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Lisbon & Algarve

3- nights in Lisbon, 3- nights in Algarve

7 Days - Land Only

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TOUR OVERVIEW

Lisbon and Algarve are two of Portugal's top vacation destinations, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Lisbon is a city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant culture that makes it an ideal destination for travelers interested in art, food, and nightlife. On the other hand, Algarve is a region in southern Portugal that boasts breathtaking coastline, crystal clear waters, and stunning cliffs, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you want to explore Lisbon's historic neighborhoods or relax on Algarve's sandy beaches, both destinations offer a fantastic combination of natural beauty, culture, and relaxation that is sure to make your vacation unforgettable.

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LISBON / SINTRA / CASCAIS / ESTORIL / LISBON

LISBON / VILAMOURA

SAGRES / CAO DE SAO VICENTE / LAGOS / PONTA DA PIEDADE

LOULE / FARO

Package Includes

• 3-night hotel accommodation in Lisbon, including breakfast daily.
• 3-nights hotel accommodation in Algarve, including breakfast daily.
• Half day tour in Lisbon with official guide and entrance fees to the Ajuda Palace, or similar.
• 1st Class Train ticket from Lisbon to Algarve.
• Full day tour to Sintra /Cascais /Estoril with official guide and entrance fees to the National Palace.
• Two Full Day tours of the Algarve with official guide on private tour and driver on the regular shared tour.
• Sightseeing as per tour itinerary.
• All transfers as per itinerary.
• Hotel taxes and service charges.
• USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.

Dates & Prices

DOUBLE PRICES

Lisbon & Algarve - DOUBLE PRICES (Land Only)

SINGLE PRICES

• Hotel Address:Av. Infante Dom Henrique 1 1ºPiso, 1100-105 Lisboa, Portugal Phone:+351 21 902 3000,
• Hotel Address:R. da Boca da Alagoa Lote 1, 8200-424 Guia, Portugal

Brochure Name:

Lisbon & algarve tour page:, important tour info, travel insurance.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Homeric Tours highly recommends that all our passengers purchase travel insurance. We offer a cost-effective, comprehensive insurance plan that protects you in cases such as having to cancel your trip for medical reasons, leaving your trip early due to an emergency, getting reimbursed in case your baggage arrives late, and so on. We offer two separate plans: one for passengers who purchase only air tickets from us and the other for passengers who purchase land-only services (hotels, cruises, transfers, etc.) or land-and-air packages.

• twitterbird

Algarve Full Day Private Tour from Lisbon

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water
• Private transportation
• WiFi on board
• Clean and Safe Certificate
• Tickets / Lunch / Gratuities
• Private Guide
• Traveler pickup is offered Any Hotel or Address in Lisbon District
• Lisboa Airport, Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas, Lisbon 1700-111 Portugal
• Lisbon Cruise Port - Jardim do Tabaco Quay, Doca Jardim do Tabaco Terminal de Cruzeiros de Lisboa, Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 1100-651 Lisboa, Portugal
• Infant seats available
• Service animals allowed
• Stroller accessible
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Please keep in mind that this is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
• The information of the places or monuments to be visited on this tour are merely indications of places of interest, which may or may not be visited during the trip.
• The driver can extend the hours of the tour in agreement with the customer, and charge any extras that are not included in this tour.
• Please advise at time of booking if there is any guest disabled or with limited walking, so we can adjust the itinerary.
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Fortaleza de Sagres

