Algarve overview
Stretching for 100 miles along the southern coast of Portugal the Algarve offers glorious year-round sunshine, countless sandy beaches and warm waters.
As the last territory to be captured from the Moors by the Portuguese King, Dom Afonso III in 1292, the traces of Moorish influence are evident in the region's unique terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses. Today, as the meeting point between Europe and Africa, the Algarve is still a fascinating mix of Moorish, Portuguese and European cultures.
As well as beaches, gentle countryside and charming, unspoiled old-fashioned villages a major attraction of the Algarve is its towns. Faro, Lagos and Tavira have evident Moorish influences, Silves, Salir and Alte are quiet mountain towns and a throwback to a time when life moved at a gentler pace.
Faro
Faro, capital of the Algarve, is attractive and easy to explore on foot as it fans out from the small harbour to encompass the compact historic old city. Intricate homemade lace, a variety of leather goods, terracotta pottery and the outstanding Atlantis lead crystal make ideal souvenirs and you can while away hours browsing the shops and relaxing in the cafés by the harbour or in the park bythe waterfront.
Map
Climate
Warm and sunny throughout the summer months with fresh sea breezes to keep the evenings cool.
Did you know?
‘Angel’s share’ is the term used to refer to the evaporation of fortified wine as it ages in casks. In the port lodges the aroma of the port is overwhelming and the evaporation leaves the wooden timbers above the casks with a charred appearance as it escapes.
Algarve hotels
Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa
Grande Real Santa Eulalia boasts an enviable location beside the sandy beach of Santa Eulalia
Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
Nestled in five hectares of idyllic, romantic gardens, Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa is paradise recreated
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Hotel Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Golf Course
Surrounded by championship golf courses and finished in traditional blue and terracotta Dona Filipa is only 200m from the beach
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Monte da Quinta Club
Monte da Quinta Club is set in the exclusive Quinta do Lago area of the Algarve
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Monte da Quinta Suites
Monte da Quinta Suites is the newest addition to the luxurious Monte da Quinta Resort, located in the heart of Quinta do Lago
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Monte Do Casal
Monte do Casal offers a high degree of privacy with an emphasis on comfort, personal service and first class food
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Porto Bay Falesia
Situated in an unrivalled location overlooking Praia de Falesia where 8km of white sandy beach merges with the ochre rocks
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Quinta do Lago
As you might expect from one of the Algarve’s most famous and prestigious hotels Quinta do Lago offers a world of luxury
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Ria Park Hotel & Spa
Only 800 metres from the golden sandy beach of Garrao, Ria Park Resort Hotel is located in the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park
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Sheraton Algarve & Golf Suites
Standing proudly on a spectacular cliff top and surrounded by pine trees the Sheraton’s location is unrivalled
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Sheraton Pine Cliffs Residences
Sheraton Pine Cliffs Residences comprises elegantly appointed apartments and villas providing a genuine feeling of independence
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The Lake Resort
The Lake Resort is a luxury five star hotel occupying an outstanding position in the heart of Vilamoura
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Tivoli Carvoeiro
Tivoli Almansor is situated on the rocks above the Vale Covo beach
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Tivoli Lagos
Enjoying a central location within the town of Lagos this hotel has the charm and character of a small village
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Tivoli Marina Vilamoura
Vilamoura has become one of the most famous and popular destinations on the Algarve.
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Vila Domilu
Vila Domilu is situated in a secluded area close to the typically Portuguese fishing villages of Benagil and Carvoeiro
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Vila Gale Ampalius
This traditional well-established hotel is ideally situated for guests to enjoy a relaxing holiday
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Vila Gale Praia
Located in Praia da Galé, a short drive from Albufeira, and just 200 metres from the beach, Vila Gale Praia is a small 40 room hotel
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Vila Gale Tavira
Tavira is a charming small Portuguese town famed for its historical sights. Vila Gale Tavira offers comfortable rooms
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Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful resort hotels in the world this is symbolised by the welcoming luxury of the reception area.
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Vilalara Thalassa Resort
Located on the cliff of Praia das Gaivotas this 5 star hotel combines an international atmosphere with Portuguese hospitality
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Vista Parc Apartments
Part of the well-established luxurious Vila Vita Parc, these well-appointed and comfortable duplex style apartments are located just outside the boundries of Vila Vita Parc
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Map
Climate
Warm and sunny throughout the summer months with fresh sea breezes to keep the evenings cool.
Did you know?
‘Angel’s share’ is the term used to refer to the evaporation of fortified wine as it ages in casks. In the port lodges the aroma of the port is overwhelming and the evaporation leaves the wooden timbers above the casks with a charred appearance as it escapes.
Algarve sightseeing
The Algarve is a top destination for sports and activity based holidays. With great weather and superbly designed golf courses, the region has developed a well-earned reputation foroffering world class golfing opportunities. Butdon’t overlook the fact that tennis has developed a loyal following too with many hotels offering excellent court facilities.
Given the large number of glorious south-facing beaches water sports enthusiasts will never be disappointed. Jet-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, big-game fishing and scuba diving are all readily available, although options might be more limited in the winter months.
