of both old and new. It is located in the old town and is only 1 km away from the Mezquita.

H10 Palacio Colomera

This snazzy Cordoba 4 star hotel features an outdoor plunge pool, perfect for those hotter days.

Located in the newer part of town close to the Roman Temple, it is still only 1km away from the Mezquita and the old historic area of Cordoba. 

Granada sits at the foot of the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountain range and is home to the Alhambra, Spain’s most popular tourist attraction.

As the former capital of Moorish Andalucia, Granada’s Alhambra really is something that needs to be seen to be believed and its presence alone in Granada justifies a visit to the city.

Related reading for Granada |

• How to Spend One Day in Granada
• 2 Days in Granada: Itinerary & Tips
• Visiting the Alhambra from Seville (as a day trip)
• How many days in Granada do you need?
• Visiting the Alhambra: Complete Guide

Where to stay in Granada

What to see & do in granada.

Visit the extraordinary Alhambra

This enormous, hill-top fortress is a complex of palaces, gardens and patios – the highlight for me being the Nasrid Palaces.

There is a daily limit on ticket sales, so where you can, I advise booking your tickets months (or at the very least, weeks) in advance if you plan on going at a popular time. Make sure that you book a ticket that includes the Nasrid Palaces , as these are the first to go.

The Alhambra complex is sprawling and its history comprehensive and interesting, so it is a spot where it’s well worth getting a guide.

This small group tour is extremely well reviewed, or if you’re like me and dawdle a lot to take photos and look at things in detail, perhaps opt for a ticket with audio guide instead, so you can move at your own pace.

TOP TIP | If you forget to book your Alhambra tickets, or book your trip a little closer to the date, then it’s highly likely that Alhambra tickets that include the Nasrid Palaces will be sold our.

Scour any tours that have availability for yours dates and know that if all else fails, you have one last ditch attempt.

Each night at midnight, the official Alhambra website re-releases those tickets that have been returned for the following day (or the same day, technically, if it’s after midnight).

Act really fast the second the clock strikes midnight and you may hopefully be able to secure tickets (I did once, but only by the skin of my teeth!).

Discover Granada’s churches

Visit Granada’s Cathedral and Royal Chapel . The final resting place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, I underestimated how interesting I would find the Royal Chapel and it was my favourite attraction in Granada after the Alhambra.

If you want to learn more about this powerful couple and their place of rest, you can book a guided tour . If baroque is your thing, then get yourself to the Basilica of San Juan de Dios .

This incredible 18th century church is swathed in gold features and frescos, and is the most important baroque church in Spain. 

Make sure to spend some time exploring the Aladdin’s cave of shops and stalls in the Albaicín district, which is Granada’s former Arabic neighbourhood. Another worthwhile thing to do in Granada is to watch the sunset from one of the mirador.

The most popular one for this is the San Nicolas Mirador , which offers spectacular views of the Alhambra.

For a memorable experience that combines both, this 5* sunset walking tour takes you through both the Albaicín and Sacromonte districts to the San Nicolas Mirador, regaling interesting facts and stories about Granada along the way.

Go shopping

Granada has an absolutely wonderful range of high street fashion stores and make up shops, with multiple Zara stores –  it’s safe to say I squished in an adequate amount of retail therapy when I was there!

Head to Calle Reyes Católicos where you will find the majority of these. There are also two El Corte Inglés in Granada.

Immerse yourself in the tradition of flamenco in Granada

The area of Sacromonte is famous for its flamenco dancing, the venues for which are often set in caves. This show takes place in a cave-restaurant, in one of Granada’s most spectacular venues.

Eat some tapas

In Granada, you get a free glass of wine when you order tapas. If you are a foodie, then this small group food tour will introduce you to Granada’s traditional products and dishes (including tapas), along with some hidden treasures.     

Visit the baths | Pay a visit to Granada’s famous ancient Arab baths, “ El Bañuelo ”. Unfortunately, these are not in use today, but if you fancy trying to Arabic bath experience for yourself to relax after all that sightseeing, you can book a traditional hammam and massage here !

Get out into the Sierra Nevada mountains | Granada is located in the shadows of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains.

Your stop in Granada would be the perfect opportunity to break up all of your city visits with some time spent in the clear mountain air. Depending on your interests, here are some ideas to get you started:

• 4WD Sierra Nevada Safari tour
• Sierra Nevada Small Group E-Bike Tour
• Sunset at 2,500m in Sierra Nevada

Villa Oniria

I loved our hotel in Granada! Situated in the city centre, Villa Oniria is an elegant 4 star hotel situated in a 19th century manor house.

Set around a beautiful Andalusian courtyard, it has a plush, yet relaxed atmosphere. The location is great for exploring all the main sights of Granada. There is also a fantastic restaurant located onsite.

Alhambra Palace

If you’re looking for a 5 star hotel in Granada, I would draw your attention to the Alhambra Palace.

It’s probably a toss up for me between here and the Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula (where the entry level rooms may be a tad more modern than those of the Alhambra Palace’s equivalent), but it’s the location outside the walls of the Alhambra and the expansive views of the city that clinch this for me – I’ll take a Junior Suite with city views, please. 

Should you find yourself with more than 10 days in Andalucia, I’d recommend adding some beach time to your southern Spain trip itinerary. This will allow you a few days to kick up your  feet and relax after all your sightseeing! 

I’d recommend considering the white cobbled streets of the former fishing village of Nerja, an area far quieter than the glitzy beach clubs that run from Marbella to Puerto Banus. Conveniently, it’s just a little over an hour’s drive from Granada too.

If the glitz, glamour and beach clubs of Marbella are more your thing however, there’s nothing wrong with that! I’ve written a roundup of the best holiday villas in Marbella, which you can read here .

What to see & do in Nerja

Get some R&R

Relaxation is the aim of the game here, so get your tanning on (safely!) on one of the beaches of Nerja . Some of Nerja’s most beautiful beaches include Playa Carabeillo, Playa El Chorrillo, Playa El Cañuelo and Playa de Alberquillas. 

Explore the local area

Take a day trip to nearby Frigiliana , which is 6km away. Think pristine white buildings, cobbled streets and cute alleyways. You can also visit Visit the Nerja Caves , which stretch for almost 5km underground and have been in existence for millions of years.

They are also home to the largest stalagmite in the world. Nearby too, is the Acueducto del Águila , or Eagle Aqueduct, a very eye catching, red and yellow coloured feat of engineering located just outside of Nerja. 

Hike some of the local area covering beaches, cliffs and Moorish towers before undertaking a spot of snorkelling. If you’re feeling particularly active, you can walk the Rio Chillar gorge – just prepare to get your feet wet!

Another good hike is Il Cielo – which translates to ‘heaven’ – for breathtaking views of the sea and the expanse of the surrounding countryside. 

Where to stay in Nerja

Hotel balcón de europa .

This beachfront hotel in Nerja is built into the Balcón de Europa rock face, and enjoys direct access to Caletilla Beach.

It features an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant with stunning sea views. Opt for a room with sea views and a balcony to properly enjoy the seafront location.

Boutique holiday rental in Nerja

This nautical themed holiday rental in Nerja features a balcony with sea views, along with a pool and sun loungers.

The house is a mere 200m from the beach and it also takes less than 10 minutes on foot to reach the busy centre and its bars, restaurants and shops.

Known primarily as the gateway to the Costa del Sol when I was growing up, Marbella is in fact a city full of culture and has done a lot to shift this image in recent years.

Yes, there may still exist the dazzling lights of Malaga’s glitzy nightlife, but do remember that this too is the city that gave us Picasso.

Built atop Roman ruins and holding Moorish citadels within its embrace, this impressive city is also worth a stop on a southern Spain travel itinerary. 

What to see & do in Malaga

Stroll around the old town, and take in the Plaza de los Naranjos , a beautiful square in the old town centre that is bursting with orange trees. 

Visit the Alcazaba of Malaga . Built by the Moors in the 11th  to protect against Catholic attackers, its prime position provides magnificent views over the city and coastline. You can book a tour here . 

Visit the Roman Theatre . Having only been rediscovered in the 1950’s, the theatre is located right beside the Alcazaba and is free to visit.  This walking tour includes both the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba.

Continue up the hill past the Alcazaba to Gibralfaro Castle . Built to protect the Alcazaba, this is where you will get the best views of Malaga and can even see as far as the Strait of Gibraltar on a clear day. 

All about the views here, climb the tower of the whopping Malaga Cathedral for 360 degree views of the city!

Take a trip to the Picasso Birthplace Museum , where – you guessed it – was the place that Pablo Picasso grew up! You can book your tickets in advance here . 

Art lovers should also visit the Museo Picasso Málaga , which explores the life and art of the famous painter and includes 200 of his works of art. You can purchase tickets here . 

You can also visit one of Europe’s biggest and best botanical gardens, La Concepción should this tickle your fancy. 

Enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop bar of the La Terraza de la Alcazaba for incredible views of the city, the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle. 

Finally, if you haven’t had enough of eating throughout your Andalusia trip (or want to end your trip with a night of feasting) then I thought that this Malaga evening wine & taps tour looked rather appealing!

Featuring the city’s gourmet highlights, from a classic shop to much loved bars, you’ll taste your way through some of Malaga’s classic foods, from Iberian ham to tapas and wine.

Where to stay in Malaga

Palacio solecio, a small luxury hotel of the world.

A gorgeous, luxury 4 star hotel in the centre of Malaga. The hotel occupies a restored 18th century mansion and is a minute’s walk from Museo Picasso Málaga. 

The building and the rooms of this hotel are truly exquisite, featuring an internal courtyard with marble arches and palms.

Hotel Gran Hotel Miramar GL 

This luxurious, 5 star hotel in Malaga is situated along the seafront, offering glorious views of the ocean from some of its rooms.

A listed building, these walls have hosted many high profile visitors over the years, including Elizabeth Taylor and Ernest Hemmingway. A truly chic affair, with glorious views onto the waterfront.

• Alhambra Day Trip | Day Trip to Alhambra from Seville: How to Pull off a Flawless Visit
• 2 days in Granada | Granada in 2 days: Ultimate Itinerary & Top Tips
• Alhambra travel guide | Visiting the Alhambra – Ultimate Guide + Insider Alhambra Tips
• One day in Granada | Best of Granada in One Day: Where to Go, Eat & Stay
• Where to stay in Granada | Where to Stay in Granada, Spain [2024] – Top Areas & Accommodation
• How long in Granada? | How Many Days in Granada Do You Really Need?
• Andalucia itinerary | The Perfect Andalucia Itinerary for 7, 10, or 14 Days

Related Topics

• Itineraries

Hi there! I'm Isabelle, aficionado of immersive travel experiences and unique, luxurious hotels. You'll most likely find me camera in hand, or nerding out on research in advance of my next trip. A major foodie, history and scenery lover, nothing makes me happier than soaking in the atmosphere and culture of the destination I'm visiting.

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Algarve Itinerary for First Trip (3-5-7 Days) +Map & Insider Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 1, 2024

Visiting the Algarve region in southern Portugal for the first time and wondering how to plan your trip so that you can see most of the top places in Algarve?

What are the ‘must-sees’? How many days do you need? And where to stay so that you can minimize driving times and make the most of your time?

In this guide, we share a recommended Algarve itinerary for 5 days. Why 5? Because this is about the minimum amount of time you need if you want to see most of the top places in Algarve and keep it somewhat relaxed and enjoyable. This itinerary is described below in detail, including the map indicating all the top spots, and accommodation suggestions.

In addition, at the bottom of this post, you can also find our suggestions on how to plan your time if you have 3 or 7 days in Algarve . So if your trip is shorter or longer, you can find some inspiration in those itineraries. And if your trip is even longer than a week – lucky you! In that case, visit the same places mentioned in our itineraries, but spend more time in each area.

Good to know: We travel to Algarve several times a year and have tons of articles to help you plan a trip to the region. You can find an overview of them all on our Portugal travel page . If you are visiting with a family, be sure to also check our guide to the best things to do in Algarve with kids .

READ ALSO: Algarve Travel Tips

Algarve 5-Day Itinerary Overview & Map

This is our recommended Algarve itinerary for first trip:

• DAY 1: East Algarve.
• DAY 2: Central Algarve + Benagil Caves & dolphin-watching.
• DAY 3: Most Beautiful Coastlines.
• DAY 4: Ponta da Piedade & Lagos.
• DAY 5: Sagres & West Coast.

Below, you can find a detailed day-by-day itinerary with more info, tips, and photos. It will give you a better idea of what to expect and how to plan your time so that you can see the very best of Algarve in 5 days.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Getting around: By far the best way to explore Algarve is by renting a car. We always use this website for car hire and have always been able to find amazing deals in Portugal. When traveling to Algarve, we usually fly to Faro Airport and rent a car there, but you can also fly to Lisbon – it’s just over 2 hours drive.

Where to stay: While the Algarve region is quite big, most of the top places are concentrated along the southwestern coast. If you base yourself somewhat centrally, e.g. in Albufeira and/or in Lagos , you can simply stay in one or two locations the entire time and make day trips along the coast. That way, you don’t have to pack and unpack all the time and can also adjust your plans on the go.

Alternatively, you can also do a mini road trip in Algarve, staying in different locations (almost) every night. Our itinerary below includes recommendations on where to stay in order to minimize driving, but if you prefer a more relaxed approach, you can easily stay in Albufeira on days 1 and 2 and in Lagos on days 3, 4, and 5.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Algarve

Here is our recommended Algarve road trip itinerary:

DAY 1: East Algarve

On your first day in Algarve, we suggest visiting the eastern part of the region.

There are a few reasons why we recommend starting here. First, this is where the airport is located, so if you are arriving in Algarve by plane, you will start in Faro. And second, while the coastlines here are very nice, the western part of the region has a much bigger WOW effect. So you will appreciate Eastern Algarve better if you start here.

There is a lot to see in the Eastern Algarve, but with just a day, you will probably want to concentrate on the main sights. Those include the towns of Tavira, Olhão, and Faro. In addition, you could take a boat trip to Ria Formosa Natural Park .

There are numerous ways how you can plan this day, depending on your interests and how much you want to squeeze in a day. It also depends a bit on the time of the year. In the warmest summer months, you may want to spend less time in towns and visit Ria Formosa islands/beaches. Whereas if you are traveling outside the summer season, it’s better to spend more time exploring the towns.

Here are a few recommendations on what to see if you have just one day in Eastern Algarve:

• (Best in summer) Start your day in Tavira and explore the old town. Next, head to Olhão, have lunch at the market, visit the old town, and take a boat trip to the Ria Formosa Islands. There are several boat tour options , most take about 3-4 hours. Simply pick a tour that suits your itinerary best timing-wise. In the late afternoon/evening, explore Faro.
• (Best overall) Visit Tavira in the morning, stop in Olhão for lunch (or skip it altogether), and explore Faro in the afternoon. In the evening, take a 1-hour sunset cruise to Ria Formosa . You won’t visit any of the Ria Formosa islands this way, but it will be more relaxing and you’ll have more time to explore the towns. Plus, the sunset cruise near Faro is an amazing experience at any time of the year. We did this sunset tour recently and loved it.

Where to stay: Stay in Faro town, just make sure that your accommodation has parking (or that there’s public parking nearby). Parking is cheap in Faro, but not always next door. Here are some hotel recommendations:

• Luxury: 3 HB Faro .
• Mid-range: Hotel Faro & Beach Club .
• Lower budget: Hotel Sol Algarve by Kavia .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Tavira & Best Things to Do in Faro

DAY 2: Central Algarve

On the second day, we recommend exploring the central Algarve. We also suggest that you take a boat trip to Benagil Cave on this day. There are a few reasons for this – doing it on day 2 of this itinerary will make the next day more relaxing. Furthermore, if the weather is bad or the ocean is too wild, you can still reschedule for the next day.

Here is what your day could look like:

Start with a quick stop at the Church of São Lourenço , which is located just 10-15 minutes drive from Faro. This little church has some remarkable azulejo tiles and is the most impressive church in the Algarve region.

However, its opening hours are somewhat peculiar and in the low season, it’s usually closed. But it’s not a big detour, so see if it’s open when passing by.

Next, stop for a short walk on Praia da Falésia . This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve – the red cliffs are simply stunning and unique!

Keep in mind that the beach is very long (about 6km – 4 miles). The most impressive part is in the far west, closer to Albufeira than to Vilamoura.

On our map, we indicated the nicest part of the beach that is easiest to reach by car, but parking can be an issue here.

Next, head to Albufeira Marina which looks somewhat like a colorful LEGO town. It’s nice to see and there are lots of attractions here for families, but the main reason to come here is because this is the departure location for all kinds of boat tours.

The most popular boat tours go to Benagil Cave. On the way, you see some of the nicest coastlines of Algarve. Ocean conditions permitting, the boats also go inside several sea caves. They also do their best to spot dolphins. In the summer, most tours will also include a short stop for swimming if there is demand.

Good to know: Boat tours from Albufeira usually last about 1.5-2 hours We recommend booking in advance – it’s the best way to be able to plan your itinerary and not waste any time. In the high season, the tours usually sell out and in the lower season, there are fewer options, so you can adjust your itinerary as needed. We recently did this highly-rated tour and saw lots of dolphins as well.

READ ALSO: How to Visit Benagil Cave

For lunch, you will find many restaurants in Albufeira Marina, or you can head to one of the little beaches nearby. In the high season, there are restaurants open at pretty much every beach.

In any case, we highly recommend that you visit several beaches west of Albufeira. Some of our favorites include Praia dos Arrifes , Praia de São Rafael , and Praia do Castelo . These are all among the most beautiful beaches in Albufeira and are easy to get to by car, but the parking situation depends on the season and the time of day when you are there.

Depending on where you decide to stay, you could also first visit Albufeira’sp old town and come visit these beaches at sunset.

In the late afternoon/evening, visit Albufeira’s old town. There are also several nice beaches here and lots of bars, and restaurants for dinner. Albufeira is also known for its lively nightlife.

Where to stay: Depending on your interests, you could stay in Albufeira’s old town (right in the middle of all the action). But on a road trip and with a car, it would be much easier to stay outside of town (ideally west of Albufeira – close to the beaches mentioned above). And if you want to go out in the evening, you can take a taxi/Uber for a few euros.

Here are some recommended hotels in/near Albufeira (with parking):

• Luxury: W Algarve (close to Castelo Beach). This hotel also has some amazing restaurants.
• Mid-budget: NAU Sao Rafael Atlantico (at Sao Rafael Beach).
• Lower budget: Cerro Mar Atlantico & Cerro Mar Garden (in town).

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Albufeira & Best Restaurants in Albufeira

DAY 3: Most Impressive Coastlines of Algarve

The third day of this itinerary takes you to the most impressive coastline in Algarve . When you see pictures of the Algarve in the travel brochures, most of them are taken in this area – more or less between Albufeira and Lagos.

TIP: We highly recommend that you start this day early, especially if visiting in the high season. Parking at Praia da Marinha usually fills up very fast. Plus, if you want to do the Seven Hanging Valleys trail (or part of it), it’s best to start before it gets too hot.

First, stop for a photo at the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha . It’s located in Porches, about 20 minutes drive west of Albufeira. This little chapel is built on a steep rock which is surrounded by the ocean – a beautiful sight!

TIP: If you start early and have time, go down to the beach. There are actually two beaches – one on each side of the rock – and they are interconnected by a tunnel. It’s not something to try if you are claustrophobic, but otherwise, a fun experience. At the side of Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha, the tunnel is rather wide and high, but at the side of Praia Nova, you can’t even stand straight.

Next stop – Marinha Beach , one of the most photographed beaches/coastal scenery in Algarve. This is also the start of the famous Seven Hanging Valleys Trail .

If you want to do this hike, count at least 2-3 hours for it. You can leave your car at Praia da Marinha and then take a taxi/Uber back.

LEARN MORE: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Alternatively, you can also just do a part of this trail. In that case, walk the first 200-300 meters, explore the nicest viewpoints above Marinha Beach, and visit the other places along the coast by car. You can drive to most of the top spots of the Seven Hanging Valleys Hike, so that’s an option too, just beware that driving takes longer than it looks on the maps and parking is limited at some places too.

One of the places you can see along this hike (or drive to) is Benagil Cave . This time, you can see it from above (you will have seen it from the inside on the boat tour the day before). If you don’t want to do a boat tour from Albufeira, there are also kayak tours that run from Benagil Beach itself. Also here, it’s best to book in advance.

Other stops along this stretch of the coast include Carvalho Beach , Alfanzina Lighthouse, and Vale de Centeanes Beach (where the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail ends). Whether you hike or drive, you could have lunch at this beach. There is a very nice seasonal restaurant here. In the summer season, it’s best to reserve in advance or arrive around noon.

In the afternoon, visit the Algar Seco rock formations in Carvoeiro .

This coastal area is stunning and can be explored via a series of boardwalks, pathways, and staircases (some carved in the rocks). You could easily spend an hour here.

If you have more time, explore Carvoeiro Beach and the town as well. There are also many restaurants/cafes here so this could be a nice alternative spot for lunch.

Next, you could visit either Ferragudo and/or Portimão .

In Ferragudo , the nicest place to see is the Castle. It’s a private property and can’t be visited inside, but you can get nice views from one of the beaches nearby – either Praia da Angrinha or Praia Grande.

Portimão is a big city (and frankly, not our favorite). But there is a very nice beach here – Praia da Rocha – that’s considered as one of the must-sees in Algarve. So if you want to make the absolute most of your day, you could stop here as well. Otherwise, just head straight to the next stop on our itinerary and spend more time there.

Finally, head to Praia dos Três Irmãos in Alvor. The scenery at this beach and the adjacent Praia da Prainha is absolutely spectacular. Whatever you do, don’t miss this!

Our favorite time to visit is about an hour before sunset. Depending on the time of the year when you visit, you could also arrange to be here at sunset. Or arrive earlier, enjoy the beach, and stay longer.

TIP: Make sure to walk all the way to the end of Praia dos Três Irmãos. Via tunnels and passages, and sometimes also with your feet in the water, you can get to the smaller beaches further east. The rock formations here will take your breath away!

Where to stay: Stay either in Alvor or in Lagos, which is about half an hour’s drive further west. Lagos is more convenient because you could just stay at the same hotel for 2 or even 3 nights (depending on where you plan to go at the end of this trip). It’s also a nice town and is not deserted in the low season.

Here are some recommended hotels in Lagos:

• Luxury: Lagos Avenida Hotel (the best hotel in the old town and if there’s no parking at the hotel, you can also park at the Marina, which is just a few minutes walk).
• Mid-range: Marina Club Lagos Resort (at the Marina, with a big free parking nearby).
• Lower budget: Hotel Mar Azul (parking might be difficult here).

READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Lagos: Best Areas & Hotels

DAY 4: Lagos & Ponta da Piedade

Start your day with an early morning boat tour to Ponta da Piedade . We highly recommend kayaking, but boat tours are also very good. Kayaking takes about 2 hours, boat tours – about 1 hour.

There are many different options for both – for boat trips as well as kayaking – and you can find them all here . Having done several of these tours on different occasions, I can tell you that they are all just as good. So pick one that suits your itinerary best.

Of all the boat trips we did in Lagos, we enjoyed this kayak tour the most. In my opinion, this is also a much nicer area to explore by kayak than Benagil Cave which is better visited by boat. Recently, kayaks are also not allowed inside Benagil, only in the area, whereas boats can enter the cave.

LEARN MORE: Kayaking to Ponta da Piedade in Lagos

After the boat tour, explore Lagos .

Visit the market, walk around the old town, visit one or two museums, do some shopping, etc. There are many nice restaurants and cafes here too. You can also spend a few hours at one of the beaches.

TIP: If you want to experience as much as possible and fill your day to the fullest, you can also consider a winery tour or a traditional food tour .

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Lagos

In the late afternoon, head to the most scenic beaches of Lagos – Praia Donna Ana and Praia do Camilo .

Next, explore the Ponta da Piedade area on foot . This is the same place that you’ll visit in the morning by boat, but it’s well worth seeing the coastal scenery from the top as well. This area is also one of the best places for sunset in Lagos!

TIP: Camilo Restaurant is an amazing place for dinner (or lunch). Reserve in advance!

Where to stay: Stay in Lagos, the same hotel as last night.

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Ponta da Piedade (includes more info on all the top spots nearby)

DAY 5: Sagres & Vicentina Coast

The last day of this Algarve itinerary brings you to the west of the region – the wild rough coast of Algarve. The main place to visit here is Sagres which is the southwesternmost point of Portugal and the European mainland. Before the Age of Discoveries, Europeans believed that this was the end of the world.

There is enough to see and do in and near Sagres to fill an entire (relaxing) day. The musts are the Cape of St Vincent and Sagres Fortress .

In addition, there are several stunning beaches in Sagres. If you visit just one of them, we recommend Praia do Beliche . It’s very popular with surfers, but if you take the time to walk down and walk westwards, you will discover some stunning coastal scenery.

In the afternoon, explore the less-visited part of the Algarve – Vicentina Coast . The scenery here is completely different from what you’ll see in the rest of the region, but it’s so beautiful!

Some of our favorite beaches here include Praia da Cordoama and Praia do Castelejo . When the ocean is not too rough, you can walk between these two beaches as well. Cordoama Viewpoint is not to be missed as well!

Further north, don’t miss Praia da Bordeira . If you are interested, you could also go horseback riding here; in that case, check availability and book in advance !

There are more nice beaches to see along the coast, so a lot depends on how much time you have. But also on your overall itinerary and where you are planning to stay. See our detailed guide to the Sagres area for more information.

LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Sagres

Where to stay: This will highly depend on your overall travel plans and where you are going after visiting the Algarve. The easiest option would be to stay in Lagos, at the same hotel as the previous two nights. If, however, you want to enjoy a sunset at Cape St Vincent and take it easy in the evening, you may want to stay in Sagres.

Here are some hotel recommendations in Sagres:

• Luxury: Martinhal Sagres Beach Resort .
• Mid-range: Memmo Baleeira .
• Lower budget: Mareta Beach .

Above is our recommended itinerary for the first time in Algarve.

If, however, your trip is longer or shorter than 5 days, here are two recommended itineraries for 3 days or 7 days in Algarve:

3 Days Algarve itinerary

• DAY 1 EAST: Tavira and/or Faro, Falésia Beach, evening and stay in Albufeira.
• DAY 2 CENTER: Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha, Praia da Marinha, Benagil Cave by boat, Algar Seco, Praia da Rocha, sunset at Praia dos Tres Irmaos in Alvor. Evening and stay in Lagos.
• DAY 3 WEST: Kayak or boat tour to Ponta da Piedade, Lagos old town, the main highlights in Sagres. Stay in Lagos or Sagres.

7 Days Algarve itinerary

• DAY 1: Olhão + Ria Formosa boat trip and Tavira. Stay in Tavira or in Faro.
• DAY 2: Faro, cork factory tour, and/or winery visit. Stay in Faro.
• DAY 3: Falésia Beach, dolphin & Benagil Caves boat tour, Albufeira. Stay in Albufeira for 2 nights.
• DAY 4: Algarve interior ( Alte , Silves, Monchique) OR a day at one of the best water parks in Algarve .
• DAY 5: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Algar Seco in Carvoeiro, Praia dos Tres Irmaos in Alvor. Stay in Lagos for 2-3 nights.
• DAY 6: Ponta da Piedade kayak or boat trip and Lagos.
• DAY 7: Sagres and the beaches along the west coast. Stay in Sagres or in Lagos.

READ ALSO: Best Towns to Visit in Algarve

So, this is our recommended Algarve itinerary for first-timers. I hope that our description and pictures give you a better idea of what there is to see and do in Algarve and how to plan a trip.

Good to know: You can make this trip at any time of the year . Yes, weather permitting, even the boat trips run year-round. Of course, the experience will not be the same in the summer or in the winter, but there are advantages and disadvantages to each season.

In the summer, everything is open, but it’s also much warmer and busier everywhere. Whereas in the winter, beach restaurants will be closed and the weather is less predictable, but accommodation prices are much lower and you won’t have to waste time looking for parking even at the most popular spots.

Some of our favorite times to visit Algarve are the months of April – May and October – early November. Pretty much everything is open, the weather is perfect for sightseeing, and it’s nice and lively without being too busy. Here you can read more about what it’s like to visit Algarve in April or in November .

Just recently, we spent a few weeks in Algarve in December and we loved it too. The weather is perfect for exploring and you don’t have to worry about parking even at the most popular beaches.

More travel inspiration for Portugal:

• Portugal Itinerary from Lisbon to Porto
• Best of Lisbon
• Best of Sintra
• Best Day Trips from Lisbon
• Best of Madeira Island
• Best of Sao Miguel Island (Azores)

Some travel inspiration for southern Spain:

• 1 Day in Seville
• 2 Days in Seville
• Flamenco in Seville
• Spain Bucket List

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

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The Perfect 3, 4 or 5 Days in the Algarve Itinerary

Published on September 1, 2023

by Emily Marty

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Famous for its balmy weather, dramatic seascapes, and laidback atmosphere, Portugal’s Algarve region has long been one of the country’s most romantic and desirable destinations among visitors. If you’re currently making an Algarve itinerary, you might be struggling to know how long to spend there, though – are 3, 4 or 5 days in the Algarve enough to do it justice?

While leaving this slice of paradise is certainly bittersweet, you can still have an incredible trip to Portugal’s southernmost region even if you’re only there for a few days. In this article, we’ll help you get the absolute most out of your time in the Algarve. 

Table of Contents

How Many Days in the Algarve?

Wondering how many days to spend in the Algarve? The right amount of time for your trip will depend heavily on what you want to get out of it, as well as any budgetary considerations you might need to make.

It goes without saying that, the longer you’re in the area, the more you’ll be able to see; however, if you’re hoping to visit other parts of Portugal, too, then spending 3 days in the Algarve can be perfect for checking out some of its highlights before heading to another part of the country. 

With 4 days in the Algarve, you can mix things up a bit, so that you’re not just visiting the areas most frequented tourist destinations. This is a good amount of time for those travellers who might want to head off the beaten track a bit without devoting their entire holiday to exploring the region. 

Having said all of that, we recommend that you try to spend 5 days in the region if at all possible. This is the best way to truly get to know the region; there’s a lot more to it than seaside resorts, after all! Not only will a trip of this length give you sufficient time to explore the area’s inland highlights, but it should also make it possible for you to really let your hair down, too. 

After all, a big part of the Algarve’s appeal is its relaxed, laid-back feel. In many ways, it appears to be a place almost forgotten by time; what better place could there be to really relax and unwind during your trip to Portugal? 

Beyond that, its landscapes and culture are pretty unique, even in the Portuguese context. So, we’d argue that the more time you have to immerse yourself in the local cuisine and customs, the better.

Of course, this depends to an extent on what you enjoy and what you’d like to get out of your holiday, ideally. If you’re someone who prefers, say, fine dining or fancy restaurants, then the Algarve may not have quite as much to offer you as Portugal’s bigger cities like Lisbon or Porto . 

So, if this is the case, then you might want to keep your trip there on the shorter side. On the other hand, if you enjoy traditional, slower-paced living and gorgeous natural landscapes, then you’ll probably want to push for 5 days or so in the Algarve so that you can really make the most of it all! 

That being said, there is also plenty to do if you have 7 days to spend. You could opt to have a bit more relaxation time or you could explore more areas – such as the incredible Praia da Marinha and walking the nearby Seven Hanging Valleys trail.

Getting To & Around the Algarve 

One of the best things about visiting the Algarve is how easy the region is to access and navigate, even via public transport.

Much of the area is criss-crossed by bus networks and connections, making it easy to get to from other parts of Portugal (such as Porto and Lisbon ) and even nearby Spain without too much hassle. You can view train and bus schedules here.

If you’re flying into the Algarve from abroad, you’ll want to land at Faro’s International Airport. As one of Portugal’s largest transit and travel hubs, Faro is well-serviced by both domestic and international flight connections, and plenty of budget airlines operate out of the airport, too. You can organise an airport pickup here.

And, what’s more, if you’re planning on visiting Spain as part of your trip, then you’ll easily be able to travel to Faro from Seville by bus. 

From Faro, you’ll find that there are decent bus and train links across much of the region, especially between the larger cities and towns so you can easily go on a day trip or two.