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Marina de Portimao Stop: 45 minutes See details
• 2 Praia da Marinha Stop: 45 minutes See details
• 3 Lagos Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 4 Farol do Cabo de Sao Vicente Stop: 60 minutes See details
• 5 Fortaleza de Sagres Stop: 60 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• annettew981 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Everthing perfect👍 Perfect organisation and Mike is a such a friendly and very helpful driver. He even brought me my jacket, which I forgot in the car, after his work. You don't get that everywhere👍😍. Thank you very much. Read more Written May 9, 2024
• TomDanneels 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Friendly transfer Very friendly. Good communication. On time and easy to find with someone showing the way. Safe driving. We would book again next time. Read more Written May 8, 2024
• Q3120CCroyp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Super service Booked via Booking.com app Very easy, paid beforehand so no issues on arrival. Meet at the main meeting point 👉 Great communication via WhatsApp Super driver 👌 Read more Written May 7, 2024
• 61sasap 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect service Rui was excellent driver. Eveeyrhing went smoothly. He was even before the scheduled time on location. I would recommend Rui as driver to anyone. Read more Written May 6, 2024
• adrianoQ5866EX 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommended for private transfer We took the private transfer because we were 2 families travelling together and the number of people (7) and luggages (8) could not be easily accomodated in a normal car/taxi. The services were excellent: clean and spacious car, driver (Rui) arrived in time and was a very pleasant presence. Read more Written May 5, 2024
• C7108TJelisac 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Smooth and nice experience The transfer from Lisbon airport to my accommodation has been very smooth and nice! Everything was on time and went as planned! Read more Written May 5, 2024
• 97shanazh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Airport to hotel transport in lisbon The private ride was already at the airport when we arrived. Justo was very professional and a very good driver. The car was very clean. I would book with them again. Read more Written May 4, 2024
• Garry G 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Terrible service! I want my money back. I was stood up and the driver left without us. I want my money back. The driver left without us. Terrible service. Read more Written May 4, 2024
• MFKReyes 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent & personalized service! Excellent and personalized service! Staff communicated well. Our driver Mr. Justo was great! It was a smooth ride from airport to our apartment. He even gave us tips for places to eat and see around our area. Highly recommended! Read more Written May 3, 2024
• Karen s 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles lisbon excellent efficient pick up , very pleasant well groomed driver Excellent motor skills . the car was very cleam. very smooth trip Read more Written May 3, 2024
• mariagiovannas545 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Top!!! Our driver Justo is super helpful and kind. impeccably organized service, highly recommended. Top!!! we will definitely choose this service again for more experiences. thank you Justo and toptour. Soon Read more Written May 3, 2024
• Susan G 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Airport transfer Lisbon Pickup was just as stated and the driver was waiting and texted via What’s app to let us know he was here and where to meet. . Vehicle was very clean. The driver Rui helped with the bags and pointed out things to see along the way. A great service I would highly recommend them. Read more Written May 3, 2024
• Sunshine25934950202 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect! It was perfect. We were brought to the car. De service was excellent and or wat to the hotel we recieven many suggestions for or trip and also information about the city. Vers Vlaanderen and so Nice!! Read more Written April 29, 2024
• 781lauref 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Transfer to airport We had a transfer to the airport early morning. Our driver Rui Justo was really nice, spoke some French with us and arrived on time, we didn’t wait. I recommend ! Read more Written April 29, 2024
• twerech 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommend! Great service and great experience. I highly recommend for an airport pick up and drop off. Our flight was delayed and the airline lost our baggage, causing us major delays leaving the airport but Mr Justo considered the fact that we had 3 little kids with us and waited beyond was even reasonable. I said to Mr Justo that he can leave but he waited patiently being extremely considerate for our kids. Appreciate the level of service provided. Read more Written April 27, 2024

More to explore in Lisbon

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Algarve Full Day Private Tour from Lisbon provided by TOPTOUR PORTUGAL

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• UK / International
• Call toll-free from 9am EDT
• 617-223-4521 617-223-4772 or
• REQUEST A QUOTE

Lisbon, Évora & the Algarve

10 days from $8,395pp

• Day-to-day Itinerary
• Portugal trip ideas

Tour highlights

Enjoy a tour through central Lisbon and its maritime outer district, Belém.

Experience one of Portugal’s oldest musical traditions, fado.

Learn to make pastel de nata with a tasting tour and cooking class.

Spend time on your own wandering the Roman ruins of Évora.

Walk along the Algarve coast and take in the sweeping views of the sea.

Learn how to make a traditional seafood cataplana.

Relax on the beaches of the Algarve.

Price includes:

• In-destination transfers
• Activities and excursions as detailed
• All accommodations
• 24-hour support while you travel

Itinerary idea in detail

Private customized tour. Ask us about booking your international flights at our preferred rates.

Upon arrival in Lisbon, you’ll be met by your private driver and taken to your hotel. Take the afternoon to relax and refresh after your flight.

Today, you’ll enjoy a full-day tour of central Lisbon before venturing out to the district of Belém, where Portugal’s signature pastel de nata (custard tart) originated. This evening, enjoy a traditional fado performance over dinner.

Having tasted pastel de nata in Belém, today you’ll become more familiar with the treat as you make your way through the pastry shops of Lisbon, enjoying tastings along the way before enjoying a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make pastel de nata yourself.

This morning, you’ll leave Lisbon and make your way east to Évora in the Alentejo. Along the way, you’ll stop in a local family-run winery for a tour and tasting.

Spend your day at leisure exploring the Roman ruins of Évora. Highlights here include the pink granite cathedral, the Temple of Diana and the Capela dos Ossos, or the ‘Chapel of Bones’.

Moving on from Évora today, you’ll make your way south to the coastal Algarve region, stopping along the way to enjoy another family-owned winery. Take a tour of the vineyards and olive groves before enjoying a wine-tasting lunch, then continue on to your hotel.

Embark on a coastal hike of the Algarve today. Beginning in the town of Lagos, you will make your way along the coast to Sagres, enjoying sandy beaches, time to swim, and a nice seaside lunch.

Cataplana is a signature part of Algarve cuisine, and today you’ll get to learn how to make it yourself in a cooking class. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

Your last day in Portugal is yours to spend at leisure, whether you’d like to relax on the beach or explore more of the area on your own.

Bid farewell to Portugal today as you head to the airport in Faro for your flight.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodations, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

Memmo Príncipe Real

H10 Duque de Loulé

Hotel Valverde

Pestana Palace Lisboa

View more accommodations in lisbon.

M’AR de AR Aqueduto

Hotel M'AR de AR Muralhas

São Lourenço do Barrocal

Pousada Convento de Évora

View more accommodations in évora & the alentejo.

