Algarve Travel Guide

Practical Info

Some facts about the Algarve

The Algarve is one of the most popular destinations in Portugal for beach holidays, golfing getaways and even birdwatching. Its history spans from Roman times to the Moorish occupation and beyond, giving it a fascinating mix of historic cities and castles.

With 125 miles of coastline washed by the Atlantic, it's pretty obvious why the region has such stunning beaches.

Algarve Weather

With an all year round warm climate accompanied by an average of 3000 hours of sunshine a year, the Algarve is the perfect place to escape for a bit of sunshine.

The Algarve is drier and more arid than the rest of Portugal, and tends to be warmer too. The temperature doesn't vary too much throughout the year, with daily averages somewhere between 19C and 31C.

One of the best times to visit is summer – there's less rain and the temperature is slightly warmer. Most of the 500mm of rain that falls in the Algarve each year falls between October and March.

Speaking the language

Portuguese is the main language in the Algarve, though English is widely spoken along with Spanish, German and French. If you want to try the language while you're there, here are some handy phrases to start you off:

Helpful Portuguese phrases

• Hello (informal) - Ola
• How are you? - Como estas?
• What 's your name? - Qual o seu nome?
• My name is - Meu nome é
• Please - Por favor
• Thank you - Obrigado
• How much is it? - Quanto isso custa?
• Where is? - Onde é?
• Table for two - Mesa para dois

Numbers:
• One - Um
• Two - Dois
• Three - Três
• Four - Quatro
• Five - Cinco
• The bill, please - A conta por favor
• Goodbye - Tchau

Getting to the Algarve

The main airport in the Algarve is in Faro, which is the capital of the region. There are plenty of direct flights available throughout the year, and it takes around 2 and a half hours from the UK.

Getting from Faro Airport to your accommodation

The easiest way to get where you need to go is to book a transfer before you go. From Faro it's around 30-40 minutes to reach popular resorts like Vilamoura and Albufeira. If you're staying a bit further away, you're looking at a little over an hour to reach Lagos or Sagres.

Have a look at our transfers to see if they suit your trip.

Getting around the Algarve

By car

It's relatively simple to travel the Algarve by road if you decide to hire a car.

There are two main roads that you'll probably end up using if driving in the Algarve. The A22 motorway runs east to west across the region, although there is a toll for using this road. Most hire cars have a high-tech transponder built in and any tolls will be added to your final bill.

The other main road is the N125. It takes a bit longer to get around using this road, but the scenery tends to be better along this route.

By bus

There are a few bus companies in the Algarve and between them they keep all the main locations in the region well connected. It's a good idea to keep some cash handy for the fares.

If you're looking to get the bus from Faro airport into the main city you'll need the number 16. It takes around 20 minutes and costs just over €2 for a single journey.

For exploring the wider region the best thing to do is get yourself a tourist pass – they cost around €30 for three days, or €40 for a week. You can pick these up at any main bus station – you can buy regular bus tickets here too if you don't need a pass.

By train

A railway line links the east of Algarve to the west, connecting Lagos with Vila Real de Santo Antonio and all the towns in between. These include Albufeira, Portimao and Faro, so it's a good way to get around.

You can book your tickets in advance online or on the official Comboios de Portugal app. Plus, if you're planning trips in advance you can save up to 65% depending on how early you book.

Or you can opt for a tourist travel card which gives you unlimited journeys over two or three days – it's around €20-30 depending on how long you need.

Algarve Airport Transfers

Pre-book your transfers from Faro Airport with FREE cancellations up to three days before departure.

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Algarve Car Hire

Compare and book holiday car hire, with prices starting from £8.04 per day with FREE cancellations*

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Best places to stay in the Algarve

Lagos

Ideal for a beach break

Lagos has a bit of everything, starting with some of the best beaches in the country – so if you're looking to fly and flop at a beach resort this might be the place for you. With a choice of sheltered coves and shallow waters this is an ideal place to bring the whole family.

But if you're after a wider range of activities, there's horse riding, mountain biking and even whale and shark watching trips on offer.

Praia de Rocha

For a lively nightlife

A bit built up but not without its charm, Praia de Rocha is a lively and modern beach resort that really comes alive at night. With dozens of restaurants, pubs, karaoke bars and clubs for if you just want a few beers by the beach, or if you want to go out out.

Of course, there are endless beaches for relaxing in the sun, some with a choice of watersports, including jet skiing and windsurfing.

Almancil

History and gorgeous landscapes

Almancil isn't your typical beach resort, in fact it's pretty far from it – but that's all part of its charm. It's a pretty little market town with a clutch of boutiques and bistros, and easy access to some less touristy attractions away from the beaches.

The Ria Formosa Nature Reserve is nearby and it's a great spot for long walks and birdwatching. It's also next door to the Vale de Lobo golf course if that's more your bag.

What to eat in the Algarve

The Algarve has a rich culinary history that's produced many Portuguese classics, including some incomparable seafood.

Many meals begin with couvert, which is a mix of olives, carrots and garlic marinated in white wine and olive oil.

Conquilas al Algarvia are a real treat for seafood lovers – it's fresh clams cooked with Portuguese sausage and served with coriander. There's also cataplana de marisco, which is a hearty stew of lobster, clams, prawns, squid and anything else that has been freshly caught that day.

Algarve for families

The Algarve is a very popular destination for families thanks to its enticing combo of endless sandy beaches, modern resorts and diverse range of attractions. Many of the beaches have ramp access too, making them pushchair friendly.

There really is something for every member of the family here, whether you're exploring caves, sailing in search of dolphins, splashing it up in a water park or swinging through the trees at Parque Aventura.

Accessibility in the Algarve

There are plenty of initiatives and assistance available that make the Algarve an accessible destination for everyone who wants to visit. This starts as soon as you land in Faro Airport, which provides the 'MyWay' service – offering personalised assistance from qualified professionals.

Adapted transfer vehicles are available to get you to your resort and the region also boasts 46 accessible beaches – you can spot them by the white flag and logo. Most of them have access ramps, accessible toilets, hand rails and even amphibious wheelchairs. Check out the full list of beaches.

Algarve for LGBTQ+ travellers

Portugal scores an A on the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index

Portugal is largely safe and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, and is actually the fifth safest country in the world for LGBTQ+ travellers (according to the Travel Safety Index).

That said, there isn't a particularly big scene in the Algarve compared to what you might find in Lisbon or the Spanish costas. There's a handful of gay bars in Albufeira and Portimao if you're looking for a fun night out.

Sustainable tourism in the Algarve

The Algarve, and Portugal as a whole, is actively working on becoming a more responsible destination – giving eco-conscious travellers more options. These include the eco-resort Ombria, more of a focus on local boutique hotels and extra development on nature and nautical tourism, improving local habitats for wildlife.

Algarve FAQs