The Algarve holidays

Holidays to the Algarve are your ticket to one of the best coastlines in Europe – not to mention untouched fishing villages and A-grade golf courses.

Award-winning destination

The Algarve is a regular winner at the World Travel Awards – the travel industry’s answer to the Oscars. In fact, over the years, it’s taken home accolades for everything from its fabulous diving and great golf resorts to its top-of-the-range attractions and sweeping beaches.

Standout coastline

If there’s one category this part of Portugal really deserves gold for, it’s the beaches. Hidden coves, crescent-shaped bays and rocky inlets make up the Algarve’s coastline. Most of the pale sands are child-friendly, plus many come with Blue Flag credentials.

Popular Albufeira

When it comes to places to stay, Albufeira leads the pack. The Algarve’s largest holiday spot, it’s a tale of two resorts. Its new town has a lively strip of thumping nightclubs and open-air bars, while the old town is filled with cobbled squares, colourful market stalls and al fresco restaurants.

The best of the rest

Just down the road from Albufeira is Olhos d’Agua, a sleepy fishing village with cobbled lanes and traditional restaurants. On the beach, freshwater springs bubble through the sands and there are rock pools great for little ones. Finally, there’s Sao Rafael, which is famous for its dramatic rock formations and Blue Flag beach.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ALGARVE

How long does it take to fly to the Algarve?

Flights from the UK to the Algarve take around four hours, depending on which airport you fly from.

What is the time difference between the UK and the Algarve?

There’s no time difference between the UK and the Algarve, so you won’t have to adjust your watch.

What currency should I take to the Algarve?

The Algarve is part of Portugal, so you’ll need to take euros to pay for things.

When is a good time to go to the Algarve?

The best times to go to the Algarve for hot weather are from June to August, where the average temperature hovers around 25°C. May and September are a little cooler, if you don’t want scorching heat.

What is the best part of the Algarve?

The Algarve stretches right along the south coast of Portugal, so beaches play a massive part in every holiday here. Albufeira’s great for traditional marketplaces and a highly rated restaurant and bar scene. Praia da Rocha stocks one of the best strips of sand, Olhos d’Agua channels traditional vibes, and Vilamoura has a lively marina and great golf courses.

Popular hotels in The Algarve

Top things to see and do in The Algarve

Beaches

Photogenic beaches

The Algarve is home to some of the best beaches in Europe. The coastline morphs from golden sandy sweeps to untouched pebbly bays and back again. Most of the beaches are backed by the rugged limestone cliffs and striking rock formations this part of the world is famous for. And, thanks to an influx of hidden caves, there are some great snorkelling and diving spots.

The big beach

Albufeira is the Algarve’s most popular resort, thanks in large part to its beach. Praia d’Oura is washed by translucent waters and backed by open-air restaurants. For lunch with a view, try the eatery built high into the cliff-face – it serves up seafood fresh from the net. After lunch, you can stop by the massage cabin en route to your sunbed.

The secret beach

Escaping the beach crowds is easy if you head away from the main resorts. About an hour from Albufeira is Vila do Bispo – a sleepy town that’s home to Barriga Beach. This golden crescent-shaped cove is towered over by high cliffs, and is as secluded they come. Just be sure to check tide times before you set off – the beach is so narrow, it can completely disappear at high tide.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The town of Loule is the epicentre of the Algarve’s handicraft industry. Head here to watch artisans at work in the studios along the Rua da Barbaca, then pick up the likes of copperware and clogs to take home. Visit Albufeira’s old town in the evenings, meanwhile, and you’ll find stalls heaving with beaded jewellery and ceramic plates. Olhos d’Agua and Sao Rafael have a fair few souvenir shops between them, too, where you can buy things like bohemian dream catchers and locally made bottles of olive oil.

Mid-range buys

Just outside Albufeira’s new town is the Guia Shopping Centre, which is home to an impressive 130 stores. The majority of them are high street brands, including names like Zara and Massimo, but you’ll come across some designer shops, too. There’s also a cinema and a bowling alley. Another good option for high street fashion is the Forum Algarve mall in Faro.

Designer buys

If you want to splash out, pay a visit to Lagos. Kick off your shopping spree on Rua Candido dos Reis, where you can browse designer clothes, leather accessories and jewellery. Vilamoura Marina is dotted with some great boutiques, as well.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Olhos d’Agua and Sao Rafael have low-key after-dark scenes – not surprising when you consider their origins as sleepy fishing villages. In Olhos d’Agua, most of the action revolves around the village’s main street, which snakes down the hill to the palm-lined promenade. There are authentic restaurants and bars running the length of it. Try one of the seafood places for lobster with a view. Sao Rafael is the quieter still, with just a clutch of restaurants and bars scattered down by the beach.

Lively evenings

Albufeira is split into an old and a new town. The latter has a neon-lit strip lined with bars, pubs and clubs. Most of the action's centered around one street which is jam-packed with bars. Over in the old town, meanwhile, cobbled streets lead off from the main square, taking you in the direction of outdoor terrace bars dotted with wicker armchairs.

Food & drink

Sardines

Grilled sardines are an Algarve staple, and you’ll catch the scent of them sizzling over the charcoal at most restaurants. They go really well with fresh tomatoes and a crunchy salad. Alternatively, tuck in to miniature bowls of them before a meal, along with olives and doorstop-sized chunks of bread drizzled in olive oil.

Coelho a minhota

Rabbit is a common delicacy in the Algarve, and lots of stews pair the meat with lashings of red wine. But if you’re after something a bit different, try this one for size. The rabbit in this dish is marinated for 24 hours, before being fried in small sections and smothered in a thick, rich tomato sauce.

Caldeirada

This traditional stew is a firm favourite on the Algarve. It’s made with potatoes, tomatoes and onions, which are all tossed together with chunks of fresh fish. Sardines, tuna, monkfish – anything goes, really. Follow the locals’ lead and scoop it all up with a piece of crusty bread that’s been lightly fried in olive oil.

Arroz doce

Arroz doce is the Algarve’s answer to rice pudding. It’s fluffy and light, and often flavoured with lemon and cinnamon, which give it a nice zesty kick. Every restaurant puts its own spin on the dish, but one of the most popular ways of serving it is with sweet, caramelised mandarins.

Medronho aguardente

Aguardente tastes a lot like vodka, but it’s actually a type of brandy. It comes from the fruit that grows on the medronho tree, and has a smooth, fruity taste.

Average Weather in The Algarve

Facts about The Algarve

Currency
Euro
(EUR)
Language
Portuguese
Time zone
GMT +0
Flight duration
2 hours 45 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

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