If you have an only weekend, I would most likely stay in Lagos for all the nights and use it as a base. It’s in the middle of the west and east Algarve and a really nice town. I would not rush from one place to another and explore slowly. Luckily the distances are not far and the roads are very good. My recommended route would be sth similar:

• Friday evening - arrive in Lagos and stay there
• Saturday - explore Lagos, and beaches, and do the walks. If you have time, go to the Western Algarve - have some stops on the Vincente coast, visit Sagres and go to Cabo de São Vicente for sunset.
• Sunday - explore the Eastern side of the Algarve: 7 hanging valleys trail (or part of it), towns like Ferragudo and Cavaeiro

TOWNS & VILLAGES 📍

LAGOS

A nice coastal town in Western Algarve. A good place to have for your base - not too touristic (compared to Albufeira & Faro), but cute old town, one of the best beaches and lots of hiking trails. Middle of many sights that can be reached with a car within 30-60 minutes.

Beaches 🌊: one of the best beaches in the Algarve

• Praia don Ana - a popular beach situated between the limestone cliffs south of Lagos.
• Praia de Camilo - a smaller beach close to Praia don Ana also between the cliffs. Can be crowded during the day as it’s the favourite beach of many people. Popular for pictures (stairs & between the cliffs). Definitely worth visiting. MUST DO!
• Praia de Porto Mos - long and wide beach, windier and with bigger waves, popular among surfers. As it’s wide it doesn’t seem so crowded. Nice for walking. You can have a hike to Praia de Luz through the Fishermen’s Trail which has very good views over the coast.

Hikes & Walks Lagos 🥾

• Ponta da Piedade - different cliff formations; nice and must-do walk in Lagos, go away from boardwalks and discover some smaller paths. Possible to have a boat tour to see the caves (or kayaking). MUST DO!
• Passadiços da Ponta da Piedade - another great walking opportunity to explore random cliffs. You can find hidden stairs to Praia do Canavial - rocky beach and very private (some people reading or looking for quiet time), not the best for sunbathing as it’s rocky, but a small picnic or snack.
• Also, lots of walking opportunities between beaches Praia don Ana and Praia do Camilo - just wander around there and explore small paths.

OTHER TOWNS

Ferragudo - a very pretty (quiet) village close to Lagos with a cute old town and seaside area next to the canal. Lots of seafood and crabs. Nice to have a short walk (or even stay one night). I saw the best sunset there. Also has a small beach and a beach bar recommended by locals called Club Nau (I didn’t go there).

Carvoeiro - a small and cute town. Another option when choosing a place for accommodation (more quiet and relaxed compared to Lagos).