- The western Algarve has the famous cliffs; the east has long sandy beaches and lagoons
- Lagos and Carvoeiro suit couples, Albufeira suits nightlife, Tavira suits a slower pace
- See Benagil and the sea caves by boat or kayak with a licensed operator
- Seven Algarve councils charge a tourist tax of €1-2 per person per night
- Airports
- Faro (FAO)
- Best time to go
- May-June and September-October
- Type
- Region
The Algarve is Portugal's sunny southern coast, and one of the easiest beach holidays from the UK. Flights to Faro take under three hours, the region gets around 300 days of sunshine a year, and the coastline ranges from honey-coloured cliffs and sea caves in the west to long sandy islands in the east.
Each stretch of coast has a different personality, so it pays to pick your base with care. This guide explains the options. For the rest of the country, see our Portugal guide.
Why go
Beyond the beaches, the Algarve offers excellent golf, boat trips to sea caves, clifftop walks, fresh seafood and whitewashed old towns. It is popular with families, golfers and couples alike, and the mild winters make it a good choice for an off-season break. The Atlantic is cooler than the Mediterranean, typically around 20-22°C at its warmest, which many find refreshing in summer.
Best areas to stay
- Lagos – a walled old town with lively bars, great beaches and easy access to Ponta da Piedade. A strong all-rounder.
- Carvoeiro and Ferragudo – smaller, prettier resorts close to Benagil and the best cliff scenery. Good for couples.
- Albufeira – the Algarve's busiest resort, with a big choice of hotels and the nightlife of "the Strip". Great for groups and families who want everything on hand.
- Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago – marina, golf courses and upmarket resorts, close to Faro airport.
- Tavira – an elegant town in the quieter eastern Algarve, with island beaches reached by ferry.
- Sagres – the rugged far west, popular with surfers and those after wild scenery.
The western Algarve can be windy, especially in the afternoon. If you want calm water for young children, the sheltered beaches near Tavira and the Ria Formosa islands are often a better bet.
Top things to do
- Benagil Cave – a sea cave with a hole in its roof, near Carvoeiro. Rules on access have been tightened, so book a boat or kayak tour with a licensed operator rather than swimming in.
- Ponta da Piedade – sea stacks and arches near Lagos, best seen from a small boat or the clifftop boardwalk.
- Seven Hanging Valleys Trail – a clifftop path of around 6km between Praia da Marinha and Vale Centeanes, passing some of the region's best views.
- Ria Formosa – a protected lagoon system near Faro and Olhão with birdlife and ferry-only beaches.
- Old towns – Silves with its red-stone castle, Tavira with its Roman bridge and Faro's walled centre.
- Cabo de São Vicente – the dramatic south-western tip of Europe, famous for sunsets.
- Golf – the Algarve has dozens of courses, many around Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo.
Getting there and around from the UK
Faro airport (FAO) has direct flights from most UK airports, taking about two hours 45 minutes from London. It is around 30-45 minutes to Albufeira and Vilamoura, and just over an hour to Lagos.
Regional trains link Lagos, Portimão, Tunes (for Albufeira), Faro and Tavira, and buses fill the gaps, but a hire car is the easiest way to explore beaches and inland villages. The A22 motorway uses electronic tolls only, so ask your car hire company for a toll device.
Best time to visit
May, June and September offer warm weather and quieter beaches. July and August are hot, busy and the most expensive, especially during school holidays. October is still mild with warm seas early in the month. Winter is quiet and mild, often around 16°C by day, which suits golfers and walkers, though some resort businesses close.
Budget tips
- Seven of the Algarve's 16 councils, including Albufeira, Lagoa, Faro, Loulé and Portimão, charge a tourist tax of about €2 per person per night in high season and €1 in low season, usually capped at seven nights.
- Book car hire early for summer and check toll charges.
- Eat at local seafood restaurants away from the seafront for better prices.
- Self-catering apartments work well for families and longer stays.
- Combine a beach week with a few days in Lisbon, about three hours away by train.
- Late September and early October deals can be excellent value. Check current prices before booking.
Top attractions in Algarve
Algarve on the map
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best part of the Algarve?
It depends on what you want. The west (Lagos, Carvoeiro) has the famous cliffs and coves, Albufeira has the most nightlife, and the east (Tavira) is quieter with long sandy beaches.
Can you swim to Benagil Cave?
Rules have been tightened in recent years to protect the cave and keep visitors safe. The safest and most reliable way to see it is on a boat or kayak trip with a licensed operator.
Is the sea warm in the Algarve?
It is the Atlantic, so cooler than the Mediterranean. Expect around 20-22°C in August and September, and cooler water in the west than the east.
Do I need a car in the Algarve?
Not if you are staying in one resort. To explore different beaches and inland villages, a hire car is the easiest option.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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