The Algarve area of Portugal is the country’s tourism hotspot and attracts tourists from all over Europe. The clean beaches, diverse landscape, beautiful architecture and relatively good value of accommodation and leisure make it an ideal spot for a holiday. The Algarve has lots to offer tourists – from lively, fast-paced resorts with beautiful villas to tranquil seaside villages with quaint apartments. There are over 100 beaches on the coast of the Algarve and the climate is typically Mediterranean all year round. The Algarve attracts all sorts of holiday makers from families, couples, groups of friends and party animals! There is something for everyone to love in the Algarve, if it’s not the beautiful weather it’s the great bars and restaurants that you will find all over the Algarve.
Finding the right Accommodation
The Algarve is hugely popular with tourists and subsequently there is a huge variety of accommodation to choose from. Finding the right accommodation in the right area for you is not too difficult, especially with the extensive selection of apartments and villas Wimdu has to offer. For families travelling to the Algarve it is best to stay near the coast line, there are beautiful villas and apartments located here with stunning views of the ocean. There is a lot of great family entertainment between towns of Quarteira and Lagos. For those wanting to enjoy cocktails by the pool during the day and party the night away, we recommend the staying in Albufeira, Praia da Rocha or Lagos. Here you will also find a great selection of accommodation, there are plenty of holiday villas and private apartments to choose from, whether you’re travelling with a big or small group, the villas and apartments here, cater for all types of travelers. Couples usually stay in the area known as the Golden Triangle, this area runs between Almancil - Quinta do Lagos and Vale do Lobo. The type of accommodation that can be found here are luxury villas to spacious apartments, this area also has great beaches known for their blue waters and white sand. For anybody not staying in this area, it is definitely worth a day trip during your time in the Algarve.
Fun Facts
- ‘Algarve’ comes from the Arabic word for ’the west’.
- The Algarve is the site of one of the earliest settlements in Europe.
- The Algarve is one of the least populated regions in Europe…but not in the summer of course!
- The region is one of Europe’s biggest tourism destinations – there’s 5,400 square km of desirable land here!
What is there to see and do in the Algarve?
The Algarve’s glorious coastline includes sandy beaches in the east and rugged, rocky coastline in the west. Dotted along the coast are quaint towns and busy fishing villages. There’s so much natural beauty in the Algarve you won’t know where to head first! Beaches are the main draw of the Algarve and they come in all shapes and sizes! Perhaps the best place for beaches is at Sagres – it’s Portugal’s answer to surf city USA! The best places for surfing around Sagres are the Arrifana Reef and Monte Clerigo bays – the waves are certainly impressive there!
Explore the Algarve's quaint towns and villages
Your Algarve adventure should include visits to some of the regions prettiest towns and villages. The coastal towns of Tavira and Olhao both come highly recommended. These dreamy, quaint towns offer a glimpse into life for locals in the Algarve. The towns have bustling fish markets, small restaurants and beautiful views out to see and also inland. Faro is the caital of the region and the old town sits within impressive city walls. There’s also a well preserved baroque cathedral and good local beaches. The excavation site Ruinas de Milreu are located close to Faro and are one of the few impressive examples of Roman rule left in Portugal. If you like castles head to Silves where there is an impressive red castle – it’s definitely worth spending half a day admiring some of the Algarve’s many castles!
No trip to the Algarve would be complete without a visit to the caves of Lagos. It’s one of the most famous spots along the coast and the wind and water have carved some amazing shapes and holes in the rock face. Rent a boat and bob around these interesting works of nature! The tranquility of the region is what makes this area so special – why not try a cliff top walk along one of the many coastal paths – the views are fantastic. Fishing boat tours are also available and there’s nothing quite like seeing the Algarve coast from the sea – it’s amazing!
Food and Waterparks
Food in the Algarve is excellent! We encourage you to ‘go local’ and try some of the excellent Portuguese cuisine that is local to the region. Eat ‘al fresco’ (open air) and try the barbequed sardines or spicy piri-piri chicken. Eating under the stars is a great way to get the evening started.
Waterparks are big business in the Algarve and if you’re travelling with children they are the perfect solution for keeping the whole family entertained. You’ll find some of the best waterparks in Europe in the Algarve, that have something for all the family including huge slides, relaxing mother and baby pools and wave machines!
Getting Around
The Algarve’s main airport is located in the city of Faro. There are plenty of flights from all over Europe to the region – flights from London Gatwick airport take approximately 3 hours. There are buses connecting Faro airport with the town and local train station. From there you can take public transport to the nearby towns of Olhao and Lagos. There are various car hire options available too at the airport and also in town.
Portugal’s capital, Lisbon is located close to the Algarve and is ideal for day trips. There’s so much to see in the city including a fascinating old town, interesting monasteries and pretty, winding streets. Getting around Lisbon is quite an experience in itself – take a skylift to the upper city heights or one of the old trams that wind their way through the narrow streets.