Covering roughly 70,000 hectares between Ribeira do Vascão and the Pulo do Lobo area, the Guadiana Valley Natural Park is home to landscapes ranging from lush valleys to wild expanses of dryland trees and cistus.

From the highest point in the park on São Barão and Alcaria Hill, see if you can spot local wildlife such as eagles, otters and the (extremely shy) Iberian lynx, while taking in cork and oak trees, roaring rivers and colourful patches of wildflowers.

A pretty sight to kick off your holiday, isn’t it?

Your Algarve road trip takes you to the village of Mértola, where the local tourist office offers a variety of excursions including canoeing, motorboat trips from Mértola/Pomarão to Vila Real de Santo António, and other activities by bike or on foot.

The small whitewashed village isn’t just the perfect launchpad for exploring the park and the lovely nearby Pulo de Lobo Waterfall but is itself worth a visit, perched confidently on a hill overlooking the River Guadiana. Its mosque-turned-church and imposing castle speak volumes of the Reconquista of the 13th century.

I didn’t know much about Seville before my Algarve road trip and this itinerary proved the perfect opportunity to explore the Spanish city. The capital of Andalusia is famous for many things, but flamenco and tapas definitely spring to mind.

From the palaces and the cathedral in the historic centre to picturesque parks, bars with a laid-back vibe, and flamenco clubs, there were plenty of attractions and activities to keep me entertained for two days.

The Gothic Cathedral is probably the most iconic landmark in Seville. It’s one of the largest cathedrals in the world and I have to admit that it looks seriously impressive.

You can also check out the 10th-century Alcázar Palace, which is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe, go for a stroll through the lovely Maria Luisa Park and admire its flower beds and orange trees, or see paintings and sculptures from the Sevillian School at Museo de Bellas Artes.

No campervan road trip from Faro is complete without a visit to one of the prettiest towns in the area, lovely Tavira. Famous for its cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, this small town on the Gilão is perfect for getting away from it all and experiencing local Algarve life.

If you're after overcrowded tourist attractions, you won't find them in Tavira. Apart from the ruins of an ancient castle and the Roman Bridge, there isn't anything that really stands out.

Instead, Tavira's charm is in the little things — wandering the old streets and alleys, taking photos of the colourful buildings, ordering the day's catch at a local restaurant, and admiring the stunning stretch of pristine beaches along the coast.

If you're into birdwatching, make sure you visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park. The easiest way to explore it is by boat, and there are loads of tours that leave from Tavira's harbour.

Lagos is one of the most sought-after coastal towns in the Algarve and an ideal place to end your Algarve road trip.

Whether you want to explore Lagos’s stunning natural sights, wander through the old town and indulge in delicious food at the local restaurants, or discover the sandy bays with tiny coves and dramatic rock formations, Lagos has something for everyone.

Take a kayak trip along the coast to explore hidden sea caves and ancient grottos, pop into Lagos Zoo to see a variety of mammals and birds, or spend a day swimming at Praia de Dona Ana.

There’s also the Slave Market, with exhibits about the dreadful history of slavery in Portugal, and the charming Lagos fish market, where you’ll find dozens of stalls selling everything from fresh fish and seafood to homemade Portuguese sauces and other local produce.