Top 5 Budget-Friendly Travel Activities in Portugal's Algarve Region
Hint: Wine is almost as affordable as water here.
Portugal has long been one of Europe’s most affordable travel destinations. And after living amongst her beautiful beaches and castles and (…ahem) WINERIES for the past 16 months, I’d go on record to say Portugal is at the top of the list to get you the most bang for your buck as a European travel destination!
The Algarve region, along Portugal’s southern coast where we live, is super popular - and it makes total sense. A mere 90 miles long, the Algarve region offers some of the best beaches in the world, not to mention the nature trails along the stunning cliffsides, watersports galore and oh, did I mention the wineries?!
If you’re planning to spend some time in the Algarve but need budget-friendly
options that are truly worth your time, keep reading.
Some of our recommendations are totally free - so “girl math” dictates that the free ones can off set the paid ones for an expertly budget-friendly vacation!
From Lagos: Coastal Walk to Ponta da Piedade (FREE)
Simply one of the most amazing experiences we’ve had in the Algarve! This coast trail is about 5K (out and back) but you’ll likely find you’ll spend a few hours experiencing the views because you just can’t help yourself.
Start your journey at the entrance at Praia da Dona Ana, at the steps near the Carvi Beach Hotel. Most of the trail is a wooden boardwalk, but I highly recommend venturing off onto the dirt trails that will take you closer to the cliffside for all of the incredible miradouros (viewpoints).
Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sunscreen and do NOT compromise your safety to take pictures too close to the edge, people.
Bonus: The trail does continue for another 5k or so past Ponta da Piedade if you want to keep going!
From Lagos: Half Day Cruise to Ponta da Piedade ($58)
[This video is a highlight of our amazing cliffside view from our catamaran cruise from Lagos to Ponta da Piedade.]
Once we had walked the Lagos Coastal Walk, the next day we took this 3.5-4 hour catamaran cruise to see the coastline from the water! It was a super cool way to see what we had seen the day before from a different perspective.
[My sisters chillin’ on the front of the boat.]
You’ll get to see the iconic Algarve caves up close and maybe even spot some dolphins along the way! This one includes lunch and drinks too.
Bonus: If you are a water sports lover, another option is this Kayak Tour for a little bit less ($40). You’ll get to kayak in and around the caves in a way that the catamaran may not be able to access.
From Portimao: Benagil Caves Speedboat Tour ($23)
For those who favor more adrenaline-fueled water activities, we absolutely loved our speed boat tour to Benagil Caves! You’ll zoom a little out from the coast toward the east and then most of the boat tour you are exploring the coastline and caves close up as you travel back west.
[Video from our speed boat tour, on the way to the caves, where we then we tucked up along the cliffside all the way back to our starting point.]
I felt totally safe, the boats weren’t overcrowded because there’s a limited number of seats and for the price, you can’t beat the experience.
We were even lucky enough to see dolphins! A truly surreal moment.
From Carvoeiro - Algar Seco Boardwalk (FREE)
Another section of the coastline that take up space rent-free in my head is the Algar Seco trail walk in Carvoeiro. I just can’t get over the beauty of the cliffs and coastline in the Algarve - and this one is just stunning. AND FREE!
If you’re looking for a short piece of the trail, you can start at Praia do Carvoeiro, hop up the steps and that will get you on the boardwalk, heading east. Keep walking until you get to Boneca Bar, where you can have lunch or drinks right in the caves!
The Algar Seco Trail will continue past here if you want to keep going - the entire trail is about 8 miles (out and back). It will take you past the famous Benagil Caves.
Bonus: If you’re looking for something else to do in the area after your trail walk, one of our favorite places is Morgado do Quintao. This quaint, beautiful winery is about a 15-minute drive from Carvoeiro (hello, Uber!) and is home to a olive tree that is over 2,000 years old! You can drop in for a tasting or book lunch or dinner ahead during which, weather-permitting, you’ll dine family-style under that breathtaking olive tree!
This winery experience is hands-down one of my favorite experiences in the Algarve.
From Tavira - Take The Tavira Ferry To Ilha de Tavira ($3)
First of all, do NOT miss the sweetest gem in the Algarve if you’re here…Tavira. There’s nothing like it. So much so that we live there!
Now, when you’re IN Tavira, make sure to book at least one beach day. There are many to choose from but the most quintessential in my opinion is Ilha de Tavira.
From the town center, catch the ferry for a 20-minute gorgeous ride on the Ria Formosa to Ilha de Tavira for less than $3 round trip per person!
You’ll arrive on the island, where you will find many beach bars, delicious seafood restaurants + cabanas that you can rent if your budge allows. At time of post, cabanas are around $16 for the entire day and can be rented from the local staff on the beach.
Bring cash, friends! No card accepted for the ferry.
Enjoy the beach day relaxing, exploring, having a cocktail or meal, and then hop on the ferry back to the town center when you are ready! Consult the ferry schedules before you leave!
Bonus: Make sure to stop at one of these great spots in Tavira for a glass of wine:
This stunning winery is located within a couple miles of Tavira town center (basically a 5 minute Uber ride, folks!) and boasts some of the most beautiful scenery of the countryside. Enjoy a glass or bottle outside and soak in the Portugal sunshine. Every bottle of wine in their shop, except for two, are less than 18 euros! I’d call that affordable and budget-friendly!
Aura is a local wine shop in the heart of Tavira about two blocks from the Rio Gilao riverside. Inside you’ll find some of the most warm, welcoming and knowledgeable “wine guys” who can help you discover the regions of Portuguese wine you enjoy!
Wine is almost as affordable as water in Portugal, with a glass of wine usually costing 3-5 euros at most - so this is definitely a budget-friendly recommendation from us!
With so many activities like these so readily available in Portugal to make your travels so memorable but keep your wallet in check, I hope you’re booking your ticket as we speak.
We often tell our travel clients to plan a few things and leave the rest. Portugal will help you take a breath and enjoy the moment you’re in - if you let her.
Love,
Portugal Junkies
Well written and made me think about some of the things we’ve been lucky enough to experience!
Headed to Algarve in July! Look forward to exploring some of these spots. Thanks! 🙏