The Algarve

The Algarve holidays

Experience some of Europe’s best beaches on an Algarve holiday. This is the place to head to for golden sand, year-round sunshine and perfectly manicured golf courses. Lying along the sparkling southern coastline of Portugal, you can even explore the open waters of the Atlantic here.

Popular Algarve Holiday Resorts

Albufeira Sol Hotel & Spa

Albufeira, The Algarve

Our rating

Based on 2157 reviews

Great for families
All Inclusive package
Suites sleeping up to 4 available
Large outdoor pool
Fantastic entertainment programme

Pestana Blue Alvor All Inclusive Beach & Golf Resort

Alvor, The Algarve

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Our rating

Based on 945 reviews

Great for families and couples
Excellent All Inclusive
Fantastic children's club
Modern rooms
Adults only pool

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Language

Portuguese

Currency

Euro

Time difference

GMT

Cost of a beer

£2.00 / €1.75

3 course meal

£26.70 / €30

Flight times

3-4hrs

A sun-seeker’s paradise

For over four decades, visitors from all over the world have flocked to the Algarve beaches in search of sun, fun and adventure. Golf courses, marinas, lush sands and coves are all dotted around the shore, while historic towns offer you chances to immerse yourself in the Algarve resorts' local culture.

In the swing of things

Towards the coast, water sports are a big deal, particularly around Lagos where kitesurfing and water-skiing are popular with everyone. In Vilamoura, why not take a sailing lesson before hitting the swanky shops, bars and clubs along the sands? Or if surfing is more your thing, then head to Sagres for one of the best spots.

Grand architecture

The biggest city of the Algarve resorts is Faro, which has a charming Old Town district. The city’s cathedral and museums are among its highlights, while it’s also a good place to shop. History buffs will enjoy exploring the various kinds of exhibits around this visually pleasing Portuguese part.

Albufeira

One of the Algarve’s most popular resorts, you'll be spoilt for choice on your Albufeira holiday.

Vilamoura

This sporting haven offers many ways to get active. It has six renowned golf courses, with a top tennis academy in the town too.

Alvor

Reveal the sophisticated side of the Algarve on an Alvor holiday. Things take a relaxed pace in the old town, where you’ll uncover centuries-old churches and castles sitting alongside classy bars.

Olhos D'Agua

You won’t have to go far to find a great beach on your Olhos D’Agua holiday. The Praia de Falesia sits close by, with its gorgeous golden sands backed by beautiful burnt-orange cliffs.

Armacao De Pera

This sleepy resort sits between the two bigger towns of Albufeira and Carvoeiro. You’ll be close to some of Albufeira’s best attractions, while also having local sandy beaches nearby.

Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro has grown into a fully-fledged beach resort. Along with a selection of sandy beaches, you’ll find tourist-friendly attractions like a mini train and a waterpark.

Praia Da Rocha

Leading on from the urban inland town of Portimão, Praia da Rocha is a coastal resort packed with things to see and do.

Lagos

Lagos is a large town that sits close to the Algarve’s far western edge. Full of authentic Portuguese charm, its walled Old Town and oceanfront views make it a marvel of a beach resort.

Quarteira

Still a working fishing village, Quarteira reveals the more authentic side of the area around Vilamoura.

Montegordo

This small town has a Spanish influence, as it’s just moments across the border from Costa de la Luz.

Tavira

This atmospheric city lies close to shimmering salt pans and 37 stunning churches. Take in beautiful views from atop a water tower and sample authentic Portuguese seafood overlooking the evergreen estuary.

Olhao

Sitting close to the city of Faro and the stunning Ria Formosa wetlands, this fishing port is in a pretty location.

Beaches

You’ll be spoilt for choice with the Algarve’s beaches. The coastlines are rugged, the sand is silky-soft and the water’s a shimmering shade of turquoise. You’ll find the tourist hotspots with their café-lined promenades, and the quieter spots that are great for a bit of shade in the warm climate.

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Sights

If you want to see dolphins in their natural environment, head to Mar Ilimitado at Sagres. You might even see porpoises and sea turtles, as well as lots of interesting birdlife. Castle ruins scatter this stunning Algarve resort with majestic historical remnants, so prepare for a blast from the past.

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Activities

The Algarve has more than its share of waterparks. Zoomarine, just outside Albufeira, is the region’s answer to SeaWorld. Near here you’ve also got Aqualand, one of Portugal’s biggest waterparks. It’s got everything from kamikaze thrill rides to toddler-friendly slides. Parks and museums offer a bit of culture, on the flipside.

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Christmas and New Year in the Algarve

The Algarve

The Algarve is a haven of laid-back beaches and championship golf courses, but it’s all primed for festive celebrations come Christmas and New Year. There’s a long list of entertaining events going...

Christmas in Vila Real de Santo Antonio

The Algarve

Want to experience the Algarve at its most authentic? Well, say feliz Natal – or merry Christmas – as you celebrate the festive season Portuguese-style in this quaint old town. Most of the action talks place...

Eating and drinking

Top drawer for its delicious fresh seafood, you're guaranteed incredible cuisine on your Algarve holiday. Dishes generally include caldeirada, a fish stew, and conquilhas – clams, Algarve-style. Wash them down with a glass of spirit made from locally grown fruit, and you’ve got yourself something tasty. Eateries nestled within coves offer awesome views!

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A Sabores da Ria

Tavira, The Algarve

A Sabores da Ria, a Portuguese seafood restaurant overlooking the Ria Formosa estuary, is famous for its fish, chips and mushy peas. The menu is simple and good value and offers meat and vegetarian dishes....

Arte Nautica Beach Restaurant

Armacao De Pera, The Algarve

Arte Náutica is a stylish beach restaurant with stunning views of the sunset. Its menu of local seafood fits well with its stripy nautical décor. Fresh fish, oven-baked in salt, is one of the restaurant’s...

Shopping

The Algarve is a great place to pick up traditional linens, pottery and leather goods. You’ll find small boutiques selling these in all the major resorts, so you’ll have plenty of options for a spree. For big-name brands, head to malls like Algarve Shopping in Albufeira, or Forum Algarve in Faro.

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Aqua Portimao Shopping Centre

Praia Da Rocha , The Algarve

Aqua Portimão is a shopping centre with all your favourite home-from-home brands, including Primark and H&M. It’s set over two floors and there are 117 stores to pick from. Once you've shopped till you've...

AlgarveShopping

Albufeira, The Algarve

If you’ve some extra space in your suitcase, AlgarveShopping will soon solve that. This open-air shopping centre has over 100 stores, and many of them are tax-free, so get set to find great bargains! If...

Nightlife

Swish bars, lounges, and night-long clubs make an Algarve holiday a great pick for after-dark scenes. Albufeira’s a known hotspot for nightlife, with a big choice of late-hours watering holes and restaurants lining the famous Strip. And Alvor’s cobbled streets offer plenty of bars within easy walking distance.

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Cliff-top esplanade

Praia Da Rocha , The Algarve

There are lots of pubs and disco bars on the clifftop esplanade overlooking Praia da Rocha’s beach. On The Rocks is open from lunchtime and shows all the major sporting events and soaps on large-screen TVs. The...

Club Kiss

Albufeira, The Algarve

Just a few minutes walk from The Strip, is Kiss Club, three floors of all-night music and dancing. Kiss host international DJs and have live music and their variety of nights include R'n'B nights, electro and...