5 Great Spanish City Breaks Away From The Algarve

City Breaks from The Algarve into Spain

So where do Algarvians go for a city break? Well, the answer is they are spoilt for choice. Living in the Algarve provides easy access to some beautiful Spanish cities just across the border. Here are five of our favourites.

Sevilla with its Beautiful Catherdral

One of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Seville is a short two-hour drive from the centre of the Algarve. 

There are in fact various coach excursions organised which leave from Faro and cost around 30 euros return if you prefer.

The city itself holds many wonderful sights around each corner. From the narrow streets of the old town to the exquisite cathedral that adorns the central area.

Enter the cathedral and be amazed at the intricate architecture inside. Passing by the tomb of Christopher Columbus and through the enormous main hall with carvings covered in gold.

Reaching the steps to the tower, which means walking up 34 floors on a sloped pathway, is well worth the exhaustion to see the view from the top.

Take a tour around the sights from one of the many horse-drawn carriages or perhaps an open-top bus. Sail down the river on a relaxing sightseeing cruise. Visit the indoor aquarium or the fantastic Isla Magica park.

The list is endless, there really is so much to see, you really should add Sevilla to your bucket list.

Cadiz The Island Fortress

Takes around 3 hours in the car but is a nice drive down, once past Seville the traffic is much less busy. 

Once there you will find a bustling Spanish port which is apart from the main road in, is more or less an island. Surrounded by industry on one side and a beautiful coastline on the other.

The city itself is a hive of tourists and locals ambling around the many narrow streets leading to open squares, always it seems with a church or cathedral as its centrepiece. 

With many restaurants and bars on every turn, you will be spoilt for choosing the right spot to sit and watch the world go by.

Just outside the centre of the city and down the coast a little a wide expanse of golden sand awaits. Some great hotel complexes at reasonable prices make this the top place to stay.

The Rock of Gibraltar

Ok, it’s not Spanish, or is it? Who knows, either way, you need to show your passport to enter and most folks speak English and you can pay in GB pounds, however, you may get your change in Gibraltar pounds!

If driving on, once on The Rock you will find a frenetic hoard of locals trying to get wherever they are going as fast as possible, mostly on scooters or mopeds as this seems the logical mode of transport for an island with very little in the way of parking.

If you head to the nearest main car park you can quite easily get around on one of the many buses or taxis, it’s much easier.

Obviously, a trip up the rock is a must. The cable car is a great way to get there or alternatively pick up one of the many taxis that will squeeze up the small road to the top.

Whichever option you choose, make sure you buy the full ticket to enter everything on offer, it really is worth it. Without spoiling your adventure and what is in store just make sure you have all your belongings tight against you, don’t put your bag down and stay away from the mother monkeys with small ones. 

Back down on terra firma take a wander through the town and grab yourself some cheap bargains or get down to the marina area for a great evening.

Marbella and its Glorious Old Town

Being a 4 ½ hour drive from Faro lends this city to a weekend away rather than a day trip. The drive takes you through some amazing countryside and has many great stop-offs along the way.

Once there you find yourself in one of the most beautiful Spanish resorts on the Costa del Sol. 

Geared more towards families and adults unlike its close neighbour Malaga. This place has a much more relaxed vibe although good nightlife is on offer for those who wish.

The old town is a typical Spanish quarter with whitewashed buildings laden with rivers of flowers cascading down from the balconies. The main square is home to many orange trees and a  beautiful 15th-century church.

A walk down the narrow Avenida do Mar lined with palm trees, bronze statues and sculptures by Salvador Dali is a must.

No visit to Marbella would be complete with a visit to Puerto Banus, just a 10-minute drive along the coastal road. Hosting one of the best marinas in the region, it’s a great place to spend time.

Ayamonte – Not a City but Worth the Visit

Ok, it’s not a city but well worth a mention as it is perhaps the easiest place to reach from the Algarve, well it is the first town you hit when crossing the rather elegant border bridge into Spain! 

I guess plenty of folk pass this beautiful and quaint place being too busy heading to locations further afield. 

Just 10 minutes off the motorway will lead you into the centre of this interesting town. Park up along the estuary and walk, everything is within easy reach.

Wander through the transit-free centre with colourful flowers draping from the even more colourful buildings. With many souvenir shops, cafes, bars and restaurants to while away some time.

A short drive south across the bridge that crosses the estuary takes you to the coastal town of Isla Canela, a great place to use as your base if staying over for a few days.

Just 10 minutes further along brings you into another coastal town, Isla Cristina, again another alternative if spending a weekend in the area.

Both towns offer great facilities for families, golfers and groups. Being away from central  Spain and being quite difficult to get to, the hotels tend to be quite reasonable.

Our Conclusion About Algarve Short Breaks

Living in the Algarve has many advantages not least the access to some wonderful cities and towns for short breaks. However when you live in the beautiful Algarve who would want to leave?

If you are thinking about moving to the Algarve and are looking for the ideal Algarve property, take a look around the site we have some great options available to suit all tastes. 

If you need any advice concerning any information about the Algarve or any of the superb properties we have to offer, please feel free to get in touch. We are always here to help with any doubts you may have.