Points-Paid Adventure: The Algarve and Lisbon

We used points to cover our flights and hotel stays in The Algarve and Lisbon, and what an incredible adventure it was! Part II will focus on our time in Lisbon.

Pre-Travel Packing

First things first—I had to check the weather. In February, the average temperatures in the south of Portugal range from 55°F (13°C) to a maximum of 64°F (18°C). The days are generally sunny, but the nights can be a bit cooler.

Here’s what I packed:

Mask
Snorkel
Dive computer
Light spring jacket
Windbreaker
Bathing suit
Sundresses
A few pairs of leggings
Light and comfortable walking shoes (I love my Olukai booties)
Reusable water bottle

With this packing list, I felt ready to enjoy everything the Algarve had to offer!

The Flight

We live about an hour from IAD (Dulles Airport), and we were thrilled to find a direct flight from IAD to Lisbon that took about 7 hours! The best flights out of BWI would have required at least one layover, so the direct flight from Dulles saved us considerable time on both arrival and departure.

TSA PreCheck and Clear

I have both Clear and TSA PreCheck, which allowed me to whisk through security and head straight to the lounge. I can’t imagine traveling without these conveniences!

United Airlines

We flew for free in United’s equivalent of Comfort+ thanks to points! The flight was smooth and straightforward, leaving Dulles at night and arriving in Lisbon in the morning.

Arriving and Renting a Car

The Lisbon airport is massive but very easy to navigate. The rental car area is conveniently located right by the airport, making the process a breeze. The drive to Albufeira was a delight, taking about 90 minutes through stunning countryside.

I was impressed by how easy it was to find our way; all the roads and towns were clearly marked with easy-to-read signs. If you decide to rent a car, I highly recommend opting for a smaller vehicle, as many of the roads are narrow and single-lane—seriously, a small car is the way to go!

The Algarve

Now, let’s talk about one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited! We traveled to Portugal during the off-season, expecting temperatures in the 60s and cloudy skies. Instead, we were greeted with sunny days in the 70s, and we practically had the beaches to ourselves! Every person we met was incredibly kind; I’ve only encountered such lovely locals in a few places before (Fiji being one of them). I felt safe and welcomed throughout our stay!

Albufeira

Downtown Albufeira is everything you would expect from a charming Portuguese town. The tiled buildings, authentic shops, and cozy cafes create a delightful atmosphere, complemented by the friendly locals.

There are several beach bars serving local beer and delicious cocktails, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak in the stunning surroundings.

Zodiac Cave Exploration

We decided to take a zodiac cruise to see the famous Benagil cave and coastline of the Algarve. The price was very affordable and the crew was fantastic. The zodiac tour left out of the Albufeira main harbor area.

If you want to see dolphins, your best bet is to book the earlier cruise times. There were some decent waves so we couldn’t get too close to some of the caves, but we were able to go inside the famous Benagil cave. I definitely recommend kayaking to the cave if the weather is cooperating. Kayaking will give you a much better view of the beach and sky light.

Hotel - W Algarve

We stayed at the W Algarve. I cannot recommend this hotel enough. It was the nicest hotel I have ever visited. The rooms were immaculate and the decor was incredible. Valet parking is complementary and we were given a glass of sparkling wine from the area that tasted like orangey sparkling wine goodness. Again, the nicest people I have ever encountered. I also appreciate that everyone was so patient with me trying to speak Portuguese.

The cocktail menu at the W Algarve is incredible. All locally sourced and really delicious!

Sea Lavender cocktail (left) Fig cocktail (on the right)

The breakfast every morning was absolutely perfect! Pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tarts), perfectly ripened fruits, and much more!

The Food

Wow, where to begin! If you love sustainable seafood that’s locally caught, the Algarve is the place for you. While the touristy spots may not be the most cost-effective, venturing a bit off the beaten path will lead you to some amazing restaurants where you can enjoy incredible meals for a fraction of the price you’d pay in the U.S.

Portugal is also very vegan-friendly, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available at many eateries.

