Algarve, Alentejo & Andalucia Exploration Self-Drive

Arrive at Faro International Airport, where our local representative will welcome you and assist with your car hire, providing guidance for your departure day. A short 10-minute drive brings you to Faro, the Algarve’s capital, a city rich in history dating back to Moorish and medieval times. Explore the charming old town with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses within the city walls. You might enjoy a drink at one of the iconic bars overlooking the sea or sample fresh shellfish at a local restaurant. Afterwards, check in to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Faro.

After an early breakfast, check out and set off along the coast to explore some of the Algarve’s most captivating beaches and villages. Begin with Carvoeiro, a charming fishing village that has preserved its traditional Algarvian character. Visit Algar Seco, a remarkable coastal formation shaped by natural erosion, featuring dramatic cliffs and a lagoon. Heading slightly inland, stop in Silves, once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, where you can explore its impressive castle and traces of Moorish heritage amid the surrounding countryside dotted with orange, almond and carob trees. Continue to Ferragudo, a quaint village known for its whitewashed houses and narrow cobbled streets. Before arriving in Lagos for your overnight stay, take time to stroll through Alvor, a picturesque town blending history, culture and natural beauty. Relax here at sunset and, if you wish, sample local cuisine at one of the town’s restaurants. Overnight in Lagos.

After breakfast, check out and prepare to follow the trail of Portugal's Age of Discoveries. Begin with a visit to Lagos, a city proud of its maritime heritage. We explore St Antonio Church, renowned for its intricate gold Baroque carvings, and pause at the dramatic cliffs of Ponta da Piedade. Continuing along the coast, we reach São Vicente Cape, where a 16th-century fortress stands guard against former Moorish pirate attacks, offering sweeping views over the Atlantic. Next, we visit the Sagres promontory and its fortress, a key site linked to Prince Henry the Navigator and the era of exploration. Driving close to the coastline, we stop in Aljezur, a charming village with some of the Algarve's finest ocean vistas. To end the day, we arrive in Zambujeira do Mar, where you can soak up the relaxed Alentejo atmosphere and savour the region's prized perceves, a local shellfish delicacy. Overnight in Gr?ndola.

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Alentejo with a visit to Comporta beach, just south of Troia. Take time to relax on the sands before heading to Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira, an exceptional example of traditional architecture built on irregular wooden piles and boards. This working fishing port offers a peaceful atmosphere and is a favourite spot for photographers. Afterwards, drive on to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its well-preserved historic centre. Surrounded by ancient walls, Évora’s narrow streets reflect its Moorish origins, contrasting with sunlit squares that reveal over two millennia of history. You are free to explore the city at your own pace and soak up its unique character. Overnight in Évora.

After breakfast, check out and prepare for your journey into Spain. Before leaving Évora, take a final stroll through this remarkable city, often described as an open-air museum by UNESCO. En route, stop at Estremoz, known as the “white city” for its pale houses and nearby marble quarries. This lively market town offers a variety of shops selling farm tools, pottery and local delicacies, with a bustling market held in the large central square on Saturdays. Enjoy the opportunity to sample some excellent local cuisine here. Continue to Elvas, often called the “Queen of the Border,” a hidden gem on the Alentejo frontier. Visit its impressive bulwarked fortifications—the largest of their kind in the world—which played a key role in Portugal’s 17th-century wars of independence and served as a base for General Wellington during the Napoleonic Wars. Crossing into Spain, your first stop is Badajoz, where you can explore the Alcazaba, an ancient Moorish citadel dating back to the 12th century. Afterwards, arrive in Mérida, the capital of Extremadura, renowned for its outstanding Roman ruins and designated a World Heritage site since 1993. As a former Roman provincial capital, Mérida offers a wealth of archaeological sites that vividly illustrate its imperial past. From Mérida, continue to Cáceres for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, leave Cáceres and drive to Zafra, often called "Little Seville". Nestled at the foot of the Sierra de Castellar mountains, Zafra is dominated by a 15th-century fortress with a military character. The medieval quarter winds around the fortress in narrow streets arranged in a distinctive pattern resembling a turtle’s shell. The town boasts a rich architectural heritage, including the collegiate church of La Candelaria, the parish church of San José, several 16th-century convents, and the 15th-century hospital of Santiago. Continue to Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalusia. Explore key sights such as the Royal Alcazar palace and Seville Cathedral, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, along with the charming Santa Cruz neighbourhood. The Alcazar dates back to the 10th century as a Moorish palace, while the cathedral, originally a 12th-century mosque, is the third-largest church worldwide and features the iconic Giralda bell tower. Wander through Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter, known for its narrow streets and traditional atmosphere. Overnight in Seville.

