Planning for October – We will arrive at the Algarve from Évora in the evening, by car, and spend the next 2 ½ days there. On the last day we’ll drive to Lisbon. Our interests are hiking, nice local food and photography – partying is not part of the plan. Where would it make the most sense to lodge given our interests and the driving route we expect to follow? I am assuming distances allow for a lone location, which logistically I’d prefer - but would consider splitting the stays if it makes sense. Thank you!
Posted by
Georgetown,KY
158 posts
We have stayed there 2x for three days each. First time in Mid-Sept at Praia de Centianes near Carvoeiro and second time in Burgau in early October. Neither was nearly as crowded as I am sure they are in the summer. But weather was still pleasant. Each was was good option for us at either end of the Algarve. Burgau - smaller beach town with a few restaurants- allowed for nice day trips by car to Lagos, Silves, Sagres, Luz (hated Salema). We hiked from Burgau to Luz and back. On the other end, there is extensive hiking starting at Praia de Centianes (Seven Hangibg Valleys Trail) and nearby Benagil caves nearby.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
1511 posts
We stayed in the Algarve in September, 2023.
We found that prices (and crowds) dropped and vacancies increased a lot after the August high season ends. You should have lots of choices in October. Try booking.com for a huge selection or rentalvalley.com if you want to rent a villa or luxury apartment, which we did for 4 nights in Lagos.
Posted by
Boston area
6 posts
Sheila What did you dislike about Salema? Rick Steves recommends it???
Posted by
SF Bay Area
90 posts
Seven Hanging Valleys is a very popular trail, but it has really gorgeous views. We could only spend a couple of hours on it, but did enjoy it. We ended up near the eastern end, in a tiny town called Fuseta/Fuzeta, which was very relaxing. No hikes, but it's right in the Ria Formosa, which is a national park, so great for kayaking and birdwatching. Our tiny hotel was right on the water, and we could see flamingos (though they do not hang out very close). Fuseta also had great seafood.
If you end up near the western end, look into the Fisherman's Trail, a series of interconnected hikes that go along the coastline.