Most of the places you’ll be visiting in the Algarve are on the smaller side, and should be fairly compact and walkable – they’ll also have their own public transit in many cases, making getting around fairly straightforward. 

With that being said, some of the Algarve’s more remote destinations are trickier to reach via public transport alone.

For instance, while it’s possible to get to Sagres by bus, you’ll likely need to transfer at Lagos, and the journey will be significantly longer in many cases than if you’d travelled by car. Planning an Algarve road trip itinerary is, then, an excellent idea.

So, if you’d like to give yourself as much freedom as possible to see the Algarve on your own terms, then opting for a car rental is recommended – at least for part of your trip. You can browse Rentalcars.com to compare prices for car hire.

This will allow you to visit the places you want to far more easily than you’d be able to if you were getting around via public transport. It’s an especially good option if you’re eager to stay overnight in some of the more far-flung parts of the Algarve – and there’s nothing quite like an Algarve road trip! 

3, 4 or 5 Days in the Algarve Itinerary 

A trip to the Algarve is a fantastic opportunity to relax and unwind, as well as discover one of Portugal’s most idyllic and distinctive regions and the splendours of the Algarve coast.

Our suggested itinerary below covers many of the area’s best-known destinations, as well as some options that are slightly more off the beaten track. 

Day 1 – Faro 

Faro cathedral (santa maria cathedral).

The deeply historic, gorgeous Santa Maria Cathedral in Faro is one of the city’s oldest and best-known landmarks. It’s seen plenty of action since it was first built in 13th century, too – it functioned as a mosque previously and has been made one of Portugal’s National Monuments thanks to its significance. 

Faro Marina

Faro’s charming marina is a popular place for a stroll among both tourists and locals alike. Admire the palm trees while you take in the sights and smells of the Atlantic! It’s also jumping off point for various island tours such as this half-day tour or this half-day tour.

Capela dos Ossos/Igreja do Carmo 

If you have an interest in the macabre or bizarre, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to Faro’s Capela dos Ossos. At the back of the gorgeous Igreja do Carmo (which is also worth checking out), the Capela dos Ossos is decorated with the bones and skulls of over 1,000 Carmelite monks. Spooky!

Arco da Vila 

This neoclassical archway joins onto the old Moorish wall that used to house the historic city of Faro. As one of the entrances to the old town, the gateway makes a real impression, as well as being an architectural gem in its own right.  

Praia de Faro 

What better place could there be for a picnic or splash in the sea than Faro’s gorgeous Praia de Faro? This sandy beach stretches as far as the eye can see and tranquil blue waters, this is easily one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches, and it’s worth making the trek from the city to visit it. 

Day 2 – Lagos 

Old town and igreja de santo antónio .

Lagos’ old town is easily one of the most charming and quaint places in the whole of the region and not just the western Algarve.

With brightly-coloured buildings and cobblestones creating striking patterns across the ground, visiting is an absolute must when you’re in town. You can explore the streets, stop into a cafe or two, or enjoy lunch on one of the old town’s numerous peaceful squares. 

By contrast, the Igreja de Santo António is pretty bombastic – at least on the inside. Its interior is gilded extensively with gold leaf, making for a very striking contrast to the cathedral’s serene, simplistic exterior. 

Castelo dos Governadores/Lagos Castle  

While it may be one of the less popular tourist attractions in Lagos, the Castelo dos Governadores is still definitely worth checking out.

Constructed in a rugged, medieval style, the castle was probably built in the 12th century and now functions as a museum, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the city. 

Ponta da Piedade 

Lagos is probably most famous for its beaches and their rocky cliffs and formations, and Ponta da Piedade is easily the most renowned of them all. It’s worth making the trek from central Lagos to visit – the cliffs, rocks, and grottoes that you’ll see here make up one of Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations. 

Praia do Camilo 

This stunning beach, while perhaps not quite as dramatic as Ponte da Piedade, is very pleasant indeed, and is definitely worth exploring during your visit to Lagos.

You can wander along the sand, join a short catamaran cruise or a kayak tour , take a dip in the sea, or simply admire the incredible view while you enjoy a drink or a picnic. And of course, if you’re not a beach person there are other options such as taking a food tour.

Day 3 – Sagres 

Praia de mareta .

Perhaps Sagres’ most popular destination for travellers, Praia de Mareta is a wonderful beach that’s especially favoured by watersports enthusiasts. Here, you can kayak and canoe, or kick back while you enjoy a beer in the Portuguese sunshine. The beach is dotted with bars and kiosks, too, which make for a great place to grab a quick drink or bite to eat. 

Cabo de São Vicente 

Once believed to be the literal end of the earth, Cabo de São Vicente is now recognised more for its jaw-dropping views and incredible walks. The picturesque lighthouse perfectly complements the sunsets here – do be aware that it can be quite windy at times, though, due to how exposed it is. 

Fortaleza de Sagres 

This quirky sea fort is probably one of Portugal’s most unique and distinctive fortifications. Combining the cliffs of Sagres with its single wall, the Fortaleza cleverly utilises a combination of manmade and natural features to protect the town – visitors can learn about the history of the place, as well as taking in the incredible views the fort offers over the Atlantic. 

Sagres Town Centre 

Enjoy a wander around the historic and relaxed town centre of Sagres. Here, you can sample the architecture and atmosphere typical of smaller Portuguese fishing towns. 

Day 4 – Monchique and Portimão

Monchique/fóia .

The picturesque mountain village of Monchique is worth driving up to – it’s home to thermal waters (which are said to be healing) and stunning views. If you’re a fan of hiking, you can climb up to the peak of Fóia to really take in the surrounding landscape. 

Nossa Senhora da Conceição 

Portimão’s Gothic church, Nossa Senhora da Conceição, is as famed for its gorgeous azulejo as it is for its incredible baroque-style altar. Being that it’s on the smaller side, it’s also a great place to come for some quiet and contemplation. 

Museu do Portimão

While definitely somewhat niche, Portimão’s museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the economy and heritage of the city through its fisheries industry. This is a place built almost entirely on sardines and canning, which you can learn all about as you walk through this converted cannery. 

Portimão Market

There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of a traditional Portuguese food market, and Portimão market is one of the Algarve’s most diverse and varied. You can buy all manner of things here, from produce to clothes and much more. Note that the market is open on the first Monday of each month so an alternative option could be to join a wine tour.

Fortaleza de Santa Catarina 

The medieval fortress of Santa Catarina is free to enter – it’s definitely on the smaller side – but we recommend it for its atmosphere, as well as for the opportunity to learn about the military and naval history of Portugal. 

Day 5 – Albufeira 

Albufeira marina/boat trip.

Surrounded by eye-catching, colourful buildings, Albufeira’s mighty marina is worth visiting in its own right, but a big part of the appeal is the incredible variety of boat tours departing from this part of the city.

Some options that combine both dolphin watching and a trip to the Benagil Caves include this half-day tour or this half-day tour – this is a great way to see Portugal from the sea!

Praia da Falésia 

Hopefully, you’re not all beached out at this point of your trip, because Albufeira’s Praia da Falésia is easily one of the Algarve’s nicest beaches. Sheltered by its breathtaking orange cliffs, this beach is pristine and easily accessed; its stunning turquoise waters are just the icing on the cake. 

Albufeira Old Town 

With its quaint, bazaar-like feel, cute laneways, and patterned cobblestones, Albufeira’s old town is somewhere you can truly get lost (in a good way!). Explore the narrow streets and traditional shops and take in the atmosphere before stopping in at a local cafe for a snack or cup of coffee. You can also choose to end your day with some wine tasting or a sunset cruise!

Where to Stay in the Algarve

Lagos Avenida Hotel – This 4-star hotel is an excellent base for those looking for a waterfront oasis in the Algarve. Located in the town of Lagos, they have several great rooms to choose from along with a fantastic swimming pool and plenty of other amenities.

3HB Faro – Those looking for luxury while visiting southern Portugal will love this plush, 5-star hotel in Faro. They have countless amazing amenities for guests to take advantage of along with a range of beautiful rooms to choose from.

Pine Tree Apartments – If you’d like your own holiday home while visiting the Algarve, then these furnished apartments in Albufeira are an excellent choice. They have an array of different flats to choose from along with a great swimming pool on site.

Casa da Madalena Backpackers Hostel – Those looking for a hostel in the Algarve will love this highly-rated place in Faro. they have both private rooms and dorms available, a great social atmosphere and good self-catering facilities and common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Algarve hotels!

The stunning Algarve is the perfect place to visit if you want to experience a laid-back lifestyle and sunny skies during your trip to Portugal. We hope that our Algarve itinerary lets you truly make the most of your time in this delightful part of the world!

Are you planning an Algarve trip? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

One Day in Coimbra Itinerary: A Day Trip from Porto

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Porto Itinerary

The Perfect Cascais Day Trip from Lisbon

About Emily Marty

Emily is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, she is currently based in the UK. She enjoys exploring Northern & Western Europe and Southeast Asia and has a bit of a thing for islands in particular.

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• Western Balkans
• Best of Croatia
• Adriatic Paradise Cruise
• Dalmatian Paradise
• Dalmatian Wonders – Split to Dubrovnik
• Southern Explorer
• MS MAMA MARIJA S-D
• Dalmatian Wonders – Dubrovnik to Split
• Discover Paris
• Highlights of France
• Paris – Loire Valley – Bordeaux
• Discover Provence
• Paris – Champagne – Burgundy
• Discover Bordeaux
• French Riviera – Provence – Burgundy
• Best of Italy
• Rome & Amalfi Coast
• Highlights of Italy
• Discover Rome
• Discover Venice
• Milan & Lake Como
• Treasures of Portugal
• Discover Porto region
• Highlights of Portugal
• Discover Lisbon
• Taste of Portugal
• Highlights of Spain & Portugal
• Wonders of Portugal – self drive tour
• Southern Portugal – self drive tour
• Viva Espana!
• Discover Barcelona
• Discover Madrid
• Barcelona & Madrid

Taste of Algarve and Andalucia

• Mediterranean Capitals
• Balearic Islands – Barcelona – Madrid
• Taste of Basque Country
• Madrid & Andalucia
• Andalucia Explorer
• La Rioja and the Basque Country
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• Budapest – Vienna – Prague
• Munich – Salzburg – Vienna – Budapest
• Berlin – Prague – Vienna – Budapest
• Vienna – Salzburg – Munich – Berlin – Prague – Krakow
• Berlin – Dresden – Prague
• Munich – Berlin
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• Highlights of Transylvania
• Taste of Transylvania
• Peles & Bran Castles
• Villas in Mykonos
• Villas in Santorini
• Villas in Crete
• Villas in Paros

TASTE OF ALGARVE AND ANDALUCIA Lisbon – Albufeira – Seville – Costa Del Sol – 15 days / 14 nights – Daily departures. Price on request.

Day 1 Lisbon – arrival Upon arrival at Lisbon airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. After checking in you are free to relax or explore Lisbon on your own.

Day 2 “Lisbon Walking Tour” – 3 ½ hours Breakfast at the hotel. Morning walking tour (small group – max 14 pax) – Visit the Rossio square, the heart of both old and new Lisbon. Learn how the city of Lisbon was destroyed in the 18th century and then totally rebuilt to become the city of today. Take a look at the Obelisk on the Restauradores Square, commemorating the Restoration of Portugal’s independence from Spain in 1640, after sixty years of Spanish rule. Marvel at the intricate Neo-Manueline architecture of the Rossio Central Station. Learn about the Carnation Revolution of 1974 as you visit the beautiful Carmo Square. At the place where Portugal’s old dictatorial regime fell after 48 years. Walk through the elegant Chiado neighborhood, with its old cafés, theatres and bookstores. Now it’s time to have a pause and try the typical Portuguese pastry – the famous Pastel de Nata and understand why is so popular in our country. Wander through the old maze of small squares and narrow alleyways of the Moorish Alfama neighborhood, where time seems to have stopped a thousand years ago. Learn about Fado, Portugal’s own musical genre, as you go past the Fado Museum and some Alfama’s hidden, intimate Fado restaurants. Stop for a glass of wine and a chouriço and cheese tasting at a typical wine bar. Pass at Lisbon’s Cathedral, the city’s oldest church, built in 1147. Finish your tour in Praça do Comércio, formerly the entrance hall of the city, one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful squares. Meeting point: Praça D. Pedro IV – Rossio Square Included: – Pastel de Nata (custard tart) – One tapa and Wine Tasting – Local English-Speaking Guide Not Included: Lunch – Guided Visit inside the monuments – Gratuities – Vintage Cable Car Tram Ticket- Hotel Pick-up and drop-off.

Day 3 Lisbon – Albufeira (Algarve) After breakfast, early departure by train from Lisbon to Albufeira, in the Algarve. Formerly a fishing village, Albufeira is nowadays one of the leading tourist resorts of the region – the St. Tropez of the Algarve. Arrival and make your own way to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Albufeira

Day 4 – 6 Albufeira Free time at leisure to enjoy this beautiful southern region of Portugal. You may consider taking advantage of one the optional tours to discover the Algarve: half day tour to Lagos & Sagres or half day tour to Silves & Monchique… Overnight in Albufeira

Day 7 Albufeira – Seville After breakfast, departure by bus to Seville. Arrival and make your own way to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free. Overnight in Seville

Day 8 Seville Day at leisure to explore Seville on your own or you can take an optional ($) half-day city tour of Seville which will include a visit to the Cathedral. Overnight in Seville.

Day 9 Seville Continue exploring Seville or we suggest taking one of the optional ($) tours to Cordoba or Granada. Overnight in Seville.

Day 10 Seville – Malaga (Costa del Sol) After breakfast, departure by train from Seville to Malaga. Arrival and find your own way to your hotel in Torremolinos. The remainder of the day is free. Overnight in Torremolinos.

Day 11-13 Costa del Sol Free days at leisure in Costa del Sol. We suggest taking optional tours ($) to Granada, Ronda or Gibraltar. Overnight in Torremolinos.

Day 14 Malaga – departure After breakfast, transfer to Malaga airport. End of services

• Arrival private transfer from Lisbon airport to hotel
• 14 nights accommodation in 3*, 4* OR 5* hotels – double occupancy (Lisbon – 3 nights, Albufeira (Algarve) – 4 nights, Seville – 3 nights, Costa del Sol – 4 nights)
• Walking Tour of Lisbon – 3 ½ hours – small group shared tour – maximum 14 persons
• Tourist class train transportation between Lisbon – Albufeira and Seville – Malaga
• One-way bus transportation between Albufeira and Seville
• Private transfer from hotel to Malaga airport
• Daily breakfast

CONTACT: 1.855.759.9291 [email protected]

SKYWAY TOURS has been in the travel business since 1976. We are the experts on Greece and throughout the years we have become the premium European custom vacation specialists in Canada and the USA.

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Andalusia Tour from Algarve with Acebron Palace and Wine Tasting

• Step back in time as you wander around the ancient walls of Niebla
• See remnants dating back to the 16th century such as Our Lady of Granada
• Try local wines paired with tapas at Bollullos Winery
• Learn about Spanish culture with visits to El Rocio and Acebron Palace
• Local expert guide with an unrivalled knowledge of Andalusia

Description

Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Don't miss the visit to the castle, where history comes alive, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of those who came before'.Niebla invites you to step back in time within its ancient walls. Here, you'll encounter the remnants of the 16th century, including a hospital that tells tales of the past, the...

What's Included

• Transport, Guide, Entrance fees, Wine tasting, Hotel pick up

Important informations

• Entrance Fees Included Guided Tour Instant confirmation e-Voucher What to remember:  Not suitable for guests with reduced mobilityWear light clothes and comfortable shoesFull day excursion which lasts approx. 10 hours 
• It is the traveler's sole responsibility to have all the necessary documentation up to date, so research in advance everything that is required at the destination of your activity.

Care of Covid-19

Remember that with a pandemic, the documentation required may vary from place to place. Confirm what local authorities may require: proof of full vaccination, negative PCR test, and more. Find out what are the requirements of your destination and the location of the activity.

Oh, and don't forget to wear a mask, clean your hands often, and try to maintain social distance.

