A self-drive holiday in Portugal along the cliff lined coast of the Algarve between Faro in the east and Sagres on the western tip of southern Portugal is great fun for all the family. A self-drive holiday means you can pack what you want and come and go as you please.Check out our 7-day itinerary and if this sounds like your kind of holiday then check out our rates for car hire in Portugal

Day 1

Start your driving adventure in Faro, the most popular travel hub in the Algarve. Pass by the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, an area covering 170km and home to hundreds of bird species before starting your adventure by driving west along the main route the EN125 which stretches the length of southern Portugal.

Day 2

The plush resort of Vilamoura is home to the largest marina in the Algarve. Dine in one of the many restaurants that surround the picturesque marina and relax on Falesia Beach, one of the longest beaches in Portugal stretching 6km between Vilamoura and Olhos Do Agua. For golf enthusiasts, tee off from one of Vilamoura’s four famous golf courses.

Day 3

Follow the EN125 west to the next town along the Algarve coast, Albufeira. Avoid the tourists and take a wander through the charming narrow streets of the old town, stop for lunch in one of the quaint Portuguese eateries situated on top of the Albufeira cliffs. Head to the beach to board a boat tour and explore the famous Xorino caves, an ideal spot for snorkelling.

Day 4

En route to the historic town of Silves, stop at one of the many roadside stalls dotted along the EN125 to buy some fresh oranges that grow on the many orange trees in the Algarve. Set upon the River Arade and dating back to Roman times, the town of Silves is rich in history and made apparent by its dominant Moorish castle which stands on the hill towering over the town.

Day 5

Located inland, up in the Serra de Monchique mountain range, Monchique is a quiet Portuguese market town with narrow cobbled streets. A trip to Monchique would not be complete without visiting the ruins of a 17th Century convent the Nossa Senhora de Desterro up on the hillside above Monchique or the Roman baths at the spa of Caldas de Monchique, complete with hot springs and a spa.

Day 6

Head back towards the coast to the historic city of Lagos. Take a walk around the market square and pick up a hand crafted souvenir or wander around the port with great views out to sea. Keep an eye out for traditional Portuguese blue and white patterned tiles called ‘azulejos’ which can be seen on Portuguese buildings.

Day 7

The final stop on the EN125 route is the town of Sagres. Located on the south-westerly tip of the country, Sagres was the starting point for Portuguese journeys of discoveries back in the 14th Century. It was from Sagres that discoverers set out to explore new trading routes with other continents, including Asia and Africa. Due to its location, the waves off the coast of Sagres are perfect for surfing and for dolphin watching.

Remember your cheap holiday insurance!

So that you can really enjoy your self-drive holiday in the Algarve, don’t forget to take out your cheap holiday insurance as soon as you book your trip. It is important that you remember to check that your cheap travel insurance policy offers you the level of cover that you need for your break before you buy it.

When buying your cheap holiday insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure your holiday insurance provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your cheap holiday insurance documentation and the 24-hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number so you’re prepared for every eventuality!

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