Top 10 Algarve Road Trips

10 of the best scenic drives in The Algarve

Wedged between the Atlantic on two sides, the rugged west coast in particular is a haven for surfers, and its natural blessings are bountiful – cruise around the Algarve and you’ll see dizzying cliffs, secret sea caves, hidden coves and more.

Meanwhile, the tourist resorts dotted around the south coast offer everything from fun water parks for kids to exhilarating water sports for adults, with a lively nightlife scene that includes everything from laid-back beach bars to plush nightclubs. Alternatively, if you’re more of a serene nature lover, you’ll adore exploring the expansive Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, where you’ll see lagoons teeming with birds and enchanting, unspoiled islands.

Drive up into the interior through undulating countryside to find imposing historic castles and sparkling whitewashed villages, cool and colourful citrus orchards and rustic restaurants where you can sample lip-smacking local cuisine served with plenty of charm but little ceremony.

You’ll need to hire a car to make the best of your Algarve adventures and it’s easy with Enjoy Travel. Drop in your destination, dates and details, hit the button and you’ll be served up with economic, stylish and practical makes and models from the top regional, national and international car hire partners.

Whether you want an intermediate-sized car for transporting your family on intercity trips or a 7-seter or minibus for a larger group that wants to travel in comfort, we’ve got you covered! Book ahead of time to grab an early bird bargain, then simply sit back, relax and unwind – safe in the knowledge that your wheels, and sun-kissed holiday, await.

Tips on driving in the Algarve

Your Algarve road trips are arriving soon, but let’s take a quick pitstop to run through some top tips on driving in the Algarve – it’s worthwhile if you haven’t driven there in a while.

Driving in the Algarve is pretty chilled-out and hassle-free compared to the more hectic streets of large Portuguese cities like Porto and Lisbon and there are lots of stunning isolated beaches and traditional villages which you can only reach by private vehicle thanks to the limited public transport system in rural areas.

Cars drive on the right in Portugal (which you hopefully know if you’re taking a staycation here rather than a vacation!), the national speed limit is 90km/h for regular roads and 120 km/h on motorways and dual carriageways. In towns and built-up areas, the limit reduced to 50 km/h and signage in other local areas indicates different limits – so be observant.

There’s a zero tolerance approach to drinking and driving here, children under 12 aren’t allowed to travel in the front of the vehicle unless they’re taller than 150cm and an unusual rule here is you must give way to traffic joining a main road from the right.

Now that we’re caught up with the rode code in this immaculate part of the Iberian Peninsula, let’s get moving with your 10 scenic Algarve road trips!