Travel from Lisbon to the stunning Algarve via Evora
The Algarve is the beautiful southern coastline of Portugal. It is a region blessed with stunning beaches, picturesque fishing towns and a glorious climate, all of which combine to create the perfect holiday destination.
The Algarve is wonderfully varied, able to appeal to a wide cross-section of tourists; there are pristine beaches for families, waterparks and theme parks for thrill-seekers, buzzing nightlife for partying and historic towns for cultural visitors. No matter your holiday style you will find it within the beautiful Algarve.
A. LISBON (SEE OUR PREVIOUS BLOG)
B. ÉVORA (134 KM FROM LISBON)
Évora is the capital of Portugal's south-central Alentejo region. In the city's historic center stands the ancient Roman Temple of Évora (also called the Temple of Diana). Nearby, whitewashed houses surround the Cathedral of Évora, a massive Gothic structure begun in the 12th century. The Igreja de São Francisco features Gothic and baroque architecture along with the skeleton-adorned Chapel of Bones.
SLEEP AT ÉVORA INN
Évora Inn is a modern guest house located next to Évora's main square, Praça do Girald. The town Évora was classified a world heritage city by UNESCO. It was in this exact place, an historical five-story building restored in 2010, where the Portuguese Republic was proclaimed in 1910. Évora Inn offers 10 rooms (single, double and suite), all with private bathroom, air conditioning, television and internet. The rooms feature artistic décor which includes designer furniture and fittings. There is a lounge room on the second floor where guests can relax with a book or drink.
PLAY AT ALENTEJO EXPEDITION
Alentejo Expedition provide off-road experiences that will get you to know Alentejo more intensely. They are a young company that loves Alentejo and provide unique moments in contact with nature and wildlife. In addition to experiences in the Alentejo, wines and traditional gastronomy, they also include the historical aspect so that you can learn about the Roman influence on this geographical area.
PLAY AT EVORA WITH LOVE WALKING TOURS
Évora With Love Walking Tours main goal is to make their guests happy and relaxed during the tour through this magical eclectic city. They try to share with people from all around the world, the beauty of Évora, its history, stories, customs, and rich culture embraced by the mix of all the people who lived here for about 2000 years.
C. ALGARVE (205 KM FROM ÉVORA)
1. ALBUFEIRA
Albufeira is a coastal city in the southern Algarve region of Portugal. It’s a former fishing village that has become a major holiday destination, with sandy beaches and a busy nightlife strip. Local fishermen now use the modern marina, also a base for diving, dolphin-watching and boat trips. It's surrounded by candy-colored apartments, with a waterfront promenade.
2. ALJEZUR
Aljezur is a small market town of whitewashed houses and cobbled streets located thirty kilometers north of Lagos near the border between the Algarve and the Alentejo in south west Portugal. Straddling a fertile river valley, famed for its sweet potatoes, the town is dominated by the ruins of a tenth century Moorish castle, which sits at the top of a narrow and very steep cobbled hill. Entry to the ruins is free and the views from the top of the hill are spectacular. Aljezur is close to some fine surfing beaches on the Atlantic Coast of the Algarve and has a much quieter and more relaxed feel than the big resort towns on the south coast. (Image: Monte Clerigo beach).
3. CARVOEIRO
Carvoeiro is a picturesque and traditional Portuguese resort town, which is situated along a stunning coastline of golden beaches and dramatic natural scenery. It is a fantastic destination if you are seeking a calm and relaxed holiday in a characterful and charming town. The peaceful and welcoming ambience of Carvoeiro makes it an ideal location for families during the summer, or for couples and retirees outside of the peak season.
4. FARO
Faro is the capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve region. The city’s neoclassical Arco da Vila is on the site of a gate that was part of the original Moorish wall. The monumental archway leads to the old town, with its cobbled streets. Nearby is Faro Cathedral, built in the 13th century. The Municipal Museum, in a 16th-century convent, displays prehistoric and medieval artifacts, plus religious art.
5. LAGOS
Lagos is a town in southern Portugal's Algarve region. It’s known for its walled old town, cliffs and Atlantic beaches. Steep wooden steps lead to the sandy cove of Praia do Camilo. The nearby cliffs of Ponta de Piedade offer sweeping headland views and a lighthouse. Igreja de Santo António, an ornate 18th-century church, sits across from the Castelo dos Governadores, a castle with a baroque facade and watchtowers.
