Self-Drive Holiday in Albufeira Central Algarve

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Faro

Individual arrival to Faro Airport and rent-a-car vehicle pick up. Drive to Albufeira.

Holidays in Albufeira, Algarve’s most popular resort.

Day 2 – Discover your Surroundings

We suggest starting this day with a wonderful journey through the contrasts of the Algarve. First, let’s take the time to explore Albufeira. This cosmopolitan town was built by the Arabs on top of Cerro da Vila, a cliff that is almost like a peninsula, an invincible position, which is why they called it Al Buhera (fortress). Before them, the Romans called it Baltum.
The 1755 earthquake destroyed practically all the buildings. The Church of São Sebastião and the Church of Sant’Ana, both dating back to the 18th-century, have some details that survived the terrible event.
As you leave Albufeira and begin your drive, in just a few minutes, you’ll find yourself in a very different sort of landscape, with small, friendly clusters of houses.
In Ferreiras, 5 km north of Albufeira, some of the houses still have the typical chimneys, parapets, and roof terraces. There, you’re taking the winding EM 395, where you can see windmills and waterwheels.
We recommend as you start driving south, to experience Vilamoura, not just for the well-tended golf courses and exquisite houses.
There’s an Environmental Park in Vilamoura, an ecological and landscape asset. The bittern and the purple gallinule are the stars of this ecosystem, where more than a hundred species of birds can be observed.
There’s also a museum and the Cerro da Vila archaeological site that offer visitors an imaginary journey through a 1st-century Roman villa.
Next, the blue and golden beaches of Praia da Falésia, Praia do Barranco das Belharucas, the unspoiled beauty of Olhos de Água, Praia Maria Luísa, and Praia da Balaia, before driving back to the hotel.

Sra da Rocha, a fishing harbour that roughly translates as ‘Our Lady of the Rocks, is a beautiful beach, which has a promontory with a beautiful old chapel on top.

Day 3 – The Hills Beyond the Sea

Today we invite you to know a different side of the Algarve. Away from the hustle and bustle of the coastal developments that have arisen next to the ocean, storks peer down from the chimneys of the ceramic kilns, and gentle streams cut their way through green fields.
Let us take you to Rocha da Pena, a colourful showcase of the beauties of the Barrocal. There are 390 plant species and 122 species of birds already identified there. In order to have a closer look at the area, we suggest that you take the time and wander through this landscape of dreams.
From here, continue to Querença. Older people say that Querença means affection, love, and goodwill. Located near two streams, the village is full of charm and beautiful views. In the main square, the Main Church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção (Our Lady of the Assumption) has a fine Manueline doorway.
As the day unfolds we’ll take you to São Brás de Alportel. Cork from São Brás de Alportel is among the best in the world and is used for the corks of the most famous champagnes. The cork oaks stand here majestically, with the strawberry trees growing in their shade – beautiful spontaneous small trees. Do not miss the chance to visit the Museum of Costumes and we promise that you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Springtime brings a burst of colours

Day 4 – Discover the Ria Formosa in the East Algarve

The day will drive you to the Ria Formosa, a system of lagoons of great natural beauty. It has been attracting visitors for ages, for the exquisite seafood, beautiful fishing villages, and fabulous beaches. From Faro, it extends eastwards for almost 60kms.
We suggest a wider circuit to access Moncarapacho. This small village beautifully surrounded by streets covered in pomegranate trees hosts Moncarapacho Pottery, a family-run craft business, producing traditional local pieces. This is an ideal place to find a souvenir of the Algarve.
There are a number of 19th-century and early 20th-century houses in the village; and the main church, dating back to the 15th-century, is an enlargement of the original Gothic chapel. The Parish Museum, adjoining the Chapel of Espírito Santo (Holy Spirit), contains a valuable collection of religious imagery from the 16th to 18th-centuries.
Don’t lose the opportunity to drive to the top of Cerro de São Miguel, 411 meters above sea level, from where one of the most beautiful views in the Algarve can be seen.
The Ria Formosa Nature Park covers an area of some 17,000 hectares, from Cacela Velha to Ancão, and provides an opportunity to discover the wonderful world of the fauna and flora of this part of the Algarve coast.
The Information and Interpretation Centre in Quinta de Marim, 1 km from Olhão, has a museum and exhibitions that are well worth visiting.

Cubic rooftops Olhao, a rare gem and a top place for a relaxing tour.

Day 5 – Individual departure or extra days