Algarve Holidays

The Algarve, Portugal’s most popular holiday destination, is rich in clean beaches, attractive white-washed villages and beautiful natural landscapes. The best things to do on Algarve holidays tend to be based on the region’s coast which is decorated with white sands, dramatic rock formations and sparkling blue waters. Each resort caters to a different sort of holidaymaker, and with a coastline incorporating such favourites as Alvor, Carvoeiro and Olhos d'Agua, it can be a tricky job deciding which resort to pick for your 2018 Algarve holiday.

The beaches lure those visitors seeking relaxation and sunshine, while the landscape that towers over the ocean is a haven for mountain bikers and walkers. The Algarve has also experienced a gradual transformation into a popular party destination, with the likes of Faro, Praia de Rocha and Albufeira catering to those seeking more thrills after the sun goes down.

Albufeira is a wonderfully diverse city, defined by its wonderful beaches, great restaurants, charming old town and bustling nightlife, unrivalled anywhere else in the Algarve. The resort town is also located in the central part of the Algarve, so it makes it the perfect base for exploring both eastwards and westwards.

Lagos offers a similar vibe to those on their Algarve holidays, alongside an energetic water sports and outdoor adventures culture, mingling with that of a bygone era. Traditional architecture and colours adorn the historical city centre, marked by the old city walls, ensuring both culture vultures and sports enthusiasts are appeased.

Outside of the primary holiday hotspots, numerous traditional towns and villages are dotted along the expansive coastline of the Algarve, displaying a more authentic way of life that is easily overshadowed by the region’s modernised infrastructure. Olhos d'Agua is a great example of a resort town which is retaining its traditional charm while catering to the tourism influx. Other examples of smaller, less-frequented resorts include Armacao de Pera and Carvoeiro. It should be noted that these areas still get busy during the summer.

Meanwhile, other adventurous types may like to dip out of the area altogether to visit some more of Portugal’s gems, and none come more alluring than the stunning coastal city Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal – a mesmerising place to daytrip to during you holidays in the Algarve.

Some of the best cuisines of Portugal can be found on an Algarve holiday; the seafood on offer along the coast is particularly a must try. One of the signature fish dishes in this part of the world is grilled sardines, which are often barbecued before being served with boiled potatoes and salad. One of the best restaurants for fish has to be Passaro Azul, located on Olhos de Agua.

One of the tastiest Algarve attractions is its famous Piri Piri chicken. Forget the chow you get at Nando’s; this is the real deal. The sauce here is arguably unmatched anywhere else in the world, and the barbecued chicken is as succulent as it comes. 

Portugal has some great wine, although the Algarve doesn’t really produce much of it. However, there are various bars around the region that stock fantastic port, most of which originates from the city of Porto. Sampling a few of these after a meal would provide a welcome nightcap.

There are plenty of family-friendly places in the Algarve especially if you stay at a catered resort where everything is laid on and you don’t have to worry too much about meals or travel. Top resorts for a family holiday include Praia da Rocha with its popular beaches and facilities, Alvor, Carvoeiro and Olhos d'Agua for their sleepy, charming personas and of course, if you're going for glitzy, Vilamoura is your best bet.

For a day out of activity for everyone, head to Parque Aventura where you can try your hand at zip wires and various activities rigged up in the forest. Along praia to praia, surf lessons are offered for any age so even children can have a go at catching some waves. For some sporty children, the Calo do Lobo Tennis Academy offers to coach across 14 courts and there is even a spa centre on-site for parents to indulge in while the kids are learning to play tennis.

Krazy World Zoo is worth a day trip, located in Algoz or for water away from the sea try Slide and Splash waterpark in Lagoa. However you and the kids like to spend your time the Algarve makes a fantastic family holidays destination.

Some of the world’s finest golf courses can be enjoyed in the Algarve, blessed by great weather, stunning scenery and challenging courses, delivering something of a playground to those that like to bring their woods and irons on holiday with them.

Golf isn’t the only activity you’ll discover away from the beach; there is also a great mountain biking scene in the Algarve, allowing visitors to explore the region’s beautiful inland scenery on active tours around the landscapes. Inevitably you’ll find yourselves down by the water at some point during your Algarve holiday, and around Albufeira and Lagos there’s so much to do, you could spend the entire holiday in and around the water here. Water sports are rife around Lagos, with a great surfing scene supported by sea kayaking and windsurfing, while others may just prefer to lay on the sandy bays around Alvor.

