Luxury Algarve Holidays

What was once an area of quaint fishing villages spread out along the coast has morphed into a bustling hive of tourist activity with many popular towns and cities, and even more beaches. This region of southern Portugal has been a well-loved destination for years, in part thanks to its year-round warm and sunny climate. In July, the warmest time of year, temperatures often reach 32°C, and average highs of 17°C in the coldest months of December and January.

One of the most popular things to do in the heat is hit the beach, and, despite the high numbers of visitors, there is plenty of sand to go around. There are more than 150 beaches in this region alone, which combine soft golden sand primed for sunbathing and relaxation, with choppier waters that are perfect for those looking to surf or try out many other water sports, such as paragliding or windsurfing.

Food-wise, it’s all about fresh seafood. Owing to its location, the Algarve also combines Moorish influences in its cooking, so expect slow-cooked stews and spicy paprika to showcase the day’s fresh catches. These could include monkfish, sardines, mackerel or even octopus. If you’re not a fan of fish, expertly roasted chicken and chips is another favourite dish, with the country’s famous peri-peri sauce if you want it with an extra kick of heat.

Top Algarve beaches

With so many charming beaches to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. As a popular hub, Meia Praia is a four-kilometre-long stretch of beach is located near Lagos, attracting lots of people who are staying in the city. A great destination for families and groups of friends alike, it’s a bustling, sociable beach that’s still big enough to find somewhere to snooze in the afternoon. There are several bars and restaurants pitched up on the beach itself, so it’s possible to spend the entire day there.

On the Algarve’s eastern coast there’s several off-shore island beaches. Take a boat from the historic town of Tavira and you’ll reach Ilha de Tavira, which has 11 kilometres of sandy beach to explore, which are usually crowd-free. There’s also the Cemetery of Anchors with ships of the past, lots of birdlife, a nudist zone and shallow lagoons where children can paddle.

Elsewhere, Praia de Cacela Velha is divided from the mainland by an estuary, you have to walk a couple of kilometres or get a boat to reach this bow-shaped beach, meaning it’s quieter than many others. You can sit and enjoy the calm, explore the sand dunes stretching along the beach, and go for a swim in the warm waters.

Go snorkelling

Praia da Marinha is one of the most popular and scenic beaches in the Algarve. It’s surrounded by towering cliffs and interesting rock formations – particularly one structure jutting out into the sea that resembles the letter ‘m’. There’s just as much to see under the water, which is why snorkelling is so popular here. Don a mask and flippers, and you can discover a wealth of sea life and rocky outcrops through its transparent waters.

Visit a waterpark

Not far from Albufeira you’ll find the Slide and Splash waterpark, which is always a favourite if you’re travelling with the family. There are enough chutes and slides to keep everyone entertained for hours, as well as the Fast River and Black Hole tunnel slide. Plus, when it’s time to dry off, there’s also falconry, parrot and reptile shows to watch.

You can hop aboard a real-life pirate ship to sail the ocean. The Santa Bernarda boat leaves from Portimão, and it’ll take you past beautiful sandy beaches, grottos and huge coastal caves. You can jump off for a swim and a smaller motor boat will take you closer to explore the dramatic coastline. Morning trips tends to have calmer seas and you may even spot some friendly dolphins swimming alongside the ship, so keep your eyes peeled.

Explore a national park

Back on land, the Ria Formosa National Park is well worth a visit. Covering an area of about 18,000 hectares including sandy islands and lagoons, it’s a popular stopping point with many birds migrating to Africa. You’re often able to spot flamingos, storks and herons. Plus, stop off at the kennels and you’ll be able to see the rare Portuguese Water Dogs that are bred there, with their unusual webbed feet.

Browse local markets

There’s also plenty of retail therapy to be had in the Algarve. Places like Lagos and Albufeira have a selection of luxury shops and boutiques, but for something a little more traditional, the markets in Armação de Pêra are recommended. You’ll find stalls set up on Wednesdays and Saturdays – perfect whether you’re after handcrafted ceramics or jewellery, or fresh fruit and vegetables.

Algarve cuisine

As this area is the meeting point of European, Portuguese and Moorish cultures, its cuisine has lots of flavoursome influences. Of course, being on the coast, fresh seafood features heavily. Be sure to try cataplanas – a local dish of seafood named after the special shallow-sided Portuguese pot it’s cooked in. Marinated in paprika, tomatoes, wine, parsley and lemon, it’s a simple but delicious dish. Algarve sardines are another delicacy – freshly caught in local waters, the fish is grilled and served on a chunk of crusty bread. The locals are experts at polishing off the sardines, leaving only the skeleton behind. Octopus is another popular delicacy, particularly in Santa Luzia, where it’s cooked a variety of ways. Try it stewed in wine, grilled and served with rice, breaded or baked in the oven. They’re all as delicious as each other.

Albufeira

Arguably the most popular tourist destination, the coastal city of Albufeira has 20 Blue Flag beaches in the area, along with plenty of restaurants and bars. For those who like to party well into the night, head to ‘The Strip’ in São João – it’s a lively stretch of nightlife that’s renowned throughout the area. Or, for a quieter experience, the city’s Old Town with cobbled streets, quaint cafés and restaurants is a lovely place to wander around. Albufeira Marina is also well worth a visit with its splendid views and lovely laid-back atmosphere, lined with candy-coloured apartments.

Vilamoura

The vibrant town of Vilamoura is home to some of the most luxurious things to do in the Algarve. Life revolves around the impressive marina, where yachts and ocean cruisers are often found moored up. High-end restaurants and bars are nearby, as well as five-star hotels and spas. There are also four championship golf courses, a range of water sports taking place on the nearby beaches, and more than 50 outdoor tennis courts, for anyone who wants to be a little more active.

Lagos

This well-known city has lots going on to keep anyone occupied for both children and adults alike. Its laid-back beaches, many flanked by dramatic rocky cliffs, have both great sand and surf, giving a mix of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. The 16th-century old town is an interesting place to explore, where you can imagine life back when this was a small fishing village. After sunset, it comes alive with bustling restaurants, bars and clubs. Just outside the city, there are opportunities to explore the countryside on horseback, by bike or along hiking routes.

Faro

Despite being the Algarve’s capital city, Faro is often passed over by tourists, which is a shame as the place has a pleasingly Portuguese feel to it. With a pretty marina, parks, plazas and a pedestrianised historic old town, there’s plenty to see. Wander around the well-preserved medieval quarters to explore unusual churches, museums and a bone chapel, or take in a show – the city has a burgeoning theatre scene. Nearby, there are plenty of scenic beaches, including the islands of Ilha de Faro to the south west and Ilha da Barreta to the south.

Tavira

Further inland, the city of Tavira straddles the Gilão River. If you follow it, it will lead you to Ilha Tavira beaches and the Gulf of Cadiz. History seems to come alive here, as the well-preserved Roman, Gothic and Renaissance architecture is all around you, linked by cobbled streets that wind around sleepy plazas and pretty gardens. Further afield is mainly rural, but some golf courses have started to appear.

Discover the Algarve

We are pleased to arrange private chauffeur driven cars or jeeps with English speaking drivers. For further details of excursions and sightseeing possibilities, simply call our reservations team in the UK, or contact our resort manager when you arrive.