11 Best Day Trips From Albufeira, Portugal (2024)
Are you visiting Portugal and looking for the best Algarve day trips from Albufeira, Portugal? You came to the right place!
Ideally situated, right at the midpoint of the Algarve coastline, Albufeira is a perfect base for day trips in Algarve. If you have a car, it is just about an hour-long drive to each end!
Even if you don’t have a car, Albufeira is one of the best places to stay in the Algarve without a car, as it is well-connected by public transport to the rest of the region.
The Algarve region is outstanding, from natural landmarks like Benagil Caves to historical landmarks like Silves Castle. You will have a day trip planned for every day of your holiday.
If you’re ready, let’s jump right in!
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The Best Algarve Day Trips From Albufeira, Portugal
While the Algarve is undoubtedly best known for its incredible beaches, the diverse selection of day trips in the Algarve makes this stunning region a perfect addition to a winter backpacking Europe itinerary as well!
Here are the best Albufeira day trips, from the west to the east coast:
1. Day trip from Albufeira to Sagres
We’re starting with the westernmost day trip from Albufeira. Sagres is the westernmost town in the Algarve.
The westernmost point of Portugal, Cabo de Sao Vicente, is about 10 km from Sagres.
If you are looking for the best sunsets in Portugal – it does not get much better than Sagres and Cabo San Vicente.
A laid-back coastal town, Sagres is popular with surfers, Portugal backpackers, and van-life enthusiasts.
There aren’t many sightseeing spots in Sagres. Instead, people visit to enjoy nature – surfing, beaches, and hiking.
One of the best things to do in Sagres is to watch the sunset from Sagres Fortress after spending a day on the beach.
Grab lunch in Three Little Birds bar. I loved their vegan burger in a sweet potato bread bun. It is on the pricey side for the Algarve, but the portions are generous, and the food is delicious!
How to get to Sagres from Albufeira?
If you’re driving from Albufeira to Sagres, the distance between the two towns is about 80km.
Getting to Sagres by public transport requires you to take a bus or train from Albufeira to Lagos and then switch to a bus to Sagres.
With multiple daily bus departures, it shouldn’t be hard to figure out the route that works for you. You can buy bus tickets at the bus stations – Albufeira and Lagos, or from the driver – Sagres.
If you decide to take a train from Albufeira to Lagos, you can buy train tickets online or at the train station.
You don’t want to deal with the buses? Join a guided Sagres & Cape St. Vincent Half-Day Tour and have the tour company organize everything for you!
2. Day trip from Albufeira to Lagos
People tend to have a hard time deciding between staying in Lagos or Albufeira when visiting Algarve. Wherever you choose to base yourself, you can easily see the other city on a day trip!
Lagos is a coastal town with a charming historic centre and stunning beaches.
It is popular with both backpackers and families, as it has that relaxed seaside town vibe, but it is larger than most towns along the coastline.
The must-visit spot in Lagos is Ponta de Piedade, with dramatic cliffs offering a stunning view of the Algarve coastline.
Check out my Lagos itinerary for all the best spots to visit in Lagos.
How to get to Lagos from Albufeira?
The distance between Lagos and Albufeira is about 60 km.
You can take a regional bus or a train. I suggest the bus, as it is more convenient if you don’t have a car. Check the local bus schedule here.
3. Day trip from Albufeira to Portimão
Portimão is a port city with a compact old town and a more popular beach area.
If you visit Portimão on a day trip from Albufeira, it is worth combining a day trip to Portimão with a visit to Ferragudo or Silves.
Portimão highlights are:
- Igreja do Colégio
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
- Ribeirinha
- Praia da Rocha
Make sure to grab lunch in Cozinha de Sonia. Absolutely the best vegan Indian food I’ve had in Algarve!
How to get to Portimão from Albufeira?
If you’re driving, it will take under an hour to reach Portimão from Albufeira.
Alternatively, you can take a train or a bus. I recommend a bus, it takes about an hour, and costs under 10€ in one direction. Check the bus schedule here.
If you compare Portimao and Albufeira, you’ll see it is also a great base for day trips in the region!
4. Day trip from Albufeira to Ferragudo
Ferragudo is a charming fishing village across the canal from Portimão. It is well worth a visit if you want to spend some time in a quaint seaside town with greek island vibes.
The best things to do in Ferragudo:
- strolling the cobblestone streets
- visit Fort of São João de Arade
- swim at a unique Praia da Angrinha.
How to get to Ferragudo from Albufeira?
Ferragudo is located about 30km west of Albufeira.
The best way to visit Ferragudo by public transport is to get to Portimão first, then take a taxi boat from Portimão Museum to Ferragudo. You can buy a ticket before boarding.
5. Day trip from Albufeira to Silves
Silves is the historic capital of the Algarve. Unlike other cities on this list, it is not a coastal town. Instead, it is located on the top of a hill in the countryside.
Silves is a charming town to explore, with many picturesque corners and lovely photo spots.
Pass through the Portas da Cidade de Silves and make your way uphill to the most famous landmark – Silves castle. This stunning red brick castle stands on top of the hill overlooking the region’s vineyards and olive groves.
Did you know that Algarve is also a wine region?
Join this highly-rated Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour with a Guide from Albufeira that will take you to the Algarve’s countryside, visiting two family-owned wineries for wine tasting and free time to discover the enchanting town of Silves.
How to get to Silves from Albufeira?
If you’re combining a day trip to Silves and Portimão, take a train from Portimão. It is less than 2€ in one direction.
Otherwise, you can take a bus directly from Albufeira to Silves. Check the bus schedule here.
6. Day trip from Albufeira to Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro is a seaside town, famous for its whitewashed houses lining the dramatic cliffs.
It is a popular resort in Algarve with many charming restaurants and an incredible sand beach right in the city centre.
A unique tourist attraction in Carvoeiro is the Carvoeiro Boardwalk. It is a 570m long, wooden boardwalk along the coastline with steps leading into caves.
A day trip to Carvoeiro is best combined with a visit to Benagil cave, as it is just about 5.5km away.
How to get to Carvoeiro from Albufeira?
No trains are going to Carvoeiro, and there is no direct bus from Albufeira to Carvoeiro.
You’ll take a regional bus from Albufeira with a transfer in Lagoa. Check the bus schedule here.
7. Day trip from Albufeira to Benagil Cave
Benagil Cave is one of the “must-see” spots in the Algarve. Visiting Benagil caves is the most popular day trip from Albufeira.
This unique sea cave with a hole in the ceiling is only accessible by sea, so you will have to swim, kayak or take a boat there!
If you visit Algarve in summer, expect that the cave will be busy and you’ll have to book your tour in advance. It is one of the disadvantages of Europe in summer.
The best way to visit Benagil Cave is on a kayak tour! Most kayak tours will take you around multiple caves along the coast, but you can’t disembark the kayak inside the caves.
- This Benagil Cave Kayak tour has excellent reviews, and they will take around a few caves during the 2-hour excursion. Book in advance, as the Benagil Cave Kayak tour is one of the most popular activities in the Algarve.
If you don’t have a car to get to the starting point of the Kayak tour, or you simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery – book a boat tour from Albufeira to Benagil Cave!
- This Benagil Cave Boat Tour from Albufeira has the best reviews! They will pick you up in Albufeira Marina, so you don’t have to worry about getting to Benagil!
Pro tip: If you want to step inside the cave, avoid boat tours and go for kayak tours instead. Usually, larger boat tours don’t have permission to disembark passengers in the cave.
If you are not staying in Albufeira, check out my selection of the best Benagil cave tours from every city along the Algarve coastline.
How to get to Benagil Cave from Albufeira?
If you have a car, Benagil Cave is just a short 30-minute drive away from Albufeira.
Unfortunately, there is no easy public transport option from Albufeira to Benagil Cave. You’d first have to take a bus to Lagoa and then transfer to bus 77 to Benagil cave.
If you don’t have a car, the simplest way to reach Benagil Cave is to book a tour with transport included.
Many Albufeira kayaking tours also include a boat transfer to the cave!
8. Day trip to the 7 Hanging Valleys Hike from Albufeira
Hiking along the Algarve coast is a fantastic idea if you visit the Algarve in the winter season or if getting too close to the cold sea in a small boat or a kayak does not appeal to you. It is also an opportunity to admire the Benagil cave from above through its open ceiling!
Hiking along the stunning cliffs of the Algarve coastline is one of the best Algarve day trips for hiking enthusiasts. The views are incredible, and you can stop at any point to take photos and admire the landscape.
Unlike mountains and forests in Central Portugal you can visit on day trips from Coimbra, hikes in the Algarve are stunning coastal walks along unique rock formations of the rugged coastline.
Benagil Cave is one of the stops on the 7-Hanging Valleys trail – the most popular hiking trail in the Algarve.
The trek is not very challenging, it is clearly marked, and it is about 6km long ( so 12km altogether if you’re walking back to the starting point).
With a stunning coastline ideal for hiking and mild winters, the Algarve is one of the best places to visit in Europe in winter.
If you’re hiking in the summer, you can make your way down to the beaches to refresh!
How to get to the 7 Hanging Valleys trail from Albufeira?
