The Algarve has the most spectacular coastal scenery I have ever seen. Everywhere you go, you can see steep rocky cliffs and beaches with golden sand and turquoise water. The region has over 300 sunny days a year, which is probably why the Algarve is one of Portugal’s best places to visit.
The southern coast of Portugal is covered by many charming towns and attractions that are worth visiting. However, many highlights are spread across the coast, which means getting around is not as easy for solo independent travellers.
Even though it is easier to travel the Algarve with a car, you can still get to many places around the Algarve on your own. The regional train and network of buses can take you to many places along the south coast.
In this Algarve solo travel guide, I share everything I know about travelling alone around the Algarve. I include all the best places to visit without a car, how to get there by train or bus, and the top things to do in the Algarve for solo travellers.
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Tips for Solo Travel in the Algarve
Before you take your solo trip to the Algarve, take a look at my travel tips that you may find helpful for visiting the south of Portugal:
- The Algarve is safe for solo female travellers. However, you may get a few marriage proposals from overly flirtatious men. Ha! Or many will wink at you and try to get your attention. These interactions are as “dangerous” as it gets! Ha!
- The easiest and cheapest way to travel solo in the Algarve is by bus or train. Train and bus tickets can be purchased at the station. If the ticket office is closed, you can always buy them onboard.
- Accommodation is more expensive in the Algarve than in other parts of Portugal. But it is still pretty affordable if you travel during the low season.
- I suggest spending a week in the Algarve. Choose two to three places along the coast and use them as your home base, explore other small towns, take excursions, and take day trips along the coast.
How to get to the Algarve Portugal
Plane
Faro Airport is the only airport in the Algarve. The regional airport is 4km outside of Faro. Many domestic and international flights fly into Faro Airport daily.
Train
Comboios de Portugal is the train network in Portugal. Many Alfa Pendular (AP) and Intercidades (IC) trains depart daily from Lisbon Estação do Oriente station for the Algarve. Choose the AP train (fast train) and stop either at Faro (the last stop) or Albufeira.
Check the Comboios de Portugal website or the CP app for the train schedule and cost.
Bus
FlixBus has a massive network of buses in Europe. And in Portugal, you can take a FlixBus from Lisbon Oriente or Lisbon Airport to some places in the Algarve, including Tavira, Faro, Faro Airport, Quarteira, Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos. Book your bus ticket on the FlixBus website and then use the QR code to board the bus.
Rede Expresso bus departs from Lisbon Sete Rios or Lisbon Oriente for different cities along the Algarve coast, including Faro, Albufeira and Portimão. Check the Rede Expresso website for the bus schedule and cost.
How to get around the Algarve by yourself
Driving is the easiest and fastest way to travel around the Algarve.
But for solo travellers, it might be best to consider taking the train or bus which both have an extensive network in the south of Portugal. The cost for both train and bus is inexpensive compared to a car rental.
Train
Once you arrive at Faro Station, you can connect to the “Linha do Algarve” line, the dedicated railway line going east to west of the Algarve. From Faro, you can travel east to Vila Real de Santo António and west to Lagos.
Bus
Vamus Algarve is the regional bus company that can take you to different towns along the Algarve.
It used to be EVA Transportes, but the buses also have Vamus Algarve logos. Neither website has accurate information. I found updated bus schedules on the Vamus Algarve app the most helpful.
Summary: 13 Best Places in the Algarve for Solo Travellers
If you have been dreaming about the scenic beaches, famous cliffs and the picturesque coastline of the Algarve, then you must pack your bags and take your solo trip to the Algarve.
Below are some of the best towns in the Algarve from east to west. I’ve visited all of these places on my own and can highly recommend them. Click on the hyperlink and it’ll take you directly to the specific section.
- Tavira
- Faro
- Loulé
- Vilamoura and Quarteira
- Albufeira
- Benagil Cave
- Silves
- Carvoeiro
- Ferragudo
- Portimão
- Alvor
- Lagos
- Sagres
13 Top Places in the Algarve for Solo Travellers
1. Tavira
Tavira is a small town along the Gilão River in the eastern Algarve and is one of the most charming towns in southern Portugal. The town has many pristine white houses with tile facades, cobblestone streets, and several island beaches. And this Morrish town is very walkable and has several attractions in the town centre.
