ALGARVE FAQ

We would say yes. It’s not really the best idea to take public transportation in the Algarve. Either there are fewer buses, or their schedules are unreliable. Considering this, traveling by car is a good option because it offers flexibility and convenience. Uber is also a great option if renting a car is not an option for you.

The airport you fly to for the Algarve region in Portugal is Faro Airport (FAO). From here, you can travel to other areas such as Carvoeiro or Lagos using a hire car, ubers airport transfers. Faro Airport offers convenient access to the region and is well-connected with flights from various European cities. For international flights to Portugal, travelers typically arrive at Lisbon Airport (LIS). On average, a direct flight from the USA to the Algarve region in Portugal takes 10 hours. And just around 3 hours from London. 

The Algarve offers diverse experiences year-round. May, June, September, and October are optimal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. July and August bring vibrant beach scenes but also more tourists. From November to February, expect milder temperatures with occasional rain, making it quieter for exploring. Dive into detailed Algarve weather.

The ideal number of days to spend in the Algarve entirely depends on your interests, preferences, and the places you want to see. Spoken as a true travel enthusiast, we would say the more the better. But here are some suggestions:

Short Stay

If you’re short on time, a brief visit of 2 to 4 days to some of the famous beaches like Praia da Marinha will give you a taste of what the Algarve has to offer. 

Extended Stay

The longer, the better. We highly recommend staying in the Algarve for at least 8 days. This way, you will get the best impression of the region and truly immerse yourself in the diversity of the experiences. In one week, you’ll be able to explore the iconic Benagil Cave and golden sands of Praia dos Caneiros, while relaxing in the charming town of Carvoeiro. 

The distance between the Porto and Algarve is 555 km and there are several ways to get between the two cities. If you’re in a rush, flying is the quickest option (1 hour flight). But if you’ve got time to spare, then traveling by car is a solid choice (4-5 hours driving). Train and buses are available too, but they can take quite a while to get you there. 

It’s a distance of 251 km from Lisbon to the Algarve, typically taking about 2 hours and 40 minutes by car. Direct flights can be expensive, so we don’t recommend them. Another option is taking a 3-hour bus from Sete Rios or Estação Oriente in Lisbon to the Algarve. However, the best way to travel is by renting a car, offering freedom to explore and stop by villages along the way.

Around Carvoeiro, you'll find some of the best beaches in the Algarve. From the iconic Praia da Marinha with its stunning cliffs and clear waters to the picturesque coves like Praia do Carvoeiro, this area offers a diverse range of beautiful coastal spots perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring sea caves by boat. Checkout the best beaches in the Algarve.

The Algarve is a province in the southernmost region of Portugal that stretches over about 4,997 square kilometers (that's roughly 1,929 square miles). It has an interesting geographical location on the map: it’s bounded by the region of Alentejo to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west, and shares an eastern border with Andalusia in Spain.   

Cliff-backed beaches, mouthwatering seafood, and picturesque villages are what draw around 4.2 million people from around the world to the Algarve every year. But there's more to the story. Did you know the Algarve is the only spot in Portugal with these incredible natural arches? They can be found along the Algarve coastline and are a popular tourist attraction in the region.