Praia Verde Boutique Hotel

• Évora & the Alentejo
• Castro Marim

The specialist who designs your trip to Portugal will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

Watch our tailor-made process

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Portugal: Lisbon, All-inclusive Algarve w/Douro valley cruise

• Partially Guided
• Christmas & New Year

• Introduction
• Day 1 Arrive at Lisbon
• Day 2 Lisbon: Fátima Half-Day Tour
• Day 3 Lisbon: Tour of Pena Palace and the Highlights of Sintra
• Day 4 Lisbon to Porto by Train
• Day 5 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, River Cruise, & Port Cellar Tour
• Day 6 Douro River Cruise, Lunch with Wine
• Day 7 Porto to Albufeira Train / Coach ride
• Day 8 Albufeira at leisure
• Day 9 Albufeira at leisure
• Day 10 Albufeira to Faro airport for onward / return flight

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Customer photos.

Operated by Wanderful Holidays LLC

Our Holidays are designed to offer the best of experiences, with all necessary inclusions, but at the same time offering a bit of flexibility and free hours for the much needed “me” time. We make travel enjoyable & convenient by offering honest prices for some immaculately designed holidays.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.5
• Itinerary Good 4.0
• Guide Good 4.0
• Transport Good 4.0
• Accommodation Excellent 4.5
• Food Good 4.0
• Tour Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC 4.5

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025
• Wednesday 15 May, 2024 Friday 24 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,758 Confirm Dates
• Sunday 19 May, 2024 Tuesday 28 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,663 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 23 May, 2024 Saturday 1 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,378 Confirm Dates
• Monday 27 May, 2024 Wednesday 5 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,187 Confirm Dates
• Friday 31 May, 2024 Sunday 9 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,378 Confirm Dates
• Tuesday 4 Jun, 2024 Thursday 13 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,283 Confirm Dates
• Saturday 8 Jun, 2024 Monday 17 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,187 Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 12 Jun, 2024 Friday 21 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,187 Confirm Dates
• Sunday 16 Jun, 2024 Tuesday 25 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,283 Confirm Dates
• Thursday 20 Jun, 2024 Saturday 29 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €2,187 Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currency € Euro Portugal

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Portugal. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 9th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 9th July 2024, a minimum payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking with Wanderful Holidays LLC. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Wanderful Holidays LLC will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Wanderful Holidays LLC" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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ALGARVE Tours – From Lisbon (1 to 5 Days)

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    Daily Price: 1250EUR (Up to 5 guests, and based in 8h per day) This services can start and finish in Lisbon , Sintra , Cascais , or Algarve ,including Airports This services can finish at any other city of Portugal or Spain. Contact us fro a tailored itinerary Hotel transfers included on each day

Featured on Tripadvisor, Mashable, Lisbon Guide, and Lonelyplanet

Visited 2510 times, booked 132 times.

Highlights: This is a special private tour service for any duration from 1 to 5 days, from Lsibon to Algarve, for a relaxing and comdortable trip to Portugal. You can choose any destination in Algarve, and we can suggest and book any hotels on your behalf. Service includes transportation and private driver, for up to 8h per day. We can cover areas in Algarve such as: Tavira, Lagoa, Aljezur, Sagres, Lagos, Salema, Ferragudo, Benagil, Albufeira, Vilamoura, Faro, etc. Please contact us with your ideas, and we will plan it for you. This is a special private tour service, Includes Transportation, and English Speaking Private Driver. TO BOOK THIS SERVICES, PLEASE FILL THE FORM BELOW  

1-DAY SERVICE

  icon-checkmark Private Transportation with A/C Vehicle   icon-checkmark English Speaking Tour Driver/Guide   icon-checkmark Toll fees, Fuel and Parking costs   icon-checkmark Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard (subject to availability)   icon-checkmark Full Insurance mandatory by law

  icon-close Admission Fees for Attractions   icon-close Meals / Personal Expenses / Accommodation   icon-close Gratuites

• Daily Price: 1250EUR (Up to 5 guests, and based in 7h per day)
• Pick-up will be provided at your hotel on each day 9AM, unless specified
• Drop-off will be provided at your hotel on each day at 5PM, unless specified

Private Guide

This tour includes a dedicated Private Guide to assist you during the day. Our private guide will be your Ambassador/Host during the day, and English Fluent. The guide will assist you during the day, providing all explanations, helping to choose restaurants for lunch, and other important tips, etc

Awards Received

Fleet/Transportation

This tour includes Private Transportation, exclusively for you. We work with a recent fleet of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, that are operating every day for your comfort. In case of need, we have other vehicles or different brands/models, including larger vehicles on request for larger families.

Worry-Free Cancellation Policy

CANCELLATION POLICY * We have a flexible worry-free cancellation policy for your comfort – BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: – We know plans can change and we accept changes to the original booking for another day, if we have availability, without any extra charge. – In case the trip needs to be canceled/postponed/rescheduled, the customer will be able to use the FULL amount paid, which will be available as: 1) Full Refund, back into the same card used to book the tour; 2) Full amounts paid, to be used as a future credit, to be used within 10 years’ time with our company, for any tours booked. For any refund requests, please email customer service at [email protected]

* Cancellations are available up to 7 days prior to the tour starting. * Cancellation less than 7 days before tour date: no refund * No show: no restitution / payment in full * Tickets for Events or Attractions are non-refundable * Airport transfers, Limousine tours, or Helicopter Tours are non-refundable after booking. * Hotel reservations are fully refundable according to hotel policies. * Cruise ship tours are 100% refundable anytime if for any reason cruise ship doesn’t dock in Lisbon. * In case you are unable to travel for medical reasons, last-minute flight cancellations, delays, all amounts are refundable at any moment.

