Route&Camp

Algarve, Portugal

Algarve and Cape St Vincent by motorhome, campervan or caravan: 3, 7 or 15-day route

Golden cliffs, sea caves and fishing villages along Portugal's southern coast, from the lagoons of the Ria Formosa to the wild cape at the end of Europe.

The golden beach of Carvoeiro below limestone cliffs, with the white houses of the village climbing the hill and fishing boats on the sand

How many days do you have?

Algarve and Cape St Vincent in 7 days

Distance≈ 245 km
Stages7
DifficultyEasy
Best timeMarch to June and September to November

The Algarve from east to west: Tavira, Olhão and Faro on the Ria Formosa, Albufeira and Benagil, Carvoeiro and Silves, Portimão and Lagos, Sagres and Cape St Vincent, ending on the wild beaches of Aljezur.

Where is it?

PORTUGALSPAINAtlantic OceanAlgarve and Cape St VincentLisbonPorto

About this route

The Algarve is Portugal's sunny south coast: more than 300 days of sunshine a year, golden limestone cliffs full of arches and caves, and whitewashed fishing villages. In the east, the calm lagoons of the Ria Formosa shelter flamingos and island beaches; in the centre, the famous coast of Benagil, Carvoeiro and Lagos has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe; in the west, the land ends at Sagres and Cape St Vincent, the south-western tip of mainland Europe, before the wild Atlantic coast of the Costa Vicentina. The 3-day version covers Benagil, Carvoeiro, Lagos, Sagres and the cape, the 7-day one starts in Tavira and adds Faro, Albufeira, Silves and Aljezur, and the 15-day one starts at the Spanish border and adds Castro Marim, Cacela Velha, Olhão and the Monchique hills.

Short distances on good roads (the A22 motorway and the N125). The streets of Carvoeiro, Benagil and the old towns are narrow and steep, and many beach car parks are closed to motorhomes: park on the edge and walk or take the bus. The climb to Monchique is winding.

Updated

Weather and temperatures

Averages for Faro
  • SpringMar–May 13° / 21° Little rain
  • SummerJun–Aug 19° / 28° Little rain
  • AutumnSep–Nov 15° / 23° Some rain
  • WinterDec–Feb 9° / 17° Some rain

Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Summers are hot and completely dry, cooled by the sea breeze; spring and autumn are warm and sunny, the best time for walking the cliffs. Winters are mild, with most of the year's rain falling between October and February in short showers. The sea is cool: about 16 °C in winter and 21–23 °C at the end of summer, colder on the west coast. The Costa Vicentina is windier and cooler than the rest of the Algarve.

Typical lows and highs (average night and afternoon temperatures). They change from year to year, so check the forecast before you go.

Route map

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Campsites, areas and parking come from OpenStreetMap. They can be incomplete or out of date: check before you go and always follow local signs.

Take this route with you

Algarve and Cape St Vincent in 7 days

Google MapsPart 1: days 1–4Google MapsPart 2: days 4–7 WazeNavigate to the start: Tavira WhatsAppShare this route with your travel companions

The TXT file needs an internet connection to collect the campsites and motorhome areas. Google Maps opens the stops in order (long routes are split into parts, because Google Maps allows 10 points per route). Waze only navigates to one place at a time, so each day also has its own Waze button. Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.

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Day by day

Routes are a guide, not a fixed plan: in most cases you can also drive them in a different direction and skip stops.

Algarve and Cape St Vincent in 7 days

  1. Day1 TaviraArrival day
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Tavira
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Tavira

      The most elegant town of the eastern Algarve, on both banks of the river Gilão, with a Roman-style bridge, more than 20 churches, a castle and houses with hipped roofs. A ferry crosses to the Ilha de Tavira, an island of long sandy beaches.

      What to see (4)
      • Old bridge The arched bridge over the river Gilão.
      • Castle and Santa Maria church Gardens on the castle walls and views over the rooftops.
      • Ilha de Tavira A ferry to an island of long sandy beaches.
      • Praia do Barril A beach with a cemetery of old fishing anchors, reached by a small train.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Park by the river on the edge of the centre. To reach Praia do Barril, park at Pedras d'El Rei and take the little train.

    Waze
  2. Day2 Olhão and Faro≈ 40 km · ≈ 55 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Faro
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Olhão and the Ria Formosa

      A fishing town with cube-shaped houses and two red-brick market halls on the waterfront, full of fish and seafood. Ferries go out to the car-free islands of Armona, Culatra and Farol in the Ria Formosa natural park, a lagoon of channels, salt marshes and birds.

      What to see (4)
      • Market halls Two red-brick markets of fish, seafood and local produce.
      • Old fishermen's quarter Narrow lanes of cube-shaped houses with roof terraces.
      • Armona and Culatra islands Car-free islands with beaches, reached by ferry.
      • Ria Formosa Boat or kayak trips in the lagoon to see birds and oyster beds.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Car parks along the waterfront, near the markets and the ferry piers.

    • Faro

      The capital of the Algarve, with a walled old town (Cidade Velha) entered through the Arco da Vila, a cathedral with views over the lagoon, and the Chapel of Bones at the Carmo church. Storks nest on the bell towers and chimneys.

      What to see (4)
      • Cidade Velha The walled old town entered through the Arco da Vila.
      • Cathedral Climb the tower for views over the old town and the lagoon.
      • Chapel of Bones A chapel lined with skulls and bones at the Carmo church.
      • Ilha Deserta A ferry to an almost empty island beach.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Park outside the old town, by the marina or the large car parks near the station.

    Google Maps Waze
  3. Day3 Albufeira and Benagil≈ 60 km · ≈ 1 h 20 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Benagil and the Seven Hanging Valleys
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Albufeira and Praia da Falésia

      The Algarve's biggest resort, with an old town of white lanes above the beach and a busy fishing harbour. To the east, Praia da Falésia is a 6 km beach below red, orange and white cliffs, one of the most striking in Portugal.

      What to see (4)
      • Old town White lanes, squares and terraces above Praia dos Pescadores.
      • Praia da Falésia A 6 km beach below red and orange cliffs.
      • Marina Coloured buildings and boat trips along the coast.
      • Praia de São Rafael A smaller beach with rock stacks, west of the town.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The old town is closed to large vehicles. Use the car parks at the top of the town or at the marina, and the escalators down to the beach.

    • Benagil and the Seven Hanging Valleys

      The famous sea cave of Benagil, a dome of rock with a hole in the roof above a hidden beach, is reached by boat, kayak or paddle board. Above it runs the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a cliff-top path past arches, sinkholes and the beach of Marinha, one of the most beautiful in Europe.

      What to see (4)
      • Benagil cave The sea cave with a hole in its roof, by boat, kayak or paddle board.
      • Seven Hanging Valleys Trail A 6 km cliff path from Marinha to Vale Centeanes.
      • Praia da Marinha A beach of golden cliffs and rock arches.
      • Alfanzina lighthouse A lighthouse on the cliffs along the trail.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The village is tiny and steep. Motorhomes should park at the top, at the start of the trail, or at Praia da Marinha.

    Google Maps Waze
  4. Day4 Carvoeiro and Silves≈ 20 km · ≈ 25 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Silves
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Carvoeiro

      A fishing village of white houses around a small golden beach between cliffs, with boats pulled up on the sand. A boardwalk leads along the cliffs to Algar Seco, a maze of rock formations, natural pools and windows over the sea.

      What to see (4)
      • Carvoeiro beach A small golden beach between cliffs, with fishing boats.
      • Algar Seco A boardwalk to rock formations, natural pools and sea windows.
      • Nossa Senhora da Encarnação A chapel on the cliff with views over the village.
      • Praia do Carvalho A hidden beach reached through a tunnel in the rock.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The centre is narrow and steep. Park on the edge of the village and walk down.

    • Silves

      The old Moorish capital of the Algarve, a hill town of red sandstone with one of the best-preserved castles in Portugal, a Gothic cathedral and orange groves all around. In August it hosts a medieval fair.

      What to see (4)
      • Castle Red sandstone walls from the Moorish period, the best-kept in the Algarve.
      • Cathedral A Gothic cathedral next to the castle.
      • Old town Steep lanes, viewpoints and cafés.
      • Orange groves Orchards all around the town; buy fresh juice in season.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Park by the river at the bottom of the town; it is a short, steep walk up to the castle.

    Google Maps Waze
  5. Day5 Portimão and Lagos≈ 30 km · ≈ 40 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (5)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Lagos and Ponta da Piedade
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Portimão, Praia da Rocha and Ferragudo

      A large town at the mouth of the river Arade, known for grilled sardines on the quays. Praia da Rocha is a wide beach below cliffs and a fort, and across the river Ferragudo is a pretty fishing village with a castle on the beach.

      What to see (4)
      • Praia da Rocha A wide beach below cliffs and the Santa Catarina fort.
      • Ferragudo A fishing village with a castle on the beach.
      • Sardine restaurants Grilled sardines on the quays by the old bridge.
      • Portimão Museum A museum in an old sardine cannery.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Car parks along the river in Portimão and at the top of Praia da Rocha. Ferragudo has a car park at the entrance.

    • Lagos and Ponta da Piedade

      A lively town inside 16th-century walls, with a fort at the harbour mouth, the gilded church of Santo António and the old slave market. Just south, Ponta da Piedade is a group of golden rock pillars, arches and grottoes, best seen by boat or kayak, near the beaches of Camilo and Dona Ana.

      What to see (4)
      • Ponta da Piedade Golden rock pillars and grottoes, by boat, kayak or from the cliff path.
      • Praia do Camilo and Dona Ana Small beaches between rocks, reached by stairs.
      • Church of Santo António A church covered in gilded woodwork.
      • Walls and Ponta da Bandeira fort The old town walls and the fort at the harbour mouth.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Park outside the walls, near the marina or the bus station. Ponta da Piedade has a car park at the lighthouse.

    Google Maps Waze
  6. Day6 Sagres and Cape St Vincent≈ 40 km · ≈ 55 min driving
    Where to sleep tonight (4)Campsites and areas within 10 km of Cape St Vincent
    Data from OpenStreetMap: check before you go.

    • Sagres

      A small surf town at the end of Portugal, linked to Prince Henry the Navigator and the Age of Discovery. Its fortress stands on a flat headland above the ocean, with a huge stone wind rose. Around it are beaches for every wind, such as Mareta, Tonel and Beliche.

      What to see (4)
      • Sagres fortress The headland with the wind rose and cliff-top paths.
      • Beaches Mareta, Tonel, Martinhal and Beliche, for every wind.
      • Surfing Surf schools for beginners on the sheltered beaches.
      • Harbour Fresh fish and barnacles (percebes) in the harbour restaurants.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Large car park at the fortress. Overnight stays are not allowed in the Costa Vicentina natural park: use the campsites and authorised areas.

    • Cape St Vincent

      The south-western tip of mainland Europe, where 60 m cliffs drop into the Atlantic below one of the most powerful lighthouses in Europe. Sailors once called it the end of the world. Come at sunset, when crowds gather to watch the sun sink into the ocean.

      What to see (4)
      • Lighthouse One of the most powerful lighthouses in Europe, with a small museum.
      • Sunset Watch the sun go down over the Atlantic from the cliffs.
      • Fortaleza do Beliche A small fort on the cliffs between Sagres and the cape.
      • Cliff paths Walk along the cliff tops between the cape and Sagres.

      With a motorhome or caravan: Car park at the lighthouse, very busy at sunset. Overnight stays are not allowed here.

    Google Maps Waze
  7. Day7 Aljezur and the Costa Vicentina≈ 50 km · ≈ 1 h 5 min driving

    • Aljezur and the Costa Vicentina

      A village below a ruined Moorish castle, the gateway to the wild west coast of the Algarve. Nearby are the surf beaches of Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, Amoreira and Bordeira at Carrapateira, and the Fishermen's Trail on the cliffs of the Rota Vicentina.

