Praia da Rocha provides not only stunning beaches and a vibrant holiday atmosphere, but also a wealth of fascinating day trips.
These day trips could involve discovering the rich seafaring history of Lagos, visiting the traditional market town of Loulé, and experiencing the dramatic Carvoeiro coastline. A holiday to Praia da Rocha can be relaxing, but it can also be thrilling, cultural and packed with new experiences.
This article will detail the best day trips from Praia da Rocha, along with ideas for longer distance day trips, if you have access to a rental car.

The pretty waterfront of Lagos

There are many enjoyable day trips from Praia da Rocha and some of the best include:
Silves - A historic fortified town known for its impressive Moorish castle and insight into the rich history of the Algarve. (Silves guide)
Lagos - A city rich in seafaring history and close to the spectacular Ponta da Piedade cliffs, making for a wonderful day trip. (Lagos guide)
Zoomarine - A fantastic marine-themed water park that is fun for the whole family.
Slide and Splash - Portugal's largest waterpark, and the place to go for a day of waterpark excitement!
Monchique and the Algarve Hills - Explore the towns of the Serra de Monchique hills and marvel at the view from the top of Mount Fóia. (car needed)
Sagres – At the far western tip of the Algarve, there are raging seas, vast beaches and dramatic natural scenery; however, a car is needed to explore due to its remoteness. (Sagres guide)
Sete Vales Suspensos - A stunning 4km clifftop hike along some of the most beautiful coastline in Portugal. (Sete Vales hike guide)
Ferragudo - A pretty fishing village sitting on the Arade River and close to pristine beaches.
Alvor - A charming fishing town and popular holiday destination situated on the Odiáxere lagoon.

The Praia de Vale Covo at the end of the Sete Vales Suspensos hiking trail

The fantastic dolphin show at Zoomarine

The red brick Moorish castle at Silves

The map below details the location of the main day trips of the Algarve.
Towns for day trips are marked in blue the theme/waterparks are in yellow, and the best natural features of the Algarve are shown in green. Praia da Rocha is indicated by marker 5.

Towns for day trips (blue) 1) Sagres 2) Burgau 3) Lagos 4) Alvor 5) Praia da Rocha 6) Portimão 7) Ferragudo 8) Monchique 9) Carvoeiro 10) Albufeira 11) Vilamoura 12) Quarteira 13) Loulé 14) Faro 15) Estoi 16) Olhão 17) Tavira 18) Castro Marim 19) Vila Real de Santo António

Theme/water parks (yellow) 1) Slide & Splash 2) Aqualand 3) Zoomarine 4) Aquashow Park

Natural sights (green) 1) Cabo de São Vicente 2) Ponta da Piedade 3) Benagil Caves 4) Praia da Marinha 5) Praia da Falésia 6) Ilha Deserta 7) Parque Natural da Ria Formosa 8) Cemitério das Âncoras (anchor cemetery)

The best day trips from Praia da Rocha, which are easily accessible by public transport are:
1) Lagos 2) Silves 3) Ferragudo 4) Carvoeiro 5) Monchique

If you have a car and you are happy travelling a bit further we would suggest these day trips:
1) Far western Algarve (Sagres, Cabo de São Vicente, Burgau) 2) Loulé 3) Faro 4) Albufeira 5) Vilamoura & Quarteira

The following section provides details of the best day trips from Praia da Rocha, with links to further in-depth guides. The first section lists the best day trips that can be easily reached by public transport, while the second section features the most popular day trips in the Algarve, but will require a car to visit due to their distance.

The following day trips can be easily reached from Praia da Rocha by the use of public transport. The regional bus company of the Algarve is Vamus (www.vamusalgarve.pt/) and the train company is Comboios de Portugal (CP - www.cp.pt)

Lagos is a city steeped in history and Portuguese charm, effortlessly blending its rich seafaring past with modern Portugal.

The city boasts a diverse array of attractions, from the ornate Igreja de Santo António church to the delightful Forte da Bandeira fort and lively Mercado Municipal market. Along with the historic sights, there is a modern marina and pretty streets packed with shops, restaurants and bars.

To the south of Lagos is the Ponta da Piedade, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Algarve. The headland is formed from golden limestone cliffs that have been carved into unique features by the power of the ocean. These cliffs are best explored by a boat tour departing from Lagos marina.
Related articles: Lagos guide

The pretty waterfront of Lagos extends along the estuary

The crystal-clear waters of the Ponta da Piedade headland

The modern marina complex in Lagos

During the Moorish era (9th to 12th century), Silves was an important trading town and defensive stronghold that ruled over much of southern Portugal.

The town is dominated by a massive red brick castle, which is one of the best-preserved Moorish buildings in the Algarve. Below the castle are cobbled streets, an ancient cathedral, impregnable town walls and the slow-flowing Rio Arade.

