Albufeira and Surrounds
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You may think you know bustling, touristy Albufeira, but the town has a lot more to offer, including a pretty old town, excellent restaurants and numerous stunning sandy beach...
Our villas in the Algarve are dotted all over the region – stay in a golfing hotspot in upscale Vilamoura, choose a beachfront gem near Albufeira or head for the hill views near pretty Boliqueime.
View villas in Algarve Learn more about AlgarveYou may think you know bustling, touristy Albufeira, but the town has a lot more to offer, including a pretty old town, excellent restaurants and numerous stunning sandy beach...
For a traditional Portuguese village experience venture inland to pretty Boliqueime, or base yourself in Loule for easy access to all the delights of the Algarve.
A pretty fishing village in the Western Algarve, Ferragudo has safe, sandy beaches and interesting towns to explore nearby, making it an excellent family destination.
On the banks of the Rio Bensafrim, Lagos has it all, from the picturesque cobbled streets of the old town to the modern marina, blue flag family friendly beaches to excellent ...
Perfect for golfers, between them Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago boast five championship golf courses, as well as excellent restaurants and stunning beaches.
Glamorous Vilamoura, with its magnificent marina, stunning sandy beaches and championship golf courses dazzles visitors, and is just a short drive from a taste of traditional ...
Algarve is a popular family friendly destination. When planning a villa holiday, families often think of Algarve for its year round sunshine, blue flag beaches and the range of fun things to do for kids including a number of waterparks.
The Algarve is renowned for having a number of soft sandy beaches and the wonderful climate means they can be visited as early as May until late September.
The Algarve experiences over 300 days of sunshine a year, so a villa with a private pool is an essential part of any holiday in Portugal. Wake up to enjoy coffee and Pastéis de nata on the terrace, followed by a dip in the swimming pool, which you have all to yourselves.
Honey-coloured beaches and reliably warm weather draw in the locals and visitors to this pretty south coast region. We have a selection of villas, scattered all over the Algarve, which are located in the best spots to combine villa time with day out adventures. Grab a book, bask in the views, and spend the day relaxing on your villa’s private pool deck. Then head out and make the most of this gorgeous stretch of coast. From Roman ruins to cobbled city quarters, there’s a wealth of historic treasures to see. Or, take advantage of the coastal treats – tee off on a championship golf course overlooking insane ocean views, sunbathe on sands backed by red-rock cliffs, enjoy the freshest seafood at a tiny beachfront restaurant, or just cruise the day away on your own private boat.
From tiny rocky coves and hidden bays to huge golden stretches of sand, this sun-soaked region simply spoils for choice when it comes to the beach. If you don’t want the crowds but do fancy a break from your villa’s pool, head for the glorious white sands of Praia da Marinha, near Carvoeiro. This remote cove is tiny and hugs the cliff base, but is a gorgeous spot for exploring some of the region’s best sea caves – but you’ll have to negotiate the steep cliffside steps in order to actually reach it. Families should swap a day or two in their family villas for the popular beaches in central and western Algarve. Praia Grande is a wide golden stretch of beach in Ferragudo, and is well facilitated with restaurants, a children’s playground and pedalos for hire. On the western side of Vilamoura’s million dollar marina, Praia da Falésia stretches all the way across to Olhos do Agua and has a dramatic backdrop of red sandstone cliffs.
It’s not only the coast that dazzles in the Algarve; there are vineyards, natural parks and a beautiful mountain range all within driving distance from your villa, too. Faro is your gateway to the Ria Formosa Natural Park; a slice of protected paradise and a bird-watching heaven that’s best seen by boat or kayak. Serra de Monchique is the Algarve’s western mountain range – and so worth the drive if you’re looking for a day out from your villa. It’s home to the highest peak in the region, which means incredible views, and has a great choice of hiking trails for those feeling a little adventurous. Wine lovers should note that it’s not just northern Portugal that supplies the wine – the Algarve is home to a fully-flourishing wine region, too. If you’ve chosen a villa that’s near Lagos, Portimão or Tavira, take the afternoon to head out and explore the wineries and estates nearby.
This beach-obsessed region is also home to some of the best medieval churches, old town centres and castle ruins in the country. Swap your villa lounging with a day out, and road trip your way around some of the Algarve’s oldest towns. Head to Almancil to see the 17th-Century Church of São Lourenço – beyond the simple exterior, it’s a masterpiece inside with marble and blue azulejo tiles. Silves is one of the Algarve’s most traditional towns, with its red sandstone castle and cobbled lanes, while Loulé charms with white-washed houses and its historically quaint old town centre. One of the most dramatic landmarks in the Algarve is the spectacularly isolated Cape St. Vincent lighthouse – this wild and rugged icon is one of the country's most well-known thanks to its centuries-old association with Henry the Navigator.
Portugal is known for being a foodie destination, and this gorgeous region is one of the best spots for seafood. Tiny fishing villages, dotted all the way along the coastline, have some of the best restaurants in the region. There will be signature seafood menus, but look out for specialities like a fish stew served in a copper cataplana dish – this culinary classic is a huge part of the Algarve’s modern day cuisine. If you’re missing the meat, head out to try some piri piri chicken. You’ll find this southern delicacy (frango assado to the locals) all over the region, but Albufeira is known to have some of the best grilled chicken restaurants in the area. It’s simple, cheap and delicious – and complete with chips, rice or salad depending on preference, is perfect if you’re dining out on a budget.
All of our villas in the Algarve have well-equipped kitchens, so if you fancy a cosy night in, there are supermarkets in the bigger resort towns for a delicious villa-cooked dinner. If it’s a special occasion (or you just don’t fancy doing the work yourselves), you could always choose one of our luxury ABOVE villas and have cook service included. Or, if you’re not on a budget and feel like a treat, why not try one of the region’s highly-rated Michelin restaurants – two-starred Vila Joya is one of our favourites, and combines standout dishes with some serious ocean views.
Mild winters and scorching summers make the Algarve a destination that's great for a villa holiday year-round. There isn’t ever really a bad time to visit – normally there’s sun and blue skies whatever the month, and even the odd patch of rain doesn’t tend to stay very long. Golf courses are open throughout the year, and beaches never fail to disappoint here (even when it’s at its coldest). July to September are the Algarve’s peak summer months – the sea is warm and air temperatures can rocket to the early 30s, plus it’s the busiest time of year thanks to the European summer holidays. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, choose a villa holiday out of season – late April to June or mid-September to late October are some of the best times to explore Portugal’s southernmost region.
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Main AirportsFaro | Flight time from London3 hours | Flight time from Manchester3 hours | Flight times from Glasgow3 hours 20 mins | Time differenceGMT +0 | CurrencyEuro (€) | LanguagePortuguese | Hottest monthJuly | Coldest monthJanuary | Rainiest monthDecember | Driest monthJuly | Best beachesPraia da Marinha, Prai da Felesia, Praia Grande, Ongrina, Zavial, Praia do Ancao | How many golf courses75 | Famous foodPiri Piri chicken, Fresh seafood, Pastel de nata |