Travel to the Algarve in Southern Portugal
General Information About the Algarve Region
The Algarve region in southern Portugal is the most popular vacation area in Portugal, featuring the most beautiful and quietest beaches, charming bays, dramatic cliffs, well-kept towns, and an abundance of active vacation and entertainment options. All this in sunny weather (more than 300 sunny days a year).
The name "Algarve" means "the west" (from Arabic) because the region contains the southwesternmost point of the European continent: Cabo de São Vicente, which features dramatic vertical cliffs rising to a height of 75 meters above the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Tourism is the number 1 source of income for the region, especially in the summer months, when many tourists arrive to vacation along the long coastline: 150 km along the southern coast and another 50 km along the western coast of the region. The region also boasts numerous islands and islets, some of which can be visited. The coastline is abundant with picturesque limestone caves accessible mainly by boat tours.
The area is also based on agriculture and the production of natural food products, and it is widely renowned for the quality of its olive oil and high-quality jams, as well as the oranges, carobs, almonds, and figs that grow there.
Did you know?
The popular local sweet is Queijo de Figo do Algarve, made from a mixture of figs, almonds, and brandy.
The region is also famous for its many cork oak trees. Over 50% of the world's cork comes from the Algarve region! From each oak tree, about 65,000 corks can be produced. Locals use cork to manufacture many other products, mainly bags, houseware, and works of art.
The fishing industry in the area also thrives, and naturally, the region features charming fishing towns, fish markets, and countless restaurants serving fresh and high-quality fish and seafood.
The region is also fascinating due to its rich culture. It was conquered by Islam and later returned to Christian hands, featuring fascinating historic towns with both Islamic and Christian influences. The houses are mostly low-rise and white in a Moorish style. It is fun to stroll on foot through the narrow, winding alleys abounding with stalls, shops, restaurants, cafes, and atmosphere.
About 420,000 residents live in the region, but in the summer months, the population more than doubles thanks to the many tourists who visit.
The variety of entertainment and vacation options in the area is vast: alongside quiet family beaches, there are also surfing and windsurfing beaches, numerous water parks, paragliding, diving, jeep tours, ATVs, and plenty of action. The region also has vibrant nightlife.
Albufeira:
The Algarve region is also known for its many high-quality golf courses: over 40 courses suitable for professional and beginner players alike.
It is a safe, friendly area, locals are welcoming, the majority speak English, and the selection of accommodation options is huge and suits every budget and style.
Throughout the year, colorful festivals are held in the region, including carnivals, food or music festivals, and cultural and traditional fairs.
Guided tours in the Algarve to book from Viator:
Weather and When to Visit
The weather in the Algarve region is similar to the weather in Israel. Summer is hot and humid with minimal precipitation. The average maximum temperature in July-August is 31 degrees Celsius. Spring and autumn are comfortable and pleasant, and winter is relatively short, with fairly comfortable weather but receiving the bulk of the precipitation. The average temperature in winter is 15 degrees Celsius and the wettest month is December with about 120 mm.
The peak tourist season in the Algarve is July-August, when the beaches are bustling with families from all over Europe. The most successful months to visit the region are September and June, when the weather is slightly less hot, the crowds are smaller, and it is still great for enjoying the beaches. For those looking for more nature, culture, and scenery, the most successful months to visit the region are the spring and autumn months. In winter too, it is definitely possible to tour the Algarve, visit towns and cities, enjoy pampering spa hotels, and even walk along beautiful beaches and promenades or play golf, but it must be taken into account that not everything is open and active, and the normally comfortable weather can be fickle, turning a sunny day into a rainy and gray day.
How to Get There
Map of the Algarve region in southern Portugal:
The largest city in the region is Faro, the capital of the region, located on the sea in the middle of the southern coastline of the Algarve.
Faro:
The city has an international airport Faro Airport with many direct flights from various destinations across Europe. Airport code: FAO. This is of course also an airport with domestic flights from Porto and Lisbon.
From Israel there are direct flights only to Lisbon Lisbon Airport , airport code: LIS. The most convenient way for someone landing in Lisbon to reach the Algarve is by rental car. The driving time from Lisbon to Faro is about two and a half hours (280 km).
Other important large tourist cities in the region are Lagos , Albufeira,
Albufeira:
Portimão, Vilamoura and Tavira. All are located along the southern coast of the region. The distance between Lagos, the westernmost among them, and Tavira, the easternmost among these cities, is about 110 km (1:10 hours).