Being slightly inland, Silves has barely been altered by tourism, retaining its distinctly Portuguese atmosphere. There are bustling cafes, a lively daily market and charming, cobbled streets.
Silves is the best non-coastal town in the Algarve and is small enough to be easily explored as a day trip.
Related article: A day trip to Silves

The Praça do Município at the centre of Silves, with the narrow gateway through the town walls

The statue of King Sancho I, who laid Silves to a 3-month siege in 1189

Ferragudo is one of last remaining unspoilt fishing villages of the central Algarve, and is a delightful place to visit. Within the village is a traditional fisherman's quarter, a charming harbour front and an abundance of Portuguese character.

The village lies on the sheltered waters of the Arada estuary on the opposite side to Portimão, with a ferry connecting them during the summer.

As it is only a small village, Ferragudo can be fully seen within an hour, however a day trip could be easily extended by taking in the beautiful beaches to the south. From Ferragudo there is a scenic coastal path along the Praia Grande beach to the picturesque Praia dos Caneiros.

Ferragudo maybe small but it is delightful

Zoomarine is one of the Algarve's top attractions, perfect for a fun-filled family day trip. This marine-themed water-park combines the best aspects of a zoo and water-park to offer entertainment, education, and adventure for all ages.

The main attractions include impressive dolphin and sea lion shows, bird of prey demonstrations, and tropical bird performances. For thrill-seekers, the park features water slides, flumes and a wave pool along with a relaxing beach area. Zoomarine also offers the Dolphin Emotions Experience, allowing visitors to interact closely with dolphins.
Simply a fun day out for everyone.

The beach area and flumes of Zoomarine

Alvor is a charming gem in the Algarve, perfect for a relaxing day trip. The town sits on the Ria de Alvor Estuary, where you’ll see colourful fishing boats bobbing gently on the water, while to the south is the glorious Praia de Alvor beach.

It offers a perfect mix of authentic Portuguese charm and the best of modern tourism, while retaining a peaceful atmosphere. For your day trip, enjoy a stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses and discover a variety of cafes and local shops, along with the Igreja do Divino Salvador church.

Afterwards, take a walk along the Passadiços de Alvor, a scenic boardwalk that meanders through the Alvor estuary wetlands and along the beachfront. For the final part of the day, head to the eastern side of Praia de Alvor to view the Praia dos Três Irmãos rock formations.

The picturesque Ria de Alvor Estuary

The scenic Passadiços de Alvor boardwalk crossing the wetlands.

Alvor is the perfect destination for a relaxing day trip.

The Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos (Trail of the Seven Hanging Valleys) is one of the Algarve’s most stunning coastal hikes. This 5.7km trail offers breathtaking views of dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches and turquoise waters.

Starting at Praia da Marinha and ending at Praia de Vale Centeanes, the hike takes you through a range of diverse landscapes including limestone cliffs, natural arches and lush vegetation. Highlights include the iconic Benagil Cave and the picturesque Praia da Marinha. This moderately challenging trail is well-marked and suitable for most people.
Related article: The Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos

The Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos passes many interesting cliff features

Carvoeiro is a popular holiday destination that sits on one of the most stunning sections of the Algarve coast.

Here, the coastline is formed of golden-coloured cliffs, with small sandy beaches hidden in sheltered coves. Within the limestone cliffs, unique coastal features have been carved out, including sea caves, rock pillars and intricately-eroded cliff faces.

Carvoeiro is also a pretty village, with whitewashed houses hugging the cliffs and leading down to the largest beach of the region.

For your day trip, you could take a clifftop walk eastward to the Algar Seco rock formation, seeing the Boneca cave and the stunning Vale de Centeanes beach. An alternative is to join a short boat trip to the stunning Benagil Cave.
Related article: Carvoeiro guide

The stunning coastline to the east of Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is a very pretty place to visit for a day trip

The view from the ‘Boneca’ or ‘Doll’ Cave, which is named as such due to the cliff face resembling a doll with two eyes.

The highest point in the Algarve is Mount Fóia (902m), located within the picturesque Serra de Monchique mountain range. If you have a car, exploring this region can make for an enjoyable day trip.

The recommended route follows the N266 into the hills, with your first stop at the charming village of Caldas de Monchique. This village is famed for its hot springs (31°C), which are reputed to have healing properties due to the rich mineral content and a pH of 7.6. In Caldas de Monchique, spa hotels have been constructed over the springs, but there is a natural spring at Fonte dos Amores in the shaded forests, just as the N266 winds around the valley. This picturesque spot is also perfect for a picnic.

Next is the pretty town of Monchique, with the 16th-century Igreja Matriz church, the ruins of the Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro monastery and many wonderful viewpoints, such as the Miradouro de São Sebastião.