After breakfast, spend the day exploring the area around Seville. Begin with a visit to Jerez de la Frontera, renowned as the heart of sherry production. The town’s charming old quarter reflects its Moorish past, featuring palm-lined squares, an ancient fortress, and historic churches. Its name, “de la Frontera,” refers to its former position on the border between Moorish and Christian territories. Next, continue to Cádiz, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Iberian Peninsula and likely Western Europe. As a historic naval port, Cádiz flourished in the 16th century as a centre for exploration and trade. The city boasts over 100 watchtowers, including the notable Torre Tavira, once used to spot incoming ships. On the waterfront, admire the domed 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral, which blends baroque and neoclassical styles. Return to Seville in the afternoon to enjoy a leisurely walk through its romantic streets. If you wish, sample the local cuisine at one of the city’s restaurants. Overnight in Seville.

After breakfast, spend the day exploring Seville at your own pace. Begin with the Alcazar of Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s finest examples of Moorish architecture. Built in the 14th century, it served as the royal palace for Moorish kings and remains the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family when in Seville. Wander through its intricate Islamic designs and extensive gardens, complete with ponds and fountains. Next, visit Seville Cathedral, another UNESCO site and the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. It houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus, supported by four figures symbolising the historic kingdoms of Spain. The Giralda bell tower, originally a minaret from the mosque that once stood here, offers striking views. Take time to see Plaza de España, constructed for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. This semi-circular Renaissance and neo-Moorish building features 48 tiled alcoves representing Spain’s provinces, with a canal crossed by four bridges where you can row small boats. Adjacent is María Luisa Park, a peaceful green space with fountains, ponds and parrots flying overhead. For a modern contrast, visit the Metropol Parasol, completed in 2011 and claimed to be the world’s largest wooden structure. You can purchase a ticket to walk along its rooftop walkway for panoramic city views. Other notable sights include the Torre del Oro, a 13th-century watchtower now housing a maritime museum, and the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza, Seville’s historic bullring still in use today. Overnight in Seville.

After breakfast, we leave Seville and head to Huelva. While it may not boast the region’s most famous sights, the city’s centre offers charming plazas, notable historical monuments, and a lively selection of seafood bars and restaurants reflecting its busy port heritage. Huelva is historically significant as the departure point of Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage to America, with several related attractions in and around the city. We then visit Isla Cristina, one of Andalusia’s key fishing ports, renowned across Spain for its prized catch. Here, we explore its beautiful beaches and marine resorts such as Islantilla, Centro, and Punta del Caimán. The town is also known for its vibrant carnival and the Atlantic Coral Festival. Nearby, the Marshes of Isla Cristina nature park presents diverse habitats with varying salinity, home to rich flora and a remarkable variety of birdlife. We conclude the day by travelling to Tavira for overnight accommodation.

After breakfast, explore the charming city of Tavira, where traditional Portuguese heritage blends with Moorish influences. Wander through its maze of cobbled streets, discovering tiled houses, family-run restaurants and numerous decorative churches. Later, drive to Olh?o, the Algarve's largest fishing port and a lively town renowned for its gastronomy, attracting several celebrated chefs. Your final stop is Faro, where you will spend the night.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your final morning. After checking out, drive to Faro Airport to return your rental car and make your way to the departure area for your onward flight.