Algarve · Portugal · Itineraries
Algarve in 5 days with kids: a day-by-day plan
Five days in the Algarve with kids works best as one drive west to east: Lagos old town and beach on day one, a boat trip along the Ponta da Piedade cliffs on day two, Sagres and the western tip on day three, the Benagil sea cave on day four, and Faro old town on day five before the flight. Base in Lagos for four nights and the last night near Faro.
Day by day
- 1
Day 1: Lagos old town
Arrive, drop your bags and walk the old town of Lagos. The streets are cobbled and mostly pedestrian, the old walls are easy to find, and the cafes serve pastries and cold drinks to tired travellers. A short drive east is Meia Praia, a very long, flat beach with shallow water that suits small children after a flight. Keep the day light: a walk, a swim and an early dinner. In summer the old town is livelier after sunset, when children can stay up a little.
- 2
Day 2: Ponta da Piedade
Ponta da Piedade is the headland just south of Lagos, where golden cliffs, rock arches and sea caves stand in turquoise water. The best way to see it is by boat, and small boat tours leave from the marina and nearby beaches and weave through the grottoes. Book a morning slot, when the water is calmer and the light is better. Most operators provide life jackets for children, so ask before booking. Afterwards, walk the clifftop path for views back over the rocks.
- 3
Day 3: Sagres and the western tip
Sagres is the windy town at the far south-west corner of Portugal, about forty minutes by car from Lagos. The old fortress sits on a bare headland with wide views, and nearby Cabo de São Vicente is the south-western tip of mainland Europe, with a lighthouse. The wind is strong and the air cool even in summer, so bring a jacket and hold on to hats. Lunch on fresh grilled fish in town, and stop at a beach on the way back.
- 4
Day 4: Benagil sea cave
The Benagil cave is a sea cave with a hole in its roof that lets light fall onto a small beach inside. Most visitors reach it by boat, kayak or paddleboard from the beaches around Benagil and Carvoeiro. Go early, since the cave gets crowded by late morning and the sea tends to be calmer at the start of the day. Check current local rules about access and landing, as these are regulated, and avoid going on rough days. Children need to be confident in the water.
- 5
Day 5: Faro old town, then fly
Faro is the Algarve's capital and its airport town, so it is the practical place for the last day. The old town, the Cidade Velha, is walled, quiet and compact, with a cathedral, a small square and cobbled lanes that take an hour or two to see. A short bridge from the city leads to Praia de Faro, a long beach for a last swim. Leave enough time to return your rental car and reach the airport, which is close to the city.
Plan it
- Best time
- May, June, September and early October give warm days and manageable crowds. July and August are hottest and busiest, and boat trips book up earlier.
- How long
- Five days is the plan as written. Add a day at the start for a slower arrival, or a day in the east near Tavira.
- Getting around
- Rent a car at Faro airport. Lagos is walkable, and the drives between days are under an hour each.
Good to know
- Book boat trips for the morning, when seas are calmer and fewer people are around.
- Pack layers for Sagres, where the wind makes it feel colder than the rest of the coast.
- Keep a day-three snack kit in the car, since there is little shade or shelter at the tip.
Frequently asked
Is five days enough for the Algarve with kids? +
Yes, for the highlights. Five days covers Lagos, the cliffs, Sagres, Benagil and Faro at a family pace. A week gives more beach time and a trip to the calmer east near Tavira.
Where should a family stay in the Algarve? +
Lagos is the best base for this plan: a walkable old town, easy beach access and short drives to the main sights. For calmer water and a quieter setting, Tavira in the east is the main alternative.
Are Algarve boat trips safe for children? +
Licensed tours are generally suitable for most children, with life jackets provided. Choose a morning trip in calm weather, and check the operator's age rules. Kayaks and paddleboards suit older, confident swimmers only.
How far is Lagos from Faro airport? +
About an hour by car on the motorway, depending on traffic. Public transport takes longer, with a train from Faro to Lagos taking around two hours. A rental car is the easiest option.
