Portugal Inland Paths, Self-drive

Choose this eight-days self-drive tour and get inspired by discovering inland paths of Algarve and Alentejo. The natural diversity of these regions is undoubtedly one of the greatest riches. Starting in Faro, fascinating capital of Algarve, you will drive to Monchique, scenic base for exploring the natural scenery, with some excellent options for walking, biking and canoeing. A strip of coastal villages will take you to Grandola, beautiful, privileged area popular for relaxing at close Troia or Comporta beach, and once in Évora you will be allured by its unique romantic atmosphere, delicious gastronomy and captivating history. This trip will fill all your senses and will leave great memories for the lifetime. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Monchique: picturesque region that offers excellent hiking or cycling excursion or adventurous canoeing. Popular for the thermal villa Caldas de Monchique and Love Fountain.

Cabo São Vicent: marvelous landscape unspoiled coastlines and dramatic horizons of cliffs, covered by the myths and legends from the Discoveries Are and the enigmatic figure of Prince Henry the Navigator.

Sagres: this fortress is a witness of the mysterious history and legends of maritime adventure founded by the 15th century by the Infante D. Henrique.

Grândola: charming town, dazzled by its diverse mountainous and coastline surroundings. Home to different architectonical sites and memorable monuments of Carnation Revolution

Évora: book of Portuguese art history, city written in the UNESCO World Heritage, perceiving the loving spirit of the local poets and art lovers.

Day 1: ARRIVAL FARO – MONCHIQUE (80 km – 1 h)

Arrive at Faro International Airport, meet and greet by our local representative who will assist you with your car hire and inform you how to proceed on your departure day. Make the most of your time in the Algarve. Drive to the capital of the Algarve – Faro (just 10 minutes from the airport) and explore this city with centuries of history, starting in the Moorish and medieval times. Stroll downs the narrow streets and whitewashed houses, walk inside the walls, perhaps have a drink at one of the cities iconic bars facing the beautiful sea view or taste shellfish at one of the local restaurant. Afterwards, drive to Monchique, check-in to your hotel and the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing at the thermal resort. 

Overnight in Monchique.

Day 2: MONCHIQUE – CAPE ST. VICENTE – MONCHIQUE (180 km – 2.5 hrs)

Have an early breakfast at the hotel and after, take a short walk along the Caldas de Monchique, to find Fonte dos Amores – the Love Fountain. Today, you will be heading towards the Edge of Portugal in the South, Sagres and Cape São Vicente. If you drive straight to Cape São Vicent, besides the magnificent view over the Atlantic Ocean you will see Sagres, the fortress that witnesses all the legends of maritime adventure during the Moorish pirates’ attacks. Later on visit the Village of Pedralva and experience the rural life in the Algarve. Perhaps stop at the Gourmet Grocery or enjoy lunch at the local restaurant. On the way back, drive along the coast, pass through Lagos, and finish this day with the romantic sunset at Ponta da Piedade.

Overnight in Monchique.

Day 3: MONCHIQUE – FOIA – GRANDOLA (180km – 2h30m)

After your leisure breakfast at the hotel, check-out and follow your drive to Grandola. En-route visit the village of Monchique, starting point for a hike up to Foia Peak, the highest point in the Algarve. Continue driving to Aljezur, a small charming village that stretches along the coastline and admire breath-taking views over the ocean. Perhaps stop for a lunch at the local restaurant and try Perceves, typical speciality of this region. Passing Vila Nova de Mil Fontes, you will be arriving at the hotel that is settled in the beautiful Valley of Sobreiras. After the check-in, spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying all facilities of the hotel and admiring the charming rural atmosphere of its landscape. Dinner at the hotel (included).

Overnight in Grândola.

Day 4: GRANDOLA – COMPORTA – GRANDOLA (120 km – 2.45 hrs)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and get ready for exploring Grândola. Walk along its archaeological sites and discover the monuments of Carnation Revolution, memorable for ending fascism in Portugal. Drive to Comporta beach, located on the south of Troia. Lay back and relax at the beach and continue to Cais Palafitico da Carrasqueira, a masterpiece of popular architecture. This port, built on irregular wooden piles and boards, is a popular photography destination. The wharf and its mooring lines are used by local fishing boats. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this rural place and return back to your hotel visiting picturesque villages, such as Melides and Santiago de Cacém and discover more about the Alentejo region and its unique rustic spirit. Dinner at the hotel (included).

Overnight in Grândola.

Day 5: GRANDOLA – ALQUEVA – EVORA (197 km – 2.45 hrs)

Begin your day with a breakfast at the hotel, check-out and get ready for your following destination, Évora, the city commonly known as the book of Portuguese art history. You will drive along the Great Lake resulting from the Alqueva Reservoir, the largest artificial lake in Europe, surrounded by an enviable natural landscape. Alqueva Sky is the first certified place in the world by Starlight Foundation as a Starlight Tourism Destination, the perfect place to observe sky and stars. Drive to Aldeia da Luz, village submerged by the dam waters, visit the Museum and explore deeper about its tragic history. Not far from Évora, there is a Reguengos de Monsaraz, well-known for its delicious wines. Once in Évora, check-in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Évora.

Day 6: EVORA – ELVAS – BADAJOZ (SPAIN) – EVORA (205 km – 2.45 hrs)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Today you will extend your driving experience for Badajoz, located in Spain. En-route stop at the Evoramonte parish and admire simple white houses, traditionally painted with white lime and unique ornaments. Follow to Estremoz, simple provincial town, busy trading center, with lots of shops selling farm tools, earthenware pottery and gourmet delights – all of which are available at the great market that takes part at the huge central square on Saturday. The town also boasts some excellent eateries. In Elvas visit the largest bulwarked fortification in the world that had major importance during the battles of independence of Portugal in the mid-17th century, and served as a base for General Wellington during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. Afterwards you will be crossing the border with Spain and you will arrive at Badajoz. Badajoz has a handful of good museums and a hilltop Alcazaba. Return to Évora and spend the rest of the afternoon walking down its romantic streets, perhaps taste the local gastronomy at one of the restaurants. 

Overnight in Évora.

Day 7: ÉVORA – MONCHIQUE (210 km – 2.45 hrs)

After the breakfast at the hotel, check-out and head to Évora. The name came from the Celtic word, Ebora and nowadays it is one of the most romantic cities of Portugal, classified in the UNESCO World Heritage. Templo de Diana (Diana Temple), Catedral da Sé, Capela dos Ossos, are just a few sites to visit, on which you will learn why this city was chosen by the Portuguese kings as their residence. Delicious local gastronomy cannot be ignored, as its Migas com Carne, leftover bread, soaked in water, garlic, spices and combined with braised pork, is a luscious experience for the foodie lovers. Big farewell to Évora because in the afternoon you will drive back to Monchique in Algarve. 

Overnight in Monchique.

Day 8: MONCHIQUE – DEPARTURE FARO (80 km – 1 h)

Spend your last morning in Portugal savouring your breakfast. After check-out from your hotel and drive back to Faro Airport where you will return the rental car and prepare for your return flight.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Portugal. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.