The Algarve holidays

Trimmed by golden beaches, twinkling cobalt waters and ochre-tinged cliffs, Portugal's dramatic south coast is a natural stunner. This is the amazing Algarve, where you can count on long days of sunshine and a laid-back pace of life. Seaside towns in various guises pepper its shores, from swanky Vilamoura and family-friendly Albufeira to vibrant Alvor and soulful Lagos. That means you can take your pick from lazing on Blue Flag beaches, teeing off at top golf courses, wandering tile-clad old towns and whooshing down slides at water parks. Oh, and if you love buzzy bars, Irish pubs and atmospheric restaurants, the Algarve’s nightlife will be right up your street.

Popular Algarve holiday resorts

3HB Clube Humbria

Olhos D’Agua (Albufeira) , The Algarve

Our rating

Based on 1882 reviews

Great All Inclusive programme
Children's aqua park with slides
Close to the resort centre
Spacious and modern apartments
Fantastic entertainment programme

Jupiter Albufeira Hotel

Albufeira, The Algarve

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Our rating

Based on 2334 reviews

Family Luxe
On-site waterpark
Great All Inclusive programme
Modern and spacious rooms
Complimentary shuttle bus to the beach

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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

Bounty of beaches

For more than four decades, visitors from all over the world have flocked to the Algarve’s beaches in search of sun, fun and adventure. From long sandy sweeps to hidden coves, there are loads to choose from. In Ria Formosa National Park near Faro, you’ll even find beaches that look like they’ve been plucked out of the Caribbean, with blue waters and golden sands.

Activities galore

Water sports are a big deal here, particularly around Lagos if you’re into kitesurfing and water-skiing. If surfing’s more your thing, Sagres on the Algarve’s western tip is the place to be. In Vilamoura, you can even take a sailing lesson. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, you can play a round at one of championship golf courses, cycle the coast or go horse riding along the shore.

Wine and dine

Come to the Algarve with an appetite, as freshly-grilled fish, just-caught seafood and succulent piri-piri chicken are all on the menu. Wine’s a big deal here too, with vineyards peppered throughout the rolling hills – tour and tasting anyone? If you’re more of a gin fan, you’ll find more and more independent gin bars popping up here too.

Albufeira

There’s a reason why Albufeira’s one of the Algarve’s most popular resorts – it’s got something for everyone among its golden beaches, whitewashed Old Town and buzzy Strip.

Vilamoura

Looking for luxury? Say hello to swanky Vilamoura. A stunning, yacht-filled marina trimmed by cocktail bars and gorgeous golden beaches are just the start of its best bits.

Alvor

Uncover a traditional side of the Algarve in Alvor. Things take a relaxed pace in this dinky fishing village, where you can find centuries-old churches alongside waterfront bars.

Olhos D’Agua (Albufeira)

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

Armacao De Pera

It may be tucked between Algarvian giants, Albufeira and Carvoeiro, but Armacao De Pera is a charmer in its own right.

Carvoeiro

Once a quiet fishing village, Carvoeiro has grown into a fully-fledged beach resort.

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

Oh lovely Lagos, how we adore thee! Nestled close to the Algarve’s far western edge, its walled old town and oceanfront views make it a beauty of a beach resort.

Quarteira

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

Montegordo

Snuggled near to the Spanish border, Montegordo’s a gorgeous coastal spot. Swathes of sandy beach stretch out from the town, with Blue Flag shores for sunbathing and calm water for paddling.

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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Arco da Porta Nova

Faro, The Algarve

Vila-Adentro, the oldest part of Faro’s old town, is enclosed within medieval walls and is accessed via three arches, one of which is called Arco da Porta Nova. It’s a small town gate that connects the city to...

Arco da Vila

Faro, The Algarve

A stunning way to enter the old town at Faro is through the Arco da Vila. The arch was built at the start of the 19th century, but as you wander through, there’s evidence of the Moorish walls that existed...

Activities

The Algarve has more than its share of waterparks. Zoomarine, just outside Albufeira, is a nautical paradise. Near here you’ve also got Aqualand, one of Portugal’s biggest waterparks, with everything from kamikaze thrill rides to toddler-friendly slides. Parks and museums offer a bit of culture, on the flipside. Don't miss the top-ranking golf courses either.

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Slide & Splash

The Algarve

If waterparks are your thing then Slide and Splash, one of the largest waterparks in the Algarve, will tick all the boxes. Brave the Kamikaze and the Black Hole or race your friends on the Banzai speed lanes....

Slide & Splash Waterpark

The Algarve

Water slides, animal shows, spa treatments – yep, you'll find them all at Slide & Splash! With rides ranging from a nerve-jangling kamikaze to a chilled-out lazy river, there's something for all...

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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Casa Da Fonte

Albufeira, The Algarve

Nestled in the heart of Albufeira's cobbled Old Town, Casa Da Fonte's a much-loved favourite when it comes to Portuguese cooking. You can expect all the usual suspects on the menu like grilled sardines,...

Jorge do Peixe

Albufeira, The Algarve

Head off the beaten path to this inconspicuous restaurant. Jorge do Peixe's something of a local secret, famed for its fish dishes. Seafood stew, grilled grouper and garlicky clams are just some of the...

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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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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Casino Vilamoura

Vilamoura, The Algarve

Casino Vilamoura is just a stone's throw from the resort's glitzy marina. Along with live table games, where you can play roulette and blackjack, you'll find a cabaret show, disco, restaurants and bars inside...

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...