What to see in the Algarve and homestay accommodations?

Hello, I’d like to travel alone to the Algarve for about 10 days, as my husband sadly passed away. I’m thinking of going at the end of April or beginning of May 2026. I’ll fly into Faro, then rent a car and head toward the westernmost tip of the coast. Over 10 days, what are the best spots to see from Faro to the tip—hikes along the coastline or even exploring the countryside? For accommodations, can I also stay with locals? And which car rental company is the best? Thanks in advance for your help! Jo

Hi there, I visited the Algarve for 5 days in mid-October 2023 during my Europe tour by train and bus. I arrived in Faro by bus from Seville and rented a car. I had central accommodation (Boliqueime, 30 km from Faro) but not a homestay—it was a furnished place. I rented the car from Visacar (through Rentalcars) because they had an office in the city center (since I was arriving by bus), but they’re also at the airport. I got a hybrid Panda, which was enough for what I needed.

Here’s what I visited: Coastal areas: - Historic city center of Faro (while waiting for the rental agency to open) - The Seven Hanging Valleys hike (round trip), starting from the parking lot at 8 AM because the sun rises late at that time of year. It got really hot after 10 AM—I saw people as red as tomatoes, so definitely bring a hat and water. You’re almost alone until around 10 AM. It’s stunning but gets crowded quickly during the day. - Lagos and the Ponta da Piedade cliffs hike: another spectacular coastline. I didn’t go down to the beaches—they were quite busy. - Ria Formosa Nature Reserve on a day when the weather was unpredictable. I did it on foot, but you can also take a boat—many operators offer tours.

Inland: - 1 day for the typical villages of Paderne, Alte, São Bartolomeu de Messines, Monchique, and Silves - 1 day for Alcoutim (on the Spanish border), Castro Marim, Cacela Velha, and Estoi

You can check out my photos and read my travel journal on my Polarstep album by going directly to day 40: https://www.polarsteps.com/moietlechatTraveller/8378088-europe-2023 Happy planning! Sophie

Good evening Sophie, Thank you so much for all the information. I’m sorry for the late reply—I just found your email in my spam folder. I’ll dig into your response for some tips for my trip. Have a great rest of the day! Jofra Joëlle

Hi there, I was amazed by this coast when I traveled along it in June 2024—it was my first time! From Tavira to Lagos, I visited a few spots along the oceanfront. I stayed in Olhão, with all its surrounding islands, which is still a quiet place. Tavira really left a great impression on me, but not just that...

The streets of Tavira



Olhão fishing port

Hello, I was amazed by this coast that I traveled in June 2024—it was my first time. From Tavira to Lagos, I visited a few spots along the oceanfront. I stayed in Olhão, with all its surrounding islands, which is still a quiet place. Tavira left me with great memories, but not just that...

The streets of Tavira



Olhão fishing port



Hello, Thanks so much! The little fishing port really inspires me to spend a few days there before exploring the west coast and using Carvoeiro as a base.

Hi there, a little overview of the area around Olhão, its salt pans, and nearby Fuseta....

Salt pans of Olhão





the area around Fuseta