Contact our Travel Experts

To contact our team, please use the contact page. You can also call us at +351 21 145 1860 , or start planning your trip here: https://go.portugal-magik.com/

You can also schedule a travel planning zoom video call with our team, using the following link: https://calendly.com/portugalmagik/call

Additional Information

Tour Language : This tour is available everyday in English . Other languages only per request (French or Spanish .

* This is a private tour and prepared exclusively for you. No more guests will join you during the day. for the mentioned duration, if you have shorter time, we can fit it to your needs * This tour is prepared for the mentioned duration, if you have shorter time, we can fit it to your needs * Most of our tours are done using mercedes-benz small minivans for your comfort (more leg room). For larger families, we have larger vehicles operating on request. Vehicle type, size, brand or color can never be guaranteed on our regular tours. * Price for one of two adults is the same, as our pricing starts with minimum two guests. * Pick-up and drop-off in Lisbon, Sintra or Cascais is complimentary (Hotel, AirBnB, Airport, Cruise Terminal) / For Pick-up and drop-off at other locations please inquire, for specific quotation. * We advise to book this tour in advance. For last minute bookings please call +351.30.880.4698 * Check in is recommended at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure time * Prices, times and itineraries are subject to change without prior notice

Licensed Company

We work with registration 228/13 from PT Tourism Board, member of Lisbon Tourism and insured through Liberty.

The Best Guides

We work with a qualified team of English Speaking Tour Guides, happy to assist you on every single detail during your stay here in Portugal.

Tailor-Made Tours

We can design Tailor-Made Tours for you. Just tell us what you want and we can create a customized tour for you

Any group size

We can handle any group size, from small private groups of 2-8 passengers to 30-50 or more. Please inquire us for larger groups.

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We reply 99% of all requests received within 24h. Please contact us anytime 24/7 under the following link

Last minute bookings: +351.30.880-4698 US TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1-800-701-1456

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Lisbon to the Algarve: How to get from Lisbon to the Algarve

With warmer weather, less wind, and more sunshine, a trip to the Algarve from Lisbon is a guaranteed way to get a great beach holiday. If you’re not into beaches, then the Algarve also has some incredible culture and some of the biggest summer festivals. Throw in the wild-west Algarve and the Ria Formosa and you can also find some incredible nature and wildlife too. There are multiple reasons for travel to the Algarve from Lisbon, and here we’ll explain the best methods of travel between the two! There are four ways to get from Lisbon to the Algarve, planes, trains, buses and driving.

Flying Between Lisbon and the Algarve

The Algarve is served by two airports. The main international airport is Faro, but there’s also a much smaller domestic airport in Portimão. Flights between Lisbon and Faro are operated by TAP three to four times a day and take around 45 minutes. Although it seems like the quickest route, you do need to add the time to get to and from the airport, time spent at the departure gate, and time waiting at arrivals at your destination. Once you factor in these, that 45-minute travel time quickly increases!

If booked well in advance, then one-way flights between Faro and Lisbon can be purchased through TAP around €50, or returns for €100 without baggage. TAP charge around €25-30 extra for hold baggage and seat allocation. Sevenair operate flights from Portimão, to Cascais, Viseu and Bragança, with all flights stopping in Cascais. It’s a small airline that mostly operate turbo-prop planes, but it’s not as expensive as you imagine! Flights can be purchased for around €80 to and from Cascais. 

 If you have a specific destination you will also need to factor in your transfer in the Algarve. Faro’s Airport is several km outside Faro, so you’ll need an extra transfer to the city centre before making onward travel to the rest of the Algarve. If you’re coming to Faro specifically, then taking a plane is the quickest method. With all the extras, flights are often only convenient for business travellers or people arriving at Lisbon airport who want to transfer to Faro straight away, not for more casual or slower paced travelers.

Lisbon to the Algarve by Train

Trains are perhaps the most convenient method, blending both convenience, cost, and travel time. There is one railway line from Lisbon to the Algarve, but several different services operate on it. The services are the Alfa Pendular and the Intercidades, both are run by the national operator Coimbois de Portugal. Of the two services, the Alfa Pendular is quicker and takes around 3 hours, whereas the Intercidades takes around 3 and a half hours. The main difference is the number of stops both trains make, the full timetable for both trains can be found on the CP website.

The Alfa Pendular departs Lisbon, from Oriente and Entrecampos before making its way to the Algarve. The Intercidades departs Lisbon, from Oriente, Entrecampos and Sete Rios before making its way to the Algarve. When in the Algarve, both trains stop in Tunes, Albufeira and Loulé before their final destination of Faro. Only the Intercidades stops at Messines-Alte in the central Algarve.  A regional train line operates along the coast of the Algarve from Lagos in the west, to Vila Real de San Antonio in the east. To travel to the west, you’ll need to change train at Tunes and hop onto a regional train there. To travel east, you can change train in Faro.

The service is reasonably priced, convenient and reliable, but there are a few caveats though. Several of the stations in the Algarve are actually located outside of the towns they’re named after. Albufeira, Loulé and Silves to name a few, if you’re final destination is one of these towns, then you’ll need to think about an extra transfer to the town itself. The services are also pretty popular in the summer and its not uncommon for them to sell out. The final thing to consider is baggage. According to the T&C’s baggage is limited per person, although in practice I’ve yet to see anyone stopped.

What does the train cost from Lisbon to the Algarve?

A single ticket from Lisbon to Faro on the Alfa Pendular costs €31.30 and €23.30 for 1st and 2nd class respectively.  On the the Intercidades it costs €28.80 and €22. However, discounts are available, if you purchase your ticket in the advance you can get up to 50% off. Other discounts are available and we cover many of them here in our guide to trains in the Algarve. Tickets can be bought on their website, on the CP app, or at the stations.

Lisbon to the Algarve by Bus

A regular bus service is also available between the Algarve and Lisbon. The service is carried out by Rede Expressos also referred to as Renex, or the Europe wide operator Flixbus . The bus takes around 3-4 hours. In Lisbon, you can usually catch a bus at either at Sete Rios Bus Terminal on the blue line of the metro. Or at Gare do Oriente on the red line. Unfortunately, there are no departures from the airport, you will need to transfer to either of bus terminals. Both bus terminals are conveniently located for train departures and arrivals though. Nearly all the major destinations in the Algarve have bus terminals, and buses will stop at most of them on their way across the Algarve to Sagres in the west and Vila Real de San Antonio in the east.  

One of the biggest complaints people have with the bus services are delays. That said, the coaches are airconditioned and Wi-Fi equipped so it’s not usually an uncomfortable wait. Buses also tend to be stricter on the luggage you have – probably because the drivers have to load and unload it themselves. You can check the full details here , but in general its up to 20kg of luggage, and small carry on items to go in the racks above the seats.

What does a bus cost from Lisbon to the Algarve?

Tickets cost from €19 one way, or around €35 for a return trip on Renex. All trips can be booked on the Rede Expressos website up to 30 days in advance. Alternatively, one way tickets from Lisbon to Faro can be as cheap as €5, however these are advance tickets an d the price does go up as the tickets are sold! Their website is available in English, French and Spanish as well as the native Portuguese. Discounts are available for children, youths, students and seniors.  

Driving from Lisbon to the Algarve

The most flexible option, although second most expensive is to take a car. Either your own or a rental. Obviously, the biggest advantage of taking a car is freedom and the lack of transfers. You can drive directly to your destination without needing a separate transfer. However, you’ll need to consider fuel costs and tolls if you want to take the quickest route. What cannot be understated is the freedom and flexibility that driving a vehicle will give you. Some of the towns along the way, like Ourique and Odemira make wonderful stopping points, for lunch or coffee breaks.

The quickest route is around 280km and should take around two and a half hours. However, this route involves toll roads on the A2 and the A22 in the Algarve. In real terms it will cost around €25 in tolls for an average car to get from Lisbon to Faro. But this cost goes up for 4x4s, vans and commercial vehicles. The official toll calculator can be found here , but it’s a rather confusing and elaborate website to use. If you use the route that avoids tolls the distance is very similar. However, due to the smaller and slower roads it will take around three and half to four hours to drive. Fuel costs are hard to work out, and completely dependent on your vehicle. The most recent trip we made in an economy rental it cost around €25 in petrol one way.

If you’re looking at renting a car, read our guide here! It covers everything you need to know and how to avoid the extra costs.

Cost and Time Comparison of the Different Methods of Travel

Frequently asked questions, what is the cheapest way to get from lisbon to the algarve.

The costs are very similar between taking the train and taking the bus. If booked in advance, then Flixbus is by the far the cheapest . However it is not always guaranteed you can take advantage of the lowest prices. When considering the more normal booking prices, than train and bus are pretty equal.

What is the quickest way to get from Lisbon to the Algarve?

The quickest way is to fly, it takes around 45 minutes, but it’s expensive. Second quickest method is to drive, it can take under 2 and a half hours to get to Faro.

How do I get from Lisbon airport to a Lisbon bus terminal or train station?

If you’re arriving at Lisbon airport, then you’ll need to transfer to either a bus or train station.. You can do this by either using the metro, or the local bus service. The Metro runs every few minutes from the airport between 6am and 1am daily. It takes around 6 minutes to get to Oriente and around 25 minutes to Jardim Zoológico (closest metro to Sete Rios). Tickets cost €2,00 for each journey, which includes 50 cents for the rechargeable card. There are two local buses you can take, the specific Aerobus – Since the pandemic the Aerobus service has not been restarted. So the only bus option at the moment is the no. 2 goes direct to Sete Rios and takes 25 minutes. Or the local bus, 744 which stops at Oriente. The Aerobus costs €4, while the 744 costs €2.

Can I get a private transfer from Lisbon to the Algarve?

Yes, but they will be expensive. They’re not mentioned above because of the cost. Several companies offer this service, but in some cases you can expect to pay around €200-400 for four people. Much more for bigger vehicles.

Which is the best route between Lisbon and the Algarve?