Tavira:
A trip to the Algarve can be combined with a comprehensive trip to Portugal or with a trip to southern Spain: the driving time from Seville in southern Spain to Tavira in the southeastern Algarve is about 1:40 hours (170 km).
Accommodation in the Algarve Region
The region abounds with towns and resort cities with accommodations of all types and kinds. Towns in a central and convenient location for star tours in the region, with wonderful beaches and where you can also dedicate time to hang out near the hotel for at least a day or two are: Vilamoura, Albufeira and Portimão.
It is recommended to stay at least 3-4 nights in one of them, or in one of the towns adjacent to them, and take trips from them throughout the entire region.
Recommended Accommodation in Vilamoura
Vilamoura is a high-quality resort town with a wonderful beach and a charming marina.
♦ Hotel Tivoli Marina Vilamoura
The most successful hotel in town. 5-star rating. Located on a great beach on one side and on a vibrant marina on the other side. All rooms have sea or marina views.
The hotel has 2 swimming pools, a large and luxurious spa with a hammam and jacuzzi, a gym, expansive gardens, a kids' playroom, ping pong, and water sports. On some days in the evening, there are music shows and various events. The hotel features a cafe, bar, and restaurant. Near the hotel in the marina area is a large selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops. Free internet and parking.
♦ The Residences at Victoria by Tivoli
A luxury apartment hotel featuring apartments with one bedroom, two bedrooms, and even 3-bedroom apartments with a living room designed for up to 6 guests. All apartments have an equipped kitchen. The hotel is surrounded by golf courses and is located 5 km from the beach and a 9-minute drive from the marina (there is a hotel shuttle service to the beach and marina). The hotel features 2 swimming pools (one of them indoor), a gym, a restaurant, and a bar. Free internet and parking.
An attractively priced apartment hotel featuring apartments with one bedroom and a living room suitable for 2-3 guests or two bedrooms and a living room intended for up to 5 guests. Each apartment has an equipped kitchen. The hotel is located 2.5 km from the Vilamoura marina and 3.1 km from the beach. The hotel features 2 swimming pools, a spa, and a gym. Free internet and parking.
A 5-star resort located 300 meters from the sea. The hotel has 3 swimming pools, one with natural sand, and a floating restaurant. The hotel features rooms and suites suitable for 2-3 guests. All rooms have balconies with views (of the sea or gardens). The hotel also features a spa, a kids' club, 3 restaurants, 2 bars, and a library. Free internet and parking.
Recommended Accommodation in Albufeira
Albufeira is the most popular resort town in the Algarve.
♦ Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa
A 5-star hotel located on an excellent beach.
The hotel has rooms in a variety of sizes and types, ranging from double rooms to apartments with two bedrooms and a living room suitable for 5 guests. Some of the rooms and suites have sea views. The hotel features 4 swimming pools, a spa, sports courts, and a gym. The hotel has 3 restaurants and three bars. On-site is a kids' club and in summer also a disco. Free internet and parking.
♦ Pine Cliffs Hotel, A Luxury Collection Resort
A 5-star resort located atop cliffs overlooking the longest beach in Portugal. It features a pool, tennis and golf courts, mini golf, and a kids' and teens' club. The resort also has 8 restaurants and 3 bars, a luxurious spa, and a water sports center. Every room, intended for 2-3 guests, has a balcony overlooking the gardens or the ocean. Free internet and parking.
A 4-star suite and apartment resort spread across a wide, green area reminiscent of a kibbutz.
The resort features vacation apartments of various sizes and designs: from couples' studio apartments to apartments and villas with two bedrooms and a living room suitable for 5 guests. All have an equipped kitchen and a balcony or garden. Located across the road from a great beach. The location has 6 swimming pools, 4 tennis courts, and a golf course. The resort has two restaurants and bars, children's playgrounds and a kids' club, ping pong, a health club including an indoor pool, hammam, jacuzzi, and spa, and also a small shopping center with a supermarket and even a hairdresser. Free internet and parking.
A successful apartment hotel near the Albufeira marina featuring spacious one-bedroom and living room apartments designed for 2-4 guests. Each apartment has an equipped kitchen and balcony. Located 1.2 km from the beach. The location features a swimming pool. Free internet and parking.