When you are hungry, have lunch at Restaurant Bica. I ate there eight years ago and again this year, and both times, I had the most delicious Portuguese seafood.
Things to do in Tavira
There are many things to do in Tavira for solo travellers. When you spend a day in the quaint town, here’s what you can see:
- Ponte Antiga de Tavira – walk across this pedestrian-friendly “Roman bridge”
- Igreja da Misericórdia – visit the 16th-century Renaissance church with azulejos (blue and white tiles) and the golden altar
- Castelo de Tavira – see the Moorish castle and watchtower that were built in the 1000s
- Praça da República – enjoy the open square where you can find many cafes and restaurants
- Praia de Ilha de Tavira – 12 km of white sand beaches on a nearby island. Take a local ferry from the centre of Tavira
How to get to Tavira: Take the train to Tavira Station. Or take the Vamus Bus 66 or 67 from Faro Terminal Rodoviário to Tavira Terminal Rodoviário.
2. Faro
A trip to the south of Portugal must include Faro, the capital of the Algarve. It is one of the biggest cities in the Algarve and can be reached by train, bus, or plane.
And there are many things to see in Faro, including historical monuments and gorgeous beaches between waterways. If you have two days in Faro, you can see everything in the city and also take an excursion to either Praia de Faro or Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
Because it is accessible to other parts of the Algarve, Faro makes an excellent home base for exploring the eastern Algarve. I stayed at The Modernist Faro because of its central location and its mid-century modern design and I highly recommend this hotel.
Things to do in Faro
When you spend a few days in Faro, make sure you see the following Faro attractions:
- Old Town Faro – meander the narrow cobblestone streets of the historical town centre within the ancient city walls
- Arco da Vila – see the 1000-year-old stonework of the old gateway
- Capella dos Ossos – this unique chapel has thousands of skulls
- Praia de Faro – a 5km beach with soft, golden sand and blue, turquoise water. Take a local ferry
- Parque Natural da Ria Formosa – sail through the park and see the marshland and biodiversity unique to the Algarve
How to get to Faro: Faro is accessible by plane, train, Flixbus and Rede Expresso bus.
3. Loulé
Loulé is a traditional Portuguese market town in the central Algarve. The small town is located a bit inland from the coast and is an excellent day trip destination from Faro and Albufeira.
You can see everything in Loulé within half a day and the best day to visit Loulé is Saturday since both Loulé Saturday Market and the Gypsy Market are open only on Saturdays. And besides the markets, you can see other highlights in Loulé including churches, castles, and browsing handicraft stores around the old town.
Loulé Highlights
When you spend either half a day or a full day in Loulé, make sure to see these attractions:
- Loulé Old Town – walk around the narrow streets and see the Loulé Tunnel and Rua 5 de Outubro
- Loulé Saturday Market – the biggest market selling local produce, including cheese, piri piri sauce and other Portuguese treats
- Mercado Municipal de Loulé – see the large market inside an Arabian-inspired building
- Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Conceição – see the azulejo tiles inside the 17th century church
- Castelo de Loulé – climb up the towers inside the ancient castle and see ancient artifacts in the Loulé Museum
How to get to Loulé: Take the train to Loulé Station. Alternatively, Vamus Bus 10 runs between Faro and Albufeira and stops in Loulé. Vamus Bus 59 also travels from Faro to Loulé.
4. Vilamoura and Quarteira
Vilamoura is a modern resort town along the central Algarve coastline whereas Quarteira is a small fishing village next door. The two towns couldn’t be more different from each other but you can visit both on the same day.
Whether you are coming from Albufeira or Faro, don’t miss the marina complex, gypsy market and all the beaches between Vilamoura and Quarteira. And you must also see Praia de Falésia, an 8km picturesque beach with golden sand and a reddish-orange cliff.
Vilamoura and Quarteira Attractions
When you take a day trip to Vilamoura and Quarteira, don’t miss these attractions:
- Vilamoura Marina – see luxury yachts around the modern marina and find an array of international cuisine lining the perimeter
- Praia de Quarteira – swim or rent a standup paddleboard at the main beach in Quarteira
- Praia de Falésia – walk along the 8km picturesque beach from Vilamoura to Olhos de Água
- Mercado da Fonte Santa – a gypsy market just outside of Quarteira. Open Wednesdays only from 8 to 2
- Cerro da Villa – learn about the area’s history at this archaeological museum
How to get to Vilamoura and Quarteira: From Albufeira Terminal Rodoviário, take the Vamus Bus 9 to Quarteira. Alternatively, take the same Vamus Bus 9 but from Faro Terminal Rodoviário .
