Algarve

Algarve : Travel information before you go!

Discover the destination

The Algarve is the most popular holiday hotspot in Portugal for British holidaymakers seeking sun and sea. The region runs across the entire south coast of the country from Castro Marim on the border of Spain to the east and Sagres to the west. Since the opening of an international airport in Faro in 1965, mass tourism has disfigured certain parts of the coastline like in Albufeira, Vilamoura and Portimao. But far from the seething masses of tourists, the Algarve has plenty to offer the visitor. An infinity of green rolling hills, long sweeping deserted beaches, a vibrant surf scene, picturesque villages, friendly people, and excellent cuisine, are just a few of the region's advantages that you will find once you look further than the immediate hotel surroundings.

The region was occupied by the Arabs during the 17th century and the Algarve still boasts a strong Moorish influence in its buildings as well as its various ruins of Islamic settlements and forts. Reminiscent of this period, are the white houses, open chimneys, and azulejos (ceramic tiles typical of Portugal), which are now an integral part of the Algarve's identity.

The beaches are beautiful, with soft golden sand and turquoise waters, the problem is that the main beaches get very crowded in peak season. But as we mentioned above, there are plenty of beaches for travellers who are willing to go beyond the hotel beach.

The main attractions of the Algarve are its golf courses (especially in Vilamoura), its beaches, surfing (in Aljezur), its beautiful weather, and its favourable prices. Even for travellers under a tight budget, options other than huge resorts are within reach. See our reviews of the Algarve's hotels and guesthouses.

pros

•  Beautiful natural surroundings (once away from the built-up areas).
•  Delicious fresh fish specialities.
•  Wide range of sports on offer, from golf to wind surfing.
•  Good value food away from the tourist traps.

cons

•  Ugly coastal areas awash with large (and sometimes abandoned) concrete structures in certain areas.
•  Terrible signposting of destinations.

Weather Algarve

Visit Algarve

• To see

  The Algarve has a gently undulating landscape of green rolling hills planted with olive, orange and lemon groves, cork oaks and a stunning colourful variety of flowers. If you are after some British-style nightlife, restaurants and shops, then Portimao, Vilamoura and Albufeira are your best bets. Otherwise, make sure to explore the coastline from east to west without missing out on the tranquil villages of Sagres and Aljezur in the west, where you will find the most beautiful beaches of the area. The village of Tavira in the east, is also worth making a stop for a night or two in order to explore a traditional 'Algarvian' village with strong Moorish roots.

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  To do

  Wherever you travel in the Algarve, the locals will be more than happy to tell you all about the places to explore in the area like its array of forts, churches and small castles.

  The best way of seeing an area is by hiring a bike and lining the coast. Alternatively see more of the Algarve by hiring a car and making a road trip of it; this would allow you to pass through or stop at quaint villages like Boliqueime and Tavira in the east as well as seeing the distinct change in atmosphere as you head west. The Algarve is a region that needs to be explored and appreciated for its natural wilderness, so there is very little use spending time lounging around a pool all day every day if you want to get a real feel for local life.

  'Rural tourism' is slowly becoming a popular trend among Britons, and it's a great way of learning about the destination. Rural tourism is essentially staying at a small guesthouse or quinta, as they are called in Portuguese, which is a converted farmhouse, and venturing out to explore the surroundings as well as tasting the delicious local produce, which is often served up at meal times at guesthouses.

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  To think about

  Before booking a holiday to the Algarve, think about dates carefully first. If your worst nightmare is struggling to find a spot to put your towel down at the beach, then avoid the region in high season, which runs during the Easter school holidays, end of May until beginning of September and around Christmas and New Year's. The best time to visit the Algarve is in September as the prices of hotels and flights fall, the kids have gone back to school and best of all, the sea has had all summer to warm up!

  Worth thinking about if you are desperate for a bit of R and R, then consider rural tourism, where you stay in an original converted farmhouse. It takes a little bit more planning to make a decision, but lots of these little guesthouses are popping up all over the Algarve's most beautiful rural spots far from the madding crowds. See our Algarve hotel reviews.

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• To avoid

  Avoid the large built-up resorts especially during peak season, which runs from the end of May until the beginning of September, around Christmas and New Year's and during the Easter school holidays. Areas like Albufeira, Portimao; Lagos, and especially Vilamoura get extremely hectic, especially at meal times in resort hotels.

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  To try

  With the Algarve region covering the entire south coastline, it is the place to be for trying all sorts of fresh grilled fish and seafood. As long as you stay in the local traditional eateries, you are bound to taste some of the best sea bream, cod and sardines you have ever had before. If however, fish isn't your thing, there is usually a meat option. Both fish and meat are usually served with boiled or baked potatoes. Unless you ask, vegetables tend to be rarely eaten as a side dish - the locals usually start the meal with a delicious vegetable soup. When you are a tourist, waiters usually bring an array of fish paste, olives and cheeses - this is optional (and will appear as extra on your bill), so you can refuse if you don't want it. The local tipple here is mainly beer and wine. In terms of beers, there is 'Super Bock' and 'Sagres'. The Algarve is a large wine-producing region, so make sure t try a glass or two during your stay.

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  To bring back

  The Algarve isn't really the shopping haven one might want it to be, but it does have a thriving fresh produce business, especially where homemade preserves and other goods are concerned. Cheeses, olives and teas are your best buys here and are especially delicious and distinct to the products we have back home.

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Best selection of hotels in Algarve

Algarve love: the best hotels in the region

Contrary to common perception, the Algarve isn't all towering hotels, fast-food restaurants and Irish pubs. Behind the facet often shown on television, it is one of the most beautiful regions we have had the privilege of visiting on our travels. Imagine wild green pastures, rose bushes, orange and lemon ...

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Algarve in pictures

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