Adrenaline junkies might prefer to move inland to try abseiling, caving, paint-balling, archery, mountain biking, trekking, horse-riding white–water rafting, or take to the wheel and go karting at the outdoor track in Almancil. Tailor-made four-wheel drive safari trips can meet almost any request. There’s even hot air balloon flight sand parachuting!
Boats and Cruises
Coastal boat and catamaran trips available from Lagos to include Piedade grottoes and Sagres, and from Vilamoura or Albufeira to Benagil Beach. For riverboat enthusiasts, there’s a delightful cruise along theGuadiana River which borders Portugal and Spain.
Seville, Spain
The capital of Andalucia is well worth a visit to see the Alcazar Palace, the Cathedral of St Maria and the Jewish quarter. For visits to Seville or any other Spanish cities, do ensure that you carry your passport with you!
Lagos, Sagres and Monchique
Contrast the attractive bustling coastal town of Lagos with its delightful marina and historic fortifications, the coastal village of Sagres with its picturesque harbour, and high up in the hills, the small town of Monchique with its spectacular views.
Map
Climate
Warm and sunny throughout the summer months with fresh sea breezes to keep the evenings cool.
Did you know?
‘Angel’s share’ is the term used to refer to the evaporation of fortified wine as it ages in casks. In the port lodges the aroma of the port is overwhelming and the evaporation leaves the wooden timbers above the casks with a charred appearance as it escapes.
Algarve cuisine
As you might expect from a coastal region, the cuisine of the Algarve is heavily influenced by an expansive range of fresh fish and seafood. Caught daily by the local fishermen, sole, tuna, sardines, lobster, crab, squid and crayfish are the mainstay of most menus in the hotels and restaurants of the area. The traditional dish of the region, cataplana, comprises a succulent mix of ham, sausage, cockles, clams, onion, garlic, white wine and spices. You’ll also find a spicy taste of Portugal’s former colonies in Chicken piri-piri made with Angolanpeppers. With a ready supply of almonds and figs, Portugal excels at sweet desserts.
Shopping
Portugal is renowned for its colourful hand painted pottery and tiles. Embroidered linen and napkins are widely available as is the excellent locally produced wine.
Map
Climate
Warm and sunny throughout the summer months with fresh sea breezes to keep the evenings cool.
Did you know?
‘Angel’s share’ is the term used to refer to the evaporation of fortified wine as it ages in casks. In the port lodges the aroma of the port is overwhelming and the evaporation leaves the wooden timbers above the casks with a charred appearance as it escapes.
Algarve offers
Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa
Grande Real Santa Eulalia boasts an enviable location beside the sandy beach of Santa Eulalia
3 offers
Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
Nestled in five hectares of idyllic, romantic gardens, Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa is paradise recreated
8 offers
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Hotel Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Golf Course
Surrounded by championship golf courses and finished in traditional blue and terracotta Dona Filipa is only 200m from the beach
8 offers
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Monte da Quinta Club
Monte da Quinta Club is set in the exclusive Quinta do Lago area of the Algarve
6 offers
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Monte da Quinta Suites
Monte da Quinta Suites is the newest addition to the luxurious Monte da Quinta Resort, located in the heart of Quinta do Lago
3 offers
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Monte Do Casal
Monte do Casal offers a high degree of privacy with an emphasis on comfort, personal service and first class food
4 offers
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Porto Bay Falesia
Situated in an unrivalled location overlooking Praia de Falesia where 8km of white sandy beach merges with the ochre rocks
5 offers
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Quinta do Lago
As you might expect from one of the Algarve’s most famous and prestigious hotels Quinta do Lago offers a world of luxury
2 offers
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Ria Park Hotel & Spa
Only 800 metres from the golden sandy beach of Garrao, Ria Park Resort Hotel is located in the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park
3 offers
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Sheraton Algarve & Golf Suites
Standing proudly on a spectacular cliff top and surrounded by pine trees the Sheraton’s location is unrivalled
7 offers
-
-
Sheraton Pine Cliffs Residences
Sheraton Pine Cliffs Residences comprises elegantly appointed apartments and villas providing a genuine feeling of independence
5 offers
-
The Lake Resort
The Lake Resort is a luxury five star hotel occupying an outstanding position in the heart of Vilamoura
3 offers
-
-
Tivoli Carvoeiro
Tivoli Almansor is situated on the rocks above the Vale Covo beach
4 offers
-
Tivoli Lagos
Enjoying a central location within the town of Lagos this hotel has the charm and character of a small village
7 offers
-
-
Tivoli Marina Vilamoura
Vilamoura has become one of the most famous and popular destinations on the Algarve.
6 offers
-
Vila Domilu
Vila Domilu is situated in a secluded area close to the typically Portuguese fishing villages of Benagil and Carvoeiro
7 offers
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-
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful resort hotels in the world this is symbolised by the welcoming luxury of the reception area.
8 offers
-
Vilalara Thalassa Resort
Located on the cliff of Praia das Gaivotas this 5 star hotel combines an international atmosphere with Portuguese hospitality
3 offers
-
-
Map
Climate
Warm and sunny throughout the summer months with fresh sea breezes to keep the evenings cool.
Did you know?
‘Angel’s share’ is the term used to refer to the evaporation of fortified wine as it ages in casks. In the port lodges the aroma of the port is overwhelming and the evaporation leaves the wooden timbers above the casks with a charred appearance as it escapes.