Recommended Accommodation in Portimão
Portimão is one of the largest cities in the Algarve region.
♦ Bela Vista Hotel & Spa - Relais & Chateaux
A high-quality and luxurious 5-star boutique hotel with double rooms and suites featuring a nautical motif, most with a balcony overlooking the sea. The resort is located on the beach and features a swimming pool, gym, and spa. The resort is housed in a historic building and divided into 3 buildings, each with a unique design. The hotel has a quality restaurant overlooking the sunset, a swimming pool, spa, and gym. Bicycle rentals for guests. The price includes a very successful breakfast. Free internet, parking for an additional fee.
A 4-star hotel on the beach with rooms in a variety of sizes and standards, ranging from double rooms to family suites with sea views. The hotel features a swimming pool, gym, restaurant, and bar. Free internet, parking for an additional fee.
Nice Resorts Halfway Between Albufeira and Portimão:
A high-quality and luxurious 5-star resort on the beach. Built in Moorish style and surrounded by tropical gardens. The resort features double rooms, family suites, and two-bedroom apartments. All rooms have balconies or gardens, most with impressive ocean views. The resort has multiple pools, a playground, and an activities room for children. The resort includes a spa, yoga studio, gym, and sports courts including tennis and mini golf. The hotel has 10 restaurants and 6 bars. A very successful breakfast is included in the price. Free internet and parking.
A modern 5-star resort with apartments and suites featuring a large variety of apartments and suites, ranging from double suites with a bedroom and living room to spacious 3-bedroom and living room apartments suitable for 6 guests.
Each apartment has a modern equipped kitchen and a private balcony overlooking the view. The resort has 6 pools, a spa with a hammam and saunas, and a gym. It is not located directly on the beach, and the nearest beach is located one kilometer away from the resort. The resort has a kids' club full of activities, sports courts including tennis courts, an excellent restaurant, and a bar. Free internet and parking.
The Best Beaches in the Algarve Region
The beaches of the Algarve are the main attraction of the region. Along the entire southern coastline, there are countless wonderful sandy beaches. Some stretch over many kilometers of coastline and some are small, hidden between cliffs, small and charming lagoons.
It is hard to choose the best of all. Usually, people spend time at the beach closest to the hotel/vacation home where they are staying.
Many travel sites and magazines have tried to choose the best ones, each choosing different beaches... (Some of the beaches have even been declared the best in the world!)
Note : Due to the popularity of the mentioned beaches, especially in summer, to find parking near them you should arrive early in the morning.
Lagos Beaches
Without a doubt, the city of Lagos leads in the number of beaches chosen as the best of all. It should be taken into account that access to its most beautiful beaches is not simple and requires walking/climbing or a boat ride.
Did you know?
In Lagos, a summer festival is held annually:
Sandcity Sand Palace Festival
featuring huge sand sculptures of famous buildings from around the world. The festival also includes, alongside sand palaces, plenty of shows and activities for the whole family.
The three most recommended beaches in Lagos are:
Ponta da Piedade
Located about 3 km from downtown Lagos, this is a small beach surrounded by impressive cliffs, arches, and caves with clear and quiet turquoise-green water. Access to the beach is via a challenging path passing between cliffs or by boat or kayak. Two excellent companies organizing kayak tours to the caves from Lagos are: Days of Adventure and Kayak Adventures
It is highly recommended after (or before) spending time at the beach to visit the nearby Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse, which offers a breathtaking view of the beaches, cliffs, and caves.
Praia da Marinha
A sandy beach surrounded by cliffs. Chosen by Michelin guides as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in Europe. It can be reached only via a steep path with stunning views located at the end of a large parking lot near Lagos.
Praia do Camilo
Located about 4 km from the old town center of Lagos and considered one of the iconic beaches of the region. Access to the beach is via 200 rather steep wooden steps. The water is clear and its turquoise color contrasts sharply with the brown cliffs surrounding the beach and its soft golden sand. The view of the beach from atop the cliff (where a restaurant overlooking it is also located) is breathtaking!
Adjacent to this beach, another recommended beach is:
Dona Ana beach
This beach was chosen by the prestigious magazine Condé Nast Traveller in 2013 as the most beautiful beach in the world. As mentioned: the choice is difficult...
