Portugal Inland Paths Self-Drive

Upon arrival at Faro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local representative who will assist with your car hire and provide guidance for your departure day. From here, you will drive just 10 minutes to Faro, the capital of the Algarve, a city rich in history dating back to Moorish and medieval times. Take time to explore its narrow streets and whitewashed houses within the old city walls. You might enjoy a drink at one of the iconic bars overlooking the sea or sample fresh shellfish at a local restaurant. Later, drive to Monchique and check in to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind at the thermal resort for the remainder of the day. Overnight in Monchique.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, take a short walk through Caldas de Monchique to visit Fonte dos Amores - the Love Fountain. Today's journey leads you to the southern edge of Portugal, exploring Sagres and Cape São Vicente. At Cape São Vicente, enjoy sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean and visit Sagres Fortress, a site steeped in maritime history and tales of Moorish pirate attacks. Later, stop at the village of Pedralva to experience rural Algarve life. You might like to browse the Gourmet Grocery or have lunch at a local restaurant. On the return journey, drive along the coast through Lagos and conclude the day with a romantic sunset at Ponta da Piedade. Overnight in Monchique.

After a leisurely breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin your drive towards Grandola. En route, visit the village of Monchique, the starting point for a hike to Foia Peak, the highest point in the Algarve. Continue to Aljezur, a charming coastal village offering stunning ocean views. You may wish to stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try perceves, a regional delicacy. Passing through Vila Nova de Mil Fontes, you will arrive at your hotel nestled in the picturesque Valley of Sobreiras. After checking in, spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the hotel's facilities and the tranquil rural surroundings. Dinner is included at the hotel.

After breakfast, explore Grandola on foot, visiting its archaeological sites and monuments linked to the Carnation Revolution, which marked the end of fascism in Portugal. Then drive to Comporta beach, south of Troia, where you can relax by the sea. Continue to Cais Palafitico da Carrasqueira, an exceptional example of traditional architecture built on wooden stilts - a favourite spot for photographers and still used by local fishing boats. Enjoy the peaceful rural surroundings before returning to your hotel. On the way back, visit the charming villages of Melides and Santiago do Cacem to experience the distinctive rustic character of the Alentejo region. Dinner is included at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out and set off for Évora, often described as a living book of Portuguese art history. Your route takes you alongside the Great Lake formed by the Alqueva Reservoir – Europe’s largest artificial lake – surrounded by striking natural scenery. You will pass through the Alqueva Sky area, the world’s first Starlight Tourism Destination certified by the Starlight Foundation, renowned for its exceptional night sky views. Visit Aldeia da Luz, a village now submerged beneath the dam’s waters, where the local museum offers insight into its poignant past. Nearby, stop at Reguengos de Monsaraz, a town celebrated for its excellent wines. Arriving in Évora, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, set out on a scenic drive towards Spain, with several interesting stops along the way. Begin at Evoramonte parish, where you can admire the simple whitewashed houses adorned with traditional lime paint and distinctive decorative touches. Continue to Estremoz, a bustling market town known for its lively Saturday market held in the large central square, offering farm tools, earthenware pottery and local gourmet products. The town also features a selection of excellent eateries if you wish to stop for a bite. Next, visit Elvas to explore the world’s largest bulwarked fortification, a key site during Portugal’s 17th-century wars of independence and later a strategic base for General Wellington in the Napoleonic Wars.

Cross the border into Spain and arrive in Badajoz, where you can visit several museums and the hilltop Alcazaba fortress. Return to Évora in the afternoon to enjoy a leisurely walk through its charming streets and perhaps sample the local cuisine at one of the city’s restaurants. Overnight in Évora.

After breakfast, check out and spend the morning exploring Évora, a city whose name derives from the Celtic word Ebora. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Évora offers a wealth of history with highlights including the Roman Temple of Diana, the imposing Cathedral of Évora, and the evocative Chapel of Bones. Discover why this city was once a royal residence and savour local dishes such as Migas com Carne—a traditional dish of soaked bread with garlic, spices and braised pork, beloved by food enthusiasts. In the afternoon, bid farewell to Évora and drive back to Monchique in the Algarve for your overnight stay.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before checking out of your hotel. You will then drive back to Faro Airport to return your rental car and prepare for your onward flight.