The Algarve, Portugal‘s southernmost region, is famous for its spectacular coastal landscapes and rich cultural heritage. About 2.5 hours from Lisbon , this impressive region is best explored by car. 6 days is ideal to visit the whole Algarve.
As we had limited time, we visited Lagos, Olhao, Faro, Portimao, Silves and Tavira and during this visit we stayed in a farmhouse in Alvor. For those who are curious about the house, here is the airbnb link! We could not go, but Albufeira and Sagres are also among the frequently visited places.
The Algarve, with its impressive beaches and dramatic cliffs, is definitely a route that does not regret. Praia da Marinha, Praia dos Três Irmãos, Praia da Rocha, Praia de Benagil, Praia Dona Ana, Praia Da Ilha Deserta and Praia da Falésia are the most prominent beaches of the region. These beaches fascinate with their unique landscapes; however, swimming is a bit difficult due to the waves.
Although it is touristic, you can taste good examples of Portuguese cuisine in the Algarve, there are many options such as many restaurants in the Michelin guide, star chef restaurants, affordable restaurants… Here is what we experienced on this 3-day trip!
Restaurants:
Restaurant Estamine
Avenida Restaurant
O Leão de Porches
Santa Maria Petiscaria
À Mesa Tavira
Herdade dos Grous – wine vineyard and restaurant where we stopped on our journey from Faro to Porto.
Breakfast:
Black&White Coffee Shop – a good coffee shop and bakery in Lagos.
Ponto Expresso – a simple buffet in Faro.
Lagos
It is known for its whitewashed houses, city walls and unique beaches such as Praia Dona Ana. It stands out with its lively nightlife and restaurants. We preferred Black and White Coffeeshop for breakfast and Avenida Restaurant for dinner.
Olhão
It is the most important fishing town in the Algarve. It is located 15 minutes east of Faro. Its weekend market and Mercado de Olhão are worth a visit.
Faro
Capital of the Algarve. The old town is famous for its narrow walled streets, cathedral and Arco da Vila. You can start the day with breakfast at Ponto Expresso and continue at Ilha Deserta beach. You can reach this beach by boat and you must make a reservation for the restaurant. Restaurant Estamine is a sustainability-based restaurant specialising in seafood.
Silves
The medieval Silves Castle is the symbol of the town. Silves Cathedral is also worth a visit.
Tavira
It is known as the most authentic and beautiful town of the region. We could not fully enjoy it because of the road works, but it is a sweet town. You have to take a short boat journey to reach Tavira’s beach.
Day 1 Arrival in Lisbon
Day 2 Lisbon
Day 3 Lisbon
Day 4: Sintra-Cascais & Faro
Day 5 Faro
Day 6 Faro
Day 7 Faro to Porto
8. Gün: Porto
9. Gün: Porto
Day 10 Porto to Lisbon and Back Home
Herdade dos Grous is a vineyard house hotel and restaurant in the Alentejo region of Portugal.
Anexcellent view of nature: The restaurant is situated in the middle of a 70-hectare farm and surrounded by olive groves, There arevineyards and ponds. The natural landscape is extremely beautiful.
Local Alentejo cuisine: The restaurant reflects the best of Portugal’s traditional Alentejo cuisine. The menu features flavoursome and authentic dishes made from local produce. The wine selection also consists of the wines of the region. You can check the menu of the restaurant here. There are two guides that stand out in the food and beverage sector in Portugal. One of them is Michelin, which we all know, and Boa Cama Boa Mesa, with its Herdade dos Grous restaurant, is included in both guides.
Before the meal, we were served with marvellous croutons, olives and a good olive oil. We ordered Oven roasted fresh cod and Pork Ourique style with fresh mint sauce which was very good. We ordered a small bottle of sparkling to accompany our meal, we would have liked to spend longer here. We couldn’t do wine tasting as we were on our way, but you should definitely keep it in mind.
Sustainable agricultural practices: Organic farming and animal husbandry are practised on the farm. This is reflected in the restaurant’s menu and enables it to offer delicious and healthy products.
Faro is a charming city in the Algarve region of Portugal, famous for the natural beauty of its surroundings. One of these beauties is the Faro islands, where the Ria Formosa Natural Park is located. Ilha Deserta, located between these islands, is home to Restaurant Estamine. There is only one beach on this island and only one establishment, Restaurant Estamine. This is a restaurant that can only be reached by boat and attaches great importance to sustainability. Here are our recommendations for those who want to visit this unique restaurant.
To reach Restaurant Estamine, you need to take one of the boats departing from Faro. With these boats departing from Faro Marina, you arrive at Ilha Deserta after a journey of about 40 minutes. During this journey, you have the opportunity to pass through the Ria Formosa Natural Park. To get here, do not forget to make your boat reservation according to your reservation time at the restaurant. It can also be reached by speedboat. The fast service takes about 15 minutes. Sea transport is paid.
One of the most striking features of Estamine is that it is a sustainability-based business. The restaurant tries to minimise its environmental impact by using local and seasonal products. In addition, the restaurant is largely powered by solar panels and uses various methods to minimise water consumption. Waste management and recycling are also among Estamine’s priorities.
Estamine’s menu offers exquisite examples of seafood and local Algarve cuisine. Here are some of the menu highlights: Scallop carpaccio, shrimp casserole, octopus salad, grilled fish varieties are the highlights of the menu. You can take a look at the restaurant’s menu here. The ones we tried are as follows: ‘Petiscos’ tasting menu, Grandma’s Squid Stew and ‘Island’ Tuna.
While dining at Estamine, you enjoy a peaceful view of the sea and the sands. The restaurant is built with natural materials and designed in harmony with the environment. After eating your meals, you can take a walk on the island’s pristine beaches or swim in the ocean…
