The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is famous for its warm climate, stunning sandy beaches, dramatic clifftops and high-quality golf resorts. Whether you are after an active break, a tranquil retreat, waterpark thrills or buzzing nightlife, the Algarve has it all.
It’s a hassle-free holiday destination to travel to as well, it’s only a 3-hour flight away, its safe, people are very friendly and easy to communicate with and facilities are of a high standard. The majority of holidaymakers are drawn to the central and western regions, between Lags and Vale do Lobo. Portuguese love their food and sweet treats and in the Algarve it’s the seafood that dominates dining tables.
Algarve has a rich history, full of European, African and Arabic influences. Despite the Great Earthquake of 1755, which ruined much of the historical architecture, a few ancient structures can still be found across the region.
Make sure the Algarve is on your luxury holiday list this year – you won’t want to miss out on its beaches, golf courses or food!
Hiring a car is a popular way of getting around the Algarve, giving holidaymakers the chance to explore at their own pace. Book in advance if you want to guarantee the car you’re after, for a decent price. Drivers need to be at least 21 years old. Make sure you stick to the right.
There is also a good bus service connecting the various coastal resorts and a large fleet of taxis in operation. The Algarve is a perfect region for walking and cycling, with many trails, paths and routes linking the beach towns and resorts.
The Algarve is largely known for its stunning coastline and many visitors come here for its breath-taking beaches. Here are some of them:
Praia dos Três Irmãos – Literally means beach of the three brothers. It’s a secluded beach with towering rock formations and many hidden caves that can be explored.
Praia de Dona Ana – It’s one of the most picturesque beaches in the area and it can be reached on foot from Lagos city centre in about half an hour.
Praia do Camilo – A walking distance from Praia de Dona Ana, this beach is divided into two separate areas connected by a tunnel carved inside the rock.
Praia da Falesia – This is one of the longest beaches in Algarve. It’s perfect for water sports with plenty of excellent facilities as well as places to eat and drink.
Praia da Marinha – Like most beaches in Algarve, this beach can only be accessed by a steep wooden staircase and the views from the top of the cliffs are remarkable.
There is a variety of activities to choose from for people of different ages and abilities away from the beaches, making Algarve holidays suitable for all.
There are plenty of stunning trails to hike in Algarve but one not to miss is the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos trail.
Coasteering is an activity that involves jumping off the cliffs into the ocean, diving, swimming in the caves, climbing and discovering beaches inaccessible by land.
Listen to some traditional Portuguese music at the Igreja da Misericordia. The show has been put together by local fadistas to promote this beautiful genre.
Sagres, at the far western end of the Algarve, facing three different directions, offers probably the best surfing opportunities in Portugal.
Algarve is one of the best golfing destinations. There are a staggering 42 golf courses at 35 different clubs to choose from.
This is an extremely popular holiday destination for families. Here are just some of the kid-friendly attractions and activities on offer during an Algarve holiday:
Side & Splash is one of the largest waterparks in Europe and the largest one in Portugal but there are others you can go to.
Zoomarine is a fun theme park in Guia that combines various animal shows, theatre shows and water attractions.
Parque Aventura is a must visit attraction. Have fun going through the obstacles set in treetops or take part in various other activities in Lagos or Albufeira.
Travel through time and get to know the way people used to live a few centuries ago in the Algarve at Parque da Mina.
Join the crew in Portimão and come sailing the Algarve coast as a real pirate on the Santa Bernarda experience.
Check out our pick of the most romantic things to do on holiday in the Algarve.
Senhora da Rocha is a chapel near Porches that’s especially worth visiting at dusk when it’s bathed in a beautiful evening light.
Take a guided tour of Caves dos Vinhosm a wine cellar located 9m underground. It includes wine tasting too!
The spectacular Caniço Restaurant and Bar near Portimã is carved from the cliffs and overlooks the cove beaches at Prainha.
Escape the crowds by going on a cruise around the Deserted Island, otherwise known as Barreta, the only uninhibited island of Ria Formosa lagoon.
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