Algarve

Explore Algarve

And there’s more to this region too. There are ruins, monuments, towns and castles that attest to a rich history, going back to prehistoric times and including five centuries of Moorish presence. There’s unique wildlife in the Ria Formosa and Vicentine Coast parks, and dolphin-spotting in the Atlantic. And there’s the Algarvian inland, with rolling hills, woods, scattered villages, and no crowds — just the place if you want to get away from the bustle of the coast.

Getting here and around

Faro Airport is the main local hub, with direct flights to many European cities. If you want to spend time in Lisbon before or after staying in the Algarve, the capital is about a three-hour drive from most Algarve destinations. Once in Algarve, your best option for travelling between cities and beaches is by car — in fact, there are some remote beaches you can only get to by car. Let us know if you would like us to arrange private transfers for you. We will also be happy to arrange rental cars so you can drive at your own pace.

Climate & seasons

July and August are the driest and hottest months, with full hotels and crowded beaches. If you don’t like crowds, June and September are a good time to enjoy summer weather with fewer people around. Just keep in mind that at all times of the year, the Atlantic Ocean is chillier and wilder than the Mediterranean Sea. If you want to go sightseeing or golfing in Algarve, spring and autumn are ideal. Some people feel it’s no longer basking and swimming weather — but that’s for you to decide. Winter can be good for golfing as well, but the weather is unpredictable.

Where to go

On the coast, there are luxury hotels from Sagres to Faro. The Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura areas are very popular — they are close to Faro airport, on nice beaches, and have great golf courses. Wander through the typical buildings in the historical centre of Faro, and admire its medieval cathedral. Go to the Roman ruins of Milreu, the lighthouse on Ilha do Farol, then put out to sea and spot dolphins. If you like surfing, the beaches in the Sagres area are great — as is the historical clifftop town. Discover other historical towns on the Guadiana River, like Alcoutim and Vila Real. Take a boat to explore the coves around Lagos or the island beaches of Tavira and Fuzeta, and have your fill of local seafood delicacies at Mexilhoeira Grande and Vila do Bispo. If you want solitude, head inland — the Algarve countryside is empty and peaceful.

What to do

Bask, swim and surf on beautiful beaches, enjoy luxury hotels and play golf at some of the best courses in Europe. Over the Algarve’s 200km of coastline there are 25 resort towns as well as countless small villages, waterparks, theme parks and vibrant nightlife. So if that’s what you come for, you will have your heart’s desire. But you can go further, deeper. Birdwatch in Ria Formosa, a bird sanctuary of European importance. Go to Silves and other historical sites to discover history that comprises over 500 years of Moorish presence. Wander through sun-soaked whitewashed towns, taking in the typical Portuguese architecture. Get to know scrumptious local food in seaside eateries with a view to the wild Atlantic.