The Algarve: Vacationing in Faro, Albufeira, and Lagos

You may remember that I traveled to the Algarve last month. Well between moving to Canada, settling into Vancouver, and celebrating my birthday, I never got around to sharing my trip with you. Oops… better late than never, right? The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal, stretching from Sagres on the west to Vila Real on the east. Sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and stunning coastlines are intermingled with historic towns, large resorts, and lively nightlife, making the Algarve an alluring destination for all types of travelers. This was my third time visiting Portugal – the first being a week-long trip to Lisbon with my mom in August of 2014 and the second being a month-long solo backpacking trip to Porto and Lisbon (among other cities) in January of 2018. This time, I was lucky enough to travel with my beautiful friend Annika! The two of us flew from Oslo to Faro, otherwise known as the gateway to the Algarve, and spent five magnificent days vacationing on Portugal’s southern coast.

Faro is the capital of the Algarve and is found on the southernmost tip of the region. While most tourists simply pass through the airport and continue west to the resort villages, Annika and I chose to make Faro our base. Upon arrival, we were honestly a bit surprised to see how run-down the buildings were and slightly confused by how deserted the streets felt, but these aspects quickly grew on us. Staying in the heart of Faro’s historic district allowed us to take in the traditional Portuguese atmosphere while discovering one of the most authentic towns that the region has to offer. From the cobbled streets and Moorish architecture in the Old Town to the scenic marina and pedestrian shopping area in the city center, it was nice to see that the Algarve’s capital has preserved much of its Portuguese heritage. A short drive from downtown, the beaches of Faro offer long stretches of golden sand, gentle waves, and turquoise waters. After a half day relaxing on the rolling sand dunes, looking out on the endless sea and soaking up the warm sun, we both agreed we could stay there forever.

Albufeira lies approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Faro and has a very different profile from that of the region’s capital. More specifically, this resort town is primarily known for its lively nightlife and wide selection of bars, clubs, and restaurants along what is commonly referred to as “The Strip”. In addition to the vibrant party scene, Albufeira has a handful of beautiful beaches and a very charming Old Town, making it a popular choice for many tourists. Intrigued by the city’s energy and overall liveliness, Annika and I decided to take a day trip from Faro to Albufeira to experience it for ourselves. Soon after we arrived, we were met by groups of bachelor parties and waiters shoving menus in our faces, not to mention extremely inflated tourist prices. In the Old Town, day drinkers spilled onto the narrow cobblestone streets and shops were selling souvenirs and other touristy things. That’s not to say we didn’t enjoy our day in Albufeira, but we were happy we chose to stay in Faro. We grabbed a bite to eat at one of the beachfront restaurants, collected seashells along the beach, had a little photoshoot in the sand, and enjoyed a couple scoops of delicious gelato before returning to Faro.

Lagos lies approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) west of Faro and is truly one of the most magnificent places I have ever seen. With a history dating back to the Portuguese Age of Discovery, Lagos is and always has been an important town to both the region and the country. In fact, Lagos was Algarve’s capital for nearly 200 years until the 1755 earthquake destroyed much of the city center and thus, the capital was moved to the less damaged Faro. Fascinated by the city’s past, Annika and I very quickly agreed to take a second day trip, this time from Faro to Lagos. As soon as we caught sight of the cliffs overlooking the turquoise coast and the secluded beaches that lay side by side, nature’s unbelievable creations left us speechless. We spent the day meandering from one beach to the next, crawling through tunnels, and climbing into the cliffs to appreciate the views from above. In hindsight, we wished we had more time in Lagos as we only made it to a fraction of the beaches we wanted to explore – all the more reason to return!

Faro, Albufeira, and Lagos are each so unique and special in their own way that it’s difficult to compare them. While Annika and I would have loved to spend more time in the Algarve, I do feel like we got a good taste of what the region has to offer. Although I didn’t think it was possible, I definitely fell in love with Portugal a little more.