Algarve Portugal Holidays
Algarve
Holidays
Portugal's most celebrated holiday region — a dramatic 200km coastline of golden limestone cliffs, hidden sea caves, turquoise coves and long sandy beaches, with the finest weather in Europe and the best value sun holiday for UK travellers
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Flight Time
2h 30m from London
Best Time
May to October
Country
Portugal
Suppliers
our travel partners ·
Algarve Holiday Guide
The Algarve is the finest sun holiday in Europe for UK travellers — 300+ days of sunshine, dramatic golden cliffs, the Benagil Cave, Praia da Marinha and world-class golf, just 2.5 hours from London.
May to October is ideal. June and September are the sweet spot — warm, less crowded, better prices.
We search Travelpack and JTA Holidays for the best Algarve deals.
Average Temperatures
Jan
16°C
Feb
17°C
Mar
19°C
Apr
21°C
May
23°C
Jun
27°C
Jul
30°C
Aug
30°C
Sep
27°C
Oct
23°C
Nov
19°C
Dec
16°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Algarve
The golden cliffs, the hidden sea caves, the turquoise coves, the world-class golf and the extraordinary coastline that make the Algarve the finest and most rewarding sun holiday destination in Europe.
The Coastline
The Algarve coastline is the most dramatic and beautiful in Europe — 200km of golden limestone cliffs, hidden sea caves, turquoise coves and long sandy beaches. The western Algarve (between Lagos and Sagres) has the most dramatic cliff scenery, with extraordinary rock formations, sea arches and hidden beaches accessible only by boat or steep cliff paths. The eastern Algarve (the Sotavento coast) has longer, flatter beaches with calmer water. The central Algarve (around Albufeira and Carvoeiro) has the most popular and accessible beaches.
Benagil Cave
The Benagil Cave is the most famous and beautiful sea cave in Europe — a vast natural cathedral carved into the golden limestone cliffs near Lagoa, with a circular opening in the roof that floods the cave with light and illuminates the turquoise water below. The cave is accessible only by boat, kayak or swimming (from the small Benagil Beach). Boat trips to the cave depart from Benagil Beach and from Portimao and Albufeira. The cave is the most photographed natural feature in Portugal and is unmissable.
Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha is the finest beach in Portugal and one of the most beautiful in Europe — a small, sheltered cove of golden sand surrounded by extraordinary golden limestone cliffs and rock formations, with crystal-clear turquoise water. The beach is accessible via a steep cliff path from the car park above. The snorkelling at Praia da Marinha is the finest in the Algarve — the clear water and rocky seabed are home to a variety of marine life. The beach is small and fills up quickly in peak season — arrive early.
Golf
The Algarve has the finest golf in Europe — over 40 world-class courses concentrated in the region, with the finest weather for golf in continental Europe. The most celebrated courses include the Vale do Lobo Royal (the most famous course in the Algarve, with extraordinary cliff-top holes), the Quinta do Lago South (one of the finest courses in Europe), the Vilamoura Old Course (the most historic course in the Algarve) and the Monte Rei (the most exclusive course in Portugal). The Algarve is the premier golf destination in Europe.
Water Sports & Boat Trips
The Algarve has excellent water sports and boat trip facilities — the calm, clear water of the central and eastern Algarve is ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing. Boat trips along the cliff coastline are the most popular activity in the Algarve — departing from Lagos, Portimao and Albufeira, the trips visit sea caves, rock arches and hidden beaches. Dolphin watching trips depart from Portimao and Lagos and have a very high success rate.
Food & Wine
The Algarve has excellent food and wine — the region is famous for its fresh seafood (grilled sardines, cataplana seafood stew, percebes barnacles), its local wines (the Algarve wine region produces excellent reds and whites) and its pastries (the pastel de nata custard tart is the finest in Portugal). The best restaurants are in Lagos, Tavira and the fishing villages of the western Algarve. The local markets (Loule market is the finest) are the best place to buy fresh produce.
Tavira & the East
Tavira is the most beautiful town in the Algarve — a charming, unspoilt town in the eastern Algarve with a Roman bridge, a Moorish castle, beautiful churches and excellent restaurants. The eastern Algarve (the Sotavento coast) has the finest and least crowded beaches — the Ilha de Tavira (accessible by ferry from Tavira) has 11km of pristine sand. The eastern Algarve is the best part of the region for those who want a quieter, more authentic experience.
Practical Tips
Faro Airport serves the Algarve — 2.5 hours from London. The Algarve is best explored by hire car. May to October is the best time to visit — July and August are the hottest and most crowded. June and September are the best months (warm, less crowded, lower prices). The western Algarve (Lagos, Sagres) is cooler and windier than the central and eastern Algarve. Book accommodation well in advance for July and August.
Explore Algarve on the Map
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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