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Cathedral of Seville at sunset

Tomatito at the Seville Flamenco Biennial

Interior de la Mezquita de Córdoba

The Alhambra in Granada

View of Malaga and its citadel

Marbella, Puerto Banús

Ronda bridge, Málaga

8 Days – Cities of Andalusia

This itinerary introduces you to the architectural gems of Andalusia - Granada, Seville, Cordoba and Málaga as well as the famous stretch of Costa del including its golden beaches, white-washed villages and indulgent lifestyle, best experienced in the resort town of Marbella.

route PROGRAMME

Day 1-2: seville.

Arrive into Seville’s Santa Justa station by the high speed AVE train from Madrid Puerta de Atocha (2 hrs 20 mins) or Barcelona Sants (5.5 hours) stations or fly into Seville’s San Pablo airport. Spend the next 2 days exploring the capital of Andalucia, a must see city on a trip to southern Spain. Visit its Cathedral and admire its lovely bell tower, the Giralda, or the stunning palace complex of the Reales Alcázares or get lost in the charming Santa Cruz district. In the evening, don’t forget to take in an exhilirating Flamenco performance. Overnight in Seville.

Day 3: Seville – Cordoba

Take the high speed AVE train from Seville’s Santa Justa station to Cordoba Central (43 mins). This World Heritage city, once the capital of the Umayyad caliphate is home to the stunning Great Mosque of Cordoba. Step back in history, as you walk around the old Jewish quarter, stop for a picture on the Roman bridge, discover the colourful patios/courtyards full of flowering plants or enjoy an equestrian show at the Royal Stables. Overnight in Cordoba.

Day 4: Cordoba – Granada

Take the high speed AVE train from Cordoba Central to Granada (1 hr 33 mins), located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and an hour from the sea. In the evening, do visit the gypsy quarter, the Sacramonte district, known for its cave houses and flamenco dancing. Overnight in Granada

Day 5: Granada

Known for the UNESCO World Heritage site of the beautiful Alhambra Palace & Generalife gardens and the Albaicín district, Granada is a rich cultural city with a wonderful and lively atmosphere, full of tapas bars and Arab inspired tea rooms. Overnight in Granada.

Day 6: Granada - Málaga

Take the high speed AVE train to Antequera and then change to the AVE train to Málaga (1 hr 35 mins). The capital of the Costa del Sol, the most famous stretch of coastline in Spain, Málaga is a lovely port city that is brimming with history and culture from the Alcazaba to the Roman theatre and the Picasso museum. Don’t forget to hit the shops offering everything from Andalusian handicrafts to high end fashion and enjoy the lively nightlife the city offers! Overnight in Málaga.

Day 7: Málaga – Marbella OR Ronda OR Costa del Sol beaches

Rent a car and head to the seaside town of of Marbella, known for the luxurious lifestyle it offers but also for its charming old town centre. Its probably most famous for its marina, Puerto Banús, full of luxury yachts, haute cuisine restaurants and exclusive designer boutiques. Head further to explore the famous beach resorts of Benalmadena, Torremolinos or Estepona.

You can also either take a high speed AVE train (2.5 hours) or take a guided trip to the typical Andalucian town of Ronda and take a walk along its cobbled streets and the stunning New Bridge spanning the El Tajo gorge.

Overnight in Málaga.

Day 8: Málaga

Fly out of Málaga Airport or take the high speed AVE train back to Madrid Puerta de Atocha station (2 hrs 40 mins).

main DESTINATIONS

This beautiful city is the capital of Andalusia. You can get there from Madrid in two and a half hours on the AVE high-speed train.

It takes just over an hour and a half to reach the city from Madrid in the AVE high-speed train. It is most famous for its Grand Mosque.

Known for its wealth of cultural activities, its wonderful atmosphere and its most iconic heritage site, the Alhambra.

On the Costa del Sol, just three hours from Madrid on the AVE high-speed train.

Marbella and Costa del Sol

60 kilometres from Malaga is Marbella, one of Spain’s most glamorous and luxurious towns.

About 60 kilometres from Marbella, the views of the town’s New Bridge over the Tagus are spectacular.

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Andalusia Small Group Tour from Algarve with Acebron Palace

Do this because.

• Step back in time as you wander around the ancient walls of Niebla
• See remnants dating back to the 16th century such as Our Lady of Granada
• Try local wines paired with tapas at Bollullos winery
• Learn about Spanish culture with visits to El Rocio and Acebron Palace
• Travel in comfort in an exclusive minibus, designed for just 16 guests

Why choose TUI Collection

We've carefully designed our experiences to help you get the most out of every trip.

Exceptional experiences

• Designed by us - a trusted travel leader
• Led by our friendly expert guides and crew
• Highly rated by customers

Created with care

• Meets our high sustainability standards
• Supports local communities
• Suppliers approved by us

Best value guaranteed

• Unbeatable value with no hidden costs
• Covered by our Value Guarantee
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

What to expect

One of Spain's most beautiful and unspoiled corners awaits on this full day tour by minibus. Huelva, a treasure trove of protected wetlands and towns rich with history, is your playground for the day. You'll visit Niebla, El Rocío, and the Palace of Acebron. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Don't miss the visit to the castle, where history comes alive, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of those who came before'.

Walking through Niebla's ancient walls is like travelling back to the 16th century. You'll see a historic hospital and peaceful churches like St. Martin and Our Lady of Granada, each with their own story to tell. After, you'll take a delightful detour into the world of wines at the Bollullos winery. Immerse yourself in the flavours and aromas of the region with a tasting session, complemented by an assortment of tapas that promise to leave your taste buds tingling.

The journey takes a soulful twist as we head to El Rocío, a pilgrimage site that's a heartbeat of Spanish culture. While you're there, why not check out a shop filled with flamenco dresses, the epitome of Spanish flair? Wander the town's quaint streets during some free time to truly soak it all in. Rounding off your trip is a visit to the Palace of Acebron, nestled within the Doñana National Park. Glimpse into architectural grandeur at the palace, surrounded by forests and lakes, providing a perfect conclusion to your exploration of Huelva's treasures.

Important to know

• Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
• Not suitable for wheelchairs
• Not suitable for families with small children
• Bring a hat
• Bring suitable footwear
• Please note that all times are approximate and subject to change

What’s included

Admission fees

Local delicacy tasting

Wine tasting

Guided tour

Exclusive TUI itinerary

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

TUI PORTUGAL

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Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET

Phone number : +1 208-744-6464

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Discover The Magical Algarve, Alentejo & Andalucia, Self-drive (multi Country)

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• COVID-19 protected
• Self-drive or vehicle rental
• Art and architecture
• duration 11 days
• tour type Private
• age requirement 6-99 yrs
• max group size 50
• guiding method Self-guided
• Tour Code BM-36648

• Starts Faro, Portugal
• Ends Faro, Portugal
• Sagres: This fortress witnessed the mysterious history and legends of the maritime adventure made by Infante D. Henrique in the 15th century.
• Costa Vicentina: Don’t miss out the breathtaking Alentejo Coast, which is dotted with surf beaches and secluded coves.
• Seville: Explore the elegant capital of Andalusia, visiting the world-famous Plaza de España, the former royal palace, and cathedral, as well as strolling through its old Jewish quarter.
• Day 1: Arrival Faro / Car Pick-up
• Day 2: Faro – Lagos (90km – 1hr)
• Day 3: Lagos – Sagres – Vicentine Coast – Vila Nova Milfontes Or Sines (198km – 3.5hrs)
• Day 4: Vila Nova Milfontes Or Sines – Comporta – Evora (186km – 3hrs)
• Day 5: Evora – Estremoz – Elvas – Merida – Caceres/spain (171km – 2hrs)
• Day 6: Caceres – Zafra – Seville (266km – 2.5hrs)
• Day 7: Seville – Jerez – Cadiz – Seville (248km – 3hrs)
• Day 8: Seville
• Day 9: Seville – Huelva – Isla Cristina – Tavira (289km – 3.5hrs)
• Day 10: Tavira – OlhÃo – Faro (67km – 1hr)
• Day 11: Departure Faro / Car Drop-off
• 10 night's accommodation
• Standard Hotel Category = Dom Bernardo or similar 3*
• Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Vila Gale Lagos or similar 3*
• Standard Hotel Category = Unlock Sobreribras or similar 3*
• Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Vila Gale Evora or similar 3*
• Standard Hotel Category = Boutique Casa Don Fernando or similar 3*
• Standard Hotel Category = Soho Catedral or similar 3*
• Standard Hotel Category = Vila Gale Tavira or similar 3*
• 10 Breakfasts
• VLF (Vehicle Licensee Fee)
• ASC (Airport Service Charge)
• 11 days car rental
• Unlimited mileage
• CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
• TP (Theft Protection)
• Meet & Greet
• Car Group Y = Renault Clio or similar
• International or domestic flights
• Optional tours (if any)
• City tax not included, payable on the spot
• Porterage and gratuities
• Please note that this tour is a suggested itinerary. While the sites listed may be visited independently, the package does not cover any applicable entrance or tour fees
• Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
• Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
• Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
• Cross border supplement (payable on the spot)
• Fuel, Fines, Tolls, Parking
• PAI (Personal Accident Insurance), SDW (Super Damage Waiver)
• Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving.
• Loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle.
• Damage to the engine through negligence.
• Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition.
• Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of a fine being received there will be an administration charge.
• If the car is left outside of rent a car designated area on drop off, customers will be responsible for any costs generated and for any damage to the vehicle due to it being parked outside of the Rent Car installations.
• Each additional driver.
• Any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat, etc.)
• Earn US$ 47+ in travel credits.
• Best price guaranteed.
• No credit card or booking fees.
• 100% financial protection.
• Carbon neutral tours.
• 25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
• Read more reasons to book with Bookmundi less Read less

No additional cancellation fees apply for this Discover The Magical Algarve, Alentejo & Andalucia, Self-drive (multi Country) tour. You can cancel the tour up to 26 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 25 days of departure.

For any tour departures within 26 May 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 26 May 2024, a deposit is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 25 days before trip departure.

Discover The Magical Algarve, Alentejo & Andalucia, Self-drive (multi Country) tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

For this Discover The Magical Algarve, Alentejo & Andalucia, Self-drive (multi Country) tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

One driver, age 23 and up, holding a driving license valid for a minimum of 2 years  Clients must collect the car with their own international credit card We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons Triple room is a Double room with an additional bed Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed  

This trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:

• This tour has implemented smaller group sizes than normal, allowing for more personal space on the vehicles, sights visited, hotels and restaurants.
• Hygiene protocols have been adopted on this trip. Wearing a mask, hand washing and general sanitizing has been implemented on this tour. Frequently touched surfaces are furthermore regularly disinfected.
• Distancing measures have been implemented to safeguard against COVID-19.

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Home » Diari di viaggio » Andalusia e Algarve in undici tappe

Andalusia e Algarve in undici tappe

Indice dei contenuti

Prima tappa: Malaga-Algeciras

Partenza! Imbocco l’autopista del mediterraneo per raggiungere la punta meridionale di Spagna. Ora, l’80% delle autostrade spagnole è gratuito ma qui, essendo zona turistica, fanno pagare alcuni pedaggi fino a Estepona (peraltro in totale avrò speso una dozzina di euro per 130km, non molto più che in Italia). Mano a mano che vediamo i cartelli (e le indicazioni per i ferry verso il Marocco) iniziare ad essere in doppia lingua (spagnolo-arabo) ci rendiamo conto che ci stiamo avvicinando, e in serata raggiungiamo la meta. La cittadina (oddio, 115mila anime) è conosciuta per il suo porto (il maggiore di Spagna) ed in effetti il centro è molto molto piccolo. Da segnalare Plaza Alta, in stile Mudejar con una curiosa e cartoonesca fontana, e non tanto la piazza del mercato (antica Plaza Baja) quanto il mercato stesso (all’aperto, tutti i giorni, e con un casino da fare paura). I locali in centro ci sono, ma sotto la media quantitativa spagnola (pur non essendo rari, per intenderci). Chieste spiegazioni l’ostelliera (buono l’ostello) ci dice che è così perché qui c’è un quartiere costiero dedicato esclusivamente ai bar, un pò fuori dalla zona centrale della città. Per il resto Algeciras è il regno dei “locutorios” ovvero i locali dove si può telefonare e andare su internet a poco prezzo (usatissimi dai marocchini presenti e molti gestiti da loro, c’è una intera via dedicata a questi internet point), utilizzati molto anche da me per risolvere le mie grane del contratto d’auto. La città si vede tranquillamente in poche ore, e infatti è quello che facciamo durante la prima sera.

Seconda Tappa: Algeciras- Gibilterra – Tarifa

Il secondo giorno rimaniamo in zona per vedere Gibraltar, i suoi turisti inglesi e i suoi macachi (e la strada d’ingresso che altro non è che la pista dell’aeroporto). Nonostante sia reclamata dagli spagnoli e gli abitanti usino lo Spanglish, Gibraltar architettonicamente sembra un paesino della Cornovaglia, Uk fino al midollo. I prezzi sono piuttosto alti (e i maledetti fanno il prezzo in Sterline di Gibilterra, spesso con notevoli creste) ma facciamo comunque un giro in centro (affollatissimo da turisti perlopiù britannici e francesi) e prendiamo il trenino per andare sul picco omonimo (426 metri), che altro non è che una delle mitiche colonne d’Ercole. A parte le scimmie, numerosissime e simpatiche (ma anche relativamente aggressive se non gli si lascia il cibo) che saltano sul bus e sulle macchine, fa davvero specie vedere le coste africane così vicino (solo 14km). Terminato il giro a Gibilterra ci dirigiamo a Tarifa, una delle capitali del surf. La città è arabeggiante e molto carina; vista quella percorriamo altri 15 km per arrivare a Playa de Bolonia, praticamente i Caraibi in Europa. Sabbia bianca e finissima, di quella che se si appiccica non la togli più, acqua calda di una limpidezza sconvolgente e arietta che stempera il caldo; in pratica un paradiso . Credo che sia una delle prime 3 spiagge più belle che abbia mai visto. Bagnatomi nell’atlantico “mediterraneo” ritorniamo all’ostello per fare un altro po’ di vita serale Algecirasiana (questa volta nel famoso quartiere serale) e andiamo a dormire con la testa rivolta al giorno dopo.

Terza Tappa: Algeciras- Cadice – Jerez

Partiamo in tarda mattinata per raggiungere Jerez. Essendo la strada piuttosto lunga ce la prendiamo comoda, arrivando a destinazione solo nel primo pomeriggio. Appoggiamo le cose nell’hotel, riposino e decidiamo, essendo già pomeriggio di andare nella vicinissima (15 minuti) Capitale della provincia, Cadice. Pur preferendo Jerez anche Cadiz è molto particolare, stretta lingua di terra (una sola lunghissima arteria principale che arriva diritta alle porte del centro storico) che si blocca davanti alle mura della città vecchia, un dedalo di vie lastricate in mezzo alle tipiche case bianche con balconi stretti. Il tutto sotto la vigile guardia della cattedrale (piu unica che rara per le sue forme e i suoi colori). Salendo in cima alla torre si ha un bellissimo spettacolo della città sull’oceano. Dopo la passeggiata si rende necessario un bagno veloce sulla lunga spiaggia, sotto i resti delle mura fenicie, con l’acqua che è freddina e con la sabbia non paragonabile a quella della provincia, ma pur sempre più che discreta per essere una spiaggia cittadina. Decidendo di cenare a Jerez, torniamo indietro per vedere la città in notturna, molto evocativa e pienissima di gente.

