Algarve trip planner

Algarve Holiday Planning Guide

Occupying the southernmost portion of mainland Portugal, the Algarve is wholeheartedly devoted to tourism and ranks among Europe's top holiday destinations. Nearly 10 million annual visitors include the Algarve on their itineraries, drawn mostly by the region's developed coastline, boasting nearly 200 km (125 mi) of impeccable beaches. Farther away from the water, the region offers an extensive network of hiking trails, ideal for active vacationers seeking a chance to explore a rugged southwestern corner of Europe once considered the very end of the world. For a taste of city life, head for Faro, the regional capital, with a lively old town full of plazas, pedestrian lanes, and outdoor cafes.

Places to Visit in the Algarve

Albufeira: This city features an interesting fusion of modern tourist infrastructure and old architecture, complemented by a pulsing nightlife and easy access to some of the region's best beaches.

Lagos: Ringed by 16th-century defensive walls and packed with winding alleys, Lagos manages to retain its traditional charm while also offering some of the region's most developed tourist facilities.

Portimao: This sailing hub boasts fantastic beach access, a quaint historical center, and a relaxing waterfront stretch--top reasons to take a trip to the Algarve.

Vilamoura: One of Europe's wealthiest and most extensive resort areas offers nearly every seaside amenity imaginable, from casinos and malls to golf courses and water parks.

Guia: Primarily a residential village, this destination features an array of upscale guesthouse and offers good shopping and dining opportunities.

Alvor: Set alongside an estuary, Alvor features low-rise apartments, cobbled streets, and uncrowded beaches--ideal for a laidback holiday in the Algarve.

Faro: The regional capital is a stronghold of local culture--the churches, homes, and plazas of the medieval city center show off a range of architectural styles.

Tavira: Thousands of years of history are on display in the streets of Tavira, one of the Algarve's most architecturally pleasant towns.

Sagres: A quiet retreat when compared to many of the Algarve's hectic tourist centers, remote Sagres and its selection of laidback bars, cafes, and beaches lie next to a windswept peninsula jutting into the sea.

Praia da Rocha: A major stop on many Algarve itineraries, Praia da Rocha has long been considered one of the premier beaches in the region, accented by stunning cliffs, a coastal fortress, and long stretches of soft sand.

Things to Do in the Algarve

Popular Algarve Tourist Attractions

Zoomarine Algarve: Home to playful oceanic mammals, this Algarve tourist attraction offers an exciting chance to swim alongside dolphins, explore aquatic conservation efforts, and indulge in an extensive water park.

Marina de Vilamoura: Affluence is on full display at the Vilamoura Marina, the core of the city's shopping, dining, and bar district.

Falesia Beach: Protected from coastal winds by a long stretch of rugged red cliffs, Praia da Falesia is one of the region's longest beaches at 6 km (3.7 mi), ideal for a seaside walk, a day of sunbathing on the sand, or a splash in the ocean.

Praia Da Rocha: A premier beach in a land overflowing with world-class waterfronts, Praia da Rocha boasts a combination of rocky cliffs, diverse dining, and irresistible golden sands.

Praia dos Olhos de Água: Blessed with a host of seafront restaurants, this beach and the nearby fishing village exude a feeling of tranquility perfect for a relaxing day by the water.

Ponta da Piedade: Spectacular rock formations are on full display at Ponta da Piedade, where a series of splendid stones rises up to 20 m (60 ft).

Slide & Splash - Water Slide Park: Portugal's largest water park is heaven for those wanting to take full advantage of good weather on their Algarve vacation, with pools, toboggans, enclosed slides, and plenty of kid-friendly play areas.

Praia Dona Ana: Dazzling visitors with its dramatic rock formations, protected grottos, and warm sandy stretches, this small beach offers an opportunity to explore a rugged coastline or simply kick back and enjoy the view.

Fortaleza de Sagres: Set atop a desolate, rocky outcropping overlooking the ocean, this 16th-century star fort played an important role in launching Portugal's prolific age of exploration.

Alvor Boardwalk: Stretching for 3 km (1.9 mi), this wooden boardwalk offers access to a series of bulky sand dunes, salty lakes, and marshes.

Planning an Algarve Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit in the Algarve with Kids

Albufeira and the region's other large towns boast the lion's share of urban attractions in the Algarve, including a great selection of beaches within easy reach of tourist amenities.

Lagos alone has enough to keep most families entertained, from the beautiful city center and wealth of dining options, to gorgeous sands and relatively calm waters.

Out in the far western reaches of the region, you'll find all sorts of secluded coves and interesting rock formations, while heading inland can be a good way to enjoy the natural landscape and introduce the kids to a taste of traditional village life.

Kids will love wandering the winding streets and immersing themselves in the medieval charm of places like Silves and Faro, while the adults tagging along can enjoy the many historical attractions packed within these city centers.

Things to Do in the Algarve with Kids

An Algarve vacation would feel incomplete without a few days at the beach, and most tourist hotspots feature a nearby stretch of sand.

Praia Da Rocha and Praia dos Olhos de Água are two of the most famous, but the list certainly doesn't end there.

Meia Praia and Praia dos Pescadores feature golden sands, kid-friendly waters, and convenient amenities.

For variety, plan to spend a bit of time exploring the pristine natural diversity of Ria Formosa. This huge system of lagoons, estuaries, coastal marshes, tidal flats, and barrier islands teems with chameleons, flamingos, and huge flocks of rare birds.

Think also about hopping aboard a ferry to one of the nearby barrier islands--Ilha da Culatra is a true showstopper.

When it comes to cultural sites, castles are hard to beat as family favorites. You have many options, but Fortaleza de Sagres takes the cake for location--this remote fortress stands atop a rugged cliff, with the waves crashing against the rocks far below and the vast blue of the Atlantic beyond.

You'll also find plenty of tried-and-true family attractions in the Algarve. If the kids need a break from the beach, try Aqualand or Zoomarine Algarve, which combines water park attractions with education about marine conservation efforts.

Sagres hosts dolphin-watching tours and a conservation center promoting eco-tourism, while Lagos Zoo boasts extremely clean facilities and allows you to observe a variety of animals from dry land.

If your family likes to golf, indulge in some healthy competition at Family Golf Park, or race through the mud in the more competitive, teen-friendly environment at Karting Almancil Fun Park.

Tips for a Family Vacation in the Algarve

If visiting on a warm-weather Algarve vacation, keep in mind that the region's selection of beaches is massive, and though they can often be crowded throughout the year, they're almost always a solid (and free) option for a few hours of relaxation.

Many of the more popular beaches have on-duty lifeguards, so you won't need to worry about general safety.

Pay close attention to the beaches' colored-flag system, which will alert you to any dangerous currents or tides. Keep a close eye on the kids when on an unsupervised beach (checkered flag) and ensure they stay out of the water on an unsafe beach (red flag).

Consider renting a car for the duration of your Algarve trip, as public transportation is quite limited between smaller towns, beaches, and tourist sites. This way, you won't need to worry about catching infrequent buses, and you'll have easy access to all points of interest.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday in the Algarve

Cuisine of the Algarve

Seafood fresh from the Atlantic is inextricably linked with the Algarve's rich culinary heritage. Just about anywhere you travel on your trip to the Algarve, you'll find traditional Portuguese restaurants, known as "tavernas," offering an array of local catches.

Fish is served in multiple ways, with one of the most traditional being "arroz de peixe" (fish rice)--fresh fish cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and rice, topped with mint and cilantro. "Massada de peixe" is the pasta-based alternative.

"Caldeirada," a fish stew made with wine, peppers, and herbs, delights the taste buds, while inland variations use sausages, bacon, and cabbage.

One of the great pleasures of an Algarve vacation lies in simply asking for the fish of the day, or "peixe do dia," and getting a delicious, charcoal-grilled meal from local fishermen.

Mackerel, sardines, and tuna are all common, but you'll also find grilled "camarao" (prawns), "lula" (squid), "choco" (cuttlefish), and "polvo" (octopus). Note that dishes with cuttlefish and octopus (the latter especially popular in Santa Luzia) include the squid ink--it's perfectly edible and an important part of the preparation.

Shellfish fans should try "feijoada de buzinas," bean stew with whelks. The beachfront areas surrounding Olhao and other major tourist resorts are all fantastic places to sample these culinary creations.

Visitors not overly fond of seafood will find other options in the Algarve. The world-famous "piri-piri" chicken--a spicy roasted dish popular across Europe--is rumored to have originated in Guia. Try it there, in Sao Bras de Alportel, or elsewhere.

If you're in the mood to do your own cooking, swing by one of the many legendary fish markets in the province to pick up some supplies of your own.

Lots of towns and cities feature fish auctions and sales, but the impressive, bustling Mercado de Olhao tops them all. Be sure to arrive early to pick up some of the best pieces.

Shopping in the Algarve

Southern Portugal is a hotspot for all kinds of handmade ceramics, and the Algarve is no exception.

Dishes, bowls, and tiles are widely available and are often beautifully painted. While you'll spot these dining accessories all over the place, look in major cities like Lagos and Lagoa to find shops specializing in ceramic gifts and practical items.

Alternatively, head to some of the region's many flea markets and farmer's markets, which hawk wares from antiques and brand-name knockoffs, to homemade dishes and delicious fresh vegetables.

You'll find the markets just about everywhere, but those in Loule and Tavira are particularly diverse and bustling.

Another interesting local industry is the production of cork, an age-old tradition that featured prominently in the region's economy. Cork-based items are available in many shapes and sizes, including coasters and decorations. This craft is an expensive one, so cork items may be pricey.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to the Algarve

History of the Algarve

Throughout its rich history, the Algarve has been tied to exploration and a diverse tapestry of cultural influences.

The area surrounding the fortress of Cacela Velha in Vila Real de Santo Antonio served as an important point of reference for early Phoenician and Greek settlers and sailors as they traversed the ancient Mediterranean.

The Roman Empire later extended its reach to Iberia, developing prosperous settlements flush with commercial enterprises and the arts.

The Roman villa at Nucleo Museologico da Villa Romana de Milreu is a good example of some preserved mosaics from this period, as is Cerro da Vila.

Paderne boasts a Roman bridge dating from the 2nd century CE.

After the fall of Rome, the Algarve was conquered by the Visigoth tribes, later falling to Muslim Moorish conquerors from North Africa during the 700s.

This marked a critical turning point in the region's history, as Moorish rule profoundly affected the culture, architecture, and development of both the Algarve and the Iberian Peninsula as a whole over the following centuries.

The Algarve's Muslim rulers built many fortifications around the region, consolidating their power and developing many of the area's cities. Several towns, including Albufeira, still bear vestiges of the Arab language in their names, while the remarkably preserved 11th-century Silves Castle attests to the city's heritage as the Moorish capital in the Algarve.

By the beginning of the 8th century, the Moors controlled all of modern-day Spain and Portugal. But Europe began to push back in the mid 700s, launching a centuries-long series of campaigns to retake the Iberian Peninsula known as the "Reconquista."

Over the following five centuries, Christian forces from across Europe, notably Crusader knights, poured into Spain and Portugal. Much of the area was recaptured by the Europeans and absorbed into the new Kingdom of Portugal.

In 1249 the Moors were finally driven from the region, leaving behind indelible marks that were absorbed subtly into the Algarve's still-developing local culture.

For an interesting glimpse of this period of transition visit Paderne Castle, a 12th-century Arab fortress thought to be witness to one of the first displays of a Portuguese national shield, and Governor's Castle (Castelo dos Governadores), once a seat of Moorish power.

After its independence, the Algarve remained a semi-autonomous kingdom within greater Portugal, a status that persisted, at least in name, until the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1910.

Portugal's power grew after the Reconquista, and in 1415 the new Portuguese Empire arose. Algarve would play an influential role as this ambitious imperial nation grew into one of the preeminent superpowers of its day.

The influence of Prince Henry the Navigator kickstarted the Age of Discovery, establishing a center of operations in the area of Lagos, and provincial Sagres became an important base for many of Henry's exploits.

Legend has it that expeditions set off from the surroundings of Cape Saint Vincent. From here, Portugal sent ships, troops, and explorers to Africa, Asia, and South America, setting up colonies across the world.

November 1, 1755, brought the destructive Lisbon earthquake, which obliterated the capital and caused a massive tsunami that wreaked havoc upon the Algarve. The huge wave, which infamously reached over the city walls of Lagos, nearly wiped out many important centers of trade and commerce in the region, laying waste to most coastal cities.

Faro alone was mostly unharmed, as its sandy barrier lagoons protected it from the worst of the damage. It's thanks to this stroke of historical luck that buildings like the 13th-century Faro Cathedral and the city's old town survived intact.

Though the Algarve was long heavily dependent on agriculture and native crops, as well as industries like winemaking, fishing, cork processing, and canning, the latter period of the 20th century saw huge changes, as more and more tourists flocked to the region's beaches.

Budget flights, package holidays, and the increasing mobility offered by the European Union have all contributed to the Algarve's massive tourism industry, attracting a huge number of expats from the United Kingdom and northern Europe.

Landscape of the Algarve

The Algarve is a region of contrasts, with gorgeous beaches juxtaposed against rocky shores and a vast, semi-desert interior.

The western Algarve, wild and undeveloped, features a coastline of steep cliffs and rugged rocks accented by small sandy stretches, running from Odeceixe in the north to the area around Burgau and Luz in the south.

Much of this coastline is covered by a protected natural park, home to several rare bird species and plants native to the region.

These marshes and estuaries span much of the Algarve's maritime territory, appearing also along the southern coastline. Add Alvor Boardwalk to your Algarve itinerary to see some of these intertidal habitats, which have been the lifeblood of the local fishing villages.

The Algarve's most popular beaches lie along the south coast. Blessed with one of the greatest arrays of rock formations and cliffs anywhere on the planet, many of the coastline's most popular beaches showcase wide-open sands and towering sandstone walls.

Praia da Marinha has a particularly diverse array of these formations, while Praia do Beliche, near the tip of the continent, wows with cliffs rising to heights of up to 40 m (131 ft).

Near the inland city of Monchique you'll find the Algarve's highest point, Montes da Fóia, protruding 739 m (2,425 ft) from the countryside and providing a stunning view over the area's dense pine and cork forests.

Surrounding the peak is the Algarve's western mountain range and origin of several of the region's rivers. A hotbed of geothermal activity, this mountainous stretch has given rise to natural spas like the famed Caldas de Monchique.

Holidays & Festivals in the Algarve

The Algarve celebrates major Christian and Western holidays, with big celebrations around Christmas, New Year, and Easter. Various patron saints are also honored at different times throughout the year.

The spring and summer months see plenty of festivals and celebrations, ranging from Monchique's sausage fair in March, to May Day celebrations across the countryside.

If your Algarve holiday takes you through the end of August, don't miss the famed Noite Branca festival--known in English as the "Festival of the White Night," this raucous get-together commemorates the end of summer with a massive street party.

In September, the village of Vila do Bispo hosts a festival dedicated to the venerable (and delicious) goose barnacle, a local specialty.

Autumn and winter bring a number of fairs and gatherings, including carnival-style fun at Faro's Santa Iria Fair and a huge display of traditional culture and crafts at Loule Mountain Fair.

Algarve Travel Tips

Climate of the Algarve

Despite the region's position on the Atlantic Ocean, the Algarve enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry weather year-round.

December, January, and February are the coldest months, and though freezing temperatures and snow aren't unheard of, winter in this corner of the world is mild.

Summer months, peaking between June and September, are extremely hot and dry, bringing constant sunshine perfect for hitting the pool or the beach.

Spring and fall are very popular times to take a trip to the Algarve, as it's warm enough to sunbathe without extreme hot or cold swings.

Transportation in the Algarve

The Algarve's bus network covers major tourist hotspots along the coast. Multiple companies work the region's routes, and some even offer value passes that provide unlimited travel for set periods of time.

Keep in mind that weekend services can sometimes be extremely reduced and infrequent, so plan your Algarve tour accordingly.

A train line connects Faro with Lagos and Vila Real de Santo Antonio, servicing the towns in between.

The region's rural interior and huge array of beaches mean that you'll likely need a car to get the most out of your Algarve vacation. Getting to more secluded sites off the beaten path on your own can be difficult without a vehicle.

The convenient A22 highway runs nearly the entire length of the coast, stretching from the Spanish border in the east to the surroundings of Lagos in the west. It's a solid route for getting between cities on your Algarve itinerary.

Don't forget that some roads in the region, including the A22, require drivers to pay a toll.

Language of the Algarve

Portuguese is the native tongue of the region, but you'll find that many locals are proficient in English, particularly if they're employed in the Algarve tourism sector.

That said, speaking a few basic words of Portuguese will go a long way toward making you stand out from the tourist crowd, and is sure to be appreciated by the locals.