Guide to the Algarve

Why Visit the Algarve?

The Algarve is one of Europe’s most rewarding coastal destinations, where honey‑coloured sands, dramatic Atlantic cliffs and a laid‑back southern rhythm come together to create effortlessly memorable holidays. Though celebrated for its beaches, the region’s appeal stretches far inland too, into hilltop villages, fresh‑from‑the‑sea cuisine and a culture enriched by its long relationship with the sea.

As Jack Organ, Senior Product Manager, perfectly summarises: “Impressive cliffs, captivating sea caves and miles of golden sand beaches make the Algarve one of Europe’s best beach destinations.” 

Across the coast and countryside, each part of the Algarve offers its own distinct take on this sunny, easygoing lifestyle. Albufeira blends golden beaches with a lively dining scene, while the inland villages of Boliqueime and Loulé offer a slower pace, with whitewashed streets and weekly markets framed by rolling hills. Further west, Ferragudo delivers a classic coastal charm with family‑friendly beaches and a relaxed, village‑by‑the‑sea feel, while Lagos pairs historic cobbled streets with a stylish marina and some of the region’s most striking cliff‑backed bays.

In the heart of the Golden Triangle, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago bring a more refined flavour to the coastline, home to luxurious beach clubs, long dune‑backed stretches of sand and world‑class golf. And close by, Vilamoura is made for marina‑side evenings, waterside dining and wide, welcoming beaches perfect for easy days in the sun.

To explore the Algarve in more detail, including the best time to visit, getting to Corfu, cultural highlights, beaches, food, cultural and places to stay, explore our Guide to the Algarve and plan a Portuguese stay that suits you.

Best Time to Visit the Algarve

With around 300 days of sunshine each year, the Algarve is a destination that lends itself to travel across much of the calendar. Blessed with a warm climate and stunning natural scenery, particularly its dramatic, cliff-backed golden beaches, this region of southern Portugal draws visitors in search of sun, sea and relaxed coastal living. 

During midsummer, the Algarve is at its most vibrant. Long, sun-filled days are ideal for beach lounging, surfing, kayaking and boat trips along the coast, with little rainfall and cloudless skies. According to Lonely Planet, July and August are the hottest months, with average temperatures around 28°C, though cooling Atlantic breezes and evening temperatures of around 22°C make al fresco dining especially enjoyable. The region also comes alive with festivals, from cultural celebrations in Loulé to beachside music events throughout July. While these peak months are busier and hotter, guests staying in our private villas in the Algarve can cool down with shaded terraces or private swimming pools, enjoying the season at a more leisurely, secluded pace. Summer 2026 offers an added incentive to visit. According to the National Solar Observatory, a partial solar eclipse on 12 August, visible across Portugal, this rare celestial highlight best enjoyed from the Algarve’s wide-open skies.

For many travellers, spring, between April and late May is considered the sweet spot. Pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes and quieter beaches make it ideal for walking, cycling and exploring historic towns without the summer crowds.

Autumn remains warm yet noticeably calmer. Daytime temperatures typically settle between 18 - 20°C, while the sea is still inviting. It’s also an excellent time for birdwatching, particularly around Sagres, one of Europe’s last migration points before birds cross to Africa, a quiet, natural spectacle that adds another rewarding dimension to an autumn Algarve escape.

Getting to the Algarve

The Algarve stretches along Portugal’s sun‑soaked southern coast and is served by one main international gateway, Faro Airport, which offers excellent connections from across the UK and Europe. Compact and efficient, Faro Airport makes arrival refreshingly straightforward, allowing you to be settled by your villa’s pool seamlessly. For those already travelling within Portugal, it’s also easy to reach the Algarve from Lisbon, with regular trains departing from Oriente Station and arriving in Faro in just three hours.

Once you arrive, the Algarve rewards those willing to explore beyond the well-trodden resorts. While public transport exists, the region’s greatest treasures often lie a little off the beaten path, dramatic clifftop viewpoints, hidden coves and quiet inland villages, making flexibility key to enjoying the destination to its fullest.

The Algarve is well connected by road, with the A22 motorway running east to west and making cross‑region journeys refreshingly simple. From Faro to Lagos, for example, the drive takes just around an hour. The railway also runs along much of the coast from Lagos to Vila Real de Santo António, offering an affordable and scenic option, though stations are often set a short distance inland. Buses connect major towns, while taxis and ride‑sharing services such as Uber and Bolt are widely available in resort areas for short journeys.

Car Hire

That said, for most visitors - particularly those staying in villas - car hire remains the most flexible and convenient way to travel, allowing you to discover the Algarve’s quieter beaches and countryside at your own pace. For a seamless arrival, we can arrange car hire and transfers before you travel. This ensures your holiday begins the moment you land, with everything tailored to your itinerary.  With easy roads and manageable distances, driving in the Algarve is straightforward and well suited to relaxed exploration.

Boat Hire

Exploring the Algarve by boat reveals a side of the coastline that remains beautifully out of reach to many visitors. We can arrange a selection of curated on‑the‑water experiences, from relaxed coastal cruises to more adventurous explorations, each offering a unique perspective on the region. Options include private skipper‑led power boat trips from Lagos Marina, where you can glide along pristine stretches of coast, swim in sheltered inlets and admire distinctive rock formations from the sea. For something more indulgent, sunset cruises aboard a motor yacht allow you to savour the Algarve at its most atmospheric, as the cliffs soften in the fading light and the day draws to a close far from the crowds.

