Roam Iberia’s Corner on this Border-Crossing Algarve Road Trip

Difficulty

388 miles/625 km

Distance

6 - 9

Recom. Days

Adventure, culture

Trip type

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Dejan Dabnjarevic

Passionate traveller and long-term travel writer who enjoys translating his adventures into exciting content.

Algarve Road Trip Itinerary

Algarve Road Trip map itinerary
Woman contemplating a beach and its cliffs in Lagos, a waypoint on the Algarve Road Trip
Pick-up in
Faro Pick-up center
1

The Natural Wealth of Guadiana Valley

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

From the highest point in the park on São Barão and Alcaria Hill, try spotting local wildlife like eagles, otters, and the (extremely shy) Iberian lynx, while gazing over cork and oak trees, roaring rivers, and colourful patches of wildflowers.

A pretty sight to kick off the holidays, isn’t it?

Sunset in Mértola with whitewash houses along the river, a waypoint on your Algarve Road Trip

Your Algarve road trip takes you to the village of Mértola where the local tourist office offers a variety of excursions including canoeing activities, trips in motorboats from Mértola / Pomarão to Vila Real de Santo António, and other activities by bicycle 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 Guadiana river. It’s mosque-turned-church and domineering castle speak volumes of the reconquista of the 13th century. 

Visiting

Guadiana Valley Natural Park

2

Recom. Days

Main route

75 miles

from Faro pick-up center

1h30min

drive

You can find Indie Campers RV rentals in more than 40 different cities and destinations across Europe.

Visit

Church of Nossa Senhora da Anunciação, Mértola

An 11th-century church and former mosque

Sao Domingos Mine

Deserted open-pit mine

Pulo do Lobo

The highest waterfall in Southern Portugal.

Ponte de Mértola

A lovelt structure located along the Guadiana River

Signal

Eat at

Terra Utópica

$$$

Big portions, excellent river views from the terrace

Restaurante Alengarve

$$

Family-owned restaurant serving Alentejan dishes

Restaurante O Brasileiro

$$$

Traditional cuisine game dishes

RV icon

Parking

Rua Dr Afonso Costa, Mertola

Riverside, spacious (overnight) parking

2

Tapas and Flamenco in Seville

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 come first 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 2 days.

Women wearing typical costume and dancing Flamenco

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

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.

Visiting

Seville

2

Recom. Days

Main route

127 miles

from Mertola

2h20min

drive

You can find Indie Campers RV rentals in more than 40 different cities and destinations across Europe.

Visit

Catedral de Sevilla

Large Gothic cathedral with Moorish bell tower

Alcázar Palace

A palace built for the Christian king Peter of Castile

Maria Luisa Park

Famous for its scenic plazas with landscaped gardens

Museo de Bellas Artes

Boasts a collection of mainly Spanish visual arts

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Eat at

Abantal

$$$$

The best (and only) Michelin-starred restaurant in the city

Taberna del Alabardero

$$$$

Upscale restaurant with a traditional menu

Ovejas Negras

$$

Excellent tapas bar close to the cathedral

RV icon

Parking

Multi-parking Caravane

$$

Quiet place in front of Carrefour de San Pablo, (overnight) parking

Área de Autocaravanas Sevilla

$$

Overnight parking in Seville. Showers, toilets, and laundry facilities.

Signal

Stay at

Camping Villsom

$$

near Seville, free Wi-Fi and a swimming pool.

3

Enjoy the Peacefulness of Tavira

No campervan road trip adventure from Faro is complete without visiting one of the prettiest towns in the area, the lovely Tavira. Famous for its cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings, this small town on the Gilão River is an ideal destination for getting away from it all and experiencing the local Algarve life.

If you are looking for overcrowded tourist attractions, you won’t find them here in Tavira. Besides the ruins of an ancient castle and the Roman Bridge, there isn’t anything that stands out in particular here.

Boats on Gilão River while the lights turn on

Instead, the charm of Tavira lies in small things like wandering through the old streets and alleys, taking photographs of all the colourful buildings around you, ordering the catch of the day at a local restaurant,  and admiring the stunning coastline of pristine beaches nearby.

If you are into bird-watching, make sure to visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park. The easiest way to explore the park is by boat and there are dozens of tours that depart from Tavira’s harbour.

Visiting

Tavira

2

Recom. Days

Main route

110 miles

from Seville

1h50min

drive

You can find Indie Campers RV rentals in more than 40 different cities and destinations across Europe.

Visit

Castelo

The ruins of the town's Moorish castle

Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo

Picturesque church from the 13th century

Praia do Barril

World-class beach

Ilha de Tavira

One of Algarve's most iconic coastal spots

Signal

Eat at

Mira Café Tapas & Wine

$$$

Traditional food and an extensive wine list

Rota dos Sabores

$$

Great service and big portions of local dishes

Signal

Stay at

Parque de Campismo da Ilha de Tavira

$$

Municipal campsite on the isle, pack mosquito repellent

Algarve Motorhome Park Tavira

$

Overnight parking with facilities except toilet

RV icon

Parking

Parque de Campismo da PSP

$

Just outside town, showers, friendly service

4

End in the Coastal Town of Lagos

Lagos is one of the most sought-after coastal towns in the Algarve region and an ideal destination to finish your Algarve road trip adventure.

Whether you are looking to explore the stunning natural treasures of Lagos, navigate through the old town and indulge in some fine cuisine at the local restaurants, or explore the sandy bays with tiny coves and stunning rock formations, Lagos offers something for everyone.

A boat getting inside Benagil cave, an important Algarve Road Trip waypoint

Go on a kayak tour along the coast and explore hidden sea caves and ancient grottos, visit the Lagos Zoo to see a variety of mammals and birds, or spend a day swimming on Praia de Dona Ana.

There’s also the Slave Market which houses exhibits that show the dreadful history of slavery in Portugal and the lovely Lagos fish market where you will find dozens of stalls selling everything from fresh fish to homemade Portuguese sauces and fresh fish.

Visiting

Lagos

2

Recom. Days

Main route

72 miles

from Tavira

1h15min

drive

You can find Indie Campers RV rentals in more than 40 different cities and destinations across Europe.

Visit

Praia de Dona Ana

Popular beach surrounded by colourful cliffs

Lagos Zoo

Various birds, mammals, and reptiles

Ponta da Piedade

Coastal rock formations with lighthouse, caves & grottos.

Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse

Offers sweeping views of rugged coastlines

Lagos Fish Market

Super fresh fish and seafood for on your BBQ

Signal

Eat at

Calhou

$$$

Cosy restaurant close to the centre

Tasca do Kiko

$$$

Superb seafood, modern joint

Casa do Prego

$$$

Modern twist on petiscos (Portuguese tapas)!

RV icon

Parking

Area Camper Lagos

$

Large site with fresh water available, (overnight) parking

Motorhome Park Silves

$

Friendly service, showers, laundry facilities

RV Park Praia de Alvor

$

Large site with fresh water available

Signal

Stay at

Orbitur Camping Park - Valverde

$$

Swimming pool and amenities

Drop-off in
Faro Pick-up center

50 miles

from Lagos

1h

drive