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Portugal

  • © Frank Naylor / age fotostock

    Algarve, Portugal

Portugal in pictures - Algarve

  • Algarve

    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.
    Discover Algarve
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In brief +

Weekly budget
£300
Flight budget
£150
Flight duration
3h30 
Time difference
-1h / -1h
Visa
No
Vaccinations
No
Currency
Euro
Language(s)
Portuguese

Portugal :

map Portugal

Destination overview

This sun-soaked southern European country sways to the melancholic melodies of Fado and is an excellent choice for a getaway, whether for a week or a weekend! With its mild winters, steamy summers and warm hospitality, tourists flock to Portugal all year round. Whether you're after a hefty dose of culture or beautiful beaches, Portugal has got it. The charming capital city of Lisbon remains a popular city break while the 100 miles of Algarve coastline make it a prized spring or summer holiday destination. Meanwhile, the Azores archipelago is a hit with fans of nature. Its environment has been well-preserved; especially the case in Madeira where a total, nature-filled escape is guaranteed.

pros

  •  Living costs: generally lower than in the UK; although Lisbon, which is becoming more and more trendy, and the seaside resorts at the Algarve, display 'special' tourist prices
  •  Its distance from the UK and its climate; Portugal is an ideal destination for a break in the sun

cons

  •  The sea can be a little cold, even in summer
  •  As more and more destinations in the south give way to tourism the places once known for their peace and tranquility are slowly disappearing.

Portugal Travel guide

Portugal Holidays in Portugal, All you need to know!

Our Editorial team's advice

Avoid going to Portugal by train. The trip from London to Lisbon is over 24 hours long and the fares are not markedly cheaper than flights.
In the Algarve, a touristic region, don't settle for the first beach you see, probably overcrowded; sometimes if you head a little further, even a kilometre or two, you will find more isolated gems that seem a world away from the vacationing hordes.
The southern coastline, rocked by the swell of the Atlantic and drenched in sunshine, is the country's main destination for beach holidays. Plan to take your surfing or windsurfing gear with you because the conditions are ideal. Don't forget your golf equipment either, for Portugal boasts about sixty golf courses, some of them world renowned.

Portugal : Reasons to go

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Portugal : Places to visit

Best selection of hotels in Portugal

Algarve love: the best hotels in the region

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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Portugal in pictures

  • Algarve© Frank Naylor / age fotostock

    Algarve, Portugal

  • Porto© Pedro Salaverría / age fotostock

    Porto, Portugal
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  • Algarve, Portugal
  • Porto, Portugal
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  • The unspoilt North : The Duoro Valley - Portugal
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Portugal in pictures

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    Hotel reviews Portugal

    Have you been to this destination before? Where did you stay? We want to hear about it, so post your review on the EasyOpinions forum for us! Create an opinion
    • Balaia Golf VillageBalaia Golf Village
      Photo of Chris Elliott

      Chris Elliott 04/06/2012 :

      "Huge complex of flats - all the facilities you could want in terms of pools and golf with beautiful gardens. Good quality flats."

      6/10 More...
    • Albufeira Jardim HotelAlbufeira Jardim Hotel
      Photo of susan humphries

      susan humphries 11/01/2012 :

      "This appeared to be a really nice hotel but our room was badly in need of renovation and the smell of drains was overpoweringly awful."

      3/10 More...
    • Porto Bay Falesia Porto Bay FalesiaPorto Bay Falesia
      avatar de victoria ikwuemesi

      victoria ikwuemesi 27/07/2011 :

      "A very clean and comfortable Hotel with good facilities.The Hotel boasts some wonderful sea views well worth having. Breakfast are excellen"

      8/10 More...

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    Our expert Portugal

    Neil Kreeger Section editor

    only a third of the story is completed, watch this space!

    Weather Portugal

    • Lisbon 11°C | 19°C 4 day weather forecast 19°C 22°C 22°C 22°C
    • Porto 9°C | 18°C 4 day weather forecast 18°C 21°C 22°C 22°C
    • Faro 11°C | 22°C 4 day weather forecast 22°C 22°C 24°C 23°C
    • Santa Maria 16°C | 17°C 4 day weather forecast 17°C 16°C 17°C 17°C

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