CSN News presents the ultimate road trip between southern Spain and Portugal’s Algarve.

Are you looking for a getaway this Easter? The perfect weekend getaway is a road trip along the Algarve from the Costa del Sol.

Portugal’s Algarve is an absolute gem, and it’s not just in the Spring. The sun-drenched beaches are still untouched by summer tourists.

If you want to get the most from your trip, stop in Sevilla and Huelva in Spain. 

Sevilla, Andalucia’s capital, comes alive during Easter with religious performances, ornate crowns and pompous displays. 

You will notice the buzz of activity in the town as well as the pointy-hatted residents. Nazarenos During Holy Week, dozens brotherhoods in the city will hold processions.

We recommend you go on Maundy Thurday or Good Friday to catch some of the shows before moving on. 

After Sevilla, you can either head to Portugal, or, if you’re willing to stay in Spain for a few days, continue onwards to Huelva. 

There, you can admire the beauty and wildlife of Doñana National Park, including the Iberian lynx. 

El Rocio’s picturesque, sandy streets are full of handsome horses.  

Huelva’s main city and its surrounding beaches, such as Playa de Rompeculos, are worth a visit. 

Cacela Velha is your first stop, whether you have spent a few days in between Sevilla and Huelva, or hopped directly to Portugal. 

We drove to Monte Gordo, a border town on the Portuguese side of the border, on Friday afternoon. After sleeping in the Hotel Quinta da Rosa Linda that night, we were up bright and early the next morning to explore this charming spot. 

Cacela Velha, a picturesque coastal village with blue-and-white fishing houses, is the perfect introduction to Portugal. 

The church offers panoramic views of the sea as you stroll along its cobbled streets. 

Follow the wall all the way to the fortress, then descend the steps and walk down to the beach. 

A sunny day will reveal a scene of golden sands and blue skies, with vibrant greens and a few ramshackle boats. 

Cacela Velha, though small, is a worthwhile stop on your way to Algarve.

Tavira is a popular coastal resort nestled on the Gilao river, and it’s only 15 minutes away. 

Tavira’s historic center is a popular destination for tourists and expats alike, with beautiful townhouses decorated with intricate tile work. 

Jardim da Alagoa has a number of cafes that line the square. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee or a pastel de Nata on a sunny spring day. 

After refreshing yourself, explore the nearby narrow streets, which are filled with ceramic shops, souvenir stores, and cute boutiques. 

You can reach the castle by strolling across the Puente Anterior. It offers stunning views of the city and the coast. 

Before you continue on to your next destination, have lunch in the Praca da Republica. 

Faro, one of the most beautiful cities in the Algarve, is next on the list. 

Dubbed the ‘Palm Springs of Portugal’, Faro is home to the largest concentration of Modernist buildings in southern Europe. 

Though often unloved and overlooked, this is exactly what lends the city its ‘laid back’ charm, perfect to be enjoyed on a lazy spring afternoon. 

The historic centre would be incomplete without a visit to the old Cathedral, the Town Hall and the creepy Capela dos Ossos decorated with bones of former monks. 

We were hungry after a walk along the beachfront and decided to have dinner at Cantinho. This traditional restaurant offers tasty vegetarian and meat options.

If you are able to stay another day, we suggest exploring the highlights of Faro. 

Parque Natural da Ria Formosa offers a wonderful excursion by kayak or boat. It is located near the Ilha Deserta, and has some stunning rock formations. 

After exploring Faro, we decided to stay in Albufeira at the Smy Santa Eulalia Hotel. 

We headed to Portimao, a tourist destination. 

The moment you arrive at the beach, it is easy to understand why this town is so loved. 

Golden sand extends as far as the eyes can see. It is only broken by the towering rock structures that contrast with the turquoise waters. 

If you are able to pull yourself away from your coves, you will find the city of Lagos waiting for you. 

Lagos, a vibrant and youthful city, is full of bars and restaurants with colorful facades and street artwork. 

Popular activities include exploring the old town and visiting nearby islands and beaches. 

Sagres, Europe’s southernmost point, is the last stop on this epic Algarve journey.

The Fortaleza de Sagres is a historic fortress that you can visit and enjoy its impressive views without paying any money. 

Take a stroll around the cliffs to admire the power of nature. Huge waves crash on the rocks. 

We were sad to leave, but the west coast of Portugal has some stunning beaches that are waiting to be discovered.