The Algarve, Portugal is a stunning travel destination that offers something for everyone. From its beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs to its charming villages, the Algarve has something to offer everyone who visits.
What’s more, the Algarve is well known for its delicious food and wine, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the best that Europe has to offer.
7 days is the perfect amount of time to explore Lagos and Sagres. Lagos is a picturesque town on the southern coast of Portugal, with stunning beaches and old-world charm.
Sagres is a small fishing village that sits on the edge of a dramatic cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Both Lagos and Sagres offer stunning views, exciting activities, delicious cuisine, and plenty of things to do.
If you love beautiful beaches, then these are the places in the Algarve for you! Here’s how you should spend 7 days in Lagos and Sagres.
Day 1: Arrive in Faro and travel to Lagos
When travelling to the Algarve, it’s likely that you’ll land in Faro. While Lisbon may be the capital of Portugal, Faro is the regional capital of the Algarve. Here, you’ll find everything from museums and historical monuments to shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Spend some time strolling along the old city walls or exploring some of Faro’s many shops and restaurants if you wish. Otherwise, make your way to Lagos.
The easiest way to get to Lagos from Faro is by bus and it’s pretty cheap too.
Day 2: Get to know Lagos town
Lagos is a charming town with plenty of things to do, from exploring its historic fortresses to relaxing on its stunning beaches. You can also take in the views from Lagos’ old harbour or visit the picturesque Vila da Ponte church.
When you arrive in Lagos get your bearings by taking a stroll along the cobblestone streets and exploring the ancient ruins of its fortress walls. The old town is located in the heart of the city and contains many great pubs and restaurants.
Lagos is a great place to do a bar crawl if you feel like letting loose a little or switch it up for a walking tour for something a bit slower-paced. A walking tour is a fantastic way to get a feel for the city and learn a bit of history along the way.
Take full advantage of your time in this coastal town and explore the many activities it has to offer.
Day 3: Do the Lagos Coastal Walk
The Lagos Coastal Walk is a popular path that runs along the stunning coastline of Lagos’ best beaches. Be prepared for some spectacular views!
Taking the day to do this amazing walk will allow you plenty of time to stop at the different beaches along the way and enjoy a refreshing dip to cool off. A good place to start this walk is from Farol da Ponta da Piedade, a historical Lagos landmark.
From here you’ll be able to walk out to the Ponta da Piedade view point. It’s a scenic rock formation and a popular boat tour spot. As you continue to walk back towards Lagos town, the first beach you’ll come across is Praia da Balanca, then Praia dos Pinheiros and Praia da Boneca.
Pop down to each of these beaches for a swim and take your time to explore them further.
Depending on how you’re going for time you might also be able to squeeze in Praia do Camilo, Praia de Dona Ana and Praia do Pinhao. If not, take tomorrow to soak them up properly.
Don’t forget to bring some water and a good pair of walking shoes with you, you’ll need them! Praia do Pinhao is where the walk ends.
Day 4: Relax on Lagos’ most famous beach
Praia do Camilo is one of Portugal’s most famous beaches and for good reason. This stunning beach is the perfect place to relax and take in the views of Portugal’s coastline.
The crystal clear waters, golden sand, and dramatic cliffs make it one of Portugal’s most picturesque beaches. To get there you’ll descend down 200 wooden steps and on your way down you’ll enjoy incredible views.
Once you’ve arrived at the beach, take a dip in Portugal’s Mediterranean waters or soak up the warm sunshine. This beach can get pretty packed so it’s good to get here early to beat the crowds.
In the afternoon you can head to Praia de Dona Ana, being a larger beach it has a bit more space to chill out.
To end the day you can take a stroll along Lagos’ waterfront and enjoy the beautiful sunsets Portugal is known for. If you’re here in the summer months there may be some local stalls around for you to buy some handmade crafts.
Day 5: Travel to Sagres
Head south from Lagos and make your way to Sagres. Again the best way to travel here is by bus. Try get a fairly early bus so you can make the most of your time in Sagres.
Once you arrive in Sagres you can expect a much more relaxed atmosphere than Lagos. This is mainly due to its remote location, making it a great place to relax and unwind.
Take your time to explore Sagres so you can soak up the beauty of this coastal village. It’s not very big and only has 3 bars so it won’t take you long to get acquainted with the area.
Sagres’ main beach, Praia do Martinhal is one of the best beaches in Sagres and Portugal for that matter. It’s a stunning beach surrounded by cliffs and is a great place to relax for the afternoon.
Day 6: Taking a surfing lesson in Sagres and visit Sagres Point
You can’t visit Sagres and not go surfing, it’s known as the Algarve’s premier surfing destination. If you’re just a beginner or want to improve your skills then why not take a surfing lesson?
There are a number of different surf schools and a popular surfing beach is Praia do Tonel. It’s worth visiting even if you aren’t a keen surfer because it’s gorgeous!
In the afternoon once you’re done with surfing, simply relax at one of the stunning Sagres beaches. Praia da Mareta or Praia da Baleeira are good options due to being so close to town. Praia do Beliche is stunning too but a little bit further out.
In the evening take time to visit the old fortress at Sagres Point, then continue your exploration to Portugal’s legendary lighthouse – the Cape St. Vincent Lighthouse, which is the most southwestern point in the European continent.
The sunsets from here are UNREAL which is why you’ll want to head here in the evening.
Day 7: Travel back to Faro
When you finish your 7 days in the Algarve, make your way back to Faro and spend a leisurely afternoon exploring this stunning city.
Take some time to visit its many museums and buy some souvenirs before heading home with memories that will last a lifetime!
What is the best time of year to visit Portugal?
The best time to visit Portugal is during the summer months. From June through August, Portugal’s weather is warm and sunny, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a sun-filled beach holiday.
However, Portugal can be quite crowded during this time of year so if you’re looking for a more relaxed holiday then consider visiting Portugal in the spring or fall. You’ll find cheaper prices in the shoulder season as well.
No matter when you decide to visit Portugal, there’s no denying that the country is a stunning destination filled with historical sights, delicious food and some of the best beaches in Europe!
Conclusion: 7 days in the Algarve – Your guide on exploring Lagos and Sagres
The Algarve region in Portugal is the perfect destination for a week-long holiday. From the stunning beaches of Lagos to kayaking around the Sagres coastline, there’s something here for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure or simply want to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery, this seven-day itinerary will make sure that your trip to Lagos and Sagres is unforgettable.
Grab your passport and explore Portugal’s beautiful southern coastline!