THE ALGARVE COAST PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE
Probably my new favorite coastline… Let me show why!
I was fortunate enough to see many coastlines from the the rugged coast of Iceland to the white sand beaches in Australia, but what I have seen in Portugal is something else, something unique.
The Algarve coast is stretching on the southernmost part of Portugal and it is easily recognisable for its orange colored limestone coastline. During peak season the region is very popular among tourists, who want to sunbath on these unique beaches, but the Algarve region is far more than just beaches, where you can put down your towels.
Although in its peak season (July-August) the beaches are packed with tourists but if you are looking for a calmer period when you can still enjoy the sun and photograph / hike through the coastline without coming across heaps of people then I would recommend visiting during Spring or Autumn.
HOW TO GET AROUND
When you are flying to Portugal you’ll either land in Lisbon (long-haul flights e.g. from the US) or in Faro (some European airlines land here too). For this guide I’ll be focusing getting down from and back to Lisbon, since we have chosen this option as well.
The easiest way to get down from Lisbon to the Algarve coast is by car, which takes you around 3 hours. We rented a car from Hertz, but there are plenty of options to choose from. For the fastest way you need to use the highway and the system is a little bit different than in the US or the rest of Europe.
The Portuguese highway has a totally electronic toll booth system so while e.g. Italy has their typical toll booths every now and then in Portugal you go through these electronic versions without stopping, while it records your highway use and automatically charge you for it. So if you are planning to use the highway (and why shouldn’t you?) I would suggest that you mention this to the rental company because then they will activate this device in the car for you.
If you are traveling through Portugal with your own car, you can pre-purchase these toll cards online (here is a helpful article for it).
WHERE TO STAY
You can reach pretty much any point under 2 hours in this region so even if you are staying at only one place it can be totally manageable with a car.
Although I would suggest first looking at accommodation around Lagos or Porches because in my opinion that’s the area, which has the most sights to see.
What about drones?
At most places there is no problem of using your drone, as far as you comply with European Drone Regulations (click).
Flying above these beaches is truly a unique experience.
PLACES TO VISIT
TWO OF MY FAVORITE HIKES
Seven Hanging Valleys (click to see the exact directions on AllTrails)
Distance | 11,9km (out and back)
Start from | Praia da Marinha
Duration | 4 hours
I would suggest to arrive early because the parking lot at Praia da Marinha fills up super fast but the Seven Hanging Valleys hike is definitely one of the best hikes you can take (it’s the most popular as well), while you are exploring the area.
Lagos to Porto de Mos Cliff Hike (click to see the exact directions on AllTrails)
Distance | 11km (out and back)
Start from | Lagos, click here for the exact location of the parking lot
Duration | 3 hours
After parking your car go up on the main road and take a left at ‘Pinhao’ restaurant and from the trail starts from there.
12 spots on which you shouldn’t miss out!
Albandeira Beach
Marinha Beach
Praia do Amado
Praia dos Tres Irmaos
Praia das Fontainhas
Benagil cave
Algar Seco
Praia dos Arrifes
Praia da Ponta Grande
Arco Natural
Cabo de Sao Vincente
Torre de Aspa
Do you want to see some wildlife?
Go on a Dolphin Watching Cruise! These tours are offered between March and November but the best chance to see a pod of dolphins is considered to be from June to September.
Although I was visiting the area in March and I did spot some dolphins from the distance, so just keep an eye out and you may get lucky!
Additional day-trip location:
Seville
Distance from Lagos | 3 hours
