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.