From Monchique, it is only a short drive to the summit of Fóia, with its spectacular view southwards over the Algarve and out to the Atlantic Ocean.

For the final part of the day, you could drive westwards along the scenic N267 as it twists through the rolling hills down to the village of Aljezur. Here you can visit the Castelo de Aljezur or take a short drive to the stunning Praia da Amoreira beach.

The magnificent panoramic views from the top of Mount Fóia

The following day-trip destinations are further away from Praia da Rocha, and a car is needed to visit them due to the distance.

Sagres is like nowhere else in the Algarve. Its remote location, rugged landscapes and ceaseless winds mean few tourists venture this far west. The colossal Atlantic waves that break on the vast sandy beaches have made the town a popular destination for experienced surfers.

This mix of isolation, surfing, and hardened fishermen gives Sagres a unique atmosphere, making it a fantastic destination for a day trip if you enjoy the outdoors and nature's raw beauty. The main sights of the town are the fishing harbour and the Fortaleza de Sagres, a unique fort protected on three sides by towering cliffs.

Even further to the west is the Cabo de São Vicente, the southwestern tip of mainland Europe. This bleak and windswept headland was thought to be the end of the known world up until the 14th century. Standing at the edge of the cliffs is a lighthouse with the second most powerful beam in Europe, visible from up to 50 km out to sea.
Related articles: Sagres guide

The Fortaleza de Sagres with the Cabo de São Vicente headland in the distance

The fishing harbour of Sagres lies on the sheltered side of the peninsula.

The dramatic cliffs of Cabo de São Vicente, Europe's south westernmost point

Loulé is a traditional market town and the ideal destination if you want to experience the real Portugal.

The highlight of Loulé is the daily market, which is housed in a building inspired by Moorish architecture. Within the market are a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, handicrafts and gifts.

Loulé has a pretty town centre, while to the south is a warren of cobbled streets lined with traditional workshops and whitewashed houses.

The best time to visit Loulé is on a Saturday morning, when it comes alive with an additional two markets. There is a fresh produce farmer’s market hosted outside the covered market, and a bustling gypsy market on the edge of the town.
Related article: Loulé guide

Loulé is a pretty place to visit as a day trip

Although often overlooked, Faro has a surprising amount to offer for a day trip.
The compact historic centre is encircled by medieval walls and contains a Gothic cathedral, a Baroque city hall, and the ruins of a citadel. The modern city centre lies outside the city walls and is filled with pleasant pedestrianised shopping streets and pretty plazas.

A unique attraction of Faro is the Capela dos Ossos (Bone Chapel), which has the bones of over 1250 skeletons lining its walls.

Faro lies on the edge of the saltmarshes and lagoons of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, and these mudflats are a haven for seabirds and small marine life. To explore the Ria Formosa, there are boat tours that depart from the harbour.
Related articles: A day trip to Faro

Faro has a pretty historic centre

The view from the top of the Se cathedral looking over the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa

The creepy bone chapel

Albufeira is the largest and liveliest resort town of the Algarve, making it an enjoyable destination for a day trip.

It has a reputation for drinking, parties, and over-the-top holidays, but it actually also has a charming old quarter, a colourful marina complex and pretty cliff-top walks.

The Old Town of Albufeira is centred around the original fishing village and comprises of whitewashed houses (now restaurants, bars and hotels) and cobbled streets that lead down to a magnificent beach.

If you do want to experience Albufeira’s party side, then head to ‘The Strip’, a street of themed bars offering all-day drink promotions, wild nightlife and comfort-food restaurants to help you recover from the night before.

Albufeira makes for a surprisingly good day trip, and a full guide of what to see and do in a day can be read here.

The pretty old town of Albufeira

The marina complex is where all of the boat tours depart from

And of course, there are Albufeira’s nighttime shenanigans along the strip

When tourists imagine the quintessential Portuguese town, they will be thinking about somewhere like Tavira.

This delightful town straddles the Gilão River and boasts over thirty churches, a castle, and cobbled streets lined with traditional tiled houses. There is no prettier town in the Algarve than Tavira, and being located in the much quieter eastern Algarve, it retains its authentic Portuguese atmosphere.

As well as being the finest town in the Algarve, Tavira is also close to pristine beaches. These lie along the seaward side of the Ilha de Tavira and are reached by a ferry.
Tavira is a long journey from the main tourist areas of the Algarve, but it is truly worth the effort. If you have a car, Tavira should be one of the first destinations you visit.
Related articles: A day trip to Tavira

Tavira has a pretty historic centre that includes a mix of Moorish-era buildings.

Tavira has a relaxed and slow pace, which is very different from the hectic central Algarve