The simplest way to decide is to work out the most convenient methods to your final destination. For example, if you’re visiting Lagos, it’s probably most convenient to use the train or drive yourself. Lagos has a well-located train station, so it’s simple enough to get the train from Lisbon, switch trains in Tunes and arrive in Lagos. However, the answer changes if you’re heading somewhere that doesn’t have a convenient train station, like Albufeira or Vilamoura. For these places, it might be more convenient to take the coach, as most coaches stop in Albufeira on their way to Faro. If you’re going further away from the coast, maybe to Monchique or Alcoutim, then driving is best as these don’t have simple public transport connections. Although the central and popular places are well connected, the rural Algarve is not so accessible.

Do you travel between the Algarve and Lisbon? Share your travel tips with us and our readers in the comments below!

8 thoughts on “Lisbon to the Algarve: How to get from Lisbon to the Algarve”

Hi there! Thank you so much for such great information- this is definitely a big help to my husband and me as we get ready for our trip to Portugal!

I wonder if you can help me with a question: what happens if I purchase the train ticket in advance from Lisboa to Lagos, but I miss the train because of flight delay? Is there the option to cancel and switch to a later train?

We are scheduled to arrive in Lisboa airport at 0800 and there is a 1000 train to Lagos from Oriente station. We think we can make that train, but just in case our flight is delayed, we may miss it and have to take the 1400 train. Do you think it’s too risky to purchase the 1000 train tickets?

Hi Beatrix, Although the timing does look tight. If you book directly with Coimboios de Portugal, either through their website or their app, you can change the ticket once for no fee if you change it 30 minutes in advance of departure. You can change it through their app, online, or by phone. You can change the ticket within 29 minutes of departure, and 2 hours after departure – for example if you miss the train, for a €4.00 re-issue fee. You can get it re-issued in person at the station, or again through the app/website. Which means you can be quite flexible! I would just make sure you are booking through the official app, and not a broker! Annie

Hi, My husband and I are planning a September trip to Portugal to check out possible future retirement areas. We plan to hopefully rent a car and drive from Lisbon to the Algarve. How difficult and expensive is it to rent a car in Lisbon for our 9 day trip? Any suggestions /tips/ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.

Unfortunately car rental everywhere is very expensive at the moment. The process is simple though and we have a guide covering the ins and outs of the car rental experience . That will cover everything, including some tips on how to save money! Let me know if you have any other questions about it!

I am trying to plan a day trip from Lisbon to Agarve. Do a kayak tour. What is best way to plan this

By kayak tour, I assume you mean Lagos and probably Ponta da Piedade? From Lisbon that’s at least 4 hours by train, or 4 hours by flix bus which doesn’t give you much flexibility when it comes to kayak tours in Lagos. I’m not sure I’d recommend you do a day trip, but perhaps an overnight trip?

How difficult is it to switch trains at Tunes coming from Lisbon to final destination of Portimao? We will have 2 heavy suitcases.

Should be easy, Tunes only has a couple of platforms with easy access between them. As long as you can lift your suitcase up and down a flight of stairs!

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A Guide to Portugal’s Best Beach Towns

The famed and lesser known spots on and off Portugal’s stunning coast, from the Algarve to the Azores.

Portugal is the place to go at the moment. An approximately seven-hour flight from the East Coast, it’s one of the most accessible countries in Europe—but that’s not the only reason why it’s so popular. Portugal is a choose-your-own-adventure country; you can embark on a city exploration, wine tasting tour, action-packed adventure or beach retreat. The best part? You don’t need to pick just one. Everything is a short car ride, train or quick flight away. 

Planning a vacation around Portugal’s beach towns is one of the best ways to organize your trip. Each town offers a glimpse into a different side of the country, from the sweeping coastal capital, to the smaller southern regions, to the sunny islands. With picturesque beaches and an impressive culinary scene with plenty of fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone.  For those looking to narrow down the ample options of scenic towns, start with Lisbon, and then venture down the coast to the Algarve. The Azores—a collection of volcanic islands off of the mainland—are not to be missed.

Now, we present the best beach towns (and cities) in Portugal. Don’t forget to pick up a pastel de nata—or two—while you’re there.

Discover Portugal's Beach Town Hidden Gems

When you think of a beach town, a bustling city might not be the first thing to come to mind. Lisbon, however, defies expectations at every turn. As the only European capital along the Atlantic coast, Lisbon is as much a beach town as it is a cultural hub. There are a handful of famed museums—like the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and Museu Nacional do Azulejo —and you can admire the pastel-colored architecture of waterfront Belém. Walk to the suburbs of Alfama and Mouraria, along the hillside below the castle. For a home base, the luxurious Four Seasons Ritz is always a safe option. Slightly removed from the commotion of the city, the hotel serves as a relaxing retreat where you can venture up to the rooftop for a grand view of the ocean. After exploring the city and its local beaches, take a trip to the famed resort town of Sintra. Once a royal sanctuary, it now stands as a glamorous historical site, replete with palaces and sweeping vista points. It can be pretty chaotic, so we recommend booking a guide . Upon your return back to Lisbon, stop into Trinca —a hole in the wall local eater—or dine beachfront at Casa Reîa .

You can also visit Lisbon’s northern cousin, Porto, which is famed for its massive bridges and port wine production. Head to the medieval Ribeira district and meander through vibrant streets while observing the ornate architecture. Stay nearby at Gran Cruz House , which overlooks the Douro River. Go to Foz do Douro to experience the city’s buzzy beach, and follow it with drinks at one of the terrace cafés. You can also take a day trip down the coast to Nazaré and watch the surfers come from near and far to tackle the monster 100-foot waves.

