The Algarve Line goes from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António, making it an ideal way to travel the length of the region.


Day one

Start your train journey in Lagos, a picturesque town that smells like the sea and has amazing beaches. But keep in mind that you will need to wake up early, as the first train for this route leaves Lagos by 7:47am, to then arrive at the station in Ferragudo-Parchal.


The train arrives in Ferragudo at 8:09 am leaving you plenty of time to take the 20 minute stroll into Ferrgaudo itself where you can enjoy some breakfast. Located on the Arade River, Ferragudo is one of the most charming fishing villages in the Algarve, as the next train is at 11:34 am, you will have time to visit the village after breakfast and enjoy the morning sun rays while listening to the sound of the river. If you have time, do not forget to visit the Old Village of Ferragudo, and of course, the castle, located where the sea and the river meet.

If you didn’t manage to visit Ferragudo’s castle, don’t worry, Silves is the next stop. Boarding the train at Ferragudo-Parchal station by 11:34 am will allow travellers to arrive at Silves station by 11:48am. Once again, the station is not in the centre of the city and it is a 2km walk so a taxi maybe a better option this time. Arriving in Silves, it is time to explore the enchanting medieval city that is still connected to Arabic culture, as Moorish people lived in the city for centuries. The most famous places in Silves are the castle and the impressive cathedral. Make sure to find a place to have lunch, there are some fantastic chicken piri-piri places near the recently revamped market, and if you feel brave enough have a taste of the traditional Silves spirit Medronho.


The next train is at 3:47pm, and the destination is Loulé. This station is between Loulé and Quarteira and is at a considerable distance from both places.


If you want to visit Loulé, keep in mind that in this case a taxi or an Uber would be the best option to enjoy Loulé Market, filled with local products. Loulé also has an amazing historic centre worth exploring, with the Castle of Loulé a must-visit place.


The last train of the day is at 6:59pm, and the destination is Faro. Arriving at Faro by 7:16 pm, you will have time to check into your accommodation. In Portugal, during the summer it stays light until 9 pm or later, so before dinner, you have time to enjoy the Cidade Velha, the Cathedral of Faro. Faro is home to some of the best new and innovative bars and restaurants in the Algarve and is a great place to spend the evening.


Day two

It’s another early start as it is time to catch the train at Faro station at 8:57am to stop 20 minutes later in Fuseta-A. Fuseta has two train stations, Fuseta-A is closest to the centre of the fishing village, with an amazing waterfront. The village has a nautical feel to the place and you can clearly see the link between the ocean and the local people here. Here you have the opportunity to visit the amazing beaches of the village and make sure to pick up some breakfast before the next train.


You need to be back at Fuseta-A station by 11:49 am to then catch the train to Tavira, where you will have plenty of time to explore. Arriving in Tavira by 12:08 pm, there are two options: visitors can either explore the city or
spend the day at Ilha de Tavira. You will need to travel to the island by boat (schedules are available from the ticket offices). Tavira is one of the cities with the most churches in Portugal, and it is more than possible to spend a day looking for all of them. If you choose to spend the day on the islands then you can take a dip in some of the warmest waters in the region.


You need to leave Tavira by 8:10 pm to reach the last destination, and the last station of the Algarve Line, Vila Real de Santo António. Arriving there by 8:39 pm, you have time to enjoy dinner while the sun is setting by the River Guadiana, a natural border between the Algarve and the South of Spain.

Spend the night in Vila Real de Santo António and enjoy the city, known for its linens and grid layout and then hop back on the train again to go home.

Author

Deeply in love with music and with a guilty pleasure in criminal cases, Bruno G. Santos decided to study Journalism and Communication, hoping to combine both passions into writing. The journalist is also a passionate traveller who likes to write about other cultures and discover the various hidden gems from Portugal and the world. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos