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Looking for an Algarve itinerary for 3 days? You’ve found the right guide! Having journeyed there myself from Lisbon, I was captivated by Portugal’s inviting and safe environment, perfect for any traveler.
This guide is jam-packed with tips to help you maximize your trip, offering a perfect blend of serene beach days and lively urban exploration.
Whether you’re in need of a brief escape or figuring out your next Portuguese destination, this plan has something for everyone.
You’ll get to unwind on beautiful beaches and meander through the city streets, with a sprinkle of my personal favorites and some hidden treasures along the way.
This Algarve itinerary is flexible, letting you adjust it based on your interests. Are you prepared to discover the Algarve in your own unique way?
5 Tips on Planning Your Trip to The Algarve
Here are my best travel planning tips that were helpful when I visited the Algarve!
1. Consider your arrival time
When I plan any trip, I always look at how much time the transit is going to eat up your day.
If you want a proper 3-day itinerary, you may need to stay 4 nights to get everything out of your three days.
This doesn’t apply if you are able to arrive in the city by say, 9 am.
The Algarve offers a wide range of attractions, from stunning beaches to charming towns, you don’t want to miss, so to create a well-structured itinerary start with arrival time.
2. Research and choose your base location
The Algarve is a diverse region with several towns and cities to explore. Research different locations and choose a base that suits your preferences and travel style.
Personally, I recommend staying in Faro vs Lagos. But you could easily do this itinerary in reverse if you feel like Lagos is a better base for you.
Faro is centrally located and the easiest for this itinerary.
Other ideas, if you’re looking for lively nightlife and entertainment, Albufeira or Lagos, might be a good fit.
If you prefer a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere, consider towns like Tavira. Your base location will determine the accessibility to various attractions, so choose wisely.
3. Plan your activities and attractions
Once you’ve chosen your base, review my list of the activities and attractions you want to experience and book them.
The summer is a popular time in the Algarve, and tours to the caves, beautiful beaches, and historic sites, often book up.
4. Consider transportation options
The Algarve has a well-connected transportation network, but it’s essential to consider your preferred mode of transportation. The trains also aren’t always the most comfortable or efficient.
Renting a car provides the most flexibility and allows you to explore remote areas and off-the-beaten-path attractions.
If you need an automatic transmission, book your rental car early.
5. Accommodation and Dining Options
Research and book your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The Algarve offers a range of options. From experience, I can tell you that the nicest and most budget-friendly guesthouses and apartments book up quickly.
Consider factors such as location, amenities, and proximity to attractions when making your choice.
Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip, pack appropriate clothing and accessories, and make sure you have travel insurance.
If you are looking for the ultimate guide to prepare your smartphone for your trip, check out the best apps for Portugal travel guide!
Things You Might Need On Your Trip!
Rental Car: Getting around the Algarve is easiest if you have your own car!
Sun Hat: Unless you are coming in the winter, you want to protect your head, pack a sun hat!
☀️ Sun Screen: I really like this powdered sunscreen for travel!
SIM card: I love the flexibility of using my phone in Europe with this SIM Card!
Algarve 3-Day Solo Female Itinerary
Day 1 in Faro Itinerary, Algarve
Morning
Ideally, you will arrive in Faro early morning, or the day before this itinerary.
After you take your bags to the hotel, you want to fully explore the town of Faro!
The best way to see Faro, especially when on a tight itinerary, is to join a small group tour! A tour is the best way to see as much as possible in the shortest amount of time!
The locally guided tour I took was this one. It was a one-hour Faro City Tour on Electric Tuk tuks! This very affordable and eco-friendly tour is perfect on a 3-day Algarve itinerary!
This tour highlights the old town of Faro, such as the Arco da Vila, Igreja de Santa Maria, and Cerca Urban de Faro!
I found that I was able to get the lay of the land this way and could focus on going back to any spot that got my attention.
Afternoon
From 15:00 to 17:30 find time to check out the Capela dos Ossos de Faro (Bone Chapel). A temple behind the church is completely made up of skulls and bones!
Or if that doesn’t sound exciting to you, you can always walk into the old town and explore the fortified old town.
There are so many things to do in the Algarve, it is incredibly easy to fill your time here.
Evening
After your tour of the old town, check out one of the best restaurants in Faro!
I will be straight with you… I travel to eat. Some people love to visit museums and the Roman ruins in Portugal, but not me. I came to try all the food!
Pick one of these fantastic restaurants below to spend the rest of your day 1 in the Algarve.
Faro Restaurants
My all-time favorite restaurants in the city center are:
- Aqui dei Rei has delicious, authentic Southern Portuguese dishes. Feel the warm genuine hospitality from the staff and enjoy the cozy ambiance.