5. Albufeira
Albufeira is the biggest resort town along the Algarve coastline. The town is popular with families, groups of guys and girls for bachelor and bachelorette parties, and older folks who want a beach holiday.
But if you are travelling solo, you can enjoy the coastal town as there are many things to do in Albufeira. You can roam around the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visit one of the 25 blue flag beaches in Albufeira (which is the highest in the Algarve), and enjoy the nightlife as it is one of the best along the coast.
Albufeira is an excellent home base for visiting other towns along the Algarve coast. Stay near the Old Town so you are within walking distance to most attractions.
Things to do in Albufeira
When you travel solo to Albufeira, don’t miss these attractions:
- Old Town Albufeira – walk through narrow streets and find remnants of the old Albufeira Castle
- Beaches of Albufeira – visit one of 25 blue flag beaches of Albufeira including Praia do Peneco, Praia dos Pescadores, and Praia da Oura
- Coastal hike from Praia dos Arrifes to Praia do Castelo – see cliffs and beaches along the coast
- Marina de Albufeira – take one of the many day tours around Albufeira including a speed boat tour to Benagil Cave
How to get to Albufeira: From Lisbon Oriente, take the train to Albufeira-Ferreiras Station. Then take GIRO “Linda Laranja” Bus to Albufeira Terminal Rodoviário. Then take another local bus. Or from the train station, take a €6 Uber to Albufeira Old Town.
6. Benagil Cave
Benagil Cave is a sea cave with a round skylight over an enclosed beach near Benagil, a small fishing village in central Algarve. And it is one of the most popular attractions along the Algarve.
The cave is accessible by tours (boats or kayaks) via two arched openings by the sea. Most tour companies operate one-hour tours from Portimão and Lagos. But if you have a rental car, you can drive directly to the sea cave, take a boat or kayak tour, and walk around the top.
Places to see on a Benagil Cave boat tour
The best option for a solo traveller is to take a guided tour. I took a boat tour from Portimão rather than a kayak tour (because I’m not good at kayaking and the water looked choppy that day). However, the advantage of taking a boat tour is also the journey. The guide will show you these highlights along the way:
- Ferragudo – a pretty coastal village with Castelo de Ferragudo perched on top
- Geoformas Carsicas – a coastal hiking area with cliffs and rock formations
- Gruta do Paraiso – a smaller sea cave but just as spectacular
- Carvoeiro – see the most beautiful town along the Algarve. You can also see the Carvoeiro Boardwalk, which leads to the Boneca’s Cave
- Praia do Carvalho – a secluded beach accessible by stairs
- Benagil Cave – boats go into the cave for several minutes for photos
How to get to Benagil Cave: No trains or buses go directly to the cave. However, many tour companies offer boat or kayak tours from Lagos, Portimão, and other places along the coast.
7. Silves
Silves was previously the capital of the Algarve when the Moors ruled over the entire Algarve. Since then, many buildings collapsed during the 1755 earthquake, but some structures remain, including one of the most impressive castles in southern Portugal.
When you visit this hilly town in the Algarve countryside, you can see a red-brick castle, a fortified gateway, a Gothic cathedral and wander around the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.
If you visit Silves during August, you can attend Feira Medieval de Silves, an annual event celebrating the former capital’s medieval period.
Silves Attractions
Spend a couple of hours walking around the hilly town and see:
- Municipal Market Silves – a bustling local market with fresh produce and restaurants
- Portas da Cidade de Silves – walk through the only remaining city gate into the walled city
- Se Cathedral – the Gothic church was built on the site of a Moorish Mosque
- Castelo de Silves – see the ruins inside the Moorish castle
- Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves – buy a combo ticket with the castle and museum
How to get to Silves: Take the train to Silves Station and walk 30 minutes up to the town centre. Or take Vamus Bus 17 from Albufeira Terminal Rodoviário to Silves.
8. Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro was once a fishing village in central Algarve. But it has slowly developed into a tourist resort town because of its natural beauty. Surrounded by dramatic cliffside scenery, the old town has cafes, seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and several impressive attractions worth visiting.
I think Carvoeiro is the prettiest town in southern Portugal. An ideal day trip to Carvoeiro includes wandering around the old town, visit both beaches and take a leisurely stroll to search for viewpoints and sea caves.
Things to see in Carvoeiro
Besides relaxing at one of the beaches in Carvoeiro, the town has a few impressive attractions:
- Beaches of Carvoeiro – Praia do Carvoeiro is the main beach and Praia do Praiso is a small hidden beach located west of the town centre
- Scenic viewpoints on both sides of the main beach – Alto da Praia do Carvoeiro on the west side and Capela de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação on the east
- Caminho do Algar Seco – an easy coastal boardwalk leading to viewpoints and sea caves
- Algar Seco – a nature site with unusual rock formations and small caves
- Boneca’s Cave – highlight at the end of the boardwalk. Also, see the unique rock formation and natural tide pool
How to get to Carvoeiro: Take the train to Portimao Station or Estombar Station. Then take the Vamus Bus 107 to Carvoeiro.
9. Ferragudo
Ferragudo is a picturesque fishing village located along the Algarve coast. I first learned about the charming town from a boat tour to the Benagil Cave. From the boat, I can see how the hilly town of Ferragudo is worth visiting.
When you spend a few hours in the small fishing town, you can wander around in the old village to see forts, ruins and the Church of Our Lady Conception on top of the hill. If you go further, you can even explore beaches around and beyond Castelo de Ferragudo and a lighthouse.
Ferragudo Highlights
Here is a quick summary of the places you will come across when you’re in Ferragudo:
- Old village of Ferragudo – roam around the narrow cobblestone streets
- Church of Our Lady of Conception – see inside the church and panoramic views around Ferragudo
- Castelo de Ferragudo – explore beaches around the castle
- Praia Grande de Ferragudo – big sandy beach with beach bars
- Farol da Ponta do Altar – the lighthouse is an excellent spot for sunset
How to get to Ferragudo: Take the train to Ferragudo Station and walk 27 minutes or take Vamus Bus 110 to the town centre. You could also take Vamus Bus 110 from Portimão town centre or a water taxi from Portimão.
10. Portimão
As the largest city in the western Algarve, there are many things to do in Portimão. The compact city centre has many historic buildings, while the coastal neighbourhood features a large marina, expansive beaches, and numerous hotel accommodations.
Whether you stay in Portimão or visit the town on a day trip, start your day wandering around the historic city centre. Then make your way south until you reach the beach. It is a bit of a walk, but if you walk along the Ribeirinha towards the south, you can enjoy the scenic promenade and see the marina, fort and a castle across the Arade River.
Portimão Attractions
These are some highlights you can see in Portimão:
- Ribeirinha – walk on this riverside esplanade and see tourist boats on the Arade River
- Fortaleza de Santa Catarina – see the old fort with panoramic views
- Marina de Portimão – a large marina complex
- Praia da Rocha – one of the liveliest beaches during summer. Between the steep cliffs and the beach, there are many beach-facing restaurants
- Praia do Vau – follow the path along the jagged coastline and see a beach with fantastic views
How to get to Portimão: Take the train to Portimão Station and walk 10 minutes to the city centre. Then walk 30 minutes or take local bus 11 or 33 to the beach.
11. Alvor
Alvor is a small resort town not far from Portimão. The hilly town has whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled stone streets, and many cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and bars. Besides seeing the remnants of a medieval castle and a beautiful church, most people visit Alvor for its relaxing atmosphere, as it is not as busy as other Algarve towns.
Beyond the historic centre, you can spend some time on Praia do Alvor, one of the largest sandy beaches in the Algarve. Follow the 3km boardwalk through a nature reserve, and it will take you to the expansive beach.
Alvor Attractions
Spend a few hours in Alvor and see these highlights:
- Castelo of Alvor – there are only wall remnants of a medieval castle
- Igreja do Divino Salvador de Alvor – see the Baroque interior of this coastal church
- Passeio Marítimo de Alvor – riverside promenade starts from the town and continues to the boardwalk by the beach
- Praia de Alvor – follow the boardwalk to the massive beach
How to get to Alvor: From Portimão city centre, take local bus 1P, 13, 14, 15 or 16 to Alvor.