Culture & History in the Algarve

The Algarve has drawn people south for centuries, first for its fertile land and strategic coastline, and now for its golden beaches and easygoing charm. But beyond the sunlit coves lies a region shaped by layers of culture, from ancient settlers to seafaring explorers and the Moors who left an especially deep imprint on its identity.

Between the 8th and 13th centuries, the Moors transformed the Algarve into a flourishing hub of agriculture, trade and craftsmanship. Their influence is still unmistakable, from the terracotta rooftops and whitewashed houses, to the region’s distinctive geometric chimneys, and even in the orchards of figs, almonds and citrus that continue to define the landscape. Towns like Silves, once the Moorish capital of the region, still echo this heritage through its red‑stone castle and fortified walls that watch over the surrounding hills.

When the Portuguese reconquered the region in 1249, the Algarve entered a new era, one that would position it at the very edge of the known world. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Sagres became the heart of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Under Prince Henry the Navigator, sailors studied winds and currents here before setting out toward Africa and beyond. A visit to Cabo de São Vicente, the dramatic headland once believed to mark the 'End of the World,' brings this maritime past sharply into focus, with waves crashing below sheer cliffs.

Throughout the region, architecture tells the story of these overlapping influences: Baroque churches adorned with blue‑and‑white azulejos, Roman bridges crossing quiet rivers, and Rococo palaces tucked between coastal towns. 

Best Beaches to visit in the Algarve

The Algarve’s coastline is wonderfully varied, from hidden coves, to pine‑backed dunes and long, golden bays. Wherever you’re staying, you’re never far from a standout stretch of sand, but each region offers something a little different.

Around Albufeira, some of the Algarve’s most iconic beaches sit right on the edge of town. Wide, central sands like Pescadores and Alemães offer easy access to cafés and shops, while a few minutes’ drive away the coast becomes more intimate and scenic. Coves such as São Rafael, Coelha and Evaristo are perfect examples, clear water, honey‑coloured cliffs and a calmer atmosphere. Keep going west and you reach Praia da Falésia, a long, breathtaking sweep beneath red sandstone cliffs.

Westwards in Ferragudo, you'll find Praia Grande. This is a favourite for families, spacious, gently shelving and well‑equipped for long, easy days in the sun. Tucked around the headland, Praia dos Caneiros offers something more intimate, framed by cliffs and glowing golden at sunset.

Even further west, Lagos delivers some of the most photographed beaches in Portugal. Coves like Praia do Camilo and Dona Ana shimmer with turquoise water, while the sculpted cliffs of Ponta da Piedade create a backdrop that feels almost otherworldly. For long shore walks and watersports, Meia Praia stretches for miles in a perfect arc.

Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago offer a different kind of seaside setting - long, dune‑backed beaches paired with world‑class leisure. These upscale resorts are perfect for golfers, boasting five championship courses between them, alongside excellent restaurants and stylish beachfront spots for long lunches or sunset strolls. The beaches here feel spacious and refined, ideal for relaxed days punctuated by great food and coastal views.

Food & Drink in the Algarve

Portugal has long been a favourite for food lovers, and the Algarve is one of its brightest culinary regions. With tiny fishing villages dotted all along the coastline, this sun‑drenched corner of the country is a paradise for seafood. 

Menus often change with the catch of the day, but you’ll always find Algarve staples: grilled sardines, octopus salad and the iconic cataplana - a fragrant fish stew slow‑cooked in a traditional copper dish. 

Piri piri chicken, known locally as, frango assado is a firm favourite, smoky, spicy and served with crisp chips, rice or salad. Albufeira, in particular, has earned a reputation for some of the best piri piri restaurants in the region, making it perfect for a relaxed dinner out.

Eating in can be just as special. All our villas come with well‑equipped kitchens, ideal for a laid‑back meal on the terrace after a day at the beach. Larger resort towns have excellent supermarkets and local markets brimming with fresh fish, produce and pastelaria treats. For something even more memorable, our ABOVE villas include private cook service, a great option for celebrations or nights when you simply want to sit back and enjoy.

As our Destination Expert, Andrew Feltham, puts it: “The Algarve is one of the best destinations to visit thanks to its delicious food.” 

To get even closer to the local culinary culture, you can join one of our signature food experiences, including the Cooking Class & Dinner at the Farm in Monte do Álamo. Set against the backdrop of a traditional farmhouse, you’ll wander through organic gardens to pick fresh ingredients before preparing a three‑course meal with a local family. It’s hands‑on, authentic and a truly memorable way to taste the Algarve.

Where to Stay: Our Villas in the Algarve

Our Algarve villa collection is thoughtfully spread across the region, giving you the freedom to shape the holiday you want. Choose a golfing hotspot in upscale Vilamoura or Quinta do Lago, settle into a beachfront gem near Albufeira, or head to the hills around Boliqueime for big skies, quiet landscapes and sweeping countryside views. Whether you prefer lively marinas, golden-sand beaches or peaceful rural hideaways, each location offers a different way to experience the Algarve’s charm.

Here are a few suggestions to inspire your search:

• BrisaMar – Just steps from the golden sands of Salgados Beach, this contemporary villa blends sleek design with relaxed Algarve living, providing a private sanctuary within easy reach of restaurants, bars and leisure amenities.

• Casa Costa – Casa Costa is a contemporary and large sea front villa with a boutique style design.

• Villa Balbina - With exceptional standards of comfort and service, and an exquisite setting above a sheltered beach, this luxury villa in the Algarve has superb facilities and direct access to the sandy beach.

• ---

  To find out more about the Algarve, make sure to speak with one of our Villa Specialists or make an enquiry today.