Beach views with wooden staircase to Praia do Camilo

Algarve

Destination

Before you even reach the Algarve’s rugged coastline, it helps to know that this sun-soaked corner of Portugal expects nothing of you. You’re more than welcome to fly in, roll out your beach towel and do little but flit from buffet to sun lounger throughout your stay. But, should you feel compelled to explore, holidays to the Algarve serve activities by the spadeful. The Google-savvy among you will have read about the many, many championship golf courses, stunning seafood restaurants and upscale marinas. So there’s little use in luring you to those. No, we’ll point you towards the natural beauty of the Algarve’s landscape. Zesty orange hues in the limestone cliffs are more than worth a spot on your Insta feed and the flamingos found in the Ria Formosa National Park keep the colourful vibes coming.

All this beauty is nicely balanced with something decidedly darker. The Algarve’s home to not one, but two ossuaries built from human bones. Yes, it’s quite the key change, but does clue you in to the Algarve’s diversity. You fly in expecting a fortnight of seafood indulgence and a potter around those much sought after unspoilt fishing villages, but the Algarve has much more to offer you. If you know where to look…

people dancing in club in porto

After dark: The ultimate Algarve nightlife guide 

See & Do

It’s easy to assume Portugal’s parties start once the sun sets. But in the Algarve, the sunset parties are where the night’s adventures really begin. Take to the water for a boat party, start (or end) the night in a beach club or track down the outdoor clubs rivalling Ibiza on party atmosphere. With so much focus on the outdoors, you’d be right to assume that summer is the season to land here. Though, year round, the indoor spots keep the Algarve nightlife vibes pumping.

algarve slide splash waterpark

A guide to the Algarve’s best water parks

See & Do

Whether you’re looking for the full theme park experience or just want to dip a toe in some reliably fun waters, water parks in the Algarve have got you covered. Slides range from small and suitably safe for little ones to an epic water coaster you’ll want to ride again and again. Lazy rivers, wild wave pools and free falling slides can be found in the biggest water parks. But if you’re looking for something a little less high octane, there are Algarve hotels with built in water parks and splash pools that serve as a refreshing middle ground.

sandy beach in Algarve, Praia da Rocha

Secrets of the Algarve’s best beaches and bays

See & Do

The Algarve coast certainly isn’t short on sand, sea and sun. Though, unlike some coastal escapes, the golden sands here aren’t always the star of the show. Natural beauty in the Algarve comes if the form of orange-hued rock formations. Boat trips get you close to the cliff action, but you’ll do just as well with a sturdy set of hiking legs. Though, if you prefer soft, rolling dunes to cliff tops, some of the best beaches in the Algarve can be found near the Ria Formosa Natural Park…