Quarta Tappa: Jerez de la Frontera-Barbate Canos de Meca

Da qui in avanti il titolo di questo diario di viaggio inizia ad avere un senso. La mattina esploriamo Jerez de la frontera e, a differenza della sera prima, in giro non c’è un’anima. Il perché lo scopro prima sulla pelle e poi su un termometro, visto che alle 11 del mattino i gradi segnati sono 40°. Cerchiamo di tenerci all’ombra dei tetti e visitiamo un centro storico che stupisce molto; non sapevo molto di Jerez, a parte che della pista per le moto omonima, e la città non è famosa (in Italia) per il turismo. Invece, forse perchè inaspettata, la ciudad risulta essere splendida (in piena tradizione Andalusa). Si parte da Plaza de l’Arenal, proseguendo per la Cattedrale (dentro un po’ deludente, fuori una delle più belle che abbia visto in Andalusia, una Giralda un po’ più piccola), le viuzze strette piene di bagni Arabi (carissimi), proseguendo per le enormi e classiche fabbriche di Tio Pepe (il vino locale). Moltissime affissioni per gli spettacoli di Flamenco (che ha la sua origine qui), entriamo decisi per una visita all’Alcazar, famosa in quanto molto ben conservata e sede di una camera oscura dotata di un periscopio che permette di vedere la città in real time da dentro la torre. Gli interni dell’Alcazar oggettivamente non sono un granchè, molto meglio l’esterno, con la Plaza de Armas, le rovine dei Bagni arabi, i giardini e la torre ottagonale dalla quale si vede bene buona parte della città. Diciamo che 3 euro di biglietto li vale tutti. Unica pecca è il non aver potuto vedere le scuderie reali cittadine, essendo le più famose di tutta la Spagna, un vero must. Dopo pranzo e una ulteriore passeggiata cercando di evitare il sole a picco, prendiamo l’auto e scendiamo, per circa 45 minuti, fino a raggiungere Barbate (Canos de Meca), altra spiaggia-paradiso, anche se decisamente più turistica (e attrezzata come tale) rispetto a quella di Tarifa, e dove passiamo il tardo pomeriggio (in un delirio di gente e poco parcheggio). Rientro e dormita ancora in Jerez, per poi dirottare la mattina dopo verso il Portogallo.

Quinta Tappa: Jerez-Donana-Faro

Si parte la mattina, direzione Lusitania, circa 4 ore di viaggio. A metà tragitto, sorpassata Siviglia, si esce dall’autostrada per dare un occhio al Parque del Donana, patrimonio Unesco per le specie animali ivi risiedenti. Il caldo è davvero insostenibile e, mentre ci si addentra nel parco (ancora su strada) inizia la titubanza; vediamo infatti solo alberi bruciati dal sole. Ci fermiamo a pranzo in un paesino del quale non ricordo il nome, dove ci spiegano come poter esplorare la zona (a cavallo, a piedi, in bus), dicendoci che a piedi forse oggi non era il caso. Essendo oltre 4 ore di visita e scarseggiando il tempo decidiamo di non fare una gita organizzata ma esplorare e basta. Ci proviamo, scendiamo dalla macchina, 200m, ci si guarda in faccia e ci si dice “No, non si può”. Riaccendendo la macchina infatti il termometro segna il seguente numero: 47. Sinceramente son rimasto un po’ deluso dal non poter approfondire il parco, però davvero la calura era mortale. Arriviamo infine a Boliqueime, Portogallo, (nostro alloggio) verso le 7di sera, e decidiamo di andare a vedere e cenare a Faro. Non me ne avevano parlato molto bene, invece io credo che la cittadina (così diversa dalla vicina Andalusia) sia carina, pur non lasciando sbigottiti. Non posso dire lo stesso della cena, resti sbagliati (il non sapere il portoghese, lingua impossibile, non aiuta), oltre un’ora di attesa… qualità del cibo ok decente però insomma…. ristorante Bocciato!. Molto bella la zona del Porticciolo di Faro, e la risalita verso la zona pedonale. Da qui a domani ci si immergerà nell’atmosfera (rovente) dell’Algarve.

Sesta Tappa: Albufeira-Portimao-Silves

Sempre oltre i 40 (forse erano 44, non ricordo), andiamo a visitare i paesini del centro Algarve, e le loro superbe spiagge. La mattina è dedicata ad Albufeira, posto turistico se ce n’è uno (una marea di gente), ma che ha conservato anche qualcosa del paesino che era, con tutte le sue casette bianche arroccate una sull’altra. Qui il pranzo (con i butta dentro dei ristoranti che si sprecano) è decisamente diverso rispetto alla sera prima, le sardine sono giganti e non costano nemmeno tanto (ma mi ricordavo il Portogallo come molto economico dal punto di vista della cucina). Vediamo anche la bellissima Praia de Pescadores, però non ci fermiamo (con proteste della fiancee), perché dobbiamo andare a Portimao. Ecco, Portimao paese mi ha davvero deluso, una colonia di condomini moderni uno appresso all’altro, e anche la spiaggia non è “romantica” bensì una attrezzatissima spiaggia per turisti. Però per un amante delle onde, come me, l’oceano Portimaiano è risultato fantastico (anche con l’acqua caldissima), molto più della tranquillità delle acque di Albufeira. Mi schianto per un paio d’ore contro i flutti, poi è ora di tornare all’hotel… prima però, non essendoci davvero nulla a Boliqueime (che avrà 1000 abitanti a dir molto), facciamo virata su Silves, una gradita sorpresa. Bellissimo il paese sulla collina, con il suo castello a dominare il borgo medievale; peschiamo, per nostra fortuna, la sagra del paese, consistente in una ricostruzione medievale (con tanto di cambio in monete del tempo) della vita paesana, fra bancarelle serventi piatti a base di porcello, musica, balle di fieno… una delizia. Finiamo spalla a spalla con Pasion Vega (cantante andalusa che io non conosco, ma molto famosa in patria, infatti la mia ragazza la conosce benissimo), e tutt’ora mi chiedo della mancata richiesta dell’autografo. Non facciamo comunque tardissimo perché la prossima tappa sarà Evora, piuttosto lontana.

Settima Tappa: Boliqueime–Evora

Il Portogallo è economico… se non hai la macchina. Non sapendolo, da stupido, mi ero detto “non faccio il pieno in Spagna (1.30€ al litro), facciamolo in Portogallo che è economico”. A sapere che benzina e autostrada costavano più che in Italia non avrei fatto questa scelta, ma tant’è. Arriviamo nei pressi di Evora dopo 3 orette di strada, e prima di entrare in città andiamo a fare una gita fuori porta per vedere i Cromlech della famosa zona archeologica adiacente alla città. Il caldo è logorante, ma minore che in Algarve, e si vede anche abbastanza verde (il termometro cmq è sui 35°). Visti i nostri sassi entriamo in città e dedichiamo il pomeriggio alla sua visita . Evora è piccola ma molto bella, di una bellezza austera, viste le sue origini romane, e ha un po’ di tutto : castelli, templi, verde. Difficile descriverla, meglio visitarla (anche se fa davvero poco Portogallo classico!); segnalo comunque una cosa su tutte. Il tempio delle ossa, davvero inquietante (così come le statue del relativo museo) entrarci. L’hotel è meraviglioso, per rapporto qualità-prezzo il migliore di tutta la vacanza (ricordo con goduria la piscina serale). Altra mattina, altro viaggio, infatti si vira a Ovest per raggiungere la capitale.

Ottava Tappa: Lisbona-Sintra-Cabo da Roca

Alla capitale del Portogallo dedichiamo ben 2 giorni, includendo nel giro anche Sintra, tappa obbligata e vicina. Partiamo da Evora la mattina presto e facciamo bene, essendoci all’ingresso di uno dei 2 colossali ponti della capitale Lusitana (il XXV aprile), un traffico incredibile, così come lo è quello della periferia cittadina. Lisbona è una vera e propria metropoli, ma ha un suo fascino, molto fascino. Il fascino del marciume, dell’inquietitudine e della pericolosità apparente (conosciuta anche come la capitale dei borsaioli, tanto che l’ostelliere, simpaticissimo, ci ha consigliato di prendere solo un documento e i contanti necessari, senza portare niente altro) che però attrae irresistibilmente. Città a 2 facce, la faccia monumentale, con opere del calibro del Castelo di Sao Jorge, della fantastica Belem (il monasterio dos Geronimos è una cosa a dir poco spaziale), dell’arco della rua Augusta, cuore della Baixa, e la faccia polverosa e antica, marcia, che comprende il Barrio Alto, il mitico tram 28 (occhio ai borseggiatori) e soprattutto l’Alfama, che colpisce al cuore e alla gola, specie la sera. In realtà non è successo niente di niente di lontanamente pericoloso (solo l’offerta di qualche pusher, qui come gente si vede veramente di tutto) però l’inquietitudine rimane, così come l’adrenalina. Diversa l’atmosfera di Sintra, il posto per me più bello di tutta la vacanza. Un verde rigoglioso, case bellissime, Il fantastico Palacio da Pena con i suoi giardini, la rocca moresca… Peccato non aver avuto tempo di dedicare un giorno intero a questa meraviglia, ma vale davvero la pena. Da notare le temperature, qui fa freddissimo in rapporto a Lisbona, che già non è calda come a sud. Durante la giornata siamo passati dai 30 della città ai 24 di Sintra (distano solo 20 minuti d’auto) ai 21 del Palacio da Pena ai quattordici (alle 4 di pomeriggio) del fantastico Cabo da Roca, sedicente punto più occidentale dell’Europa continentale, quanto di più selvaggio possa esistere in questa parte del mondo. Qui abbiamo trovato alcuni fra i pochi Italiani in vacanza in Lusitania (al contrario dei Francesi che sembravano aver colonizzato il paese).

Nona Tappa: Sines-Aljezur

4 ore teoriche diauto, ma prese molto con comodo, perché vogliamo discendere l’intera costa anziché prendere l’autostrada. Usciamo da Lisbona la mattina (attraversando i 18km del ponte più lungo d’Europa, Il Vasco da Gama) e per l’ora di Pranzo, fra bei boschi, piccoli paeselli di provincia (molto campagnoli, ma carini) e temperature che man mano salgono (più per la discesa che per l’avanzare delle ore), arriviamo alla prima cittadina importante, Sines. La città è famosa per aver dato i Natali a Vasco de Gama, del quale è presente una statua in fronte alla cittadella fortificata. La cittadina è godibile, non turistica e non molto cara, tutt’altro che affollata. Ha anche una bella spiaggia, nella quale passiamo un’oretta e facciamo un bagno prima di ripartire. Arriviamo poi in serata ad Aljezur, paesello già in Algarve, ma sul lato ovest. Voglio andare a vedere le spiagge… sono così diverse da quelle della costa Sud. Qui è vero Oceano : rupi altissime, con spiagge nel mezzo, onde selvagge, acqua gelida. Becco la spiaggia di Odeceixe, dove bisogna scendere per circa 150 metri lungo strette viuzze per arrivare alla spiaggia, in mezzo a due rupi. L’acqua è GELIDA (anche perché era sera e la giornata era nuvolosa) non resisto più di 15 minuti in acqua, la forza delle onde è dirompente benché non siano altissime, potenza dell’Atlantico. L’albergo è molto carino ma la serata è da dimenticare (l’unica pizzeria, perché la donna voleva pizza, è un covo di ladri -peggio che a Faro!- che fra l’altro non accettavano carta di credito, non c’erano bancomat e son dovuto tornare in hotel a prendere il contante), e mi fa andare a letto incazzato nero. Andrà meglio domani.

Decima Tappa: Lagos, Tavira

Si torna sulla costa sud dell’Algarve, e tornano le temperature bollenti (tutto il giorno a 45°). La mattina è dedicata a Lagos, paese turistico ma discreto, e dotato di una spiaggia fantastica. Ci fermiamo a fare un bagno mattutino, e facciamo un giro del centro (molto carino) e della zona del porto turistico (molto bella). Riesco anche, dopo averla menata per una settimana, a trovare un ristorante che offra la Francesinha (piatto tipico del nord portoghese del quale mi ero innamorato ai tempi di una passata visita a Porto). La gusto con sommo piacere, poi ripartiamo decidendo, lungo il viaggio, di sostare a Tavira. L’intuizione è giusta perché mi trovo di fronte al più bel paese, secondo me, di questa regione, merito sicuramente del fiume e della sua laguna. Le casette sono in tipico stile Algarve, bianche, ma la presenza del corso d’acqua alleggerisce tutto e gli dona freschezza. Decidiamo di fare il bagno nella laguna, non è il massimo (decisamente peggio di Lagos) ma ci si diverte e ci si rinfresca. Verso sera ritorniamo in Spagna (mooooolto piano, visto che ero in riserva non volevo fare più rifornimento in Portogallo), arrivando molto tardi al nostro hotel di Puerto Real (comunque distante 4 ore da Tavira, essendo vicino a Cadice), tanto tardi che decidiamo di non uscire (erano circa le 11 e ancora bisognava cenare).

Undicesima Tappa: ruta de los pueblos blancos, Ronda, Malaga

L’anello vacanziero non poteva concludersi meglio: ennesima giornata rovente (40-42°) e decisione, visto che volevo andare a Ronda, di prendere la celbre “ruta de los pueblos blancos”. Sorpassiamo una quantità di paesini tipici in un paesaggio curioso, alternante zone estremamente desertiche a laghetti artificiali bassissimi, a boschetti inariditi, un concentrato unico di quello che l’Andalusia può fornire. Purtroppo questi paesi li ho visti solo dalla macchina (per questioni di tempo, l’auto andava riconsegnata la sera stessa a Malaga) e ho il gran rimpianto di non aver potuto vedere dettagliatamente (ma la visita è rimandata) Arcos de la frontera, considerata una perla di Spagna. Riesco però a gustarmi in pieno Ronda, la città sugli strapiombi, che ha fatto in seguito venire le vertigini a qualche mio amico. Vedere le case arroccate su burroni di 200 metri fa sempre il suo effetto, la Plaza de Toros più antica di Spagna (e il suo museo) e la cattedrale fanno il resto. Più che bella ronda è estremamente unica nel suo genere, e merita davvero di essere vista. Sconsigliata la via del ritorno a chi soffre di vertigini o di mal d’auto, da me effettuata, da Ronda a San Pedro de Alcantara, paesaggio ancora una volta spettacolare ma che è riuscito a far venire a me, montanaro convinto, i brividi di paura mentre guidavo. Non fraintendete, la strada è bellissima, tenuta bene e molto larga, ma vedere sotto di voi 30 chilometri di vuoto (siamo a ben più di 1000 di quota) sotto i piedi sono un’emozione forte. Meglio riconsegnare la macchina e raggiungere Malaga in tempo per la sua mitica Feria, concludendo così una vacanza davvero splendida e indimenticabile!

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Video Itinerari

The Ultimate 1-Week Andalucia Road Trip Itinerary And Guide

Ever wonder how to make the most of your South of Spain adventures? Well, then an Andalucia Road Trip could be everything you are looking for.

Just back from our 1st proper trip this year (#AndaluciaRoadTrip), we want to share with you our Andalucia driving itinerary and all we learned as we road-tripped our way across Andalucia main hotspots during 7 days. So here you have it: Our 1 week Andalusia road trip itinerary and guide, along with a few other tips that will help you craft a memorable time in this region.

Ready? Let the fun begin!

1 Week Andalucia Road Trip Itinerary

Whether you have just a week or want to take things slower, this 1 week Andalusia road trip itinerary is a great one to start with as it crosses 4 of the region’s 8 provinces: Malaga, Cadiz, Sevilla, and Granada.

We took Malaga as the starting and ending points as our flights arrived and departed from there but any other Andalucia city served by a decent airport would do for that matter.

That said, Malaga is also a great choice because low-cost airlines like Ryanair – the one we used scoring a couple of return tickets for €32 each – have many flights from lots of European destinations. That would be the case of Jerez and Sevilla too.

Given that this is a round road trip, and you will complete a circle by the end after driving almost 1000km, you could really start at any other stop. Other great starting points would be Malaga, Jerez, Sevilla, and Granada.

Here’s a map of the proposed itinerary :

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Day 1: Arrival to Malaga

You have made it! Welcome to Malaga and, therefore, welcome to Andalucia. One of the warmest – in weather and locals – regions in Spain and one of the most visited ones too (along with Barcelona , Madrid , and the Canary Islands ).

✈  Malaga’s airport  is barely 8km away from central Malaga and the place where this Andalucia road trip itinerary starts.

?After picking up your car, we would suggest you head to Gibralfaro , just a 20 min ride from the airport, where you will be able to enjoy the best views overlooking Malaga city.

?From there, down the mountain to the city center to have a first approach to the Andalusian way of life, take some tapas surrounded by cheerful locals and visit some of the architectural wonders of the city , including the cathedral which definitely is a Malaga must-see .

⚡ If you get just a bit lucky, you could also enjoy some of the celebrations that regularly happen in Malaga.

Take for instance, what happened to me in 2008 when a couple of friends and me arrived right in time for the feria (the city’s main festivity, in August), and our tranquil trip transformed into an endless party. Or, what we saw a couple of weeks back in the main street: a giant dome of lights covering the whole strip . Quite a background for your selfies!

