Portugal’s sunny southern coast is like no other, serving up soaring cliffs, charming fishing villages, and - of course - plenty of beach.
Destination highlights
Award-winning beaches
Long, hot summers
Affordable luxury stays
Friendly atmosphere.
What are the best beaches in the Algarve?
We’re not being overdramatic when we say that this region of Portugal is jaw-droppingly beautiful. There’s not much more you could wish for when it comes to beach holidays to the Algarve, so check out these coastal spots and you’ll want to get your packing started!
Praia da Marinha – a bucketlist destination for beach-lovers, famous for its deep blue seas, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic views.
Praia da Falésia – a sociable beach close to Albufeira, hosting amazing sunset beach parties throughout the summer.
Praia da Arrifana – a pretty surf and swim beach near to Aljezur, accessible to all via ramp.
Praia do Camilo – the place to be in Lagos for amazing photos and snorkelling adventures.
Praia de Manta Rota – a sure-fire win for family holidays to the Algarve, with safe shallows at low tide.
Praia de Vale do Lobo – celeb-spotters will love this fancy beach in Vilamoura - it’s a favourite of the stars.
Praia Naturista de Tavira – if you’re a fan of nature (and naturism), this stunning nude beach on Tavira Island is the one for you.
Praia de Benagil – the sea caves at this beach are a budding photographer’s dream.
What are the top hotels in the Algarve?
This gorg Portuguese region has so many resorts that you’ll find your perfect hotel whatever kind of holidaymaker you are - even if you've got your eye on a cheap Algarve holibobs. Here’s a taste of the variety on offer:
Wyndham Grand Algarve - the ultimate luxury escape awaits at this five-star hotel, located in stylish Quinto Do Lago.
Sao Rafael Suites - this five-star Albufeira hotel has everything you need to keep the whole family happy, with its spa, pools, and plenty of kids’ entertainment.
Jupiter Albufeira Hotel - Family and Fun - the name says it all, as this hotel provides all the excitement you could ever need on an All Inclusive holiday to the Algarve!
Vilabranca Apartments - stay close to the beach and the vibrant town centre at these modern Lagos apartments.
Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort - a great choice for friends, this five-star hotel offers accessible rooms and is ideally located between the beach and the lively marina nightlife.
Pestana Dom Joao II Villas and Beach Resort - a beachside resort in Alvor, perfect for a relaxing, budget-friendly break.
Topazio Mar Beach Hotel & Apartments - for buzzing bar-hoppers, this adults-only hotel is the perfect base for hitting the town in Albufeira.
Here are some other destinations you might be interested in...
Popular Algarve hotels
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
20m from the beach
Close to the city centre
Large swimming pool
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
Welcoming atmosphere
Great location
Swimming pools and Jacuzzis
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
Overlooks the beach
Loads of activities
Heated indoor pool
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
150m from the beach
Split-level swimming pool
On-site spa
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
Lagoon-style pool
Great selection of bars and restaurants
Mini-golf
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
Roomy apartments with all the mod cons
Coffee shop for your caffeine fix
Pools for the whole fam to enjoy
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
4 swimming pools
Waterpark and kids' club
FREE beach shuttle service
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
Three swimming pools including one kids' pool
Daytime and evening entertainment programme
Dedicated kids' entertainment
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
250m from the beach
2 swimming pools
3 restaurants & 2 bars
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
750m from the beach
Choice of restaurants
Outdoor swimming pool
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
Tavira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
Beachfront location
2 swimming pools
Buffet restaurant
Albufeira, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
5 outdoor pools
On-site spa
Kids' club
Armacao De Pera, Costa de Algarve, Portugal
2 buffet restaurants
4 swimming pools
Entertainment for the whole family
Stunning Algarve resorts
Praia Da Rocha
A popular beach resort located in the beautiful Algarve, Praia da Rocha is the ultimate spot for a beach break. Amazing for families who love the Portuguese...
Vilamoura
A mighty corner of the Algarve that boasts the biggest marina in Portugal, the town of Vilamoura oozes an effortlessly upmarket atmosphere, with high-spirited...
Albufeira
Beach days and neon nights - Albufeira has it all, whether you fancy diving head-first into watersports or soaking up some history in the Old Town.
Faro
Faro is the main hub of the Algarve and is the perfect destination for combining culture with beautiful beaches such as Praia de Faro. Packed with Roman...