Another special beach with powerful beauty is:
Praia de Benagil
Located in a small fishing village named Benagil near Carvoeiro, east of Portimão. What is special about this beach is that it is adjacent to a round cave with a small, round hole at the top. You can enter the cave with kayaks, SUPs, or small boats. An excellent company organizing speedboat tours to the caves departing from Lagos is Fast Adventure to the Benagil Caves on a Speedboat
The Beaches of Albufeira and Its Surroundings
Also in the area of Albufeira there are many wonderful beaches that have won praise and awards:
Praia da Coelha
"Rabbit Beach" (this is the meaning of its name in Portuguese) is photogenic and located about 6 km west of the old town of Albufeira. It is surrounded by yellow cliffs and has soft golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. You reach the beach with a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. You can walk on an elevated wooden boardwalk to its quieter and more secluded western part. From there, a hiking trail also starts between cliffs with stunning views and small hidden caves. The beach is also suitable for snorkeling thanks to the reef adjacent to it.
Praia da Falésia
One of the longest sandy beaches in the region. Its length is more than 6 kilometers. Located about 10 kilometers east of Albufeira towards Vilamoura. Along the entire beach are impressive colorful cliffs behind the soft, golden sand. The cliffs dotted with pine trees are somewhat reminiscent of Bryce Canyon in Utah. Along the beach are plenty of restaurants, bars, and many water sports options. Access to the beach is easy and convenient (also by public transport) and it is close to many hotels. A popular activity is parasailing on the beaches of Albufeira from its marina.
Praia Da Santa Eulália
This pleasant sandy beach is located 4 km east of Albufeira and adjacent to the Grande Real Santa Eulalia hotel. At its edge is a cliff view.
Praia dos Alemães Beach
A sandy swimming beach right at the foot of the old town of Albufeira, close to many sun loungers and umbrellas.
Beach in the City of Portimão
Praia da Rocha
This is an excellent beach in Portimão, about 3 km (10 minutes drive) south of the city center. It is a large beach, easy to reach, vibrant with many facilities, abounding with restaurants and cafes. Ideal for swimming, relaxing on the soft sand, and walking along the long promenade along the beach.
Main Attractions in the Algarve
Ancient Cities, Markets, and Active Vacations
Most of the resort cities in the Algarve region have preserved their old towns and therefore part of the fun is wandering on foot through the old cities among narrow alleys, squares, plenty of shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes, and colorful markets. There are of course also historic buildings, museums, churches, etc., which are definitely worth dedicating time to, but most tourists arriving in the region are looking, in addition to beaches, sun, good food, and entertainment, mainly for action, active vacations, and amusement, mostly those combining plenty of water.
True to a summer family vacation area, the Algarve abounds with water parks and animal parks alongside go-karting tracks, mini-golf, etc. It is important to note that the water parks are only active during the summer season (usually from June to September).
Water Parks, Animals, and Amusements:
"Zoomarine" Park Zoomarine - Guia
It is a successful combination of a water park with a zoo and an amusement park. Daily shows of dolphins, sea lions, birds, and pirates are held in the park. The park features many water slides, a wave pool, a large lazy river, a water play area for young children, and several modern amusement rides (mostly from 2020) without water. The zoological section includes an aquarium, an area called "Magic Rainbow" with colorful macaws, an area for animals from the Americas, turtles, 4D movies about animals, a marine animal rescue center, and even a small museum. The park is located near Albufeira (8 km, about a quarter-hour northwest of it).
"Aquashow" Park
A water park full of facilities that is part of a 4-star hotel. In the future, an indoor water park suitable for all weather conditions is also expected to be built. The park features water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, a large area for young children, and also unique facilities like: a water rollercoaster alongside dry amusement rides, especially suitable for young children and various shows: parrot show, birds of prey, and turtles. The park is located about 7 km north-east of Vilamoura (about a 10-minute drive).
"Slide & Splash" Park
It is a classic water park full of slides of all types, some with tubes, a wave pool, and a water play area for young children. The park also has a small zoo featuring mainly turtles, snakes, and birds. Located about 7 km (about a quarter-hour drive) east of Portimão.
Aqualand Algarve
It is also a classic water park with slides for the daring alongside calmer slides for the whole family, a wave pool, a lazy river, and facilities for young children. Located halfway between Albufeira and Portimão (about 15-20 minutes drive from each of these cities).
