Algarve Travel Guide
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…
Algarve Travel Guide
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…
Soundtrack of the city
A slice of the Algarve
3 course meal for 2: £46.59
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A regular cappuccino: £1.35
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A medium beer: £1.81
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One-way (Local Transport): £1.60
A slice of the Algarve
-
3 course meal for 2: £46.59
-
A regular cappuccino: £1.35
-
A medium beer: £1.81
-
One-way (Local Transport):£1.60
Soundtrack of the city
Weather in Algarve
If you’re flying in for sun, and plenty of it, the best time to visit the Algarve is in July. Temperatures peak and there’s rarely a raindrop in sight. June and August are equally toasty, though for exploring and hiking, the cooler temperatures in May and October may be a better bet.
Discover the real Algarve
The Algarve comes with a certain rep, and while it’s true Albufeira does get lively, there’s certainly no need to pop the party hat on the whole region. The real Algarve can be found between the golf courses and the tourist spots. Most of the enjoyment is found in seeking it out.
There really isn’t a shortage of options in the Algarve. Whether you’re a coastal hiker, lounger or wildlife watcher, there’s a beach, sand dune, cliff top or island for you. Stray inland and the options just keep on multiplying. From wowing water parks and golf courses to unspoilt fishing villages and national parks, the Algarve will certainly keep you busy.
As with any spot that’s reeled in the ex-pats, it’s not hard to find a taste of home in the Algarve. Pleasingly, there’s more than enough regional cooking to go around too. In places, menus escalate to Michelin star status and seemingly quaint seaside shacks serve the best sushi.
It would be almost impossible to visit the Algarve without dabbling in at least a moderate amount of FOMO. While you’re rummaging about in the inlets and coves, much is happening inland without you. So we’ve neatly packaged some insider tips to alleviate your fears. Just a little.
- See & do
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There really isn’t a shortage of options in the Algarve. Whether you’re a coastal hiker, lounger or wildlife watcher, there’s a beach, sand dune, cliff top or island for you. Stray inland and the options just keep on multiplying. From wowing water parks and golf courses to unspoilt fishing villages and national parks, the Algarve will certainly keep you busy.
- Food & Drink
-
As with any spot that’s reeled in the ex-pats, it’s not hard to find a taste of home in the Algarve. Pleasingly, there’s more than enough regional cooking to go around too. In places, menus escalate to Michelin star status and seemingly quaint seaside shacks serve the best sushi.
- Guides & tips
-
It would be almost impossible to visit the Algarve without dabbling in at least a moderate amount of FOMO. While you’re rummaging about in the inlets and coves, much is happening inland without you. So we’ve neatly packaged some insider tips to alleviate your fears. Just a little.
- Map View
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More of Portugal
Portugal’s merits stretch far beyond the end of your sun lounger. Dramatic clifftops, medieval streets, castle turrets and snippets leftover from just about every ancient civilisation are yours to lose yourself in. Ramp up the adrenaline a notch or two and Portugal’s coast comes into play with water sports to suit every ability. From the new found Iberian flavours on your plate to dancing in the festival strewn streets. Adventures are all around.
