10 Things to Do in the Algarve (With a Car): Coastal Drives, Hidden Gems & Easy Adventures
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The Algarve might be famous for its beaches (and rightfully so), but there’s a lot more to this sun-drenched stretch of southern Portugal than just golden sands and surfboards. With a car, you’ve got the freedom to explore beyond the usual spots, think cliff-top lookouts, hilltop villages, and quiet beaches that don’t come with a tour group.
Whether you’re road-tripping along the coast or settling into a quiet spot for a few days, here are some of the best ways to experience the Algarve, on your own wheels and at your own pace.
1. Swim and Stroll at Praia da Marinha
This one’s a must. Easily reached by car, Praia da Marinha is one of Europe’s most stunning beaches. Dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and photogenic viewpoints make it ideal for a swim or a wander. Come early or late in the day to beat the crowds.
2. Explore the Caves and Grottos by Boat
Park near Benagil Beach and hop on a boat tour or paddle your way into the Algarve’s famous sea caves. The Benagil Cave is the showstopper, but there are plenty of lesser-known spots worth exploring nearby. It’s all within easy reach when you’ve got your own transport.
3. Wander the Streets of Tavira
With a car, Tavira is a breeze to reach—and well worth the drive. Think cobbled lanes, Moorish rooftops, and a laid-back riverside café scene. It's a quieter slice of the Algarve with a traditional Portuguese feel.
4. Soak Up the Market Life
Local markets are sprinkled throughout the region, but some of the best, like the one in Loulé, are easiest to get to by car. Grab some fresh produce, browse handmade crafts, and fill the boot with picnic supplies for later.
5. Find Your Favourite Hidden Cove
With a car, you’re free to explore the coastline and find those tucked-away beaches you’d never stumble upon otherwise. Follow signs to small car parks, climb down a few paths, and you might just find a quiet spot all to yourself.
6. Catch the Sunset at Cape St. Vincent
Drive west to the dramatic cliffs of Cape St. Vincent—Europe’s southwestern tip. It’s a popular spot for good reason, especially at sunset. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and take it all in from your cliffside perch.
7. Eat Fresh, Eat Local
Having a car makes it easy to seek out smaller, family-run tavernas that are off the main drag. Whether you’re inland or by the sea, look for the spots where the locals go, and you’ll find grilled sardines, seafood rice, and wine that tastes like summer.
8. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Serra de Monchique
Just inland from the coast, the Monchique mountains offer a change of scenery—lush, green, and peaceful. Wind your way through forests and villages, stop for views, and maybe grab a coffee in Caldas de Monchique, known for its spa waters and laid-back vibe.
9. Discover the Whitewashed Charm of Alte
Tucked away in the countryside, the village of Alte is exactly the kind of place you’ll be glad you had a car for. Quiet streets, flower-filled balconies, and natural swimming spots just outside town—it’s a peaceful pocket of tradition and calm.
10. Enjoy the Rhythm of Local Life
One of the best parts of having a car is being able to pull over wherever something catches your eye—a roadside viewpoint, a farm stand, a sleepy square with a café and nowhere to be. The Algarve is full of those moments, if you take the time to look.
Bonus Day Trips & Hidden Finds (Worth the Drive)
If you’ve got time and the freedom of a car, these extra experiences are totally worth adding to your Algarve itinerary.
Visit the Village of Cacela Velha
This tiny clifftop village feels almost frozen in time. With whitewashed houses, a peaceful church, and panoramic views over the Ria Formosa lagoon, it’s the kind of place you can explore in under an hour—but remember forever.
Spend a Day in Silves
Once the capital of the Algarve, Silves is packed with history. Walk the red sandstone castle walls, visit the Gothic cathedral, and grab a cool drink in the quiet old town square. It’s inland, so fewer crowds, but just as rich in charm.
Take the Ferry to Ilha Deserta
Head to Faro, park up, and catch a boat out to Ilha Deserta—a remote, unspoiled sandbar island with nothing but dunes, sea, and a single beach restaurant. It's quiet, peaceful, and feels like a world away from everything.
Explore Ria Formosa Natural Park
Drive to one of the park’s access points (like Olhão or Fuseta), and explore the lagoons, marshes, and islands by boat or walking trail. It’s a great place for birdwatching, picnicking, or simply enjoying the peace of a protected landscape.
Visit the Cork Forests Near São Brás de Alportel
Take a drive inland and discover one of Portugal’s lesser-known natural gems, its cork forests. There are walking trails and eco-tours available, and you’ll learn why cork is such a big part of the country’s heritage.
Final Thoughts
With a car, the Algarve really opens up. It’s not just about the big-name beaches—it’s about the quiet places between them, the roadside picnics, the hilltop sunsets, and the freedom to make it up as you go. From coastal drives to tucked-away villages, this corner of Portugal is best explored with the windows down, your playlist on, and a healthy dose of curiosity.