Tavira
Algarve holidays are growing in popularity and that’s mainly down to hidden treasures like Tavira. The small town on the eastern Algarve is gorgeously...
Quinta Do Lago
Quinta do Lago is renowned as one of the classiest resorts in the Algarve and that’s thanks in no small part to a little helping hand from Mother Nature....Algarve holiday. Best of all, your holidays in Quinta do Lago are just a short plane ride from the UK!
Quarteira
Quarteira, like many of the towns in the Algarve was once just a small, quiet fishing village. Of course as soon as tourists caught onto its quaint beauty...Algarve and provides enough entertainment, nightlife and, of course, sunshine, to keep holidaymakers coming back year after year on holidays to Quarteira!
Praia Da Oura
Praia da Oura literally means Golden Beach so the clue is in the title as to what to expect from this beautiful resort on Portugal's Algarve coast. As...Algarve holidays has grown many of the smaller towns set about developing resorts to accommodate the increased interested from tourists. Praia da Oura is no exception....
Praia da Luz
When you think of Algarve holidays...
Montechoro
What are you looking for in a holiday? Fancy restaurants? Plenty of culture? Fabulous beaches? Great nightlife? Or how about all of them? Montechoro holidays...
Monte Gordo
Situated on the very eastern side of the Algarve just a couple of miles from the border with Spain, Monte Gordo is one of those sleepy villages you might find yourself dreaming about. Well you don't...
Lagos
Lagos is a beautiful fishing town located around one hour from Faro airport. Located close to the harbour is Meia Praia beach which is one of the longest...
Balaia
For some it’s a good way to ruin a nice walk, but for a large number of the population golf is the ideal pastime. The perfect way to relax and unwind on...
Alvor
The Algarve might not be typically associated with history and culture. For the most part, people flock there year on year for the fabulous weather, the...
Altura
Oi, sun-seekers! Been dreaming of golden sands, crystal-clear waters and the perfect Portuguese custard tart? Yep, thought so. Well, you're in luck! Altura,...
Almancil
Have you ever fancied living like a celebrity? Trading in your 9-5 and packed lunch for days on the beach and eating delicious meals while looking out...
Vale Do Lobo
Why settle for second best? If you’re looking for Algarve holidays then why not take it in the resort known as the finest in the region, and even one of the finest in Europe. As well as being popular for its great sporting...
Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro is where gentle hills and golden cliffs meet the sparkling sea. This traditional Portuguese fishing village has become something of an open secret...
Weather in Algarve
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Algarve weather is basically the Ryan Gosling of climates—charming, easy on the eyes, and pretty much everyone's cuppa.
Imagine sunshine, more sunshine, and did I mention sunshine? Oh, and the best bit is, it's not just a summer fling. The weather in the Algarve keeps its sunny disposition all year round. Summers sizzle with temps shimmying around 29°C, while winters are like that chilled mate who never overstays their welcome - cool but comfy, hovering around 16°C.
Wanna know when to book that ticket? Well, if you're after that sun-kissed look (and who isn't?), aim for May to September. If you're more into the "I like long walks on the beach but not melting into a puddle" sort of vibe, late spring and early autumn are calling your name.
But hold your sun cream, folks! A heads-up to all you travellers who think 'seasonal' is just a type of latte: the Algarve isn't a one-weather wonder. You've got your brisk sea breezes and the occasional rainy cameo, just to keep you on your toes.
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Reviews
At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers on Algarve Holidays for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.
Always use On the Beach for holidays...
Always use On the Beach for holidays abroad. Just an easy and simple way to book a holiday, and always had a great time.
Excellent
Always use on the beach and always have a fantastic pain free holiday, easy to use service and friendly helpful staff when needed, 😀
Absolutely brilliant service
Absolutely brilliant service and excellent customer support 👏
FAQs
How long does it take to fly to the Algarve?
How long does it take to fly to the Algarve?
Flights from the UK to Faro Airport in the Algarve take around two and a half hours.
What’s the time difference between the UK and the Algarve?
What’s the time difference between the UK and the Algarve?
There's no time difference between the UK and the Algarve region.
What currency do they use in the Algarve?
What currency do they use in the Algarve?
The official currency used in the Algarve is the Euro.
What language do they speak in the Algarve?
What language do they speak in the Algarve?
The official language of the Algarve is Portuguese, but many people speak English in the tourist areas.