Algarve Holidays

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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.

Still craving a little more beach? Check out these Blue Flag beaches in the Algarve.

What are the top hotels in the Algarve?

The Algarve region has so many resorts that you’ll find your perfect hotel whatever kind of holidaymaker you are. 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.

Click here to book your Algarve beach break

What’s the food like in the Algarve?

Freshly-caught seafood is the area’s speciality, which you’ll find everywhere from food carts to fine dining spots. Here are some local treats, seafood and otherwise, to look out for:

Conquilhas à Algarvia - succulent clams fried with onions, garlic, and Portuguese sausage

Cataplana de marisco - a decadent celebration of all kinds of seafood, drenched in white wine

Pão de queijo - the best of Portugal’s cheeses flavour these tasty bread rolls

Dom Rodrigo - a sticky sweet treat that looks like a nest and tastes like cinnamon and almonds

Local wine - okay, maybe this one's cheating a little...but each region’s wine has a distinct taste, so make sure to order a glass with your meal.

Foodies love holidays in the Algarve because there are so many venues to choose from. If you just can’t decide, try these out:

Caniço Bar and Restaurant, Alvor - a show-stopping venue built right into the beach’s cliffs - come for the traditional foods, stay for the cocktail parties.

Oliveira Dourada, Vilamoura - a date night favourite, serving Portuguese cuisine away from the crowds.

Izzy's Beach Restaurant, Praia do Garrão - enjoy a varied menu, sunset views, and live music from this restaurant’s laidback terrace.

Rosso, Albufeira - this family-friendly restaurant close to the beach serves the best in local seafood.

Estúdio Vegetariano, Lagos - a fancy vegetarian restaurant that also offers tasty vegan options.

Where's the best nightlife in the Algarve?

All along the coast, you’ll find beach bars that turn up the tunes once the sun goes down. For more hardcore partying, you’ll want to head to the Strip in Albufeira. Here’s what you can expect:

Matt’s Bar, Albufeira Strip - huge parties, VIP areas, cocktail classes, and even a mechanical bull!

Connection Bar, Albufeira Strip - a super fun gay bar that hosts weekly themed nights, perfect for mingling with the local LGBTQ+ community.

Maresia Beach Bar, Vilamoura - a laidback beach bar offering signature cocktails, sunset views, and live music.

NoSoloÁgua Beach Club, Portimão - poolside chilling by day, DJ partying by night.

Fado com Historia, Tavira - a lovely evening out for all the family to get immersed in the local culture of Fado - Portugal's traditional live music, recognised by UNESCO.

What events can I go to in the Algarve?

If you’re thinking of booking a last-minute holiday to the Algarve, you’ll find there’s always something fun to see! Food and music play a starring role in many of the local festivities. For more sporty types, the area also plays host to some important fixtures throughout the year. Here’s a little taste of what to expect:

Querença Sausage Festival (January) - a chance to chow down on the very best local sausage, with music and dancing, too.

Carnival (February/March) - huge Mardi Gras-style celebrations in Loulé mark the start of Lent, with fancy costumes, parades and feasting.

Algarve Cup (March) - the world’s top women’s football teams compete for the title.

Soul in the Algarve (May) - a weekender dedicated to the grooviest soul beats and chilled party vibes.

Carvoeiro Black & White Night (June) - a huge festival kicking off the summer season with music, dancing and a black and white dress code.

Portuguese Gastronomy Week (June) - Lagoa hosts the best of the country’s cutting-edge fine dining.

Afro Nation Portugal (July) - a beachfront festival showcasing the best in urban sounds, from afrobeat to dancehall and hip-hop.

Rolling Loud Europe (July) - a hip-hop festival featuring massive headliners.

Olhão Seafood Festival (August) - the hottest event on the Algarve’s foodie calendar, with live music as fresh as the fish.

Feira Medieval de Silves (August) - a perfect event for fans of the magical and historical, with tournaments, performances, and a dedicated kids’ space.

Sagres Bird Watching & Nature Activities Festival (October) - a week-long celebration of all things natural, perfect for flora and fauna enthusiasts of all ages.

Portugal Masters of Golf (October/November) - a key tournament of the European Tour, held right in Vilamoura.

New Year’s Eve (December) - the year ends with a bang, or rather - a party on the beach in Albufeira.

Things to do in the Algarve

Flippery business

Seeing dolphins is a dream for most of us seaside fans, and you’ll have a very good chance to do just that on your holiday to the Algarve. Take an affordable boat trip from any town to catch a glimpse of those bottle-nosed cuties.

Live on the edge

Keen walkers and geography nerds alike flock to the clifftop paths. If you're looking for a cheap holiday to the Algarve then this is a great activity that anyone can enjoy. We suggest a stroll along the coast from Vila do Bispo to Cape St. Vincent, which happens to be the southwestern most point of mainland Europe!

Step up to the plate

If you want something to remember your Algarve holiday by, the region’s gorgeous ceramics are a great pick. For the most unique pieces head to Porches Pottery in Lagoa, where you can also see the potters and artists in action.

Do the time warp

Take your family on a trip through time with the thrilling Limite Zero zip line in the East Algarve. It sends you hurtling across the Spanish border at fifty miles per hour, where you land an hour earlier than you left!

What's the weather like in the Algarve?

