ALGARVE
THE ALGARVE IS A LAND OF CONTRAST, AND THERE IS PLENTY OF THINGS TO DO. THE POPULAR AND MORE DEVELOPED CENTRAL REGION OFFERS LIVELY COASTAL ACCOMMODATION, NIGHTLIFE, AND SOME OF PORTUGAL’S BEST GOLF COURSES.
RECOMMENDED TOURS
PORTUGAL IN DEPTH
16 DAYS
ICONIC PORTUGAL
9 DAYS
UNEXPLORED PORTUGAL
9 DAYS
flavors of portugal
10 days
colors of portugal
7 days
Taste of portugal
7 days
HOTELS
ANANTARA VILAMOURA ALGARVE
THE ANANTARA HAS STAMPED ITS PARTICULAR FORM OF LUXURIOUS AUTHENTICITY
MARTINHAL SAGRES BEACH FAMILY RESORT HOTEL
A child-orientated resort on the Algarve, Martinhal offers a choice of pools, water sports
TIVOLI MARINA VILAMOURA ALGARVE RESORT
RISING UP NINE FLOORS, RIGHT BETWEEN VILAMOURA’S YACHT-FILLED MARINA AND ITS GOLDEN BEACH
TIVOLI CARVOEIRO ALGARVE RESORT
THIS WHITEWASHED, 248-ROOM HOTEL LIES LOW ALONG THE CLIFFTOPS
VILA VITA
VILA VITA PARC HAS COMMANDING SEA VIEWS WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO THE BEACH AND SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
VILA JOYA
THE ALGARVE’S MOST HEDONISTIC RETREAT, SET ON CLIFFS OVERLOOKING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
ALGarVE EXPERIENCES
WHAT TO DO IN ALGARVE
In Europe's best beach destination, you can do much more than laying a towel out in the sun. Thanks to the sea, unique landscapes, unspoiled nature, culture, tradition and friendly people, you can be sure of enjoying unique and varied experiences. Here we share secrets.
KAYAK INTO SECRET BENAGIL CAVES
Take the most of the spectacular Atlantic coastline of Portugal paddling between the caves and bays of the Algarve on this Benagil Cave kayaking tour. We will take you to discover Famous Praia da Marinha, Benagil and some secret beache.
ALGARVE GOLF
The Algarve’s golf courses rival any in the world. The most prestigious is Monte Rei, a challenging Jack Nicklaus-designed par 72 where each hole can’t be seen from the next and it feels as though you have the whole thing to yourself. Keep an eye out for the 16th hole on the Val de Lobo Royal Course — it features a 218m carry between two clifftops to reach the green from the championship tee. Quinta do Lago is a golf-focused resort, with three courses and a Paul McGinley Golf Academy offering lessons for adults and kids.
GET LOST IN FARO
The city has an attractive historical centre, with cobbled passageways lit by cast iron street lamps and circled by city walls. Don’t miss the ornate Arco de Vila gate, rebuilt after an earthquake in 1755, the charming 13th-century cathedral and the Igreja do Carmo. Beneath this glorious church lies something a little more macabre: Capela dos Ossos, a chapel lined with human skulls and bones. You can tour Faro by Segway to see it from two wheels.
SKYDIVING IN THE ALGARVE
Skydiving in the Algarve is the perfect activity to make a holiday or an important moment in your life simply unforgettable. With your heart in your throat and a bit of genuine fear, you can enjoy a highly adrenaline-filled freefall followed by a calmer, more panoramic parachute flight.
QUINTA DOS VALES WINE TOUR
The Algarve is a fairly new wine region in the history of wine. That is why the number of wineries in the Algarve are fairly limited. However, Algarvian wines do offer a high quality standard. Some are even nationally and internationally acclaimed. Most of the wineries offer wine tours as well. Quinta dos Vales is a premium wine estate located in the heart of Western Algarve, in the town of Estômbar. Quinta dos Vales offers for visitors wine tours and tastings and also the opportunity to participate in the wine making process themselves.
SHOPPING IN ALGARVE
Throughout most of the Algarve, you will find an array of handicraft shops, street stalls and fairs. These little places offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some traditional items from the Algarve that will make great gifts or souvenirs. Shopping in the Algarve means finding the most beautiful hand-painted blue tiles, miniature Algarve houses and chimneys, copper cataplanas, rag dolls, palm-leaf baskets, hats, bobbin lace, wooden stools and regional sweets that everyone will love.
ALGARVE NIGHTLIFE
The Algarve region of Portugal is known worldwide for its beaches, golden sand cliffs, and sea caves, but it also has some of the best nightlife in the country. Here’s our take on the Algarve nightlife: Matt's Bar, Montechoro strip, Sal Ros. Sherry's Bar. Librtos, Le Club, Kiss, Spot 3, Bar Diagonal, NoSoloÁgua club. Katedral nighclub, Hotel Algarve Casino, Rooftop of Hotel Faro and Rooftop Eva, Columbus Bar, First floor,Lick & Casino Vilamoura.
LEARN ABOUT SARDINES
You’ll see sardines on most menus in the Algarve — often served grilled and accompanied by a salad and new potatoes. To locals they’re more than a mere ingredient. They’ve been fished off the coast since Roman times and canning and exporting sardines became the most significant industry in the region from the mid-19th century. Housed in a former cannery, the Museu de Portimão first traces the Algarve’s ancient history, and interactively explains the sardine industry using original machines.