Day Trip/ Overnight to Lagos – ⏱️ ~1 hour 15 minutes by car A lively seaside surfer town with dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and boat tours to caves and grottos like Ponta da Piedade. Its a chilled out great town with excellent food and drink options.
Day Trip to Tavira – ⏱️ ~45 minutes by car An elegant, traditional town with cobbled streets, riverside restaurants, and peaceful beaches accessed by boat.
Day Trip to Carvoeiro – ⏱️ ~1 hour by car A colorful beach town with cliffside boardwalks, charming streets, and postcard-worthy views.
Day Trip to Alvor & Ferragudo – ⏱️ ~1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes by car Quaint villages with authentic charm, excellent seafood, and a slower pace — perfect for a chilled day trip.
World-Class Golf If you’re a golf lover, you’re in one of the best spots in Europe: Vale do Lobo Royal & Ocean Courses – ⏱️ 5 minutes from most accommodations Dramatic seaside holes, pine trees, and top facilities. Quinta do Lago North, South & Laranjal – ⏱️ 10–15 minutes Award-winning championship courses in beautiful natural surroundings. Vilamoura Courses (Old Course, Victoria, Pinhal, etc.) – ⏱️ 20 minutes A golfer’s paradise with excellent greens and clubhouse hospitality.
If you’re coming from further afield, or extending your trip, these destinations are well worth visiting before or after the wedding: Lisbon – ⏱️ ~2.5 hours by car / 2.5–3 hours by train from Faro Portugal’s capital city, filled with food, culture, music, and history. Cascais – ⏱️ ~3 hours by car from the Algarve / 45 minutes from Lisbon A relaxed but chic beach town with a Riviera feel, boutique shopping, and seafront dining. Ericeira – ⏱️ ~3 hours 15 minutes by car from the Algarve / 50 minutes from Lisbon A laid-back surf town with dramatic cliffs, cool cafés, and scenic boardwalks. Porto – ⏱️ ~5.5 hours by car / 1 hour flight from Faro A romantic, historic city in the north, known for its port wine, tiled buildings, and riverside charm. Worth the detour if you’re traveling around Portugal.