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
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.
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.
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