Lagos to Portimao and Silves: Private day trip

History, beach, and waterfront charm blend perfectly in Portimao’s sunny, sea-scented streets and sands.

A vibrant coastal town mixing industrial roots with sun-drenched glamour, Portimao offers a rich Algarve experience. Start with a visit to the Museu de Portimao, set in a former sardine factory, to explore the town’s maritime heritage. Then head to Praia da Rocha, where ochre cliffs frame wide golden sands. Wrap up with a stroll along the Ribeirinha promenade, where boats bob beside Art Deco facades. Whether it's a grilled sardine lunch, a drink at the marina, or simply watching the sunset over masts, Portimao captures the coast’s rhythm and soul.

Discover Silves’ Moorish legacy, sunlit castle walls, and the scent of orange trees in bloom.

Once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, Silves is a city of crumbling red-stone ramparts, orange blossoms, and timeless views. Start your visit at the Castelo de Silves, wandering its impressive walls for sweeping vistas over the Arade River. Just below, explore the haunting Silves Cathedral, where Gothic arches meet Moorish echoes. Don’t miss the Municipal Museum of Archaeology, built around a medieval cistern. Stroll down Rua da Cadeia Velha, with its citrus trees and old-world charm, then relax by the riverfront with a glass of cold medronho or a bite of frango piri-piri and sticky Dom Rodrigo.