☾ Malaga is a pretty big city and as such, parking is not its greatest point. That, plus your freedom to sleep wherever you want to thanks to your car, would make us recommend you head somewhere else nearby to rest your head. Torremolinos and Benalmadena , although not the prettiest, are literally packed with hotels and apartments which make them a great budget option for those with a car (you!).

We just went for the first one and booked a basic €25 double room in Torremolinos.

Day 2: From Torremolinos to Tarifa

Here’s when things start to get interesting. Your second day on the road, but the first you will be checking spot after spot for as long as the daylight allows you too.

After leaving your hotel, Airbnb or place where you spent the 1st night, skip the autopista – toll highway – and choose the autovía instead. Also fast, you will be able to stop when you want and will avoid any extra toll charges.

? Located on the Costa del Sol – Sun Coast – , 30 km southwest of the provincial capital, Mijas Pueblo was mainly engaged in agriculture and fisheries until the tourist boom in the 50s. Today is one of Andalusia’s main hubs of residential tourism .

⚡ While you are there, explore on foot its narrow cobblestone streets and get amazed to the burro taxis  – donkey taxis -. If you too are extra sensitive with them, there’s a donkey sculpture you can ‘ride’ without hurting a soul (pictured below).

Once you are hungry enough, head to the main square for a quick, filling and cheap lunch (full menu including a starter, main dish, dessert, tap water, and bread basket from €8).

You might have heard about this town’s corruption and impressive construction boom from the late 80s until the great depression the real state industry experienced when the bubble burst in 2007. Well, if we were to find this reality’s epicenter, this would be Marbella.

⚡ Still, the city has a few interesting spots that deserve a quick stop and will give you some nice Andalucia images. One of them, our favorite, would be the pier by Marbella club .

Quick note: We did not have time to jump the border and actually step into this UK’s territory but we did admire its natural beauty from a distance.

? Before reaching the Southernmost tip of Spain, take a detour to ‘ El Higuerón ‘ viewpoint to overlook Gibraltar.

⚡ Bonus points if your visit aligns with sunset time.

? This would be 2nd day’s last stop as this windy town by Gibraltar’s Trait, and facing Africa, is the perfect spot to spend the night. Quiet unless your visit in high season (from Easter to Fall, but mostly Summer), its narrow and labyrinthine alleys designed to cut the wind lashing the coast, and its trendy bars will leave you in love.

⚡ Go for some tapas and beers before crashing. You want to save some energy for tomorrow, yet another awesome day.

☾ The amount of diverse accommodation offered in Tarifa is pretty mind-blowing. From hostels to boutique hotels and pensions, this small town has turned to tourism with all its heart.

Pictured here, myself having breakfast at our very own – and hyper cozy – rooftop terrace at one of Tarifa’s most central hostels, called Correos. Doubles from €30.

Day 3: From Tarifa to Cadiz

⚡ Before leaving Tarifa for good, get some sunbeams while walking one last time its historic center.

VALDEVAQUEROS

? A 5 min drive from Tarifa, its main – and quite long – beach will make you stop as the road passes just a couple hundred meters away from the sea. Once a windsurfing paradise, today Valdevaqueros is the main kitesurfing hub in the country along with some of the Canary Islands and the next stop of this Andalusian road trip.

But whether it is windy or just the calmest day ever, the beach is worth some time to get close and personal with its pale yellow fine sand and unique atmosphere, where vans roam for days or weeks in low season enjoying a quiet life by the sea.

PUNTA PALOMA

? Again a stone’s throw from the previous stop, Punta Paloma is a unique dune area overlooking Tarifa and Valdevaqueros beach that could leave you speechless. As you approach, the road begins to be taken by the sand, in what could seem a beautiful post-apocalyptic scene in the bright Andalusian sun.

⚡ There was a fashion photo shoot taking place when we visited Punta Paloma. Indeed, it is a great place to take some stunning pictures, so get your camera ready!

VEJER DE LA FRONTERA

? Like Mijas, Vejer de la Frontera is a village on the slope of a mountain with a wonderful view of the town itself and its lush surroundings.

To be honest, we stopped at Vejer because lunchtime was approaching and we thought it could be a great place to eat. But truth is that we didn’t find a restaurant for that purpose, instead what we did is discover a picturesque village.

? On your way back to the coastal road, you will find a few local restaurants. Stopping wherever the parking lot is pretty busy (especially filled with trucks) is always a great idea.

Barbate is situated at the mouth of the River Barbate, some 11 kilometers along the coast to the east of Cape Trafalgar, our next stop. Very popular in Summer among Spanish tourists, it has a long history of fishing stretching back to Roman times.

The town does not have the charm of many older settlements but it is well designed and has an attractive central square, called Plaza de la Inmaculada (like me!).

⚡ What we would really suggest you is to drive through it along the coast and reach one of the nearby beaches, where from to admire the upcoming highlight: Trafalgar Cape’s lighthouse! A highlight indeed on this Southern Spain itinerary.

⚡ Roads are windy as the lighthouse comes closer and they are some of the most beautiful we have seen in a long time too, with dense forests in both sides of the road that continue as far as the eye can see.

TRAFALGAR CAPE LIGHTHOUSE

? Historic place as few are because the 1805 naval Battle of Trafalgar, in which the Royal Navy decisively defeated Napoleon’s fleet, took place off the cape.

⚡ It is also one of the nicest places from where to watch sunset between Tarifa and Cadiz.

PUERTO DE SANTA MARIA

? Best known for having been the port from which Columbus sailed on his 2nd trip to the Americas, El Puerto de Santa Maria is a city on the outskirts of Cadiz.

☾ Like we did on the 1st night in Malaga, this one resulted in the perfect spot to spend the night. Easy to reach at night, with plenty of free parking spots available and low rates. We paid €30 for a double room with breakfast included.

Day 4: From Cadiz to Sevilla

? Ever since I visited Cadiz during that aforementioned 2008 trip with a couple of my girlfriends, I was drawn to go back to Cadiz.

Situated on a narrow slice of land surrounded by the sea‚ Cádiz is a typically Andalusian city with a wealth of attractive vistas and well-preserved historical landmarks. It is also the oldest continuously inhabited city in Spain and one of the oldest in western Europe. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss in Cadiz.

⚡ Its Old Town , within the remains of the city walls and mainly surrounded by the sea.

⚡ The cathedral square , its interiors and rooftop views from the bells tower.

⚡  The  Castle of San Sebastián,  a fortress at the end of La Caleta beach on a small island separated from the main city, another gem on this Andalucia trip.

? Now here’s a pretty town on your way North to Sevilla you should definitely check out. We tried to skip it as we were planning to meet some friends for dinner BUT Jerez definitely wanted us to stop and have a look. So fate made us have a flat tire on our way North and our insurance’s technical service took us to Jerez, where our tire was fixed in the blink of an eye. Next time, Jerez, you don’t have to try that hard! We will properly visit you. Promised.

? This city, often seen as Andalucia’s finest , is definitely one of the highlights of this Andalucia Road Trip. And as such, it deserves at least 2 days (in reality, a day and a half) of your time in the region.

Its sights are never-ending, but you will have time to explore them tomorrow. For now, go for tapas and chill as the night comes at any of the city center’s busy squares.

⚡ Sevilla’s  bars and bodegas  (wine houses or cellars), contrary to Granada’s – where tapas often come for free along with your drink – sell their tapas but their menu is usually diverse, extensive and a fair portrayal of Andalusian cuisine.

Day 5: Sevilla

Now before even stepping out of your hotel, be aware today there’s no car supporting you. Sevilla is better seen and experienced on foot and therefore, if you are ok with that, you will likely walk a lot today.

Instead of analyzing every one of the Sevilla highlights we recommend you to visit in an overdone and boring travel guide style, we’ll leave you with our visual memories of those places. It is up to you to choose them or not but be aware they were our 1st choice for a reason.

⚡ PLAZA DE ESPAÑA

⚡ METROPOL PARASOL ( Las Setas de Sevilla )

⚡ THE CATHEDRAL AND ITS GIRALDA TOWER

⚡ ST. CRUZ NEIGHBORHOOD

⚡ SEVILLA’S CITY CENTRE

⚡ AIRE ARAB BATHS

Day 6: From Sevilla to Granada

Slowly approaching the end of the trip, the 6th day of this Andalucia road trip will be a one where you will drive from 3 to 5 hours depending on how many stops you want to take along the way.

?Our first suggestion is that you break the driving time in two the least and, again like we mentioned when we were in Malaga (day 2), take the secondary road and skip the toll highway. Ronda is pretty much in between Sevilla and Granada and makes it for the perfect place to stop, stretch your legs, have some lunch at one of its endless restaurants overlooking the valley and continue your journey towards the East.

⚡  Do take the dust off your hiking shoes and venture through the many trails surrounding the town. Many picture perfect spots await.

CAMINITO DEL REY

? Ah, who could make days last 48 hours or, at least, take us out of bed early enough to make it to the 2nd planned stop of the day: the infamous Caminito del Rey (The King’s Path). Once named the most dangerous hiking trail in the world, it is today a recently restored wonderful path that takes visitors across impossible cliffs and exceptional nature sites.

TORDAL DE ANTEQUERA

? Yet another milestone in the way we had to suppress due to our lack of time (we followed this itinerary in Winter when daylight lasts an average of 6 hours less than Summer, hence our frantic and shortened schedules).

Our idea was to get closer to this area of unparalleled beauty and unpredictable shapes to admire the sunset against the rock formations. We’ll have to wait until you tell us how it is!

? And here it is. Finally, we reached our final milestone, the wonderful city of Granada.

With more history than many (in fact it was a Moorish city before the Spanish Christian kings, Ferdinand and Isabella kicked the last Moorish king and his entourage out of it at the end of the 15th century), its strategic location halfway between the mountain peaks of Sierra Nevada (the only ski resort in the south of the Iberian Peninsula) and the coast as well as the fact that it owns one of the three oldest and renowned universities in Spain – therefore it is a young and dynamic city -, Granada could perfectly be  one of the cities I would move to in a heartbeat .

⚡  As fatigue might be kicking in at this point after a long day on the road, we advise you to have dinner and head to your hotel for a good rest. Tomorrow, the last proper day of this Andalucia itinerary will be a great one too and you want to be fresh and ready to make the most out of it!

Day 7: Granada

As we did with Sevilla, Granada is so full of goodness that anything we could say now wouldn’t make it justice. Therefore, once again, let’s leave the images speak for themselves and help you configure your day plan. Make sure you can at least squeeze a visit to the Alhambra and Generalife gardens in your itinerary. They are a complete must and something you shouldn’t leave for a later visit at all. Nonetheless, this monument regularly tops the list of the most visited ones in Spain!

⚡  GENERALIFE GARDENS

⚡  ALHAMBRA PALACES

⚡  GRANADA CITY CENTRE

⚡  ALBAICIN

⚡  SACROMONTE

⚡  SAN MIGUEL ALTO

Day 8: From Granada to Malaga and back home

⚡  All good things come to an end. And day 8 is the last one of this suggested Andalucia road trip. Whether you need to run to the airport as your alarm clock wakes you up or you can enjoy a few more days in sunny Andalusia (continue reading below these lines for more info on how to extend your Andalucia road trip), make everything counts and remember to bring a big smile with you back home, one like the many you’d face any given day here!

Even better.

Do you have 2 weeks to spend in Andalucia?

Here’s what you should add to this Andalucia one week itinerary:

Saying that the aforementioned 1-week Andalucia road trip itinerary (right above these lines) covers everything that the 4 provinces it goes through – Malaga, Cadiz, Sevilla, and Granada – offer, would be a HUGE understatement and definitely if you get two weeks to spend in Andalusia, you could as well follow the previous route slower and stopping in many other towns and epic nature gems along the way; as tbh, 7 days in Andalucia is a short time to explore it fully.

That said, you could also (and we strongly recommend it), extend your Spain road trip itinerary and touch the other 4 Andalucia provinces – Huelva, Cordoba, Jaen, and Almeria – we left behind before.

What to See and Do in Huelva :

• Fall for Doñana National Park’s wildlife
• Learn some history at Muelle de las Carabelas (Cristobal Colon’s boats), in Huelva
• Begin to understand Rocio’s pilgrimage, a big-time religious tradition, in Almonte
• Get amazed by the surreal colors pouring from Riotinto mines

What to See and Do in Cordoba :

• Discover a whole cathedral inside a column filled mosque at the world-famous Mezquita de Cordoba
• Get lost through Cordoba’s patios (courtyards) and  Juderia  (Jewish quarter)
• Stop at Almodovar del Rio’s fairytale castle
• Uncover some ancient Roman sites

What to See and Do in Jaen :

• Walk one or a couple of Cazorla Nature Park hiking trails
• Visit the city of Jaen and its magnificent cathedral
• Get Acquainted with the beautiful cities of Ubeda and Baeza
• Play king or queen at Fortaleza de la Mota, in  Alcala la Real

What to See and Do in Almeria :

• Visit the Desert of Almeria, regularly a backdrop for Hollywood productions.
• Shoot sunset by Gata’s cape, in Nijar Natural Park, an epic spot on the coast.
• Wander across the Monumental Ensemble of La Alcazaba, an architectural jewel.
• Have some fun in Almeria city.

Well, now this is rad.

What to do in Andalucia if you have 1 month ?

1. Rent a van, head to the Northernmost coastal point of the region (…) and take all the time you need – 2 weeks should be fine – to slowly drive along the seaside until you hit Portugal’s Algarve.

2. Make it a memorable and meaningful trip:

• Like water sports? Go kite surfing at some point. We strongly recommend you Tarifa for this! The kitesurfing community (and digital nomads one) is huge and there are a few renowned schools where you can rent your equipment and get a sense of this sport if you have never tried it before.
• Visiting in winter? Buy a 1-week ski pass for Sierra Nevada, the only ski resort in the region but a great one if you ask me. 45′ away from Sierra Nevada, you’ll be able to see the beaches from its tallest point (the highest in the Iberian peninsula).
• Is food your thing? Learn how to prepare the main dishes of Spanish cuisine . With balanced, fresh and local ingredients like olive oil, fish, and veggies you are in a perfect spot to become an expert in no time!
• Habla español? Even when you’ll definitely pick an accent if you learn Spanish in Andalusia, it is a lovely one so go for it!
• Flamenco classes? It can’t go more touristy but if you are really into dance, this one is really something you wouldn’t want to miss as you road trip Andalusia.

3. On your way back, go for the 1 or 2 weeks Andalucia travel itinerary.

4. Fall madly for Andalucia or, alternatively, a local.

5. Never leave.

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Andalucia Road Trip Tips For a Successful Experience

• Pick the right car.

Not the cheapest or the fanciest but the right one. It could make a huge difference.

We decided to go for Autoclick Malaga  (a step away from the airport, free pick-up service) and rented a Renault Clio that literally spent just €50 on gas for the 1000km trip. How great is that for a Southern Spain road trip? But what we really loved about this company is that, after leaving a €100 refundable deposit, your car is equipped with a tablet and mi-fi device (read, a great navigation system plus wi-fi onboard at all times) that could save your ass a few times and, definitely, save you loads of time when driving across Andalusia.

And while we are at it…

• Drive safely!

Because if you don’t, you will either get a ticket real fast (Andalucia has more radars than any other Spanish region we have been to so far) or, what’s even worse, an accident that could ruin your tour through Andalusia.

Even when you are extremely careful, pay extra attention to every sign and drive slowly, shit can happen. And we say this from our own experience as we had a flat tire on our way from Cadiz to Sevilla. Luckily, we were rescued in no time, picked up by the insurance service for free, driven to Jerez and there the tire was fixed in about 2 minutes. So, after all, we were back on the road in less than one hour! What takes us to:

• Book the best insurance you can.

It might set you a bit more than you expected to spend (especially these days when it is not uncommon to see real good fares – sometimes, even as good as one digit numbers – in car rentals across Spain) but it will save you tons if things go wrong.

• Book your room in advance in big cities like Sevilla and Granada.

Both busy all year round, it is a must if you want to avoid overpriced last-minute hotels.

In the first one, we got really lucky and the hip TOC Hostel   Sevilla invited us to check their top location double suite overlooking Sevilla’s cathedral.

With all the comfort you can expect from a basic hotel and a hostel price tag, it is a great choice for everyone looking forward a great Sevilla experience because as soon as you step out of the main door, you are right where you should be to start exploring the city highlights.

Plus, its tapas bar – where you could be having your a la carte breakfast if you decide to book a suite – is the hippest thing on earth, serving the most delicious freshly baked cakes and coffee.

On the other hand, if you want to spend a few more bucks and go for something really unique, book a room at the heritage Alhambra Palace Hotel in Granada . The best views in town are guaranteed!

• Spend a few more bucks and get a guided tour at the Alhambra.

Seriously, trust us on this one. It is not every day that one gets to wander across these filled with history walls and you really want to absorb everything a knowledgeable guide will tell you.

We took Viator’s Private Tour of Alhambra and Generalife   and it was one of the best decisions of the week as we had our guide, Alberto, picking us up at our hotel and spending 3 hours explaining – at our own pace, not his! – everything we could be interested in as well as pointing us to the best spots for pictures and avoiding all the queues we would have fallen into if it wasn’t for him.

• Say yes to unique experiences like the Arab Baths in Sevilla.

With full access to all the facilities including steam room and hydromassage pools, you can stretch out, scrub down and soak off all of your cares.

Plus, if you book your entry ticket with Tinggly experiences as we did, you will enjoy a Santa Cruz short tour through this charismatic Sevilla neighborhood’s narrow streets with a friendly local guide (we had Diego and he was amazing!) AND a drink in a memorable rooftop terrace – like the one Doña Maria hotel has – from where to admire Sevilla’s cathedral and its Giralda tower, a must on this Andalucia itinerary.

Not only a romantic experience for couples (although it is a great one if that is what you are looking for indeed!), this is also a fantastic way to enjoy a less crowded Sevilla from a unique point you will remember forever.

• Pack your suitcase with both Wintery and Summery items.

It takes less than one hour to go from Sierra Nevada ski resort to the beaches and you want to be ready for both if you road trip South Spain. Plus, the Arab Baths!

• Do not try to go everywhere and do everything.

Andalusia is pretty big if you ask us. You simply won’t be able to see all it has to offer and there is where planning in advance will do wonders for you. Even with that, be ready to skip or change things as you go. For instance, we had to skip both Tordal de Antequera and Caminito del Rey as sunset caught us right after leaving Ronda.

Take these as signs to come back!

• Go crazy on tapas but remember they won’t fill your stomach. 

The only thing you will get if you decide to just eat the free tapas that come with your drink in places like Granada is getting drunk. Before it is too late, just spend a few more bucks on a racion  – a bigger plate of tapas – or dish. You have been warned!

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Should you have any recommendations for an Andalucia road trip, tips on the best itinerary for Andalucia or  any questions about our Andalusia trip ,  comment below .

And finally, if you have liked this Andalucia road trip guide, please share it with your community. Thanks so much!

There are 65 comments

Thank you. Very Professional Shots. We heading there in Feb…are they safe from crime, to explore exp nite? Fr Spore

Thanks! No place on earth is 100% crime safe, but Andalusia is a VERY safe destination. Use your caution and common sense to explore at night, but you should be perfectly ok. Here are a few safety tips you can read: https://www.aworldtotravel.com/best-resources-for-solo-female-travelers/ Enjoy!

Great guide! I spent a month in Seville studying spanish more than 10 years ago and now am planning on returning with my wife and in-laws for a 2 week road trip, but we’re actually thinking of also including the north of Morocco on the package, as it’s just a short ferry ride from Tarifa. Anyway, good job!

Thank you! Hope you have fun on your upcoming adventure 🙂

I loooove Andalucia!!!! I learned Spanish there and your picutres are so beautiful!!!

hahaha we love it too! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

I loved Alhambra Palace and Grenada. I visited back in May and am hoping to go again next year to see more of the places you listed. Your photos are stunning as well!

Thanks so much, Tracy!

I’m definitely saving this for next year. Planning on road tripping in Europe =) Great post and pics!

What an impressive itinerary! You seem to have had the best time and your photos are just amazing…I’m definitely parking this for later!

Fab post! I’ve only been to Sevilla briefly but it looks like I need to go back. I’m bookmarking your itinerary for future reference. Amazing photos too! Thanks for sharing! x

Thanks so much! Yes, you need to go back 🙂

I’ve never been to Spain, but after looking at all of your beautiful pictures, I cannot wait to book my trip. Thank you for such a comprehensive post!

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy your trip!

What a fantastic guide! So informative 🙂

Glad you like it!

Great article and fantastic photos. I’m flying to Malaga tomorrow and driving down to Tarifa for a week. I’ll definitely do as you suggested and drive the coast road rather that the motorway to Tarifa. I’ll have 2 and a half free days after that before flying back out of Malaga. If you had to pick maybe just one place that you’ve seen, any suggestions on where best to go? Based on your amazing photos I will have to come back again on another trip to explore the area further (and improve my Spanish!)

Hi I was looking at the Autoclick website as we are planning a trip here and did not see good reviews. did you have to put a huge deposit or excess?? very confused. is there any other rental companies that are reputable in your opinion? Thanks

That’s weird. We did not. Why don’t you contact them directly and find out? Thanks for stopping by and hope you have fun!

ok, we’re sold. booking flights now. but first, how would you rate this trip with a 1.5 yr old? and how was the parking experiences, if we were to possibly rent a camper van and forego hotels?

Beautiful photos and informative. Andalusia is an ideal place to do a roadtrip. Last year we did a roadtrip through Andalusia and covered the same places you did, but we din’t go to Gilbaltar.

Do you have any info on a good car rental companies? Love your Photos!

ditched the guide books and read your blog guide instead – very informative! thanks and keep it up!

Great article and very detailed! Me and my girlfriend are leaving tomorrow for Malaga where we are renting a van. Your tips will definitely come in handy. Thank you! Thank you!

Wow, I’m excited about your article and moreover it’s so useful for traveling even if you have been here before as I did. Also, I used this site xxxx to choose suitable car and price.

Wow! This is an incredible itinerary! I’m pinning it for future use! Great job!

Thanks so much. Glad you liked it Joe

Amazingly beautiful photos! We did a road trip through Spain, but not in this region. it’s really such a great way to experience the country. I am bookmarking this for our next journey! We have a kid, so can’t go quite as fast, but this all looks spectacular

Thanks! You guys have a blast!!

What an amazing road trip! The pictures are absolutely mesmerizing! Thanks for the tips!

I’ll save this for the future reference because this kind of trip is definitely on my bucket list!

Sounds great Monika. Hope you have a blast when you visit Andalucia!

I only visited Catalonya when in Spain. I am definitely coming back and this itinerary will be a great resource! Thanks for the effort puttuning it together!

Thanks so much Veronika. Glad it helps!

Malaga and Gibraltar were already on my bucket list but you’ve shown me so many gorgeous places, shame on you. 😉 Photograph is great. Those places are spectacular!

then you know what you have to do.. .:D

Wow, there’s so much great information here! Definitely saving this for a future trip.

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful

First, your photography is fantastic! This looks like a great road trip. Did you ever feel rushed or wish you could stay somewhere longer, or was it well-timed to move around like that? I’ve wanted to explore that area for a long time.

Thanks Laura. And yes, we did feel like staying for longer, specially in Granada and Tarifa areas. There’s just so much to explore in Andalucia! Have a blast when you go and let me know if you are in need of any other tips!

Wow, what a great resource! Thanks for sharing all your insights on this epic road trip. And your pictures are so amazing. I saw in one of them that you are using a Nikon, but couldn’t make out which one. I am looking for a new baby, so would you mind sharing which one you are using?

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful. We use Nikon D750, D700 and D5100. If you are starting out, the last one (I believe they are already in D5300 or so) is your best bet!

Beautiful photos! I really like how you included plenty of car tips. Having just rented a car once in Europe (Belgium) I’m still a bit new to the game and learning about parking tips is hugely helpful.

This is an amazingly indepth post! Thanks for sharing this, this is quite worthy of being a one stop resource for our planned trip to the region and we hope to benefit from quite a few saved hours!

Glad it helps!

Super informative post – driving is always such a great independent way to explore an area and it sounds like Andalucia is quite well suited to it.

Agree! We definitely love road trips. Being able to stop whenever and wherever you want is key!

loved your article we are heading down this way in December and now i dont know where to go after reading this i want to go evereywhere. Amazing pictures loved it shared it everywhere cheers mark

Thanks so much Mark!

I have to agree with Nellie..your photography is outstanding. You have covered a lot, it’s certainly a useful guide for visiting Andalucia.

Thanks so much Inka! Glad you like it

Wow, you covered so much in just 8 days and your beautiful photos show Andalucia at its very best. The weather looked great for your trip, winter is now my favourite time of year in Andalucia (Malaga has been my home for 9 years now), sunny days, quiet beaches and the best time to explore. Thanks for a great guide, i look forward to your other posts. Anna

Thanks so much! Glad you liked it 🙂

Wow great piece on Andalusia! Wish you had told me you were coming, shame I wasn’t in Granada either. Your photos are outstanding – they really made this region look so beautiful. Thanks for reminding me I live in a beautiful part of the world!

Thanks so much Nellie! Coming from you is such a huge compliment 🙂 Next time I will make sure you are there!

The Andalusia’s definitive guide!

Wow, I get exhausted just reading this itenary. You seem to have covered a lot of ground. I am impressed.

Andalucia is a great place, I have lived here for more than six years now and travelled extensively around the area. One week only scratches the surface of what there is to see, but you have done an excellent job covering a great deal of it. Now you should come back and enjoy it a bit more, especially the nature is breathtakingly beautiful.

lol Stefania! We did cover quite a few cool spots, yes! But also keep a fair share of time for beers, tapas, resting and just living! 😀

Amazing. I’m heading to Andalusia soon so this came just at the right time!! Thank you. Thank you.

And beautiful pictures!

Great to hear Cayce! Hope you love it as much as we did and this resource results a useful one for your Andalusia adventures!

Comments are closed.

Algarve-Tourist.com

La miglior guida indipendente all’Algarve

L’Algarve – Top 10 - Albufeira - Faro - Vilamoura - Alvor - Silves - Loule

Tour e itinerari dell’Algarve

L’Algarve è una meta fantastica per una vacanza, poiché offre un clima splendido, città affascinanti e una meravigliosa costa di 150 km che vanta alcune tra le più belle spiagge d’Europa. Nonostante si tratti di una regione relativamente piccola, offre un’ampia varietà di destinazioni, da vivaci località di villeggiatura lungo la spiaggia a città storiche e affascinanti cittadine di pescatori.

Spesso i turisti soggiornano in un’unica località, ma l’Algarve è perfetta per un tour della regione o una vacanza a tappe. Questo articolo presenta una selezione di tour per soggiorni di una o due settimane, da cui potrete prendere spunto per organizzare la vostra vacanza. Gli itinerari suggeriti sono: • Il meglio dell’Algarve in una settimana (tour con sei località) • L’intera Algarve in sole due settimane (tour con undici località) • Tour di una settimana dell’Algarve occidentale (tour con quattro località) • Tour di una settimana dell’Algarve orientale (tour con quattro località) • Tour di due settimane dell’intera Algarve con ritmi meno frenetici (tour con sei località) • Tour culturale e storico dell’Algarve • Tour delle località di villeggiatura più piccole e tranquille Articoli correlati: Top 10 dell’Algarve - Le spiagge dell’Algarve

Il meglio dell’Algarve in una o due settimane

Questi due tour includono le località turistiche più note dell’Algarve e consentono di visitare la regione in un arco di tempo relativamente breve. Entrambi si possono effettuare con i mezzi pubblici ma, a causa dei numerosi spostamenti, è consigliabile noleggiare un’auto. Tutti i tour illustrati in questo articolo partono da Faro, la località più vicina all’aeroporto.

Il meglio dell’Algarve in una settimana Faro (Giorno 1) Visita della graziosa e antica cittadina e gita in barca al Parco Naturale Ria Formosa. Tavira (Giorno 2) Affascinante cittadina di pescatori in cui sperimentare com’era l’Algarve prima dell’avvento del turismo di massa. Vilamoura (Giorno 3) Elegante e alla moda località di villeggiatura che sorge intorno a un esclusivo porto turistico. Albufeira (Giorno 4) Spiaggia fantastica, vita notturna movimentata e un’incredibile atmosfera vacanziera. Albufeira (Giorno 5) Tour in barca per vedere i delfini e giornata in spiaggia Lagos (Giorno 6) Città storica che combina spiagge, cultura e un meraviglioso paesaggio naturale; una località fantastica per una vacanza. Silves (Gita in giornata da Lagos Giorno 7) Strade acciottolate, un maestoso castello e il tranquillo ritmo di vita portoghese.

L’intera Algarve in sole due settimane • Faro e tour in barca del Parco Nazionale Ria Formosa (giorno 1) • Tavira (giorno 2) • Santa Luzia e spiaggia di Barril (da Tavira) (giorno 3) • Vila Real de Santo Antonio (giorno 4) (lungo viaggio tra Vila Real e Vilamoura, con i mezzi pubblici richiede treno e autobus) • Vilamoura (giorno 5) • Albufeira (giorno 6) • Gita in barca da Albufeira (giorno 7) • Carvoeiro (giorno 8) • Praia da Rocha/Portimão (giorno 9) • Gita in giornata a Silves da Portimão (giorno 10) • Alvor (giorno 11) • Lagos (giorno 12) • Lagos - Ponta da Piedade e spiagge (giorno 13) • Sagres e Cape Saint-Vincent (giorno 14)

Lungo viaggio per tornare a Faro: due autobus Sagres-Lagos e Lagos-Faro

Il ritmo intenso di questi tour, caratterizzati da numerosi viaggi e visite, non è adatto a tutti. La prossima sezione dell’articolo presenta tour dell’Algarve più meno impegnativi e più rilassanti.

Tour dell’Algarve dai ritmi meno frenetici

I seguenti tour si svolgono a ritmi più rilassanti e sono adatti alla maggior parte dei turisti. I soggiorni in ogni destinazione sono di maggior durata e concedono più tempo per visitare le località e rilassarsi in spiaggia. Per questi tour non è necessaria un’auto a noleggio, poiché i collegamenti con mezzi pubblici sono molto buoni.

Tour di una settimana dell’Algarve occidentale • Faro (giorno 1) Gita in barca al Parco Naturale Ria Formosa e visita alla città • Vilamoura (giorno 2) Giornata in spiaggia a Vilamoura • Albufeira (giorni 3 e 4) Gita in barca per vedere i delfini Giornata in spiaggia ad Albufeira • Lagos (giorni 5, 6 e 7) Gita in giornata a Silves (da Lagos) Gita in barca a Ponta da Piedade (da Lagos) Gita in giornata a Sagres (da Lagos)

Tour di una settimana dell’Algarve orientale • Faro (giorno 1) Gita in barca al Parco Naturale Ria Formosa • Tavira (giorni 2, 3 e 4) Visita del centro storico di Tavira Santa Luzia & spiaggia di Barril Spiagge di Ilha de Tavira • Vila Real de Santo Antonio (giorni 5 e 6) Visita di Vila Real e giornata in spiaggia Gita in giornata ad Ayamonte (Spagna) Gita in giornata a Castro Marim • Olhão (giorno 7) Visita del centro e relax in spiaggia

Tour meno frenetico di due settimane • Faro (giorni 1 e 2) Visita del centro storico Gita in barca al Parco Naturale Ria Formosa Giornata in spiaggia a Praia de Faro • Tavira (giorni 3 e 4) Visita del centro storico Gita a Santa Luzia e spiaggia di Barril • Vilamoura (giorni 5 e 6) Giornata in spiaggia a Vilamoura • Albufeira (giorni 7, 8 e 9) Gita in barca per vedere i delfini Giornata in spiaggia ad Albufeira Una fantastica serata fuori! • Lagos (giorni 10, 11 e 12) Visita del centro storico Visita a Ponta da Piedade Gita in giornata a Silves Gita in giornata a Sagres • Praia da Rocha (giorni 13 e 14) Giornata in spiaggia a Praia da Rocha Gita in giornata a Portimão Gita in giornata ad Alvor

Tour culturale e storico dell’Algarve

L’Algarve ha una storia lunga e variegata ed è ricca di tradizioni ben radicate. Vi si trovano numerosi e affascinanti castelli, chiese e monumenti e questo tour li combina con deliziose cittadine storiche. • Faro – Graziosa cittadina fortificata con un’antica cattedrale e una macabra Cappella delle Ossa • Estoi (gita in giornata da Faro) – Potrete ammirare le rovine romane di Milreu e il bellissimo Palácio de Estoi • Tavira – Originariamente cittadina moresca fortificata, in seguito divenne un importante porto. Vi sorgono oltre 36 chiese! C’è davvero molto da vedere a Tavira. • •Santa Luzia (gita in giornata da Tavira) – Villaggio tradizionale dedito alla pesca del polpo. • Vila Real de Santo Antonio – La grandiosità di Lisbona nel lato più orientale dell’Algarve. • Castro Marim (gita in giornata da Vila Real) – Due enormi castelli eretti a difesa dall’invasione spagnola. • Olhao – Vivace porto peschereccio con tradizionali case di pescatori e il più grande mercato del pesce dell’Algarve. • Loule – Vivace località commerciale con pittoresche strade acciottolate e un mercato coperto di ispirazione africana. • Silves – Capitale moresca dell’Algarve, difesa da un enorme castello di mattoni rossi e da massicce mura. • Lagos – Importante centro marittimo e commerciale del XIV secolo che conserva ancora le origini moresche.