Looking to escape the touristy crowds and up for a longer road trip? Smack in the middle of Lisbon and the Algarve (about an hour and forty minutes from the capital) is the lesser-known parish of Melides. The creative community of Melides is a stark contrast to its sceney neighbor, Comporta. An international set of famed artists—designers, painters, architects and more—have second homes in this humble town. You can pop into the quaint restaurants lining the main cobblestone square, opt for a wine tasting, or go horseback riding on the beach. Stay at the Christian Louboutin -designed Vermelho Hotel for one of the most uniquely ornate experiences; he has permanent residence in Melides. It’s an amalgamation of glamorous art and sleepy coastal streets. 

One of Europe’s quintessential beach towns is located just 45 minutes outside of Lisbon. Known for its silky sand and crystal waters, Cascais is the Portuguese Riviera’s top vacation spot. Choose a hotel that’s situated on the coast, like Relais & Châteaux’s Fortaleza de Guincho , which was built on the site of a 17th-century fortress and is home to an eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant. Make sure you squeeze in a cliffside lunch at The Albatroz Hotel overlook for unparalleled ocean views. To take full advantage of all the coastal town has to offer, book a sailboat that takes you along the Atlantic Ocean.

The Algarve is on everyone’s radar as of late, but the southernmost region of Portugal has been enticing travelers since the 15th century. The fishing villages of the past are now filled with restaurants, villas, hotels and bars, making this one of the liveliest beach areas in Europe.  For a bigger resort with a wide range of activities and experiences, book somewhere like Domes Lake Algarve . While you can venture to the beaches, the resort also offers activities in its surrounding lake. Bella Vista Hotel is a romantic oceanfront oasis featuring a L’Occitane spa. Make sure you visit the Bengali Caves on a kayak, paddle board or dolphin cruise from Portimão .  

Dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe,” the Azores are the talk of the travel industry. If you want to stick with just this region, there are five-hour direct flights from New York. The Azores are composed of nine volcanic islands, boasting breathtaking foliage and natural feats. Sao Miguel, the largest of the islands, has lake-filled caderas and Europe’s oldest tea plantation. The Azores archipelago also features lagoons, thermal springs and craters to explore, as well as ample whale watching. Two notable hotels include Octant Furnas and Santa Barbara (with its sister partner White serving as a romantic option for honeymooners). Santa Barbara is the Azores’ first eco-beach resort; a luxurious, calming retreat set amid green pastures and blue waters. For a spa-centric vacation, Octant Furnas is all about wellness, with thermal pools, treatment rooms and culinary and sensory experiences. Outside the hotel, there’s no shortage of epic experiences, from an ATV tour of the massive crater of Sete Cidades to canyoning and rappelling down waterfalls.

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10 Best Cities To Visit in Portugal on Vacation

A Portuguese vacation should be on any family’s European must-visit list. It’s a beautiful country, with delicious food, gorgeous sites, and friendly people. With three international airports located on mainland Portugal, it’s fairly easy to access from most US destinations.

Although it is a small country, there are many great towns, small villages, and cities to see while you are there. So, you’ll need to do a little research in advance to figure out which are the best towns in Portugal to visit during your vacation.

Disclosure: My first visit to Portugal was complimentary as part of a media trip with Martinhal Hotels, and I paid full price for my second trip. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase through one of these may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Best Cities to Visit in Portugal on Vacation

You’ll probably want to include the Portuguese capital city of Lisbon in your vacation plans. It’s the largest city in Portugal and one of the major cities in Europe.

Lisbon also has the largest of the international airports in the country, so you’ll typically be able to get the best flights to and from there. There’s so much to see and do in Lisbon , and there are also plenty of day trips from Lisbon if you decide to base your vacation there.

While you are there, it’s a good idea to book a guided tour so you can get an overview of the city and learn more about its rich history. There are lots of options, including tuk-tuk and tram tours. We also enjoyed a yacht tour of the Lisbon Tagus River waterfront.

See tours in Lisbon here .

We’ve stayed in several hotels in Lisbon, and have loved them. There are lots of options, from smaller, more boutique hotels to international chains . Here are three we’d recommend:

Martinhal Lisbon Chiado Luxury Hotel and Apartments – I had the opportunity to tour this hotel before it opened, several years ago. It’s a family-friendly hotel in the trendy Chiado neighborhood and offers luxury apartments that are specifically designed for families. If you are looking for a little more space, this can be a great choice.

The Olissippo Lapa Palace Hotel – we stayed here on our last night in Portugal, and I wish we had more time there. The home of a former palace, this hilltop hotel offers some rooms with views of the Tagus River. It also has a beautiful lagoon-style pool which is a surprising oasis for a city hotel. We enjoyed spending an afternoon at this beautiful pool.

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade – we spent three nights at this city hotel, located on a luxurious and swanky street in downtown Lisbon. It offers several restaurants and bars, including a trendy rooftop bar with beautiful night views of the city. We felt it was a great location for our Lisbon vacation.

