3 Days in Algarve: Discovering Lagos, Lagoa, and Portimão
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Long before we could even get to vacation planning on our next destination, Sidd with his need and mood for the calm waters of Portugal in mind and with Benagil caves in sight, had already planned the destination and it was thus settled at Algarve.
Welcome to the Algarve
Welcome to the Algarve—beauty at its finest! With its clear blue waters, towering rock formations, rugged landscapes, and magical beaches, this region has a natural beauty that’s hard to beat. Located along the southern coast of Portugal in Faro District, close to the Spanish border, the Algarve stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and is a paradise for anyone who loves nature, adventure, or just soaking up the sun.
Why Visit Algarve?
We were drawn to the Algarve for several reasons! First and foremost, we wanted to explore the famous Benagil caves and tick that off our bucket list. With the weather in the Netherlands being so dreary in October, the Algarve was a fantastic choice for some sunshine and warmth. Plus, it was Kiu's birthday week, and he truly comes alive by the sea. What better way to celebrate than in this beautiful coastal paradise?
How Many Days Should You Spend in Algarve?
We spent a measly three days and just didnt do justice, however you could easily spend two to three weeks soaking up the sun in the Algarve! With its stunning beaches, you can hop from one sandy spot to another every day, explore charming towns, and soak in the vibrant local culture. Plus, it’s wallet-friendly, and if you’re a seafood lover, you’re in for a treat! We chose Lagos, Lagoa and Portimão in Algarve to explore, while there are many more we are going back to next year! This place is perfect for both unwinding and seeking adventure. And let’s be honest—kids absolutely love it! Once they’re introduced to the sun, sand, and sparkling blue waters, your babysitting worries just melt away. I cherished every moment spent with my kids and nephew in such a laid-back setting!
The Journey from Lisbon to the Algarve
We rented our car from Europcar Lisboa - Av. AAAguiar in Lisbon, not realizing at the time that we could have easily booked our rental through Booking.com. It would have saved us all that waiting time and the hassle of getting to the Europcar location in the first place! Driving from Lisbon to the Algarve is a delightful adventure that takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. As you cruise along the picturesque roads, you’ll see the scenery shift from the lively cityscape to the serene beauty of the coast.
Where to Stay in Algarve? Specifically 3 Days Discovering Lagos, Lagoa, and Portimão?
Vitor's Plaza - Portimão (€85/night, mid-range)
We chose Portimão as our base, with its lively atmosphere and the beautiful Praia da Rocha beach. It was the perfect spot to relax and explore more of the Algarve. We had plans to visit nearby spots like Lagos, known for its amazing cliffs, and the famous Benagil Caves, which are a must-see.
During our Algarve trip, we stayed at Vitor’s Plaza in Portimão, and it was the perfect base! Spacious rooms, great views, and everything you need to relax—pools (kids’ pool too!), sunbeds, playground, and even an in-house supermarket. Plus, it was super easy to visit Alvor’s beaches and the famous Benagil caves. Coming back to Vitor’s Plaza after a day out made the trip even better!
You may also choose to stay in Carvoeiro, Sagres, Monte Gordo, Alvor, Quarteira, Vilamoura, Faro, Lagos, Albufeira alternatively, which all fall under the Algarve district. Some other great options to choose from:
Carvoeiro Garden Hotel, Carvoeiro (€95/night, budget): Comfy two-bedroom spot perfect for families, close to the beach, and won’t break the bank.
Hotel Alba, Monte Gordo (€92/night, budget): Easy on the wallet with no prepayment stress, right near Monte Gordo’s buzzing beach vibe.
Orada Apartamentos Turísticos, Albufeira (€100/night, mid-range): Big, spacious apartments by the marina, great for families looking to chill and explore Albufeira’s fun side.
Quinta Das Figueirinhas & Quintinha Village, Armação de Pêra (€71/night, budget): Budget-friendly duplexes with a relaxed, pay-at-the-property setup, perfect for a laid-back beach getaway.
Monchique Resort & Spa, Monchique (€141/night, luxury): Luxe suites with killer views, for families who want a peaceful, mountain-side escape.
Alfagar Alto da Colina, Olhos de Água, Albufeira (€104/night, mid-range): Chill family-friendly apartments with kitchens, close to all the Albufeira action and beaches.
Vale da Lapa Village Resort, Carvoeiro (€179/night, luxury): Super stylish, eco-friendly villas that are perfect for a touch of luxury and privacy, with a planet-friendly twist.
What to Wear in the Algarve
When you’re packing for the Algarve, keep it light and comfy! I carried breezy dresses, shorts, and swimsuits for those sunny beach days, along with my straw hat and sunglasses to keep the sun at bay. The resort provides beach towels and swim towels. However it would be wise to carry an extra set of swimwear in case you plan to head to the beach/pool everyday. Dont forget to pack those flipflops, plastic bag to carry your kids' soiled or wet clothes and loads of sunscreen.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to explore the Algarve is from late spring to early fall, basically from April until October, when the weather is warm and inviting—perfect for swimming and soaking up all that sunshine! Lately, the summer months of July and August have become quite challenging for visiting Portugal, with soaring temperatures that can reach uncomfortable highs, 38°C (100°F) on some days. However, if your plan is to spend the whole day in the water like a whale, you might still enjoy it! We opted for mid-October, knowing that the temperatures would be around a lovely 27-28°C, perfect for soaking up the sun and swimming.
Day 1: Praia dos Três Irmãos in Portimão and Praia da Marinha in Lagoa
We woke up the next morning, ready to hit the beach, and were very happy with our decision as we felt the warm mid-October weather wrapping around us like a cozy blanket. While most parts of Europe were cold and grey, we had perfect sunshine—ideal for swimming and basking in the sun. Our original plan was to visit Praia da Marinha, the famous Marina Beach, but since it’s such a popular spot, we guessed it would be crowded. So, we decided on a more peaceful option and headed to Praia dos Três Irmãos, just 15 minutes away from our stay in Portimão.
To reach the beach, we walked along a wooden boardwalk for about 10 minutes, and what a lovely place it was! This secluded beach was absolutely beautiful, offering the perfect escape from the usual crowds. Plus, right on the beach was Sol & Sombra, a fantastic restaurant where we could enjoy fresh seafood with an ocean view. It was the perfect way to wrap up a day of sun, sea, and sand!
Just a short walk from Praia dos Três Irmãos, Praia do Alvor (Alvor beach) beach offers a long stretch of golden sand and calm waters, perfect for relaxing or enjoying water sports. |
Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha is also another breathtaking beach, with its own unique charm in Lagoa. Praia da Marinha (Marina Beach) is one of the most iconic and stunning beaches in the Algarve, often listed among the best in the world. It’s located a bit further from Praia dos Três Irmãos—about a 30-minute drive east—but it's definitely worth the visit.
Day 2: Praia da Rocha in Portimão and Benagil Caves in Lagoa
Praia da Rocha
We kicked off the day with a slow, peaceful stroll along the Portimão shore, soaking in the gorgeous views. For lunch, we couldn’t have chosen a better spot than NosoloAgua.
NoSoloÁgua Portimão is located on Praia da Rocha, one of the most famous and vibrant beaches in the Algarve. Located in Portimão, Praia da Rocha (Roach Beach) is known for its wide sandy area, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant nightlife. It’s great for a more lively beach day with nearby bars and restaurants. NoSoloÁgua is basically my kind of beach club. It had everything I needed—a relaxed vibe, amazing food, and that unbeatable beachside setting. We loved the variety on the menu. From fresh sushi to delicious Italian, French, Portuguese, and Mexican dishes, every bite was a treat, especially with the stunning ocean as our backdrop. The beach bar was the perfect place to unwind. We enjoyed sipping on fresh juices and cocktails while listening to great music, all while lounging in the warm sun and enjoying the Mediterranean salads.
The best part is yet to come. As the day turns to night, NosoloAgua transforms. The atmosphere becomes even more vibrant, and you can continue to stay for the live music and entertainment, sipping champagne and enjoying the beachside luxury well into the evening but I would advise to do it without the kids as it can get really busy, loud and club like.
Benagil Caves
The day we’d been waiting for was finally here! We were all set for our Benagil cave adventure, and we chose a high-speed boat ride instead of kayaking—figured it’d be a bit much with the little ones. We scrambled last minute to book directly with a boat company since all the slots on GYG and Viator were sold out (no surprise, they’re such a steal!). We reached the beach, parked up, geared up, and off we zoomed, ready to soak in the epic views of the Benagil caves and all those stunning limestone formations along the Algarve coast.
Lagoa region includes both the famous Praia da Marinha and the Benagil Caves. Praia de Benagil (Benagil Beach) is famous for the stunning Benagil Cave. The Benagil Caves, also known as the Algar de Benagil or Benagil Sea Caves, are a popular natural attraction located in the Algarve region of Portugal. These caves are known for their unique rock formations and stunning beauty. Situated near the village of Benagil, the caves are accessible from the coastline, particularly by boat or kayak. It has gained international recognition for its breathtaking features. The highlight of the Benagil Cave is its large opening in the ceiling, allowing sunlight to filter through and illuminate the cave's interior. Visitors often enjoy taking boat tours or kayaking to the Benagil Caves to experience the beauty up close.
It's important to note that the Benagil Caves can be quite popular, especially during peak tourist seasons. To fully appreciate the caves and avoid crowds, it's advisable to visit early in the morning or outside of peak hours.
Parking Lot - Parque de estacionamento There’s great free parking for the Benagil caves, really close to the boardwalk! It’s easy to find, but keep in mind that the lot is small, so it might be tricky for larger cars to turn around. We parked on the street in the marked spots. You may also park at the roundabout a little higher up; it’s usually easier. Carvoeiro Caves Boat Tour Agency I had a fantastic time on the boat cave tour! It lasted about 2 hours, and it was really interesting to learn about the history of the caves. This is a must-do tour! Everything was well organized, and it’s a great deal for what you get. Seeing the caves from the boat is definitely worth it! |
Benagil Cave, Marinha & Carvoeiro Full-Day Tour from Faro (4.9 ⭐ - 598 reviews):
Explore stunning caves, chill at Praia da Marinha, and wander Carvoeiro’s cute streets on this small-group tour. Includes transport from Faro and a friendly guide for any questions. 8-hour trip, with free cancellation! Certified by Viator.
Kayaking to Benagil Cave, Small Group Tour (4.8 ⭐ - 457 reviews):
Paddle your way to the stunning Benagil Cave on this small-group kayak tour, guided by a local. Perfect for exploring hidden beaches and rock formations. 2-hour adventure with free cancellation! Certified by Viator.
Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option (4.8 ⭐ - 8,336 reviews):
Zip through the Algarve’s stunning coastline on a 1.5-hour speedboat tour to the Benagil Caves. Option to catch the sunset! Small group, certified by GetYourGuide, and starts at just €17.50.
Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching (4.5 ⭐ - 6,592 reviews):
Enjoy a 2.5-hour boat tour from Albufeira, combining visits to the stunning Benagil Caves with a chance to spot dolphins. Popular choice, starting at €33.99.
Day 3: Explore the Historic Town of Lagos and Hidden Gem Praia do Camilo
The Main Square of Lagos - Praça Luís de Camões
Today was perfect! We started our morning at Praça Luís de Camões with a cozy café breakfast before wandering through the charming streets of Lagos' Old Town. The stunning gold-leaf interior of the Church of St. Anthony took our breath away, followed by a delicious lunch at a traditional tavern. The afternoon was spent soaking in local history at the museum, and we returned to the square for a relaxing break, enjoying the lively atmosphere with some gelato. Wrapping it all up with a visit to local art galleries, we felt we truly experienced the heart of Lagos!
It was quite the adventure trying to find a spot to eat in Lagos' charming old town. With no lunch reservation, we were met with the challenge of finding a table, but persistence paid off! We stumbled upon a cozy local restaurant nestled in the heart of the old town, where we savored some incredibly tasty Portuguese fish. A perfect culinary reward after the hunt!
Praia do Camilo
One of the highlights of Lagos. It is Close to Ponta da Piedade. Praia do Camilo is a small, picturesque beach perfect for a lazy afternoon or evening. We descended the wooden staircase to find crystal-clear water and golden cliffs surrounding the shore. It felt like our own private beach. It’s a great spot to relax, sunbathe, or take a refreshing swim.
Where to Eat?
Alright, here’s the million-dollar question! Besides NoSoloÁgua Portimão and Sol & Sombra that I’ve already mentioned, there are plenty of other great restaurants and eateries to enjoy in the places we explored! A few have been listed below:
Restaurante dos Artistas: When you’re in Lagos, you have to try Restaurante dos Artistas! It’s such a charming place with creative twists on Portuguese food. After exploring the town and those hidden beaches, it’s a lovely spot to relax and enjoy a great meal!
A Casa do Prego (Lagos): This eatery is renowned for its delicious tapas and grilled dishes.
Asia Tokyo Restaurant: If you’re in the mood for sushi, you’ve got to check out Asia Tokyo! You’ll love the fantastic selection of fresh sushi and tasty Japanese dishes, all served in a cozy, modern setting.
Restaurante O Pescador: If you’re at Praia dos Três Irmãos, definitely check out O Pescador! It’s super close and serves fresh seafood and yummy traditional Portuguese dishes. It’s the perfect spot to refuel after a fun day at the beach!
Restaurante Eattico: You can’t go wrong with Eattico! This place offers a delicious mix of Mediterranean flavors and creative dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. It’s the perfect spot for a nice meal in a stylish atmosphere!
Curry House, Indian Tandoori Restaurant: We celebrated our Diwali dining here. If you’re craving Indian food, Curry House is a must-visit! Their tandoori dishes and flavorful curries are simply amazing. You’ll definitely enjoy the rich spices!
Closing Thoughts
Our time in the Algarve felt so short—first because time with loved ones always flies by, and second, because the Algarve is the kind of place that effortlessly blends natural beauty, great holiday vibe, gorgeous beaches, perfect weather and warm hospitality. We got to enjoy a little bit of everything—relaxing on the beach, outdoor adventures, soaking in authentic Portuguese culture, celebrating Diwali at an Indian restaurant, and experiencing the welcoming vibe of Vitor’s Plaza. This region truly has it all! So pack your bags for a longer stay, embrace the laid-back vibe, and let the Algarve charm you with its magic.
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