Don’t miss out on the fresh oranges and orange juice—it's absolutely incredible! Be sure to try freshly squeezed orange juice while you’re in Portugal. And if you have a sweet tooth, make sure to indulge in pastel de nata, the delicious custard tarts that are a local specialty.

a plate with fruit and orange juice — The world famous custard tarts and fresh squeezed orange juice

Papermoon (W Algarve)

The food was incredible and the wine superb! If you are looking for a fancy Italian restaurant with incredible wine selections.

Beaches

The beaches in the Algarve are plentiful and absolutely incredible, each offering its own unique charm and beauty.

We visited over 20 beaches during our stay, and we loved every single one!

Praia Maria Luísa

When we first arrived, we couldn’t get to our hotel right away due to a road bike race, so we decided to stop at Praia Maria Luísa. This beach is tucked away and features incredible cliffs that rise majestically from the turquoise waters. The stunning scenery truly makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem. The soft golden sand and the gentle sound of the waves set a serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after our journey.

Praia da Falésia and Praia dos Alemães

For relaxation, the best beaches we found were Praia da Falésia and Praia dos Alemães. Praia dos Alemães has a fantastic location, situated close to the main marina and the charming old town of Albufeira. This beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with nearby cafes and bars where you can grab a refreshing drink.

On the other hand, Praia da Falésia is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and expansive stretch of soft sandy beaches. The beach is world-famous, offering long walks along the picturesque cliffs with breathtaking views of the ocean. The swimming areas here are excellent, making it a great spot for families and sunbathers alike. We loved walking the scenic trails that meander along the cliffs, providing stunning panoramas of the coastline.

Just a 5-minute walk from our hotel, we discovered Praia da Galé (Leste). This beach is particularly welcoming for beginner surfers, thanks to its gentle waves and ample space. It’s a great spot to relax and soak up the sun while watching surfers of all skill levels enjoy the waves.

Praia da Mareta

However, our absolute favorite beach was Praia da Mareta in Sagres! While every beach we visited was a solid 10/10, there’s something truly magical about this one. The vibes were just perfect—the sand was soft and powdery, the waves were calming, and the scenery was breathtaking. Nestled between impressive cliffs, this beach felt like a serene paradise. We spent hours lounging on the beach, enjoying the sun, and taking leisurely strolls along the shore.

This beach is not only stunning but also has a laid-back atmosphere that invites relaxation. There are a few charming beachside cafes where you can grab a snack or a drink while taking in the stunning views. Praia da Mareta is definitely a must-visit spot, and we’re already dreaming of our return!

Sagres

We fell in love with Sagres. A quaint surf town located on the far western side of the Algarve, we found incredible food, perfect surfing, and a gorgeous beach. We loved Sagres so much that we started searching for a property to purchase! Sagres is about a 40 minute drive from Albufeira. The drive was lovely, we passed by several artisan pottery shops.

Armação de Pêra

Armação de Pêra is an enchanting fishing village that is an absolute must-visit! The food is incredible, and we had a fantastic time exploring the charming streets of the town. We took an Uber from our hotel, which was super affordable—just around 9 euros—and the ride took about 20 minutes, despite some traffic.

One of the highlights of our trip was dining at The Sea Wolf (Lobo Do Mar), the best restaurant we visited! Be sure to order a bottle of local wine to complement your meal. We started with a delicious appetizer of olives and goat cheese, which was simply amazing. My husband opted for the seafood sampler, featuring local oysters, lobster, and shrimp. He declared it the best seafood he’s ever had!

The atmosphere of the restaurant, combined with the fresh, flavorful dishes, made for an unforgettable dining experience. If you find yourself in Armação de Pêra, don’t miss out on this gem!

Scuba Diving

Sadly it rained heavily the week before we arrived in Portugal. The visibility was maybe a foot! The water was colder than I expected, but I can’t wait to go back to Portugal to see all of the amazing reefs and wildlife! I was told that April - October is the best time to dive!

Adventure is out there!