6. OLHÃO
Olhao is a coastal town in the Algarve which grew out of the fishing industry in the seventeenth century. Olhão, located just ten kilometers east of Faro, is still one of the Algarve's main ports. The fishmarket on the waterfront is still Olhão's main attraction. A quaint and energetic place, the market sells local produce such as fruit, honey and live chickens as well as a huge variety of fresh local fish. The old quarter of Olhão has a distinctly Moorish feel, with square whitewashed houses, flat terraced roofs and box-chaped chimneys.
7. PORTIMÃO & FERRAGUDO
Portimão is a port city in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. It’s known for its old quarter, busy marina and proximity to many beaches. Museu de Portimão is housed in a restored 19th-century cannery, with displays on local history. The Gothic-style Nossa Senhora da Conceição church has azulejo tiles. To the south are Rocha Beach, backed by ochre cliffs, and the medieval Fort of Santa Catarina de Ribamar. Once a quiet fishing village, the quaint little town of Ferragudo is characterised by fishermen’s cottages, whitewashed buildings, and narrow cobbled streets. It’s one of the prettiest towns on the Algarve and, although the town’s focus is now tourism rather than fishing, Ferragudo has been fairly unaffected by the worst parts of tourism: you won’t find any neon or high-rise hotels here.
8. SAGRES
Sagres is primarily a surfing destination, but there are sheltered pristine beaches for relaxing on, and an unassuming cool vibe about the town. Day-trippers are drawn to Sagres by the Cabo de Sao Vicente, a remote and bleak headland, aptly fitting for the most south-westerly point of mainland Europe.
9. TAVIRA
Tavira is a small city on Portugal’s Algarve coast. It straddles the Gilão River, which reaches the sea through the inlets and lagoons of Ria Formosa Natural Park. Tavira Island has a long, sandy beach, plus salt pans that attract flamingos, spoonbills and other wading birds. In the center, medieval Tavira Castle has city views. The Santa María do Castelo Church houses the tombs of 7 knights killed by the Moors.
10. VILAMOURA
Vilamoura is a resort in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. It’s known for its large marina, golf courses and casino, and for sandy Vilamoura Beach. Cerro da Vila archaeological museum has a ruined Roman villa with bathhouses and mosaics. Red cliffs line Falésia Beach, which stretches west to the fishing village Olhos de Água. Vilamoura merges with the town of Quarteira, to the southeast, with more beaches.
SLEEP AT COSTA D' OIRO AMBIANCE VILLAGE
The Boutique Hotel Costa d’Oiro Ambiance Village offers 85 rooms & apartments all located at only 3 minutes’ walk from Praia D´Ana and Praia do Camilo, the historic city centre of Lagos is also just 1 km away. The spacious guest rooms & apartments are all uniquely decorated.
SLEEP AT LAGOS AVENIDA HOTEL
Lagos Avenida Hotel has 46 rooms and is located within the Lagos city centre, just 7 minute walk from Meia Praia Beach. There is a rooftop bar with an infinity pool and amazing views of the Marina as well as the sea. Each modern room offers either a balcony or a terrace with lovely views to the Marina and the city.
SLEEP AT QUINTA DOS L'S
Quinta dos I’s country house is located in the rural area of Algoz, the most central region in Algarve, Portugal. With a privileged view, Quinta dos I’s wants to convey the real rural experience to guests. Next toQuinta dos I's you will find Vila de Algoz, a calm and relaxing village with traditional and agricultural commerce and the sweetest oranges in the whole Algarve.
SLEEP AT VILLA DORIS SUITES
Villa Doris Suites is located just 50m from Praia D. Ana and 10 min walk from the centre of Lagos. Villa Doris features light & airy suites with fully equipped kitchens. The partner hotel is 400 m away and serves breakfast, lunch & dinner.
SLEEP AT VILLA MAR AZUL
Cozy apartments just 500 m from the beach. Villa Mar Azul offer 10 apartments with a large pool and a beautiful garden. Each apartment has a balcony or a patio, flat-screen tv, dining area and kitchenette.
SLEEP AT VILLA MONTE D' OIRO
Stunning 10 bedroom villa with pool. Villa Monte D’Oiro pairs the privacy of home with impressive resort-style amenities. It is located near the historical town of Lagos, an area steeped in culture and only a few minutes from Meia Praia beach.
PLAY AT ALGARVE BY SEGWAY
AlgarvebySegway is a company that offers innovative and ecological solutions for human mobility. One of their main objectives is to promote tourism itineraries with an ecological vehicle known as Segway. Their aim is to rent Segway to tourists and members of the general population interested in experimenting with this revolutionary vehicle, investing in an eco-tourism concept and a whole new concept of mobility.
