Algarve

The Algarve is perhaps Portugal’s worst kept secret. This region draws over four million visitors each year and it is not hard to see why. With over 200km of coastline, large resorts catering for both families and couples, a lively nightlife, waterparks and an array of water & land sports on offer, there really is something for everyone.

The coastline is characterised by its unique rock formations, including sea caves, arches, stacks and cliffs, that have been shaped by the forces of nature over millions of years. These emblematic yellow cliffs of sandstone and marine fossil-rich calcarenite can be viewed by boat, kayak, on foot or from the many viewpoints along the coast, such as Algar Seco & Ponta da Piedade. Popular hiking trails such as the Seven Hanging Valleys, trace the shoreline and offer breath-taking views of the rugged cliffs, hidden coves and pristine beaches below.

Faro, the capital of the Algarve with its beautiful historic centre is often overlooked. The oldest part of the city is now only partly surrounded by ancient Roman walls, within which you can find many of the city’s main attractions, such as the Faro Cathedral and former convent which has been transformed into the city’s main museum; exhibiting a number of artifacts dating from the prehistoric to modern times. The tangle of pretty cobbled streets and squares which are largely pedestrianized are lined with restaurants, cafes and shops bursting with life. Outside the main gateway lies the Faro Marina, a great place to watch the sunset and admire the boats.

The large western and central towns of Albufeira, Lagos, Praia da Rocha and Vilamoura are home to the most popular resorts and see a big influx of tourists in the summer months. The smaller towns of Carvoeiro, Alvor, Olhos de Agua and Praia da Luz are still close to all the action but quieter, best suited to families with younger children.

In contrast the east coast and the western part of the region are more underdeveloped. The east is home to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected coastal lagoon which spans 60km between Garrão in the west and Manta Rota to the east. It is made up of a diverse number of eco systems ranging from islands, beaches, dunes, sandbars, salt marshes, lagoons and canals all providing a home to a rich and diverse variety of flora and fauna. The islands are home to some of the best beaches in the region, some of which are only accessible by passenger ferry. These beaches are largely uninhabited and set away from the mainland with kilometres of sand and warm blue waters, setting the scene for a truly unique holiday experience in the Algarve.

The riverside town of Tavira makes a great base to explore the Algarve’s eastern coast. Authentically Portuguese with cobbled streets, traditional architecture and a whopping 21 churches, it also has an abundance of restaurants which are mostly family run and very affordable. The sandy beach of Ilha de Tavira, one of the Ria Formosa’s five barrier islands, can be accessed easily by ferry and you are also in close proximity to the small village of Cacela Velha with its glorious beaches governed by the tides.

The western coast in contrast is rugged and imposing with dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, spectacular beaches and a rich maritime history. This area is particularly popular with surfers and naturalists alike and although the seaside towns of Luz, Burgau and Salema are all geared for holidaymakers the complexes are much more understated. The towns of Lagos, Sagres, Aljezur and Odeceixe are perfect for exploring local culture and history and for the more active holidaymakers there are numerous walking trails offering stunning views of the rolling hills and rugged coastline.

To the north lies the Serra de Monchique, affectionately called the 'Garden of the Algarve’, a mountainous area known for its healing thermal waters, lush green forests and crystal-clear streams that meander at the bottom of steep valleys. There are some excellent trails here for walking & cycling and those that do will be rewarded with magnificent views.

Faro can be reached easily from a number of UK airports by both scheduled and no frills airlines. Here is information on the ones which we book most often but this does not mean we exclude any airlines which may not appear below. It's really a case of finding an airline that suits your needs best wherever you may be in the world.