- Se7e Pedras has creative cuisine of traditional Portuguese food with a twist. Very well located in the center of Faro.
- A do Pinto is a charming restaurant serving up some of the best Cataplana de Marisco in town! This restaurant is season is open during the high season.
Where to Stay in Faro
As a solo female traveler, I like to stay in the most central location of the city.
Here are a few top-notch options in the center of Faro.
- A Casa D’Amelie ($$)
- Lemon Tree Stay ($$)
- Faro Downtown Studios ($$)
- Terrace Barqueta Studio ($$)
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Day 2, Albufeira, Algarve
Morning
Continuing your perfect Algarve 3-day itinerary it is time to go to Albuferia and stay for 2 nights! *Alternatively you can just stay in Faro the whole time.
Plan to leave for Albuferia by 8 am. Located just 45 km from Faro, it is an easy next stop on your itinerary.
If you don’t rent a car, you can easily reach Albuferia by train in 20 – 30 minutes. Train schedule from Faro.
There are a number of things to do in Albufeira that involve exploring the beautiful beaches!
The most fun and exciting way to spend some solo time in Albuferia is doing the famous Benagil Cave and Dolphins tour.
With starting times at 9:30, 12:00, 14:30, and 17:00, you have lots of options. This two-hour and 30-minute tour will take you along the pristine beaches of the
Algarve coastline and through hidden caves and secluded coves! If conditions allow, you can spot dolphins and take a dip in the ocean!
A small group tour is perfect if you travel solo and want to make a friend or two for the day!
Alternative Albufeira Day Tours Itineraries
Full-Day Wine Tour in Albuferia
If small boat tours through rock formations don’t excite you, there is always wine tasting! A great way to fill your travel itinerary on the second day is to do a full-day wine tour!
Starting at either 9:00 or 14:00, this 4-hour tour takes you to the medieval town of Silves! Visit the Moorish castle and stroll the cobblestone streets of Silves before tasting several wines and eating tapas.
Later in the afternoon when you have returned from either tour, enjoy some beach time and the quaint resort town of Albufeira. There are many restaurants along the water that is perfect for a bite to eat and some Sangria.
Hiking the Rota Vincentia and Fishermen’s Trail
If you would rather spend your day doing your own thing consider doing a hike! You can hike your way through the Algarve, just be sure to check out the Rota Vincentia and Fishermen’s Trail!
It is a stunning hike that promises some incredible scenery and breathtaking views!
Best of all, it is an affordable option for those on a budget.
Albufeira Restaurants
Evening
There are some wonderful restaurants in Albufeira. As a solo traveller, I sometimes risk it and don’t make reservations, but I don’t recommend it!
Especially in the summer months, make a reservation. Here are some of the best restaurants I ate at in Albufeira:
- Windmill Restaurant is just a short drive from the historic center of Albufeira. Your dining experience is in an actual windmill with a great view! If you can only have one nice dinner on your Portugal itinerary, it should be here at Windmill Restaurant. There is a small menu of only a few items (limited vegetarian options).
- Porto De Abrigo has local food primarily of fresh fish! I had the best time eating sardines and drinking sangria. The restaurant is beachside so it is the perfect place to just gaze out into the ocean.
- Castelo di Norcia is a lovely Italian restaurant I stumbled upon for a long lazy lunch! I was feeling like some pasta. I know this isn’t the typical Algarve region restaurant recommendation, but trust me, it was great!
Where to Stay in Albufeira
Here are some of the nicest hotels you can stay in solo in Albuferia:
Day 3, Day Trip to Lagos, Algarve
Morning
The best way to spend your last day and night on this itinerary is by making a day trip! Lagos is somewhere you don’t want to miss!
If you have a rental car, take a 61-km road trip between Lagos and Albufeira. It should take about 45 minutes.
There is a train to Lagos from Albufeira, and it takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes to get there.
*The Albufeira main train station is approximately a 30-minute walk from the city center.
Once you arrive in Lagos, there are a variety of ways to spend your day! And plan on sticking around the whole day, as Lagos is also the best place to watch the sunset!
The best things to do in Lagos are listed below. Consider each option to craft the perfect Algarve itinerary!
Option #1. Small Boat Tour at Ponta da Piedade
Join a small group boat tour of the most breathtaking natural beauty in Southern Portugal.
This area of stunning cliffs and rock formations is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling.
On this 1-hour 15-minute boat trip, you will take a leisurely boat trip with a professional guide.
Option #2. Beach Day at Praia do Camilo
Fancy a beach day? The Algarve has some of the best beaches! I personally recommend you visit the sandy beach and coves of Praia do Camilo!
