The finest luxury hotels in
Algarve
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Ah…the Algarve. Beaches, sunshine and golf are the top three reasons you should visit the southernmost part of Portugal. Sheltered by a beautiful backdrop of mountains, the area’s climate is warm but catches refreshing Atlantic ocean breezes along 100 miles of coastline. Shimmering sands beckon if you’re in search of a golden tan, and water sports abound. Along the central coast you’ll find the most development: luxury hotels and villas, restaurants, bars and shops, abound. And you don’t have to go far to find the real Algarve, from rural towns in the hills surrounded by cork plantations to whitewashed fishing villages.
Tempted by what you’ve read? Need a few more ideas about where to go, what to see and how to go about it? Contact us – we’re always happy to help you choose your dream stay.
Live like a local
Must-do
The Algarve is unrivalled in Europe for golf, and there are more than 40 courses. Head to the area between Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo for some of the best and challenge yourself on a links course or fairways with cliffs and lakes. Of course, the beaches are hard to beat too, with Albufeira alone having 25 beaches with soft sand. It’s no surprise it’s a favourite with sunbathers and swimmers. And there are plenty of clifftop walks and deserted coves. Do also seek out the authentic side of the Algarve, starting with the picture-perfect village of Porches.
Find out moreCulture
Start with a trip inland through valleys and citrus groves to Silves for a glimpse of Portugal’s Moorish heritage. The castle here is considered the country’s best preserved. If you haven’t had your fill, discover more Moorish architecture in the Old Town of the region’s capital, Faro. Pop into one of the gorgeous churches such as tiny St Lawrence’s in Almancil, where the whitewashed exterior doesn’t prepare you for the blue and white azulejos that cover the inside in the most ornate of decorative effects.
Find out moreAdventurous spirit
Looking for a laid-back adventure? Head to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a stunning protected coastal lagoon that you simply shouldn’t miss. Comprising a variety of landscapes including islands and marshes, it’s a great place for birdwatching, and you can explore on a guided walk, a long bike ride or a sailing trip. If you’re itching to go diving, don your skins and jump into the Ocean Revival Underwater Park, where four decommissioned navy ships have been sunk to become the world’s largest artificial reef-type system and you can swim among them just like the fish.
Find out moreWith the kids
Looking for a fantastic family holiday with young children? The Algarve is a very family-friendly destination. Many hotels have excellent kids’ clubs, and when they have had enough of building sandcastles on the beach, gather your tribe for a day at a water park. Or grab some family bonding time on a dolphin-spotting boat trip. If you’re feeling more energetic, how about a guided kayaking trip into sea caves and onto hidden beaches? For an adrenalin-fuelled day, you could take your little monkeys ziplining and across rope bridges through the treetops of the pine forests.
Find out moreRetail therapy
A range of malls spans the Algarve, but get down to Quinta do Lago’s Quinta Shopping for a leisurely open-air shopping experience set around a pretty central square with everything from fashion to furniture. For traditional souvenirs, pick up some of the famous Porches pottery or the gorgeous ‘azulejos’ ceramic tiles – they can be seen adorning the exterior of many buildings across Portugal. Or buy jewellery, hats and coasters fashioned from the famous Portuguese cork, much of which is produced in the Algarve. You’ll be in good company – it’s said that Moët & Chandon uses it for its bottle-stoppers.
Find out moreFood and drink
The wonderful climate in the Algarve means there is plenty of fresh, local fruit and vegetables to accompany dishes, but it’s the seafood for which the region is famous. Try everything from cod and tuna steaks to sardines, octopus, oysters and clams, and don’t miss dedicated food events including the Olhao Seafood Festival in August. For a taste of something ‘very Algarve’ sample the cataplana – a dish combining pork and clams, traditionally cooked in a copper pan to seal in the flavour. Wash it down with local wine from the Lagoa, Portimão and Tavira areas – with new estates and vineyards cropping up, they’re ones to watch.
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