Explore the Algarve from La Casita
Where to go, when to go, and the small things worth knowing before you set off.
There are plenty of lists telling you what to see in the Algarve. This isn't another one.
These are the places, practical details and little bits of information that can help you make a better day of it — whether that's knowing when to arrive before the parking becomes difficult, which places make sense to combine, or whether somewhere famous is actually worth fitting into your holiday.
Some come from places I've been myself. Some began with questions or experiences from people staying at La Casita. And sometimes I've done the digging because there was something useful I wanted to know too.
Start with the kind of question you're trying to answer.
One base or two?
Where to stay if you want to explore the Algarve by car
If you're hoping to see more than one corner of the Algarve, where you stay changes how much of your holiday you spend exploring — and how much you spend packing, moving and driving.
Read the article →
Praia da Marinha & Seven Hanging Valleys
How to plan the day
Praia da Marinha, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Benagil and Vale Centeanes are close enough to look like one obvious day out. The useful question is how much of it you actually want to do — and in what order.
Plan the day →Algar Seco and Carvoeiro
Go early, park once and walk
Algar Seco, the boardwalk, Carvoeiro and several good places to eat are close enough that you don't need to treat them as separate outings. Timing makes the difference.
See how I'd do it →
A few other things worth knowing
Not everything worth knowing about a place is in the guidebooks. Some things come from living here, others from the people who've stayed with us.
La Casita has been shaped by people who don't live here
A tiny coffee machine, somewhere to put your socks and a question about which side of the bed you sleep on. Some of the best changes at La Casita began with something a guest noticed.
Read the story →Small things worth knowing before your first Algarve holiday
From choosing the right ATM to beach parking, restaurant hours and a few things that might surprise you. Practical details that can save you time, money and unnecessary aggravation.
Read the tips →And where does La Casita fit into all this?
La Casita is a small wooden cabin for two near Porches and Lagoa. Its central location is one of the reasons I started collecting these notes: you can go in quite a few directions during the day and still come back to the same little place afterwards.
Meet La Casita →