12. Lagos
Lagos is a thriving town in the western Algarve and the perfect place to stay for a few days. If you are into water sports (kayaking, surfing, standup paddleboarding), you will want to visit Lagos. You will also have access to several scenic beaches and beautiful ocean views.
There are many choices when it comes to eating out in Lagos. I tried the Algarve fish stew at Restaurante Casa Baia and the grilled seabream at Gilberto Cafe. But my favourite place is a little bakery called Padaria Central.
Accommodation costs are slightly higher in Lagos than in other parts of Portugal. But it is an excellent home base for visiting other towns in the Algarve.
Things to do in Lagos
When you are in Lagos, check out some of these attractions:
- Old Town Lagos – wander around cobblestone streets and see historical sites like Igreja de Santo António and Castelo de Lagos
- Muralhas e Torreões de Lagos – see the remnants of old city walls and tower
- Mercado Municipal de Lagos – go early and check out the fresh food market
- Beaches of Lagos – walk on the boardwalk and visit Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo
- Ponta da Piedade – follow the boardwalk and walk along the edges of the coast and see the famous rock arches, natural tunnels and hidden caves
How to get to Lagos: Take the train to Lagos Station, the last stop on the Linha do Algarve line.
13. Sagres
At the western tip of the Algarve is a small, remote town called Sagres. Most visitors go to Sagres from Lagos as a day trip, preferably by car, but independent travellers can also get there by bus.
Once you arrive in Sagres, go straight to the southern tip and see the fortress, rugged cliffs, lighthouse, museum and majestic views. You can even see a secluded beach with many surfers.
If you have a car, you can drive to the Algarve’s westernmost point. A lighthouse stands over the 60-meter cliff and is an excellent sunset spot. On the way back to Lagos, visit the very Instagrammable ceramic store.
Sagres Attractions
Spend a few hours in Sagres and see these highlights:
- Fortaleza de Sagres – visit the fortress and see the lighthouse, museum and views
- Praia do Tonel – a local beach best for surfing
- Cabo de São Vicente – see the lighthouse at the Algarve’s most westerly point
- Ceramica Paraiso – a roadside shop selling all kinds of ceramics. The face is full of ceramic plates.
How to get to Sagres: From Lagos Terminal Rodoviário, take the Vamus Bus 47 to Sagres. It comes only every 90 minutes and will take an hour.
Other Places in the Algarve for Future Travels
I spent several weeks solo in the Algarve back in 2018 and again in 2025. I visited all the places mentioned in this post and had a wonderful time. For future trips, I would like to visit Monchique, Olhão and perhaps other places that I don’t even know about yet. Hopefully, I get to go back soon.
Which of these Algarve cities are you visiting?
As I mentioned, I highly recommend spending a week or so in the Algarve and staying in two to three places along the coast. During this time, you can visit most of the small towns mentioned in this post and take excursions and day trips along the coast.
In my two weeks in Portugal itinerary, I mentioned that you can stay in Faro and Lagos and see the highlights around both towns. You can start with this itinerary if you’re unsure where to go in the Algarve.
If you have additional questions about taking public transportation in the Algarve or the places mentioned in this post, let me know in the comments below.
Ready to plan your trip to the Algarve? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner
* Book accommodation: find the best Algarve accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination.
* Join tours: check Klook and Get Your Guide for the best tours around the Algarve.
Thank you for reading my solo Algarve Portugal guide
I have many posts on Portugal, and you might also like these other posts on solo travel in Portugal:
Lisbon region posts
- Lisbon solo travel guide for first-timers
- Is the Lisboa Card worth it?
- Best day trips from Lisbon Portugal
Northern Portugal posts
- 2 days in Porto: things to do alone in Porto
- 17 best Porto food: what and where to eat in Porto
- 7 excellent day trips from Porto
- Day trip to Guimarães from Porto: 1-day itinerary
- Day trip from Porto to Espinho: 1-day itinerary
Central Portugal posts
Algarve posts
- 20 best things to do in Albufeira for solo travellers
- Loule itinerary: best things to do in one day
- Vilamoura and Quarteira: 1-day itinerary
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Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!