PLAY AT ALGARVE WATERSPORT
Kite, Surf, Wake, Windsurf & SUP! Welcome to Algarve Watersport, the friendly kitesurf camp & surf school. Since 2006, they are one of the longest running Kitesurf Schools in Portugal and since then they also offer surf lessons and windsurf courses at the Algarve. Portugal, specially the Algarve, offers perfect conditions for all watersports. 300 days of sun per year, consistent Atlantic swell for surfing, steady thermal summer wind and a shallow lagoon, perfect for learning kiteboarding & windsurfing.
PLAY AT DISCOVER TOURS
Discover Tours is a meeting place where people get together, for leisure, adventure, new experiences and discoveries. Relax and join their experienced team on an amazing journey through one of the most stunning coastlines in the world. Either by sail, paddle or power boat experience the magic of the sea and its hidden treasures.
PLAY AT DREAMWAVE
Dolpins, Jet Skis and Boats!Enjoy the Algarve with Dream Wave dolphin watching, boat tours through the Albufeira caves, Jet Ski, Jet Boat and much more.
PLAY AT EAT.DRINK.DISCOVER
Authentic foodie and wine experiences. Join Eat.Drink.Discover at their table and get to know the authentic Portugal. Release your inner foodie and come experience the best the Algarve has to offer.
PLAY AT SOUTH EXPLORERS
South Explorers are a company based in Lagos, Algarve that offers excellent experiences of discovery of the South of Portugal. South Explorers offers comfort tours to places that are distinguished by their natural beauty, history and culture. Come and discover the most beautiful villages of Portugal. Discover the historic village of Sagres and the amazing views at St. Vincent Cape. Visit the Museums and Castle of Mertola and enjoy a breathtaking landscape on the Costa Vicentina!
PLAY AT SYGMA SUP SCHOOL
Jump on board with the first and exclusive ecological Stand Up Paddle school in Portugal. Sygma SUP School is based in Aljezur in the heart of the natural park of Costa Vicentina in the Algarve. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, do not go any further to find beautiful weather! Join them for a SUP tour or SUP lesson to discover the most beautiful beaches, rivers or lakes to paddle safely such as Ponta Da Piedade, Arrifana, Amoreira, Odeceixe and Barragem da Bravura.
PLAY AT VAGABUNDO TRAVEL
Vagabundo Travel is a tour company based in Lagos, Portugal. They organise day tours around Lagos and the Algarve, and longer tours to festivals in Spain and Portugal. Your tour guides are fellow travellers who’ve settled in lovely Lagos, they know how amazing it is when you get to see secret spots that only the locals know about, and that’s what their tours are all about, taking you to their favourite spots that you probably wouldn’t find on your own. They also throw in unlimited amounts of cold beer, delicious Sangria and yummy food.
PLAY AT YELLOWFISH ADVENTURE
Come on an adventure with Yellowfish Adventure and explore the interior of the Algarve, either on your own or with your family or friends, on an off-road experience at the wheel of a Buggy or Quad, always accompanied by their guides. Ride along dirt tracks, enjoy magnificent natural landscapes, typical villages, vineyards, orchards and places of historical or cultural interest. Get to know the Algarve from a different perspective on a Buggy and Quad tour in Albufeira, Algarve!
PLAY AT ZEBRA SAFARI TOURS
Zebra Safari Tours organize half day, full day and sunset tours making thousands of visitors very happy, since 1994. Swimming in crystal water rivers, going to the highest mountain in the region, having a very generous Portuguese lunch and tasting amazing liquors. Its a fun day. They also have combi tours mixing the safari half day with boat tours and/or with kayaking. They also create and organize tailor made private tours. Their premium tours are the Cork & Olive tour, Art & Wine Tours, Tours in Ria Formosa and many more.
CLICK ON THE EXPERIENCES ABOVE FOR MORE DETAILS & IMAGES, DIRECTIONS AND TO BOOK DIRECTLY AT THE BEST PRICE.
When to go: Portugal has long hot summers, pleasantly warm springs/autumns and mild, but possibly wet winters. The height of the tourist season is from June until the end of September, while the beaches are at their busiest in July and August. The weather is suitable for spending time on Portugal’s beaches from May until the middle of September. The best season to visit Portugal is late spring or early autumn; when there are fewer tourists, but the weather is still glorious.
Visas: If you are visiting Portugal as a tourist or intend to stay for less than three months, you can apply for a Portuguese Schengen visa. The Schengen short-stay visa allows you to stay in Portugal, or anywhere in the Schengen area, for a total of 90 days out of a 180-day period.
Currency: Euro
Language: The language spoken is Portuguese but English is widely spoken by all people who work within the tourist industry.
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