Holidays in the Algarve are available year round due to its excellent climate. The area sits at the south western end of the Iberian peninsula and its many golden sand beaches spread into the Atlantic Ocean from beneath stunning cliffs and rock formations. It has been a firm favourite with Brits for over 40 years now and enjoys a high repeat rate of visitors due to its excellent standards and warm welcome. Algarve holidays tend to be taken in the summer season from May through to October although the winter months are still popular with the area being accessible year round from many UK airports in around 3 hours by air. The gateway is Faro a commercial city towards the eastern end of the coast and there are many resorts to choose from busy and bustling Albufeira through to Praia da Rocha with its stunning beaches. Families are best served in the Carvoeira area and Vilamoura is the most upmarket area with upscale restaurants and lots of luxury accommodation. However there are many more resorts such as Praia da Luz, Alvor, Lagos, Portimao and Gale to name but a few. And if you tire of the coast then you can take a car hire or tour up into the Monchique mountains to enjoy the stunning views as well as to escape from the heat.
Best for...
Where do you start? This area is excellent for families wanting to enjoy a simple holiday, for golfers looking to tee off on some of the best courses in Europe, for walkers wanting to enjoy the mountains above the coast at Monchique or for the young wanting to rave it up in one of the busy coastal resorts.
| The beaches are famous as nearly all are sandy with golden grains... |
Accommodation ranges from inexpensive self catering properties through to all styles and sizes of private villas through to simple pension style hotels all the way to luxurious 5* hotel resort complexes. The property types can be found across the entire Algarve coast and in land so whatever you are looking for, you can find something to suit.
Summer temperatures often reach the high 20's and low 30's with minimal rain and in winter can remain well above 10 degrees throughout.
What to do...
The obvious thing is to enjoy the sun. So lazy days at the beach or lying around the pool are an easy option for many and offer a chance to really get away from it all and rest in the sun. The beaches are famous as nearly all are sandy with golden grains to sink into or walk along. Many are set in coves and have stunning and rugged cliff top backgrounds. Many are well served by excellent services such as watersports and bars and cafes and many have Blue Flag status for their cleanliness. People should take care in the sea. The Atlantic can be bracing at the best of times although it does warm up through the summer months, however caution should be taken due to the many strong currents in the water, so always observe the safe bathing flags around the beaches. And when you are ready to get up and go there is entertainment from water parks to zoos as well as lots of evening fun in the many bars and restaurants. Sea food is the most popular cuisine with much of it caught locally and fresh that day, although all tastes are catered for in the region. For nightlife, head to the Albufeira area where the nightclubs go all night!
Sport is a must for many and golf is king on the Algarve. With many championship courses to choose from, it is well worth planning your visit and booking your tee times
ahead of your arrival to avoid disappointment. Many courses are attached to high standard hotel complexes that offer other sporting activities such as tennis, watersports, horse riding and several have excellent spa facilities too.
Walking - there are lots of great walks throughout the region, especially inland in the mountains.
And some simple souvenirs can round off a great break, with hand made lace being a popular gift as well as many arts and crafts from the many markets and shops.
Related Links:
Flights to Faro
Hotels in the Algarve
Car hire in the Algarve
