Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region filled with gorgeous coastlines, golden sand beaches, dramatic cliffs and sea caves. Algarve is within a 3-hour driving distance from Lisbon and Faro city has the nearest international airport (FAO).
Award booking flights to Portugal
LifeMiles can be used to book business class flights from JFK (only) to Lisbon for just 35000 miles (outbound flights). LifeMiles will charge 63000 points to book inbound business class flights.
Adding connections to the JFK-LIS flight will jump the redemption requirement to 63K miles instead of the 35K miles special pricing.
ANA charges the lowest miles (88K) to book a roundtrip business class trip from North America to Lisbon and/or Algarve airport.
You can also use the ANA Mileage Club “multiple-cities/mixed classes” function to book flights to Lisbon (spend some time), then connect to Faro and return to JFK from there.
Award booking hotels in Algarve
Conrad Algarve (Link) is a wonderful hotel to make use of Hilton points to get a 5th night free.
Hyatt points can be used to book an SLH hotel in Faro, Portugal (Pousada Palacio de Estoi).
Algarve’s best hikes
There are over 600 hikes (Alltrails) in Faro region and I recommend doing at least the top 10 hikes when you are visiting.
Algarve Scenery
Praia do Amado
Praia de Dona Ana
Benagil Caves
Conclusion
The Algarve region in southern Portugal is perfect for exploring on foot to fully embrace the jaw-dropping coastal cliffs and oak forests teeming with wildlife. I recommend a 5-7 days trip there during the off season to escape the crowds.