The golden Algarve coast, then out to the volcanic islands of the Azores and Madeira
Three very different Portugals in one trip: the sun-baked cliffs and beaches of the Algarve, the crater lakes and hot springs of the mid-Atlantic Azores, and the dramatic levada trails of Madeira — routed through London on both ends.
| Day | Where | Plan | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | In transit → London | Fly Kelowna (YLW)→London (overnight) | London |
| 2 | Algarve | London→Faro; pick up car; drive to Albufeira | Albufeira |
| 3 | Albufeira | Old town & beaches | Albufeira |
| 4–5 | Lagos | Ponta da Piedade cliffs, boat/kayak the grottoes | Lagos |
| 6–7 | Carvoeiro | Algar Seco boardwalk; Benagil cave | Carvoeiro |
| 8–12 | São Miguel, Azores | Sete Cidades crater lakes; Furnas hot springs; whales | Ponta Delgada |
| 13–17 | Madeira | Funchal, levada walks, Pico do Arieiro ridge | Funchal |
| 18 | London | Fly back; full day in the city | London |
| 19 | Fly home | Afternoon flight home | — |
In via London and Faro, then a self-drive along the south coast: the old town and beaches of Albufeira, the golden cliffs and grottoes of Lagos (Ponta da Piedade), and the coves around Carvoeiro near the Benagil sea cave.
A flight out to the ‘green island’ of São Miguel: the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, the steaming hot springs and cozido of Furnas, and some of the best whale-watching in the Atlantic.
On to Madeira — the flower-and-mountain island — for levada walks, the ridge hike from Pico do Arieiro, and the gardens, markets and pool-lidos of Funchal.
An early flight back to London leaves a full day in the city before the long flight home.
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