Monchique 

Ruins of Nossa Senhora do Desterro Convent

The Third Order of St. Francis Friars constructed this monastery in the 17th century and it was their residence. Sadly, despite some restoration efforts, the convent has experienced accelerated deterioration.

You can see a big cloister without a roof, an altar room, and a little chapel. Inside, a disturbing amount of graffiti was daubed all over the place, including a makeshift altar. A hastily built barrier shut off the upstairs.

Monchique provides one of the best perspectives. Climbing up to the ruin area is usually worthwhile.

Explore the villages of Monchique 

Fóia

Ascend to the viewpoint at Fóia. The highest peak in the Serra de Monchique and the Algarve is Fóia, which rises to about 900 metres. The view is spectacular on clear days.

Caldas de Monchique 

In Caldas de Monchique, find the most tranquil place to conclude the day. Since the Roman era, the therapeutic benefits of the waters at Monchique Thermal Baths, the sole thermal complex in the Algarve region, have been used.

Lagos 

Begin one of the most magnificent treks in the Algarve, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. The route, which is over 6 km long (one way), travels past prominent landmarks, including the Benagil Cave and the beaches Marinha, Mesquita, Cabo Carvoeiro, and Vale de Centeanes.

Ferragudo 

After a breathtaking morning and early afternoon trek, go to Ferragudo, a slightly better spot in the Algarve.

The fishing community of Ferragudo, which is a part of the Lagoa municipality, has an idyllic appearance. The village gained popularity on Instagram thanks to the adorable photographs of its colourful cottages and flower-lined walkways.

Carvoeiro

From the viewpoint of Nossa Senhora da Encarnaço, you can see the sun sinking behind Carvoeiro beach. 

Keep going until you reach the Carvoeiro Walkways, which start at Nossa Senhora de Encarnaço Chapel. This path is only a wooden boardwalk along the water and is only a short distance away (approximately 600 metres one way). The cool air towards the end of the day was excellent after a long and scorching day.

One more of the Algarve's top tourist destinations is at the trail's end. Another rock formation with pools of clean natural water is Algar Seco.

Additionally, you may go to Boneca Cave, the ideal location to see a sunset.

Alte 

The "Queda do Vigário," a 24-metre-high waterfall from Alte's brook, has made this modest community famous. On hotter days, the waterfall creates a naturally occurring pool that is simply unbeatable. The waterfall is accessible; therefore, you shouldn't pass it up.

Mother Church, So Luis Chapel, and Fonte Grande River Beach are a few of the must-see locations.

Loule 

Stroll around the peaceful green environment of City Park. The statue honouring Duarte Pachecho, a native of Loulé and a Portuguese statesman who served Salazar's regime (the Portuguese dictatorship), is right at the entry and cannot be missed.

Go to the City Market, which is undoubtedly among the most memorable pictures that come to mind when thinking about Loulé.

It won't take more than a few steps to reach Republic Square and the Clock Tower.

The following structure is Loulé Castle, built during Portugal's Arab colonisation. Don't forget to see Pinto Arch, Dom Pedro I Square, and Bicas Velhas Fountain, where you will observe several locals filling water bottles.

Don't forget to stop by the Amuados Garden, the Church of Saint Clement, and the Nossa Senhora do Pilar Chapel. 

Visit the Cadoiço Creek waterfall to cap off the day. Even if access was made possible, the water might not have been suitable for bathing because of accumulated debris. Even so, it's still a lovely location for photographs.

Estoi 

There are few places in Estoi to see, yet there are more than plenty. The Rococo Palace of Estoi is the first, and it has lovely grounds as well. You can also go to the Roman remains at Milreu, where you can witness an old Roman villa uncovered during archaeological excavations.

Faro 

Make your way to Faro, a historic city, the Algarve's regional capital. Faro is a beautiful city to explore for a few hours because of its tiled streets and active businesses. Most visitors begin their journey in the Algarve here, and Faro is still worth visiting and even ranks among the most pleasantly surprising cities.

After a quick tour of the Faro harbour, go through Porta Nova to reach the old district (New Gate). Seeing Faro's Cathedral, from which the "Vila" arch and "Repouso" arch followed, the old City Walls. Take lunch in the Monte de Eira. Then explore Loule Town. 

If you have time, stop by Santo António dos Capuchos Convent, Carmo Church, and St. Peter's Church, all must-see locations in Faro.

Olho

In the morning, depart for Olho. It is a beach village in the Eastern Algarve. The town's waterfront (Mercados de Olho) has two market structures. The largest fish market in the Algarve is located in one building, while the other sells produce, fruits, and spices.

When you first walk into the fish market, you'll see a large selection of local fish, including dried codfish and black scabbardfish, monkfish, turbot, white sea bream (sargo), bream (dourada), sole, and turbot (bacalhau).

Tavira 

Unlike all other cities and towns in the Algarve, Tavira has its own charm. The town is small enough that you could easily spend an entire day visiting it, but you could also condense the key attractions into an afternoon or morning. A trip to Tavira is only complete with passing the town's famous Roman Bridge and snapping a few pictures of the Gilo River. You ought to climb the castle for sweeping views of the city and see Santiago Church while you're there. Additionally, you want to pay a visit to the ice cream-serving Republic Square, the Coreto Garden, and Ribeira Market.

Visit beaches

One charming beach in the Algarve is Praia de So Rafael. You can spend some time strolling along the cliffs in both directions from here.

The iconic Praia dos Arrifes is next to Praia de So Rafael. This beach is spectacular for viewing the sunset and is accentuated by its sculpture-like limestone stacks.

Go shopping, unwind, and relish the day.

Departure 

Pack your belongings, then bid farewell.

Wishing you safe travels, life-changing adventures, and cherished memories.