Seven days let the Algarve stop being an itinerary and start being a place. The structure below alternates big days with recovery ones — the locals' pacing trick.
Days 1–3 — West: cliffs and caves
Base in Lagos. Day one: old town and Ponta da Piedade sunset. Day two: Benagil cave boat trip with a swim stop. Day three: Seven Hanging Valleys hike, ending at Praia da Marinha's boardwalk panorama.
Days 4–5 — Centre: sardines and castles
Move to the Portimão or Albufeira side. Morning at the fish market or Praia da Rocha's fortress viewpoint, afternoon at Silves' red castle above the Arade river, evening sardines wherever the smoke drifts. Beach hours slot wherever the mood lands.
Days 6–7 — East: lagoon time
Finish in Tavira. Ferry to the barrier island for a full slow day, kayak the Ria Formosa channels next morning, and close with Cacela Velha at golden hour — the coast's final, quietest masterpiece.
Optional swaps
Golfers substitute a championship round near Vilamoura on day five; surfers redirect day three to Sagres' two-coast break selection; families replace the hike with a water park afternoon without guilt.
