The Algarve forgives short trips better than most destinations — its greatest hits sit within an hour of each other — but the coast reveals different versions of itself depending on how long you linger.
Three days: the essential coast
One base, two rhythms: a town with character (Lagos or Tavira) plus one full boat-and-coves day. You can see Ponta da Piedade or Benagil, eat one great fish dinner and still have beach afternoons left unstructured.
Five days: two bases, deeper water
Split west and east — say Lagos plus Tavira — and the region starts making sense: cliffs versus lagoons, surf versus sandbanks. Add one inland or mountain afternoon and one proper hiking morning.
Seven days: the whole story
A week absorbs the full arc — Benagil caves, Ria Formosa islands, Sagres' end-of-the-world headland, a Silves castle wander, market mornings and enough empty beach time to justify the flight.
Longer stays
Beyond a week, rent an apartment, learn which café pours the best galão and adopt a favourite bench on the cliff path. Monthly rates drop sharply outside July–August; winter residents call it their best-kept secret.