Bring your beach towel and just soak all the Portuguese sun in!
On low-tide days, these coves are really fun to swim around and explore! This is one of the Algarve’s beaches that remains unspoiled by tourism.
The free parking lot is just above the beach. The view from the top of the cliffs is out of this world.
Option #3. Beach Day at Praia dos Estudantes
Praia do Estudantes is a great beach that is within walking distance from the old town. In peak season, be advised that this beach does get very busy. It is a great option if you are staying close to the center.
Afternoon
Explore Old Town Lagos
Later in the day, wander into the charming small town and visit the Igreja de Santo Antonio.
An incredibly ornate 18th-century church! Believed to be the birth site of Saint Anthony of Lisbon.
Don’t leave without having a look inside!
Leave time to explore the Castelo do Governadores, AKA, Castle of Lagos! The baroque facade and watchtowers are what you would hope of medieval castles in Portugal!
Find a nice little waterfront restaurant for lunch. On those sunny days, don’t forget to pack sunblock!
Evening
For your final evening on your treat yourself to dinner at a fabulous restaurant at a winery/Brewery!
Quinta do Santos is a special place, and you will want to make reservations. Contact them directly on their website.
Do I need to Rent a car in Algarve?
In order to truly have the freedom to do as much as possible in 3 days, rent a car. I took the trains often, and though it is reliable and safe for a solo woman traveling, I would recommend just getting a rental car.
The car allows you to see more than where the trains take you. Plus, being stuck to an infrequent train schedule isn’t great.
If you have more time to spare in Portugal, I would recommend you take a road trip from the Algarve to Porto! It’s not as far as you think!
Rent a Car: Check Rental Car Rates in Portugal
Fees Renting a Car in Portugal
There are some fees to be aware of when renting a car in Portugal. For example, if you pick up your rental car at one destination and then drop it off at another there is a “one-way fee” you need to pay.
The fee does vary, but most commonly around 50€. The airport has a surcharge fee of 30€. For a much smoother and more straightforward rental car experience, go with Discover Cars.
You don’t want to worry about hidden fees and haggling. Support local everywhere else, just not on a car rental.
Rental Cars: Best Rental Car Rates in the Algarve with Discover Cars!
Toll Roads in Algarve
Expect to pay road tolls on the main road (A22) between Lagos and Faro. Pay your toll in cash!
Or get a transponder through the rental car company. What is a transponder? The transponder is a device that the company you get the car from can include.
Add some credit to the account attached to the transponder and it deducts when you go through the toll lane.
With a transponder, you can use the lane called ‘Via Verde’, very convenient!
Or skip tolls by using toll-free roads when you use your navigation. The journey time is often longer and less direct, but it’s cheaper. The choice will be yours!
Where Exactly is the Algarve?
The Algarve is a region located in the south of Portugal, on the Atlantic coast. The airport for the region is Faro Airport.
The Algarve is perfect for solo female travellers as it is very safe. It is especially great if you are seeking sunshine and active outdoor adventure.
If safety on public transit is a concern, I can vouch for having had no issues whatsoever.
How can I get to the Algarve?
Algarve is well connected by air, rail, and road. The best way to reach the Algarve is to fly into Faro International Airport and then by renting a car.
A reliable car rental service I use for all my travel in Europe is Discover Cars. They have the best rates and are the easiest to use.
For my solo trip to the Algarve, I flew into Faro and used a taxi and public transportation to get around.
When I return I will be renting a car.
Best Time To Visit The Algarve
Truthfully, you don’t want to visit the Algarve in the offseason. It won’t be as enjoyable in December as it is in June.
The weather is cold and rainy, but that kind of weather can be okay in some destinations.
In the Algarve, warmer and sunnier weather is better! Many places that you would want to visit will be closed.
The best time to visit is early May through mid-October! Enjoy fewer people in towns and on the beach the last 2 weeks of September.
The weather should be great, and since the season is about to end, the hotels should have some deals.
If I left you with questions, don’t be shy and contact me any time!
Portugal Tours for Solo Female Travelers
Final Thoughts on 3 Days in the Algarve
The way to ensure you plan a seamless itinerary comes from researching and booking ahead.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to sort booking hotels and reserving restaurants ahead of time.
There is nothing worse than missing out because you didn’t book early.
If a rental car is something you are considering, it will be the most important thing to reserve first!
I hope my experience and suggestions help you create an epic itinerary of the Algarve!
✈️ Are You Ready to Travel Alone?: Take The Solo Travel Readiness Quiz!
Read Next: Solo Trip To Faro Guide
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