Start with Lagos and its coves, follow the coast towards Sagres, or turn north for Carrapateira and Odeceixe. Choose a village base when your days revolve around the Atlantic, and give Monchique its own inland outing.
Compare Albufeira, Carvoeiro and the beaches around Armação de Pêra with Quarteira and Vilamoura. Inland, Loulé, Alte, Messines and Silves bring markets, village streets and history into the itinerary.
Faro, Olhão and Tavira offer different gateways to the Ria Formosa and its island beaches. Further east, compare Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo António, or follow the Guadiana inland towards Alcoutim.