      What to see (4)
      • Aljezur castle The ruins of a Moorish castle above the village.
      • Arrifana A surf beach in a cove below cliffs, with a ruined fort.
      • Praia da Bordeira A huge beach with dunes and a river at Carrapateira.
      • Fishermen's Trail A cliff-top walking path of the Rota Vicentina.

      With a motorhome or caravan: The roads down to the beaches are narrow and some car parks are small: go early. Overnight stays are only allowed in campsites and authorised areas.

    Google Maps Waze

Distances and driving times are approximate, measured between stops. Use the Directions links for the exact road route.

Tips for motorhomes, campervans and caravans

Overnight stays · A22 tolls · Boat trips and kayaks · Cliffs · Winter sun5

  • Overnight stays

    Motorhomes may stay overnight for up to 48 hours in the same municipality, but not in Natura 2000 sites, natural parks or coastal protected zones unless expressly authorised. Most of the Algarve coast and all of the Costa Vicentina are protected, so use campsites and motorhome areas. Fines are high and checks are frequent.

  • A22 tolls

    The A22 motorway has electronic tolls only, with no booths. With a foreign vehicle, register your number plate and card at an EasyToll point at the border near Vila Real de Santo António, or buy a toll card. Rental vehicles usually come with a device. The N125 is free but slower.

  • Boat trips and kayaks

    The caves of Benagil and Ponta da Piedade are best seen from the water. Book a boat, kayak or paddle board trip early in the morning, when the sea is calm and the light is good. Swimming into the Benagil cave is not allowed.

  • Cliffs

    The limestone cliffs can crumble without warning. Stay away from the edges on the paths and do not lie on the beach directly below the cliffs.

  • Winter sun

    The Algarve is a classic winter destination for motorhome travellers from northern Europe. Many campsites stay open all year and fill up from November to March, so book ahead and ask about long-stay discounts.

Frequently asked questions

5

How many days do you need for the Algarve by motorhome, campervan or caravan?

Three days are enough for the most famous part of the coast: the caves of Benagil, Carvoeiro, Lagos and Ponta da Piedade, Sagres and Cape St Vincent. With seven days you can start in Tavira and add Faro, Albufeira, Silves and the beaches of Aljezur. Fifteen days let you start at the Spanish border and add Castro Marim, Cacela Velha, the islands of the Ria Formosa and the Monchique hills, with time for boat trips and beach days.

Where can you sleep with a motorhome, campervan or caravan in the Algarve?

In campsites and in the many private and municipal motorhome areas (áreas de serviço para autocaravanas) along the coast. Portuguese law allows motorhomes to stay overnight for up to 48 hours in the same municipality, but not in Natura 2000 sites, natural parks or coastal protected zones, which cover most of the Algarve coast, unless the place is expressly authorised. Caravans are only accepted in campsites. The route map shows the campsites, motorhome areas and parking places near every stop.

When is the best time to visit the Algarve?

Spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is warm and sunny, the wild flowers cover the cliffs and the campsites are quieter. July and August are hot and very busy, with full campsites and car parks. Winter is mild and popular with motorhome travellers from northern Europe, so book the best campsites ahead.

Can you drive the Algarve route in reverse or skip stops?

Yes. The route is a guide, not a fixed plan: you can start at Cape St Vincent and drive east to the Spanish border, begin at whichever stop is closest to you, or skip the stops that interest you less. Distances between stops stay the same in both directions.

Are the roads suitable for large motorhomes and caravans?

Yes, the A22 motorway and the N125 run along the whole coast with easy driving. The problems are the narrow, steep streets of the coastal villages such as Carvoeiro, Benagil, Ferragudo and the old towns, and the beach car parks, many of which are closed to motorhomes. Park on the edge and walk in. The A22 has electronic tolls only: see the tips before you drive on it.

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