British Airways

London Heathrow / Gatwick - to Faro - 3/4/5 flights per day

RyanAir

London Stansted / Luton to Faro - 2/3/4 flights per day

Manchester to Faro - 1/2/3 Flights per day

Edinburgh to Faro - 5 flights per week

Dublin to Faro - 3/4/5 per day

Aberdeen to Faro - 2 flights per week

Birmingham to Faro - 1 x week

Bournemouth to Faro - 4 x weekly

Bristol to Faro - 5 x weekly

Cardiff to Faro - 2 x weekly

East Midlands to Faro - 5 x weekly

Exeter to Faro - 2 x weekly

Glasgow to Faro - 2 weekly

Belfast to Faro - 3 x weekly

Leeds to Faro - 2 x weekly

Liverpool to Faro - 2 x weekly

Newcastle to Faro - 1 x weekly

Newquay Cornwall to Faro - 2 x weekly

Norwich to Faro - 2 x weekly

Teeside to Faro - 2 x weekly

Easyjet

London Gatwick/Luton/Southend to Faro - 8/9/10/11/12 flights per day

Belfast to Faro  - 2/3 flights per day

Birmingham to Faro  - 2 flights per week

Bristol to Faro - 2/3 flights per day

Glasgow to Faro - 5 flights per week

Liverpool to Faro - 2 flights per day

Manchester to Faro - 1 flight per day

Southampton to Faro - 1 flight per week

Wizz Air

London Gatwick to Faro - 1/2 flights daily

Flight frequency may change at any time and timetables are seasonal. Please contact us for the most up to date information and flight prices.

Car Hire:

We have a longstanding relationship with both Avis & Europcar and are able to offer quotes with 0 excess and no additional charges for one way drop offs, to suit your travel plans.

The Algarve region hosts a number of vibrant festivals throughout the year celebrating the region's cultural heritage, religious traditions, and love of music and gastronomy. Below we have selected a few of the more popular events which take place throughout the year.

February

Carnival of Loulé

Loulé's annual carnival is one of the biggest yearly events in the Algarve.  Thousands flock to the centre of the town which is closed off for a massive street party with colourful floats, music, performers, food and drinks.  The three day parade finishes on Shrove Tuesday.

June

Afrobeats Festival - Portimão

The world's biggest Afrobeats festival takes place on Praia da Rocha beach in Portimão.  Performances from the best African musicians and artists in afrobeat, R&B, dancehall, hip hop and afro-house come together on stage over the course of 2 days.

July

Ria Formosa Party

The biggest gastronomic event in the Algarve is usually held between late July and early August, in Largo de São Francisco, and is organized by Vivmar - association of shellfish farmers and harvesters of the Ria Formosa. For 11 days you can taste the best shellfish from the Ria Formosa and other regional specialties based on recipes and traditions from Faro.

Loulé International Jazz Festival.

Concerts take place throughout July and often August.

August

Sardine Festival - Portimão

For five nights the best food and wines of the Algarve are celebrated alongside music.

Silves Medieval Fair

The former capital of the Algarve during the Arab occupation, Silves, hosts a nine-day event recreating the Christian Reconquest era.  The city will step back in time and showcase jugglers, acrobats, snake charmers, jousting tournaments all in traditional costumes and medieval markets with an array of goods.

September

Festival F

The historic centre of Faro hosts a two day summer festival marking the end of the summer.  There are shows on several stages throughout the city with a strong focus on Portuguese music, stand up comedy, musical & political gatherings, fine arts, literature, crafts, street food and plenty of entertainment.

October

Sagres Birdwatching Festival - Sagres

At this time of the year the southwest coast becomes one of the best places to spot birds migrating from Africa.  Lasting for 5 days activities include boat drips, exhibitions, surfing lessons & bird watching.

Festa de Santa Iria – Faro

Every October Faro becomes home to a massive fairground with entertainment for all the family.  There are rides, home made craft, food stalls & entertainment.

Check out our offers page for holidays we may be featuring associated to these events.

Weather:

The Algarve has one of the best climates in Europe with hot summers and mild winters.  Spring is an ideal time to practice outdoor activities on land such as hiking, horse-riding and cycling as the temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C with blue skies and little rainfall.  Come the summer months temperatures can soar above 30°C and with the sea temperature at its highest this would be the ideal time for swimming and water sports.  The Autumn months of September to November can still be equally as warm with temperatures starting to wane with the  approach of winter.  The Algarve sees most of its rainfall during the months of December & January.  Despite this it remains one of the mildest climates in Europe during winter with plenty of glorious sunny days and temperatures around 15°C.

Average temperatures:

Air temperature in summer: 24ºC to 29ºC

Air temperature in winter: 15ºC to 18ºC

Sea temperature in summer: 21ºC to 24ºC

Sea temperature in winter: 15ºC to 19ºC

Currency:

Euro

Language:

Portuguese

Electricity Plug System

Electrical supply: 230V

Dialling Code:

+351

Health & Vaccinations:

Travellers do not require certificates of vaccination or immunisations to enter Portugal. If you are from an EU member state you should bring your European Health Insurance card to be entitled to free medical & hospital care. Visitors from other countries are advised to take out a medical insurance policy.

Religion:

The majority of Portuguese are Roman Catholic.

Tipping:

Tipping is not mandatory and is at the discretion of the visitor.