It’s one of Europe’s sunniest places, which is why tourists enjoy holidays to the Algarve all year round. Soak up the soaring temperatures in summer, or if you prefer things slightly cooler, then October could be the perfect time for your 2022 holiday to the Algarve.

Month	Average temp.	Sea temp.	Hours of sunshine per day
Jan	12 °c	14 °c	5 h
Feb	13 °c	14 °c	6 h
Mar	15 °c	16 °c	7 h
Apr	16 °c	16 °c	9 h
May	18 °c	17 °c	12 h
Jun	21 °c	19 °c	12 h
Jul	24 °c	20 °c	12 h
Aug	24 °c	21 °c	12 h
Sep	23 °c	21 °c	9 h
Oct	19 °c	19 °c	7 h
Nov	16 °c	17 °c	6 h
Dec	14 °c	15 °c	5 h

Click here to book your Algarve beach break »

Important Information about travelling 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?

There's no time difference between the UK and the Algarve region.

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?

The official language of the Algarve is Portuguese, but many people speak English in the tourist areas.

Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to the Algarve?

We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Portugal on the FCDO website.

Do I need any vaccinations to visit the Algarve?

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

Do I need a visa to travel to the Algarve?

You don’t need a visa to travel to the Algarve for under 90 days.

Here are some other destinations you might be interested in...

Madeira
Lisbon
Cascais

Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to the Algarve for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.

Melanie Howie:

We have used OTB for years, all our holiday are booked with them - at least 4 a year. Never had any problems.

Nicola:

This site was very straight forward to use and 2yrs in a row we've got a great price for our family holiday. The holiday was exactly as it was advertised and we booked up again as soon as we got home.

J Stansfield:

Quick, easy and cheap - amazing value for the hotel and flights we booked, everything included in one place! Will definitely book again with On the Beach.

Top Hotels Climate Things to do

Top Algarve Hotels

Quinta Do Paraiso

Carvoeiro, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

3HB Clube Humbria

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Jupiter Albufeira Hotel - Family & Fun

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Pestana Dom Joao II Villas and Beach Resort

Alvor, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Brisa Sol

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Oceanus Aparthotel

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Muthu Clube Praia da Oura

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Vale da Lapa Spa and Resort

Carvoeiro, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Paraiso de Albufeira

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Eden Resort

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Be Live Family Palmeiras Village

Armacao De Pera, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Grand Muthu Oura View Beach Club

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Vila Gale Cerro Alagoa

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Algarve Casino

Praia Da Rocha, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Auramar Beach Resort

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Vitor's Village

Ferragudo, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Cerro Mar Garden

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Aquashow Park Hotel

Quarteira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Grand Muthu Forte da Oura

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort & Hotel Spa

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Monica Isabel Beach Club

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Be Smart Terrace Algarve

Armacao De Pera, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Wyndham Grand Algarve

Quinta Do Lago, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Alfagar Alto da Colina

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Pinhal da Marina Hotel

Vilamoura, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Clube Vilarosa

Praia Da Rocha, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Monte Dourado

Carvoeiro, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Alvor Baia Resort Hotel

Alvor, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Oura Senses

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Grand Muthu Forte do Vale

Albufeira, Costa De Algarve, Portugal

Algarve Weather

If you’re a fan of sunshine from dawn ‘til dusk, a summer Algarve holiday is just the ticket for you. Temperatures in July and August reach the heady heights of 28°C and, even in winter, averages rarely fall below 15°C. Visiting between April-June and September-October bring a good chance of sunshine with less of the crowds than in peak season. A refreshing sea breeze to temper the heat is often a welcome addition to Algarve weather forecasts.

Jan 13ºC

Feb 14ºC

Mar 16ºC

Apr 18ºC

May 22ºC

Jun 23ºC

Jul 26ºC

Aug 26ºC

Sep 24ºC

Oct 21ºC

Nov 17ºC

Dec 14ºC

Things To Do on Algarve Holidays

Barril Beach
You really can’t go wrong with any of the Algarve’s beaches, but Praia do Barril in Tavira deserves a special mention. Located in the east, the highly-Instagrammable golden sands and calm waters of this bay are perfect for an idyllic day at the seaside – there’s even a fun mini train to take you from the mainland to the island of Tavira. You’ll find places to eat, sun beds for hire, an interesting anchor graveyard and a separate area for nudists at this Portuguese beach.

Caves and Dolphins Tour
Pre-book your tour and hop aboard a small boat from Albufeira Marina. You’ll be whisked away from shore for the chance to see pods of wild dolphins. Although spotting dolphins is common, sightings of these stunning creatures can’t be guaranteed. Luckily, the spectacular caves and coves that make up the rest of the tour are unlikely to move – so you’re bound to discover something amazing.

Quinta dos Vales Wine Estate
Take a tour of this pretty vineyard to discover all there is to know about the celebrated flavours of Portuguese wine. Sample white, rosé and red wine in the very place that the grapes are lovingly grown and fermented. The grounds of this winery are also dotted with sculptures, making it a great place to walk in the sunshine before or after your tasting experience.

The Old Course
One of the first golf clubs in the Algarve, The Old Course is an 18-hole golfing paradise - the well-kept greens give way to the endless blue of the summer sky. You’ll also find a driving range, golf shop, club house and bar on site, along with free Wi-Fi so you can share your success. Bring your clubs and your A-game for this challenging course.