I was fortunate enough to visit the Algarve region in Southern Portugal during my trip, which was an unforgettable experience. This area perfectly matched my preferences with its combination of ocean, nature, and mouth-watering cuisine. Moreover, we were treated to some spectacular sightseeing opportunities and breathtaking vistas.
Nestled along the Atlantic coastline, the Algarve is a region steeped in history.
After the Christian reconquest, the Algarve flourished as an important maritime center during the Age of Discovery, facilitating Portugal’s exploration of new lands and trade routes.
The Algarve has witnessed various cultural influences, leaving behind a diverse heritage.
Getting to the Algarve from Lisbon:
Traveling from Lisbon to the Algarve is a straightforward and enjoyable experience. Here are some popular options to consider:
By Car:
Renting a car is a great option for exploring the Algarve. The A2 highway provides a beautiful and easy drive from Lisbon, taking around 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic and destination. Check out Expedia for car rentals.
By Train:
Traveling to the Algarve region in Portugal? Taking the train from Lisbon’s Oriente or Santa Apolonia stations to Faro is a reliable and efficient three-hour option. Explore the area with local transportation.
By Plane:
If you prefer a quick and convenient mode of transportation, flying from Lisbon to the Algarve is a great choice. This is what we did, as we bought the flights to the Algarve with a layover in Lisbon. We flew with Tap Airlines, and we loved this option. Check out flight packages on Expedia.
I wore my super comfy black pants from Express, my jeans jacket, and my super comfortable Reebok sneakers.
Shop my airport look.
Faro Airport, located in the heart of the Algarve, serves as a major hub, with regular domestic flights from Lisbon taking approximately one hour. You can easily access nearby towns and resorts from the airport using taxis, buses, or rental cars.
Where to Stay in the Algarve
The Algarve has many hotel options, but we chose the Hotel Bela Vista Spa.
Hotel Bela Vista Spa is a luxurious and renowned hotel located in Portimão, a charming coastal town in the Algarve region of Portugal. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, this historic hotel offers exceptional service and a tranquil retreat for guests.
The hotel features a range of tastefully decorated rooms and suites, providing a comfortable and serene atmosphere. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean or the hotel’s lush gardens from their accommodations.
It has three buildings, and we stayed in the blue house building. I absolutely loved my room!
The spa at Hotel Bela Vista Spa offers a variety of rejuvenating treatments and therapies, including massages, facials, and body treatments. There is also a heated indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center for guests seeking relaxation and wellness.
The on-site restaurant presents a remarkable dining experience, showcasing the finest flavors of the Algarve. With fresh, locally sourced ingredients, guests can savor delectable dishes while enjoying the restaurant’s elegant ambiance and breathtaking sea views.
I enjoyed every meal we had at this hotel; they even have a Michelin-star restaurant. Check out my Instagram stories for the mouth-watering food options.
What to Wear for a Romantic Algarve Getaway
Now onto my favorite topic! What to wear, especially while on vacation! When staying on the beach or at a resort, it is important to bring looks that will fit the ambiance and your style. My style is elegant and chic while also being a bit casual. I chose the following outfits for my Algarve getaway.
Revolve Eliana Dress in Pink Floral. This was a great dress for dinner; it is super flowy, feminine, and has a lining. It is also super comfortable and true to size. I paired it with cute sandals and a straw bag.
Zara Floral Dress. I love how stylish this dress is; the colors looked so well against the beautiful beach background during breakfast.
I opted to wear a one-piece black swimsuit with a striped pants cover-up for our Algarve boat day. I absolutely love these pants. I paired it with a straw hat and my favorite Havaianas sandals. I also had a white shirt coverup, which helped as inside the caves were a bit chilly.
Shop the full look below.
I wore the Eliatt Rosalind Floral Applique Dress from Sak’s 5th Avenue for my romantic dinner with my husband. It does run a bit large, but I love how romantic and feminine it looks.
For this beach afternoon, I wore this two-piece and a crochet cover-up from Cupshe.
The Algarve is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, so be sure to take advantage of your time there.Relax, sunbathe, and take romantic strolls along the shore at one of the many beautiful beaches in the area, such as Praia da Marinha, Praia da Falésia, or Praia do Camilo.
Embark on a boat tour: Take a romantic boat tour along the Algarve’s coastline, where you can admire dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and secluded coves. Many tours also offer the opportunity to spot dolphins in their natural habitat, adding a touch of magic to your experience.
We absolutely loved our boat tour!
There are boats that will go near and even inside the caves! We visited Bengali Cave and used MyCrew Yacht Charter, and we got very close to the caves! The waters were super blue, and it was just so pretty. The boat was comfortable, and our captain was great too.
The Benagil Caves, also called the Algar de Benagil or Benagil Sea Cave, are a breathtaking natural attraction in Portugal’s southern Algarve region. These caves are now a well-known landmark for tourists visiting the Algarve.
Near the town of Benagil, on the stunning Praia de Benagil, with its golden sands and clear waters, you will find the Benagil Caves. The impressive rock formations inside these caves are what set them apart from all others; they were shaped by the sea’s mighty waves and erosion over centuries.
The “Cathedral” or “Algar de Benagil” is the most impressive feature of the Benagil Caves. This enormous cave features a natural opening in the ceiling that lets sunlight stream in, creating a breathtaking effect. The sunlight illuminates the turquoise waters, casting an ethereal glow and adding to the enchantment of the cave.
For safety reasons and because of the surrounding cliffs, visiting the Benagil Caves on foot is not advised; instead, visitors should use a boat or kayak to access the sea caves.
Discover the historic towns: Wander hand in hand through the charming historic towns of the Algarve, such as Lagos, Tavira, and Silves. Explore their narrow streets, visit ancient castles, and soak in the captivating atmosphere while enjoying local cafes and shops.
Enjoy a sunset dinner: Indulge in a romantic dinner at a beachfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood and local delicacies as you watch the sun dip below the horizon. Vilamoura Marina, Albufeira Old Town, and Lagos are popular spots with a range of dining options.
Take a wine tour: Embark on a wine tour in the Algarve’s countryside, where you can visit vineyards, learn about winemaking processes, and sample regional wines. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon together, sipping wine and savoring the beautiful rural landscapes.
Pamper yourselves at a spa: Unwind and rejuvenate together at one of the many spas in the Algarve. Indulge in couples’ massages, relaxing treatments, and thermal circuits, allowing yourselves to be pampered in a tranquil and intimate setting.
The Algarve has everything a couple could want in a romantic vacation spot: stunning scenery, fascinating history, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with each other.
What to eat in Algarve
The food at the hotel was so good that we rarely ventured out. The Bela Vista Hotel is renowned for its fine dining and assortment of Algarvian specialties. Delicious seafood dishes like grilled fish, seafood risotto, and flavorful seafood platters are the specialty of this restaurant.
The hotel’s restaurant serves a fusion of international and Portuguese cuisine, giving guests a wide selection of tasty dishes to choose from.
The Bela Vista Hotel also has a reputation for serving delicious meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This commitment to gastronomic perfection ensures that guests will enjoy some delectable meals during their stay.
Do not miss the chance to sample authentic Algarvian fare in town, whether at one of the charming local eateries or the luxurious Bela Vista Hotel’s restaurant.
Overall, I totally recommend visiting the Algarve region for your next romantic getaway.
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