I am planning to leave in the early morning from Tavira ( May 1st 2026) and drive on the A-22 all the way to Sagres and Cape St-Vincent, and from there work my way back to Carvoeiro following the coast ( as much as possible through smaller roads, as organised by Chatgpt). I want to see Sagres, Salema, Lagos, Portimao and finish in Carvoeiro where we will be staying for 4 days. We will not have another chance during those 4 days to do another big road trip, just local stuff. 3 questions: 1) Is it too much in one day?
2) Should we see Albufeira and Faro on the way? 3) waht to absolutely not miss? We need to be back between 5-6 pm for check-in.Thanks.
Posted by
Washington DC
30502 posts
If you haven't already done so, plug your itinerary into ViaMichelin.com and see what it says about the driving time.
If you then zoom way in on the map, especially scenic roads will be highlighted in green.
Posted by
460 posts
It's possible but you'll have to rush through all those towns.
I would go directly to Sagres as you mentioned, on the way back I would not rush but enjoy each location while keeping an eye on the time to get back.
You won't see everything but enjoy more the ones that you'll actually have time for, by the way Faro is an easy day trip from Faro either by train or bus.
Posted by
OP
Ottawa, Canada
96 posts
Thanks everyone!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
13419 posts
Why not do Tavira to Carvoeiro and all the in between you are interested in on the day you transfer to Carvoeiro, and then go to Cape St Vincent as a day trip another day? It is only ~50 miles so not "another big road trip" to go from Carvoeiro to CSV.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
1604 posts
The whole route is driveable in a day. However, I suggest that you use the faster toll (cheap) highway to go from stop to stop. The side roads are sloooow and have lots of roundabouts which are annoying. After 20 minutes of driving on those side roads in the Algarve and they all look the same. I would not want to waste my time on the small roads. I would prefer to get to each little town ASAP and enjoy the very little available time allotted for this road trip. Good luck.
Posted by
OP
Ottawa, Canada
96 posts
Great advice...thanks everyone!