Lagos & Western Algarve 🌊
"Golden cliffs, Atlantic breezes, and stunning coastal hiking trails."
In December, the Algarve is quiet and affordable. You can rent a villa for the group at a fraction of summer prices, hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, and take a road trip to the rugged Sagres coast.
Explore the dramatic cliffs of Lagos and the rugged, windswept beaches of the Costa Vicentina on a scenic coastal road trip. This itinerary balances iconic southern rock formations with the wild, secluded hiking trails of the western edge.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Coastal Introduction to Lagos
Morning — Arrive in Lagos and check into your accommodation. Grab a coffee and a pastel de nata in Praça da República.
Afternoon — Walk to Praia da Batata and hike the coastal trail to Praia Dona Ana, known for its golden cliffs and turquoise waters.
Evening — Explore the historic center's cobblestone streets and enjoy a seafood dinner at a local 'tasca' near the old city walls.
💡 Stay in a hostel or guesthouse near the old town to save on transport.
Day 2 · Cliffs and Caverns of Lagos
Morning — Rent a kayak or take a shared boat tour to explore the sea caves and grottoes of Ponta da Piedade.
Afternoon — Venture to the Ponta da Piedade headland. Walk the wooden boardwalks atop the cliffs for iconic Algarve views.
Evening — Head to the Marina de Lagos for a sunset stroll and affordable peri-peri chicken for dinner.
💡 Kayaking is cheaper and more active than boat tours for those on a budget.
Day 3 · History and Long Sands
Morning — Relax at Meia Praia, a 4km stretch of soft sand perfect for a long morning walk.
Afternoon — Visit the Lagos Slave Market Museum (Mercado de Escravos) and the ornate Igreja de Santo António.
Evening — Grab locally sourced ingredients from the municipal market for a picnic dinner on the beach.
💡 The municipal market 'Mercado Municipal de Lagos' is best visited before noon for fresh produce.
Day 4 · The Edge of the World
Morning — Pick up a budget rental car for a 3-day road trip. Drive to Sagres (45 mins).
Afternoon — Explore the whitewashed village of Sagres and visit the Fortaleza de Sagres, a cliffside fortress.
Evening — Watch the sunset at Cabo de São Vicente (the southwesternmost point of Europe) before heading back to Lagos.
💡 Bring a windbreaker; Sagres is notoriously windy even in summer.
Day 5 · Wild West Coast Hiking
Morning — Drive north to Praia da Bordeira, one of the most expansive and wild beaches in the Western Algarve.
Afternoon — Drive to Carrapateira for the Pontal da Carrapateira loop hike (high cliffs, wild dunes, and surfers).
Evening — Dine at a local surf shack or small eatery in Aljezur village.
💡 The west coast is much cooler and wilder than the south coast.
Day 6 · Aljezur and Fishermen's Trails
Morning — Visit the hilltop Castle of Aljezur and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley.
Afternoon — Hike a section of the Fishermen’s Trail (Rota Vicentina) near Monte Clérigo for dramatic Atlantic views.
Evening — Return to Lagos to drop off the rental car and enjoy a final night in the lively town center.
💡 Aljezur is famous for its sweet potatoes; try them if they are on the menu!
Day 7 · Farewell to the Algarve
Morning — Enjoy a slow breakfast at a local cafe and a final dip in the water at Praia do Pinhão.
Afternoon — Last-minute souvenir shopping for cork products or local ceramics in Lagos' old town.
Evening — Departure via train or bus toward Faro Airport or Lisbon.
💡 The Lagos train station is a short walk over the footbridge from the Marina.