Algarve Holidays

There is a variety of activities to choose from for people of different ages and abilities, making Algarve holidays suitable for all.

Hiking: There are plenty of stunning trails to hike in Algarve but one not to miss is the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos trail.

Coasteering: Activity that involves jumping off the cliffs into the ocean, diving, swimming in the caves, climbing and discovering beaches inaccessible by land.

Fado performance: 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.

Surfing: Sagres, at the far western end of the Algarve, facing three different directions, offers probably the best surfing opportunities in Portugal.

Golfing: Algarve is one of the best golfing destinations. There is a staggering 42 golf courses at 35 different clubs to choose from.

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.

Algarve boasts a huge selection of restaurants and bars. Taking its location, most offer a large selection of fresh fish dishes.

Restaurante The Cockerel: Located in Albufeira, it’s one of the longest running English restaurants. It’s a family run place serving all the UK favourites.

NoSoloÁgua Portimão: It’s a fabulous beach bar with a pool and pool bead in the town of Portimão.

Baffi bar: A bistro cocktail bar at affordable prices in the centre of popular Lagos serving great burgers.

Iguana Café: Also in Albufeira, this café overlooks the ocean and bay, tasty and reasonably prices food and drink.

Nortada Restaurante & Beach Bar: In the most western part of the region (Sagres), this place offers fresh, delicious food and a great view onto the ocean.

There are plenty of hot summer party spots where you can dance all night long to great sounds. Here are just a few:

Izzys: At Praia da Garrão near Quarteira offers chilled beachside dining and live music sessions.

Medusis Club: For an exclusive experience, make your way to Vale do Lobo and experience stylish daytime relaxation and sunset parties.

Matts Bar: For a hardcore party, head to the Strip in Albufeira where the venues pump out the sounds and the drinks.

The Irish Pub: A great live music spot in Vilamoura. Massive deck has some fabulous views of the marina at night.

Belize Boat Parties: Algar Experience in Albufeira offers stylish boat parties aboard the comfortable Belize catamarans.

The region is blessed with a stunning coastline and some of the most breath-taking beaches. Wild and remote in the west and with heavy Spanish influences in the east, Algarve is a land of contrast.

Faro: The gateway to the Algarve and the largest city in the area. The Old Town and the cathedral with cobblestone streets are not to be missed.

Vila Real de Santo Antonio: It’s a vibrant border town with its eye-catching Praça Marques de Pombal and Arquivo Histórico Municipal.

Tavira: One of the most picturesque towns in the eastern Algarve spread on the banks of River Gilão. Visitors appreciate it for its rich architectural history.

Silves: The landscape of this scenic town is dominated by the town’s magnificent castle bearing witness to the town’s Islamic rule.

Serra de Monchique: This mountain range packed with lovely nature trails is a stunning alternative to the coastal Algarve.

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:

Waterparks: 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: It’s a fun theme park in Guia that combines various animal shows, theatre shows and water attractions.

Parque Aventura: Have fun going through the obstacles set in treetops or take part in various other activities in Lagos or Albufeira.

Parque da Mina: Travel through time and get to know the way people used to live a few centuries ago in the Algarve.

Santa Bernarda: Join the crew in Portimão and come sailing the Algarve coast as a real pirate.

Check out our pick of the most romantic things to do on holiday in the Algarve:

Senhora da Rocha: It’s a chapel near Porches that’s especially worth visiting at dusk when it’s bathed in a beautiful evening light.

Caves dos Vinhos: Take a guided tour with wine tasting of this fine wine cellar located 9 metres underground.

Caniço Restaurant and Bar: This spectacular restaurant near Portimã is carved from the cliffs and overlooks the cove beaches at Prainha.

Ilha Deserta: Escape the crowds by going on a cruise around the Deserted Island, otherwise known as Barreta, the only uninhibited island of Ria Formosa lagoon.