Holidays to Algarve
Sun-drenched sandy beaches, charming cobblestone towns, fish fried fresh off the boat and swinging, splashing fun for all – Algarve holidays are super popular for a reason!
Here comes the sun …
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year on average, the Algarve delivers vitamin D pretty much on tap. You can bake during the summer months on beaches in Albufeira and Lagos or enjoy a softer (and less intense!) side to the sun in spring or autumn. This is a great time to visit the town of Monchique or the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
Splashtastic times
A seaside wonderland, the Algarve is a top destination for families with water babies. On one side you’ve got some of Europe’s finest coastline, where you can surf in the waters of the Vicentina Coast and enjoy many a watersport in Portimão. On the other side you have fun in the sun waterparks, including Aqualand in Alcantarilha and Aquashow Waterpark in Quarteira.
Get into the holiday swing
Love golf? You’ll love the Algarve, which boasts top-notch golf courses as par as the eye can see. Highlights include Monte Rei’s Jack Nicklaus Signature course (not far from Tavira) and Penina’s Sir Henry Cotton Championship course in Portimão. They’re tee-rific.
Sea food, eat food
With a coastline that is around 205 km (127 miles) long, seafood is a big deal in the Algarve and a major highlight for any serious foodie holidaying in the region. Think cataplana de marisco (a sort of seafood stew), conquilhas à Algarvia (garlicky clams) and polvo à lagareiro (grilled octopus). Albufeira, Faro and Lagos all offer a wide selection of restaurants by the sea.
Get your culture fix
Algarve holidays aren’t necessarily history-heavy, but there are enough leftovers from the past to fill up your culture cup. Head inland to Silves to see the impressive castle walls, count the skulls in the Capela dos Ossos in Faro and wander Lagos’s old town.
Sneak Peek
Best for... Sun, sand, sea and cocktails 🏖️🍹
Go... Whenever you like – the Algarve has 300 sunshine days! 😎
You have to... Channel your inner Beach Boy and take a surfing lesson 🏄
Algarve holiday deals
Use the filters to narrow down by price, star rating, board basis, departure airport and more.
Eden Villas & Apartments
4.6
Excellent
- 21 Apr 2026
- 7 nights
- Room only
- From Manchester
Prices from
Clube Maria Luisa
4.4
Excellent
- 14 Apr 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Manchester
Prices from
All-inclusive Algarve holidays
Eden Villas & Apartments
4.6
Excellent
- 3 May 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Manchester
Prices from
Grand Muthu Forte Do Vale
4.1
Very Good
- 14 Apr 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Manchester
Prices from
Balaia Sol
4.1
Very Good
- 10 Jun 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Manchester
Prices from
Top destinations in the Algarve
Albufeira
Alvor
Prices from
£329 pp
Carvoeiro
Prices from
£309 pp
Faro
Prices from
£359 pp
Lagos
Prices from
£330 pp
Monte Gordo
Prices from
£229 pp
Details
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
Portuguese
Time difference
GMT+0
Cost of a beer
€2-4
3-course meal
€15-40
Flight time
3h
Golden sand and surf
Like a sweet shop for sun-worshippers, the Algarve’s golden coastline is a gorgeous, glistening slice of sandy paradise. Try Praia do Anção or Carvoeiro for family fun, Praia do Amado for surfing and Praia de Alvor for kayaking and pedalos. Elsewhere, Praia da Marinha is a top pick for stunning cliff views and snorkelling. Top tip: generally, for calmer, warmer seas, head east. For surfing, shoot for the west.
From chilled sunset drinks to steamy all-night parties
Whether you like to spend your evenings wining and dining as the sun sets or bar hopping and clubbing until the sun rises, the Algarve’s nightlife promises you your kind of late-night fun. Lagos is known for its lively bars, Albufeira’s Strip is where the proverbial party is at and Faro has a good selection of restaurants (consider 8 Tapas for small dishes and Tertulia Algarvia for traditional dishes). If you’re out with the family in the evening, Carvoeiro is a decent destination.
Boat trips
If you ever tire of lounging in the sunshine (very unlikely, but you never know), hop on a boat trip in the Algarve for a change of scenery and to discover some of the area’s most beautiful spots. From Carvoeiro, take a trip to the Benagil Cave where you’ll find a postcard-perfect beach. Baleeira in Sagres is the place to spot dolphins and sea turtles, while from Albufeira, you can easily book yourself on a snorkelling or scuba diving trip.
Family-friendly Algarve holidays
Eden Villas & Apartments
- 14 Apr 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Manchester
Prices from
Clube Maria Luisa
- 11 Apr 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Manchester
Prices from
Balaia Sol
- 14 Apr 2026
- 7 nights
- Room only
- From Manchester
Prices from
Cerro Mar Atlantico
- 29 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Manchester
Prices from
Grand Muthu Forte Do Vale
- 11 Apr 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Manchester
Prices from
Rocha Brava Village Resort
- 11 Apr 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Manchester
Prices from
Vila Galé Lagos
- 11 Apr 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Manchester
Prices from
Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa
- 11 Apr 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Manchester
Prices from
Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.
When to go to the Algarve
Basically, the Algarve is an all-year-round holiday destination, but for blazing summer sunshine and all the tourist traps, head to the region anytime between June and August.
With top tanning conditions and it being the summer holidays and all, expect crowds and higher price tags.
Book a break in the shoulder seasons (typically April-May and September-October) for milder climes, a decent amount of sunshine and a good deal on a cheap Algarve holiday.