Tour delle località di villeggiatura più piccole e tranquille dell’Algarve

Molti pacchetti turistici si concentrano sulle quattro principali località di villeggiatura (Albufeira, Praia da Rocha, Lagos e Vilamoura), ma lungo la costa sorgono molte altre località più piccole. Queste cittadine tendono ad avere un’atmosfera più tranquilla e gradevole e per questo sono apprezzate dai turisti più maturi o dalle famiglie. Questo tour è pensato per chi non ha tempistiche ristrette e predilige un ritmo di vita tranquillo.

• Fuseta – Località di villeggiatura poco conosciuta affacciata sul Parco Naturale Ria Formosa • Tavira – Affascinante cittadina di pescatori di origini moresche con spiagge incontaminate • Vila Real de Santo Antonio – La cultura dei bar portoghesi in una località che fiancheggia le rive del Rio Guadiana • Olhos de Agua - Una delle mete preferite, adatta per lunghi soggiorni e vicina a magnifiche spiagge • Carvoeiro – Deliziosa cittadina che sorge su una splendida costa caratterizzata da enormi scogliere di arenaria • Alvor – Località di villeggiatura rilassante con un’ampia gamma di ristoranti, caffetterie e bar • Praia de Luz – Ottima destinazione per famiglie giovani. Qui dimenticherete la frenesia di molte località dell’Algarve • Sagres – Popolare località surfistica dall’atmosfera tranquilla

Guide alle destinazioni

I seguenti link portano a guide approfondite di tutte le città presentate nei tour elencati in precedenza:

(attenzione: i link si aprono in una nuova scheda)

Albufeira Alvor Carvoeiro Faro Lagos Loule Olhos de Agua Portimao

Praia da Luz Praia da Rocha Quarteira Sagres Silves Tavira Vilamoura

Tutti questi tour sono pensati per offrire suggerimenti e idee per le vacanze. Abbiamo seguito tutti questi itinerari e tutti i dettagli sono presentati al meglio della nostra conoscenza al momento della stesura di questo articolo.

Tour di 7 giorni dell’Algarve

Faro 1 notte.

Faro è il grazioso e storico capoluogo dell’Algarve e rappresenta una piacevole introduzione al Portogallo meridionale. La città è vicina al principale aeroporto internazionale ed è un ottimo luogo per cominciare un tour, soprattutto se si arriva con gli ultimi voli della giornata, poiché i trasporti pubblici dall’aeroporto di Faro sono molto limitati. Per scoprire come viaggiare dall’aeroporto a Faro, clicca qui .

Faro si affaccia sul Parque Natural da Ria Formosa

Faro ha una scenografica città vecchia cinta dalle antiche mura moresche, mentre nel cuore della città vecchia troviamo l’antica cattedrale Se. Faro è situata all’estremità delle lagune d’acqua salata e delle vie d’acqua del Parque Natural da Ria Formosa e dal piccolo porto partono dei tour guidati.

Le mura della città vecchia di Faro

Di tutte le mete visitate durante il tour, Faro è quella che è stata meno modificata dal turismo. Le piacevoli vie pedonali dello shopping sono pensate per i clienti portoghesi, mentre i ristoranti di Faro offrono una cucina tradizionale di ottima qualità. Faro è spesso ignorata da molti turisti, ma c’è molto da apprezzare durante una breve visita alla città.

Vilamoura è il luogo di villeggiatura più esclusivo dell’Algarve e fu costruita appositamente per gli investimenti stranieri e il turismo di alto livello. La città è il luogo in cui i ricchi e l’elite d’Europa vengono per divertirsi, con fantastici ristoranti, sei campi da golf professionali e yacht da milioni di dollari ormeggiati nel porto. Si suggerisce di trascorrere una notte a Vilamoura per sperimentare il lato glamour dell’Algarve.

L’esclusivo porto di Vilamoura

Il fulcro di Vilamoura è l’ampio porto, circondato da boutique, bar trendy e hotel chic. La città ha un aspetto e un’atmosfera molto diversi da quelli del resto dell’Algarve, che danno un generale senso di ricchezza – ma ciò a discapito del fascino portoghese. Vilamoura è fantastica per una vacanza all’insegna del golf e l’equipaggiamento per il golf può essere noleggiato nei negozi in città.

Albufeira 2 notti

Albufeira è il più grande luogo di villeggiatura del Portogallo meridionale e il notevole influsso di sviluppo turistico non ha fatto altro che migliorare questa piacevole meta per le vacanze. Albufeira ospita una spiaggia meravigliosa, un’affascinante città vecchia e il più vasto assortimento di ristoranti e bar che si possa trovare nell’Algarve. Albufeira accoglie ogni tipo di turista – famiglie, coppie o amanti delle feste – e non meraviglia che questa città sia la meta per le vacanze più apprezzata del Portogallo.

L’impressionante spiaggia di Albufeira

La graziosa Città Vecchia è ricca di ristoranti e bar che si estendono dalla spiaggia su fino alla collina che porta al piccolo fortino. Per coloro che desiderano attardarsi nei bar a tema e far festa tutta notte nei club notturni, si consiglia di puntare verso “The Strip”, a 2 km dalla Città Vecchia, che è sufficientemente lontana per non disturbare gli altri turisti.

I bar e i ristoranti di Albufeira

Le due notti ad Albufeira permettono di godersi una giornata rilassante in spiaggia e un’altra a visitare un’apprezzata meta turistica, come lo Zoomarine o il parco acquatico Slide and Splash. Albufeira è anche la città migliore del tour per trascorrere una fantastica notte fuori, sia per un tramonto e una cena romantica, sia per un karaoke o troppe birre in un bar irlandese.

Silves – Una Notte oppure una Gita in Giornata

Silves fu l’antica capitale dei Mori nell’Algarve e fu anche un importante porto che utilizzava il lento scorrere del Fiume Arade come collegamento al mare. Oggi, Silves è la città più pittoresca dell’Algarve settentrionale ed è un luogo fortemente raccomandato da visitare.

La graziosa città di Silves e l’imponente castello

Silves ha una pittoresca città bassa, vicina al fronte del fiume, con stradine acciottolate e cafè all’aperto. Inoltrandosi nella città, si trovano i resti delle solide fortificazioni e la tradizionale cattedrale dipinta di bianco. Il caratteristico castello in mattoni rossi, che è stato oggetto di un’importante ristrutturazione durante gli anni Quaranta, domina lo skyline di Silves.

La cattedrale di Silves

Silves è una piccola città e i principali punti d’interesse possono essere visitati in poche ore, e la città può essere visitata anche come gita di una giornata partendo da Albufeira o Lagos. Ma Silves ha un’atmosfera piacevole, rilassata, ben lontana dai ritmi frenetici delle città costiere. È un luogo fantastico per rilassarsi e prendersela comoda, proprio come fa la gente del posto.

Lagos – Due Notti

La meta finale è la città storica di Lagos, situata su uno dei più bei litorali dell’Algarve. Lagos ha una storia diversificata e ciò si riflette nell’ampia gamma di monumenti storici, che includono una fortezza, importanti chiese e anche un mercato di schiavi. .

La fortezza e la spiaggia di Lagos

Vicino a Lagos c’è la spiaggia Dona Ana, che è considerata la spiaggia più bella dell’Algarve. Più avanti lungo la costa si trovano le scogliere erose dagli agenti atmosferici di Ponta da Piedade, una serie di grotte, cave marine e formazioni rocciose ideali da esplorare tramite dei tour in barca. Per una guida di Lagos, clicca qui .

Ponta da Piedade può essere meglio visitata in barca

Lagos è il luogo ideale dove terminare un tour dell’Algarve, poiché la ferrovia regionale termina a Lagos e c’è un treno diretto che riporta a Faro e all’aeroporto.

Guida vacanza per L’Algarve

Qual è la miglior località dell’Algarve per una vacanza?

Top 10 Algarve

Le attrazioni e le migliori cose da fare e vedere nella regione

Scopri le spiagge più belle di questa splendida regione

Il luogo perfetto per fare baldoria in Algarve!

La località più affascinante dell’Algarve orientale

Storia, spiagge e vita notturna: Lagos è giustamente rinomata!

Una destinazione per famiglie su una costa stupenda

Praia da Rocha

Vivace località balneare affacciata su una spiaggia spettacolare

Panorama mozzafiato e luogo perfetto per il surf

Praia da Luz

Un luogo per sfuggire alla folla e rilassarsi

Un castello imponente e la miglior gita in giornata in Algarve

Una tradizionale località commerciale portoghese

La più bella località balneare di dimensioni medie dell’Algarve

La piacevole capitale della regione dell’Algarve

L’Algarve più esclusivo e sofisticato

V ila Nova de Milfontes

La vera vita portoghese sulla costa semisconosciuta dell’Alentejo

• Visitare l'Algarve
• Giro dell'Algarve
• Top 10 dell’Algarve
• Pianificare una vacanza low-cost
• Le migliori spiagge dell’Algarve
• Da Lisbona all’Algarve
• Armação de Pêra
• Le spiagge di Portimão
• Praia da Marinha
• Le spiagge di Praia da Rocha
• Vila Nova de Milfontes
• Le spiagge di Albufeira
• Albufeira, tour e gite in battello
• I migliori campi da golf dell’Algarve
• Dall’aeroporto ad Albufeira
• Da Lisbona ad Albufeira
• Albufeira o Faro?
• Homepage Faro
• 3 Giorni a Faro
• Cappella delle ossa
• Gita in Giornata a Faro
• Gita a Estoi
• Le spiagge di Faro
• Dall'aeroporto a Faro
• Da Lisbona a Faro
• Homepage Lagos
• Le spiagge di Lagos
• Monumenti e attività
• 3 Giorni a Lagos
• Lagos o Albufeira
• 1 settimana a Lagos
• Dall’aeroporto a Lagos
• Ponta da Piedade
• Homepage Tavira
• 1 settimana a Tavira
• Le spiagge di Tavira
• Gite in giornata
• Praia do Barril

Inghilterra

• La New Forest

Guide Portogallo

• Portogallo Top 10
• Le Migliori Spiagge
• Da Lisbona ad Oporto – Itinerario e tour
• Gli aeroporti del Portogallo
• Estrada Nacional 2
• Isole Berlengas
• Praia das Maçãs
• Viana do Castelo

Tour e itinerari dell’Algarve (per vacanze di 7 giorni o 2 settimane) © 2024 Algarve-Tourist.com - Informativa sulla privacy

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• Introduction
• Day 1 ARRIVAL FARO / CAR PICK-UP
• Day 2 FARO – LAGOS (90km – 1hr)
• Day 3 LAGOS – SAGRES – VICENTINE COAST – VILA NOVA MILFONTES OR SINES (198km – 3.5hrs)
• Day 4 VILA NOVA MILFONTES OR SINES – COMPORTA – EVORA (186km – 3hrs)
• Day 5 EVORA – ESTREMOZ – ELVAS – MERIDA – CACERES/SPAIN (171km – 2hrs)
• Day 6 CACERES – ZAFRA – SEVILLE (266km – 2.5hrs)
• Day 7 SEVILLE – JEREZ – CADIZ – SEVILLE (248km – 3hrs)
• Day 8 SEVILLE
• Day 9 SEVILLE – HUELVA – ISLA CRISTINA – TAVIRA (289km – 3.5hrs)
• Day 10 TAVIRA – OLHÃO – FARO (67km – 1hr)
• Day 11 DEPARTURE FARO / CAR DROP-OFF

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Remco Evenepoel wins Volta ao Algarve for the third time

Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) confirmed his favoritism and celebrated the overall victory in the 50th Volta ao Algarve. In the final stage, the Belgian resisted all attacks and arrived at Alto do Malhão in second place, behind Daniel Martínez (BORA-hamsgrohe), securing his third title in Algarve and tying Belmiro Silva’s record (won in 1977, 1981 and 1984). “I’m happy with … Read More

A little bit of history in Alto do Malhão?

Alto do Malhão. A traditional finish, but every year with its own story. It’s climbed twice – the second coincides with the finish line – and it can decide the Volta ao Algarve. With a 47 second lead, Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step), who got the Yellow Jersey Turismo do Algarve after the time trial, has a good lead. But will … Read More

Remco Evenepoel dominates time trial and takes the lead

Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) won the 22-kilometer time trial of the fourth stage of Volta ao Algarve, in Albufeira, imposing himself with a time of 27m09s (average of 48.619 km/h), which boosted him into the lead of the general classification. He is the new owner of the Turismo do Algarve yellow jersey. The Belgian proved why he is wearing the … Read More

Albufeira time trial promises changes in the general classification

The fourth day of competition in the 50th edition of Volta ao Algarve will be highlighted by the unprecedented 22-kilometer time trial in Albufeira, with many changes expected in the general classification. Daniel Martínez (Bora-Hansgrohe), leader of the Algarve Tourism Region yellow jersey, will be the last to set off from the Albufeira Marina and will try to defend his … Read More

Wout van Aert wins thrilling sprint in Tavira

Wout van Aert (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) celebrated his victory in the third stage of Volta ao Algarve, after overcoming Rui Oliveira (UAE Team Emirates) and Marius Mayrhofer (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) in a thrilling sprint finish in Tavira. Daniel Martínez (BORA-hansgrohe) remains leader in the general classification. “My goal was to avoid problems at the sprint finishes. … Read More

Tavira is always for the sprinters… almost

After a complicated day in Alto da Fóia, the weather will once again be much nicer and the third stage of the 50th Volta ao Algarve will also have less difficulties. At least as far as the climbs is concerned because the finish in Tavira has its challenges on a day that the 192.2 kilometer route starting in Vila Real … Read More

Daniel Martínez overcomes Remco in Fóia and takes the lead

Volta ao Algarve was once again synonymous of happiness for Daniel Martínez (BORA-hansgrohe). In the second stage, the winner of the last edition triumphed over Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) at the top of Foia and took the overall lead. “I am very happy, we wanted to win the stage here and with me and with Sergio we did quite well … Read More

Alto da Fóia: time for the candidates to present themselves

It’s the day to start defining the favorites to win the Yellow Jersey Turismo do Algarve, owned by Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché-Wanty) after the win in Lagos. The second stage of Volta ao Algarve ends in Alto da Fóia and there is no shortage of candidates, with two looking to make a little more history in Volta ao Algarve: Remco Evenepoel … Read More

Gerben Thijssen wins sprint finish in Lagos

Gerben Thijssen (Intermarché-Wanty) won the first stage of the 50th Volta ao Algarve. The Belgian exploded to victory with a powerful sprint in the final meters, overtaking Marijn van den Berg (EF Education-EasyPost) and Jordi Meeus (BORA-hansgrohe), second and third respectively. “Last year I didn’t manage to start the season well, so it was very important to get off to … Read More

The entire podium and seven of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad's top 10 riders were at the Volta ao Algarve. #VAlgarve2024

Volta ao Algarve

O presidente do Colégio de Comissários da Volta ao Algarve, com a exigência própria de quem assumiu as mesmas funções