Zoo
A successful "classic" zoo without water attractions is located in Lagos Zoo de Lagos in the western Algarve region.
Karting Almancil
A successful go-karting track with tracks of various levels, depending on age, which also includes additional action such as paintball, a climbing wall, trampolines, and off-road buggy driving. Located about 10 km (a quarter-hour drive) east of Vilamoura. www.kartingalgarve.com/karting-almancil-eng.html
Car Racing
The main motor racing track in the Algarve is: Autódromo Internacional do Algarve located in Portimão. When no races are held, you can enjoy professional go-karting.
Family Golf Park
A successful mini-golf park, considered one of the best in Europe. Located in Vilamoura.
Ropes Course and Paintball
"Luso Aventura" is a chain of ropes courses, ziplines, and paintball in Portugal with several branches in the Algarve, including one in the Albufeira area and one in Lagos.
Nature Reserves:
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve
Recently chosen as one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal. The reserve was declared a national park in 1987 and consists of five narrow and long islands and two peninsulas, forming a lagoon. This is an excellent habitat for sea birds. The reserve is also famous for the "Portuguese water dog", an endangered animal unique to this region. In addition, this is a paradise for oyster farmers. Due to the tide differences, which are very significant in this area, the sea level in the lagoon changes in a cycle of about six hours, a phenomenon that allows oyster farmers along the island shores to easily and efficiently collect oysters at low tide. There are also fish farms in the reserve. The islands feature very diverse soils from mud flats, salt pans, pine forests, sand dunes, and agricultural land. The islands also have swimming beaches and plenty of hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
From the city of Olhão (known for its large and popular fish market) boats and ferries depart to the large lagoon islands, some of which also have vacation homes and restaurants.
It is especially recommended to join a boat tour by Island4you called: "4 islands route" which reaches four islands in the reserve, touring and walking on each of them. The total tour duration (including the boat ride and stay on the islands) is about 4:30 hours.
Islands in the Ria Formosa Lagoon:
Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente)
In the western Algarve is the southwesternmost point of the European continent. An ancient lighthouse, located on a dramatic 75-meter-high cliff, operates to this day. This is a site swept by powerful winds coming from the open sea, which is why wind turbines for green wind energy production were erected there. The entire surrounding area is a successful nature reserve.
Action, Jeep, and Boat Tours in the Algarve:
Jeep Tour
A cool tour (guided or self-drive) by the company Algarve Jipe Safari .
The recommended tour name of the company is: 7 hour tour to Monchique and it includes a visit to the old town and fortress of the city of Silves,
to a liquor distillery and the highest mountain in the region with impressive scenic viewpoints and driving on winding off-road tracks including inside streams, rivers, and steep hills. The tour also includes lunch.
Silves Silves was the ancient capital of the Algarve and an important trading city. Today it is a rather small city of about 2,000 residents, and its main attraction is the impressive medieval fortifications. Its city hall building is impressive and it is worthwhile to walk on the walls of the old town and wander through the ancient alleys abounding with galleries and small shops, most of which focus on cork products such as wallets, bags, and houseware.
During your visit there you can observe many storks nesting on the roofs of the houses.
A successful option is a jeep tour in the region lasting 4 hours : Half Day Tour with Jeep Safari in the Algarve Mountains
Buggy Tours
A lovely tour by the company Algarve Buggy Tours , the company has tours ranging from one hour to six hours. It is worth choosing a 3-hour tour named Safari Tour which passes through impressive landscapes and also passes through a river.
Another successful company organizing buggy tours departing from Silves is: Bulldog Buggies
ATVs
An ATV tour by the company Quinta Quads departing from Quarteira which is adjacent to Vilamoura. www.algarvequads.yolasite.com/ The duration of the tour is about three and a half hours, taking you off the beaten tourist track to see the real Algarve. This tour also partly passes through the river. A shorter recommended ATV tour, lasting one and a half hours, departing from Albufeira: Buggy Adventure - 1.5h Off-Road Tour
Boat Tours
A fast and successful boat tour among caves and dramatic cliffs combined with dolphin watching Caves and Dolphin Watching by Dream Wave. The boat tour departs from the Albufeira marina. The duration of the boat tour is about 2:30-3 hours.
Another successful boat tour, shorter, lasting about two hours, also departing from Albufeira: Dolphin Watching and Caves Cruise