You’ll follow the same instructions as to get to Benagil caves. It is a short 30-minute drive by car from Albufeira.
If you’re taking public transport, you’ll first have to take a bus to Lagoa and then transfer to bus 77 to the starting point of the 7 Hanging Valleys trail.
9. Day trip to Faro from Albufeira
Faro is the largest town in the Algarve. That is where the region’s airport is located, so if you took a flight to the south of Portugal, that is where you flew into.
While most people leave Faro as soon as they land, it is actually worth spending a couple of hours exploring this seaside town.
With just a day in Faro, you’ll want to visit the city center, where most of the bars and restaurants are, and the historic center inside the old walls.
You’ll want to make your way to the historic center, passing through the Arco da Vila, and make your way to the Igreja de Santa Maria and picturesque Arco do Repouso.
On the other side of the city, you will find Igreja do Carmo, an 18th-century church, known for its chappel made from the skulls and bones of the monks.
How to get to Faro from Albufeira?
Faro has located about 45km from Albufeira. You can take a bus or a train from Albufeira to Faro.
Check train times and buy tickets on the Comboios de Portugal website.
Buses run multiple times a day between Albufeira and Faro. You can’t buy bus tickets for regional buses online, you will have to go to the bus station and buy a ticket there. Check the departure times here.
10. Day trip to Ria Formosa from Albufeira
This incredible nature park is made up of barrier islands that connect to the sea through six inlets.
This is the place where you can see flamingos in Algarve! It is also possible to swim on Ria Formosa islands.
The easiest way to get from Faro to Ria Formosa is by boat.
- This affordable 2-hour Catamaran tour of Ria Formosa will pick you up in the city center of Faro to sail through Ria Formosa canals, stopping at Farol and Deserta islands for swimming opportunities.
If you are after a more active holiday, you can also join a kayak or bike tour to Ria Formosa!
- Ria Formosa National Park: Kayak Trip is a two-hour guided kayak tour of the park. You will get up close and personal with nature on this trip as you kayak through the canals. Ideal for bird watching!
- Ria Formosa National Park is actually ideal for biking, with bike lanes all over the park. This Faro bike tour starts from the city center of Faro and takes you on a 3-hour adventure in Ria Formosa.
How to get to Ria Formosa from Albufeira?
Follow the same instructions for getting to Faro.
11. Day trip to Tavira from Albufeira
Tavira is a small town situated on the Gilão River delta, in the east Algarve.
While there aren’t that many tourist attractions in the city, it is a nice day trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of Albufeira.
Tavira has a reputation for being the most beautiful town in Algarve. With cobblestone streets, picturesque bridges, and whitewashed houses lining the river, it is not hard to see why.
You won’t find dramatic cliffs in Tavira. Beaches around here are seemingly endless sandy beaches with no natural shade. You’ll have to take a ferry from the city center to reach the most popular Praia da Ilha de Tavira.
How to get to Tavira from Albufeira?
You can take a bus or train from Albufeira to Tavira. You could also combine a day trip to Faro and Tavira, as there are more buses between the two, than direct buses from Albufeira.
Check the bus schedule here, line 66 continues from Faro to Tavira.
How to get around Algarve, Portugal?
Taking day trips in Algarve from Albufeira is a breeze if you rent a car. It’s hard to get lost as there are only two roads you can take – the paying road and the free road.
One of the main reasons to stay in Albufeira is the ease of public transport access.
When it comes to public transport in Algarve, there is a regional bus service and railway.
However, if you’re staying in Albufeira you should stick to the bus to make your trip more enjoyable.
Day Trips From Albufeira By Train
I don’t suggest going on day trips from Albufeira by train. Instead, if you’re visiting the Algarve without a car, opt for a bus!
Albufeira train station is about 6km out of town, connected to the city center by a local bus.
However, bus departure times are not aligned with train arrivals. You might have to wait for a while to catch a bus to the city. Read more about the Albufeira train station bus here.
Ria Formosa National Park is located just outside Faro, and a day trip to Ria Formosa from Albufeira is best combined with a day trip to Faro.
Final Thoughts: Best Algarve Day Trips From Albufeira, Portugal
And there you have it: the best Algarve day trips from Albufeira you should add to your Algarve itinerary!
If you rent a car, you can combine a couple of these ideas on the same day, so you get to explore more of the region.
From discovering the spectacular landscapes to wildlife in the region, the Algarve has something for every type of traveler.
If you travel along the Algarve coast without a car, here is everything you need to know to plan your Algarve without a car holiday.
Algarve is a small region, so even if you stay in Lagos or Faro, you can visit all these places on a day trip!