We started our most recent Portuguese vacation in the gorgeous, historic city of Porto, located in Northern Portugal. There is an international airport in Porto, and we were able to fly from Boston to Porto with a layover at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal .

Porto offers so much to do, and is a beautiful city. We spent four nights there, and I feel like we could have spent our entire vacation there. It’s got a hip, trendy vibe, with lots of boutiques and cafes, among the historic attractions and narrow, cobblestone streets.

During our trip to Porto, we stayed at the Intercontinental Porto . It’s a modern hotel located in a historic building – the former Palacio das Cardosas.

From there, we were able to take a short walk to most of the historic attractions, including the Douro River waterfront. For the places we weren’t able to walk to, we found Uber easy to use in town. If you decide to drive, keep in mind that there are some very hilly, narrow streets that can be a challenge to navigate.

One of the highlights of our trip was the Porto Bridge Climb , a relatively mild adventure that takes place on the Arrábida Bridge. Although you’ll be harnessed, there are stairs to climb.

Across the Douro River from Porto is the town of Gaia. Known for its wine and port cellars, Gaia is a great place to visit for the day when you are staying in Porto. There are many different restaurants and wine cellar tours (along with wine tasting) – we recommend visiting at least one!

Want to take in some gorgeous views of the Douro River and of Porto? The Gaia Cable Car runs year-round, is about a 5-minute ride, and offers aerial views of the area. One-way or round-trip tickets are available.

Douro Valley

Located about an hour and a half from the Porto city center is the Douro Valley. The wine country region of Portugal is absolutely stunning, with green rolling hills and a winding river.

During our visit, we kayaked along the Douro River, and then visited Quinta da Pacheca, a vineyard where guests can stay in a converted wine barrel.

Be sure to try port wine, which the region is famous for. In fact, wineries are unable to use the “port” label if the wine doesn’t come from the Douro region.

Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is both a town and a municipality. While it’s most popular for the bright and colorful Pena Palace, there’s so much more to do and see in Sintra.

Some of the other attractions include the Castle of the Moors (Moorish Castle), the Sintra National Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira (located near the city center, with Knights Templar symbols).

While visiting Sintra is definitely possible on a day trip , I would recommend arriving early. It’s one of the most popular destinations, especially in the summer months. Pena Palace especially gets busy throughout the day. Don’t miss visiting the small town of Sintra, a beautiful historic town with shops, cafes, and more to explore.

The very first place I visited in Portugal is Cascais. It’s a lovely resort town and former fishing village, with beautiful beaches, shops, resorts, outdoor cafes, and more. It’s a quick distance from Lisbon, so it’s an easy day trip. Or, there are plenty of luxurious resorts where you can stay.

Cascais is located on the Portuguese Riviera, which offers some of the most beautiful beaches outside of southern Portugal.

The historic city of Evora, located southwest of Lisbon in the center of Portugal, offers some popular attractions. These include the Roman Temple of Évora, located in the historic center of the city, in addition to the Chapel of Bones (a 16th-century temple with an interior lined with skulls and bones). Evora is about halfway between Lisbon and the Spanish border.

The town of Sagres is located in the most southwestern point of Europe, in the Algarve region of Portugal. It is home to several beautiful beaches, with an active surf community. During my first trip to Portugal, I stayed at the Martinhal Sagres Family Beach Resort , a large, luxurious resort made especially for families that is the perfect place for a family to relax.

It can be a little challenging to get to the Algarve if you fly into Lisbon. Options include rental cars (for a road trip from Lisbon – about 3 hours), public transportation (trains), or private transportation. There is also an international airport in Faro, which is east of Sagres but still in the Algarve region. However, I’d recommend visiting during your trip to Portugal because it has some of the best beaches in the area.

During our most recent visit, we stayed in Carvoeiro in the Algarve. This area offers beaches, resorts, shops, and restaurants, and is famous for the Carvoeiro Caves. I’d definitely recommend going on an Algarve cave tour during your time in the area – it’s such a unique experience and a fun thing to see.

During our trip, we stayed at a beautiful, clifftop resort, right in Carvoeiro. The Tivoli Carvoeiro is a luxury resort offering a spa, restaurants, an outdoor pool, and gorgeous views of the natural beauty of the ocean and cliffs.

Ponta Delgada

Ponta Delgada is located on the archipelago of the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean (on São Miguel Island ) and is the capital city of the Azores region. The Azores can be one of the easiest European vacations for families, due to their proximity to the East Coast of the US. It’s a relatively short flight.

Although I haven’t been to the Azores (except for a flight layover), they are definitely on my list. These beautiful islands are known for their gorgeous hydrangeas, and also offer many things to see and do.

Have you been to Portugal? Which city or town in Portugal is your favorite?

Frequently Asked Questions

Like the rest of Europe, summer is a popular time in Europe. We enjoyed our August vacation, although we were lucky because it wasn’t too hot. Late spring or early fall would be less busy and should still have nice weather.

The Azores are located about 1,000 miles from the mainland of Portugal. Some flights from the northeast of the US have a layover in the Azores before continuing on to Lisbon.

Lisbon is the largest airport and is likely to have the most direct flights. However, if you want to go to Porto and the Algarve, you’ll need to travel North and then South.

The post 10 Best Cities To Visit in Portugal on Vacation appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .