Algarve Holidays

The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region and one of the most popular holiday areas for UK travellers, thanks to its sunny climate, dramatic coastline and wide choice of resorts. It is best known for its beaches, but there is plenty of variety from one part of the region to another, so it is worth choosing the right base for the type of holiday you want.

Central Algarve resorts such as Albufeira, Vilamoura and Quarteira are well placed for classic beach holidays, restaurants and easy access to organised trips. Albufeira has a broad range of accommodation and a lively resort feel, with sandy beaches and a busy old town. Vilamoura is known for its marina, golf courses and polished waterfront restaurants, while nearby Quarteira offers a more traditional seafront promenade.

Further west, Lagos, Portimão, Alvor and Carvoeiro are good choices for travellers who want impressive scenery alongside resort comforts. This part of the Algarve has some of the region’s most recognisable landscapes, including ochre cliffs, sea caves, sheltered coves and viewpoints over the Atlantic. Boat trips to the Benagil Cave area, coastal walks and kayaking excursions are popular ways to see the coastline, depending on sea conditions.

For a quieter pace, the eastern Algarve around Tavira and Olhão has a more laid-back feel. The Ria Formosa Natural Park protects lagoons, islands and salt marshes, making it especially appealing for boat trips, birdwatching and relaxed days on island beaches reached by ferry or water taxi. Tavira itself is one of the Algarve’s most attractive towns, with a river, tiled buildings and a more traditional atmosphere.

Food is a big part of an Algarve holiday. Fresh fish, grilled sardines, cataplana seafood stew and piri-piri chicken are widely found, with everything from simple local cafés to smart marina restaurants. Inland villages and market towns add another side to the region, with whitewashed streets, local produce and scenic drives through rolling countryside.

With Faro Airport serving the region, transfer times can be straightforward, particularly for central and eastern resorts. Whether you want beaches, coastal scenery, golf, boat trips or relaxed Portuguese towns, the Algarve offers a broad mix without needing to travel far.