Snorkelling and boat trips are also on offer to tourists, allowing you to explore the Algarve’s highlights on and beneath the surface of the ocean. The standard array of beach activities are on offer to visitors all along the coast. There are always things to do in the Algarve away from the sand and water, but you’ll find the best variety of activities on the beach and in the sea. Getting out on the water is a great way to explore the expansive coastline, especially by pedalo or kayak. Those looking for more thrills will find satisfaction in Lagos and lively Praia de Roche, where you can experience surfing, sailing and kite-surfing.

Mountain biking is another high entry on the list of Algarve attractions. One of the most enjoyable routes takes you into the nearby Monchique Mountains, eventually bringing you to the highest point of the range. The Algarve is blessed with some fantastic golf courses in equally impressive locations. The Pine Cliffs Course is one of the most picturesque and challenging, so is ideal for those who want to show off their swing.

The beaches are undoubtedly the biggest attraction of Algarve holidays, endless stretches of fine sand flanked by beautiful clear blue water and towering, dramatic cliffs and rock formations – the Algarve is home to one of the most remarkable coastal scenes in Europe. That's just in the Algarve, but much of the coast of Portugal is pretty stunning. The beaches are each called 'Praia...' as Praia means 'beach', so watch out for those signs. There are plenty of hidden ones down small lanes and roads, holidays to the Algarve are all about exploring if you want to!

Relaxing on quiet and sandy beaches is a perfect way to recharge your batteries, and many of the beaches provide visitors with comfy sun loungers and umbrellas. Pick from resorts such as Tavira, which retains its charm, the mega beaches in Praia da Rocha bustling and teeming with activities and facilities, and the glitzy beachfront in Vilamoura.

When the water is calm, bobbing around on a lilo in the ocean will also do the trick. From Carvoeiro, a sleepy village and a small beach, to the sweeping sands of Alvor and its trendy harbour, the Algarve has so many beaches to offer. 

Despite this, you’ll find plenty of things to do during your holidays to the Algarve that don’t involve planting your feet in the sand. Read on to find out more.

If you’re after bustling nightlife, you’ll never run out of things to do in the Algarve. The region has become one of the most party-orientated areas in Southern Europe, rivalling destinations like Ibiza and Majorca.

Albufeira is the primary hub of this party mayhem, with the majority of the pubs, bars and clubs situated in the Old Town and along ‘The Strip’. Pubs like Sir Harry’s provide the perfect joint for warming up on a few cocktails, before tackling the real deal at clubs like Domino and The Cellar. You can find a classier side to the Algarve’s nightlife, most notably in the smaller towns and in sophisticated jazz and cocktail bars. Cabana Bar in Olhos de Agua is one of the best cocktail bars in the area and comes complete with pool tables and classic tunes.

If you're not after mad nightlife, the sleepy resorts of Carvoeiro and Alvor balance peace and quiet with a lovely cafe culture, offering some bars and restaurants open later into the warm Algarve evening.

There is real romance in the air on holidays in the Algarve, found in the secluded coves, beautiful cliff walks and golden sunsets. The Algarve makes for excellent couples holidays because of its host of peaceful, charming villages and empty beaches. Or, if you fancy it, the refinement of Vilamoura is a treat for your senses. For narrow cobbled streets and stretches of sand, Alvor might be the place for your loved-up holiday. 

You can experience some great vistas from the clifftops surrounding the bays to the east of Albufeira, especially at sunset when the sandy-brown cliffs sparkle. The sleepiness of Olhos d'Agua and its cobbled streets aren't far from Faro, and the town of Carvoeiro to the west exudes charming character.

Tavira, a little less well-known, is another one of those unspoiled holiday towns that visitors to the Algarve are so blessed with. Tavira is a sleepy, peaceful and romantic area to enjoy the best of Portugal's southern coast. Algarve is one of Europe's top picks for romantic holidays if you're looking for a good balance between action and relaxation.

Every city, town and village has its own particular take on culture in the Algarve with Moorish and Arab influences seen in the architecture. One of our favourites is Tavira, a charming old-world town in the east of Albufeira. Alvor, for example, is the ideal combination between a sleepy Algarvian fishing village and new glitzy shops and restaurants. Carvoeiro, situated around a small bay, flanked by two cliff faces, often has live music playing in the little square.

The Algarve is well-known as a holiday destination and so there are plenty of events and festivals throughout the year but particularly in the summer months. Food and local produce markets are held in most towns in the Algarve and are a great place to absorb a little bit of local culture and maybe take it home with you as a souvenir. Saints festivals usually include food and drink, with barbecued sardines being a speciality. Other festivals centre around the sea, with fish and fishermen, celebrated and honoured. 

Many of these events are focused on the medieval city of Faro, the region's capital. During the summer months, there are various food festivals and music line-ups inside the city's old walls. Faro makes for a nice day trip away from the beaches, especially if it's hot.