Final Stop on our Girls Trip: The Algarve

Portugal never fails to charm, and our road trip from Évora to the Algarve was no exception. With a mix of medieval towns, stunning beaches, and a few surprises along the way, this journey gave us a little bit of everything. Here’s how it all unfolded.

The Drive: Évora to the Algarve with a Stop in Beja

Beja Castle

We continued our adventure from Évora, driving through the golden fields of the Alentejo. Our first stop was Beja, a small town with a rich history. The highlight was definitely the Beja Castle, where we climbed the tower for amazing views of the countryside. The town itself was quiet, which was great for a peaceful break but might feel a bit too subdued for those looking for more action. We anticipated that parking would be a little tricky so we used Google maps to find a public parking spot just off the highway near a gas station (also convenient). While it would likely be frustrating to find parking without prior planning, we found it quite easy and straight-forward, although we definitely got our steps in!

Staying in Prainha Village: A Relaxing Escape

After a few hours on the road, we arrived at Prainha Village near Alvor, where we’d be staying for the next three nights. Our accommodation was a spacious three-bedroom vacation home with modern touches and a terrace perfect for morning coffee with ocean views.

Prainha Village itself felt like a slice of paradise. The gardens were beautifully maintained, and the cliffside pool was so pretty and relaxing.

The private beach was a standout — quiet, clean, and perfect for a morning stroll or swim (although we did find the ocean to be a little too chilly when we were there in July). One of my favourite memories is getting up early with my best friend, packing our breakfast and blanket and spending a couple of hours reading on the beach. It was perfectly relaxing and an experience I return to in my mind when life gets a bit too hectic. 

Another cute feature was the beach bar - our favourite evening hangout. The views from every table were simply stunning!

On-site amenities like the small supermarket and restaurants were convenient, but prices were higher than what you’d find in nearby towns so if we were staying for any longer, we probably would have done a grocery run.

One thing to keep in mind: having a car here is almost a must. While there are public transport options, they’re not the most reliable, and a car gives you the freedom to explore nearby attractions at your own pace.

Beach Bar

 A Coastal Return to Lisbon

On our way back to Lisbon, we decided to drive along the coast and made a stop in Sines. It was fairly quiet and offered a laid-back vibe. The Sines Castle, tied to Vasco da Gama’s legacy (he was a Portuguese explorer and the first European to reach India by sea), was a cool historical stop and it’s close to Igreja Matriz do Salvador de Sines - a cute Catholic church.

Sines Castle

 Igreja Matriz do Salvador de Sines

While the town isn’t flashy, it’s a great place to take a breather and enjoy coastal views without the crowds. We expected the drive to be a little more scenic than it was. And, in addition, it was considerably slower than the highway so I’m not sure I would choose this route were I to do it again. It would be beneficial if you were planning stops along the way but we didn’t really have a lot of time due to having to get the rental car back.

A Convenient Stay: Holiday Inn Express Lisbon Airport

For our final night, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Lisbon Airport to make our morning flight easier. The hotel was clean, modern, and super convenient. The complimentary breakfast was a nice touch, and being so close to the airport made the whole departure process stress-free. It’s not a destination in itself, but it’s perfect for a practical overnight stay. Be aware of getting ripped off by taxis, however. I would personally recommend a ride app such as Uber so you can see the fare up front as it can be difficult to sort things out with the language barrier.

Final Thoughts

This road trip from Lisbon to the Algarve via Coimbra and Evora (described in previous blog posts) gave us a real taste of Portugal’s beauty and variety. From the medieval charm of Óbidos to the stunning beaches of the Algarve, it was a journey full of memorable moments. Advanced planning was key to the success of this trip. There will always be hiccups no matter how well you plan so avoiding the ones you can is always a good idea. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat!