Guide to Algarve
Long stretches of white sand, a stunning climate and great leisure facilities make the Algarve one of our most popular villa holiday destinations.
The lush greens of world class golf courses and the excellent choice of watersports and family leisure activities make the Algarve a favourite villa holiday choice for all ages.
The lush greens of world class golf courses and the excellent choice of watersports and family leisure activities make the Algarve a favourite villa holiday choice for all ages.
Six Reasons to go to the Algarve
Go … for family fun
The clear blue sea and miles of white sand on the Algarve’s beaches are sure to delight the children, but the Algarve offers activities to entertain the whole family.Water parks are plentiful and a great place to cool off and tire out the tots. Aquatic centres have live animal shows. Other popular choices are go-karting, wildlife parks, dolphin shows or even a trip on a pirate ship!
Take a train ride or explore the coastline on horse-back, or take a stroll through the mountains at Monchique. A tour of the Algarve’s attractions is sure to keep everyone happy!
Go … to the beach
On the south coast of Portugal, the Algarve has over 100 miles of white sand, making the area perfect for beach holidays. The coastline has a wide choice of sandy beaches beside the clear azure ocean, a refreshing place to cool down after a day of baking in the warm sun. To the west, small coves and sweeping inlets are backed by dramatic rock formations and cliffs. Wide golden sandy beaches are plentiful so whatever you choose to do, there is something to suit you.Go… shopping
The two main shopping centres of the Algarve are in Guia and Faro, where a range of shops, restaurants, cinemas and bowling can be found. The resorts shops have all your immediate shopping needs covered.For something more authentic, discover a traditional market, held weekly in most towns and villages. Stalls heave with locally produced leather goods, decorative tiles, pottery, crystal, jewellery and embroidered tablecloths. Markets are a good place to purchase local food, from olives to oranges.
Get up and go…
If you enjoy the outdoors, and seek great facilities, the Algarve is the place for you. World class golf courses in scenic countryside offer a challenge to any enthusiast. Year-round sunshine keeps the fairways busy, the tennis courts full and water sports thriving.Sample deep-sea fishing or a trip in a glass bottomed boat; bathe on the beach or scuba dive in a picturesque inlet. Inland, choose from horse-riding, cycling, walking or trekking.
Take time to go…
Getting there
Most low cost airlines fly into Faro. Search our flight database for the easiest way to book, or call us to arrange all your travel needs. Most people hire a car for their villa holiday and leading car rental companies have branches at the airport. We recommend you book a car in advance, and we can easily do this for you online. If you don’t want to hire a car, we can arrange transfers for you to your villa, or metered taxis are readily available at the airport.Language
Portuguese is the national language of Portugal. Many locals have excellent English.Currency
Euro.Time Difference
The time in Portugal is the same at in the UKPublic Holidays
Listed below are the Portuguese National Public Holidays. There are occasional extra ‘local’ ones which are not listed here.January 1st
23rd March
6th & 8th April
25th April
1st May
7th & 10th June
15th August
5th October
1st November
1st December
8th December
25th December.
Albufeira
Golden sand, buzzing bars and restaurants and a colourful nightlife make Albufeira one of the most popular places for our villa holidays in the Algarve. Despite being one of the oldest and most established resorts in the region, Albufeira is an ancient fishing town which still retains its original charm.
Alvor
This resort has bloomed in recent years and become a popular place for a villa holiday in the sun. The lively streets now have a collection of bars and restaurants which will cater to most tastes, but the traditional fish restaurants of the harbour area still remind us of the town’s heritage.
Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro is a friendly family-orientated resort popular with those seeking a relaxing villa holiday in the sun. The small beach is in a bay sheltered by cliffs which gets a little crowded in peak season, but has great facilities. If you seek a little more privacy, boat-trips are offered along the coast, where you can find many intimate sandy coves and bays.
Countryside Villages
Our villas in the Algarve countryside are comfortable and secluded, set in peaceful locations, only a short drive from the coast. The pace of life here is slow and relaxing where the colourful markets are the main social gathering place.
Ferragudo
Ferragudo is one of the last remaining unspoilt fishing villages of the Algarve. Situated on the east bank of the Portimao river, the village is a delightful maze of narrow cobbled streets. The leafy square is backed with alleyways meandering up the hill to the church which affords a panoramic view of the estuary and the famous 17th century fort. The village centre has a good selection shops and places to stop for a refreshing cool drink on a warm summers day.
Guia
Lagos
Lagos is one of the oldest and most delightful towns in the Algarve. Originally the capital, it has a rich past connected with the Age of Discovery. Vasco da Gama set sail from here in 1499, and the town has strong links with Prince Henry the Navigator.
Luz
Our villa holidays in Luz, in the western Algarve are popular with families because of the fabulous local sandy beach which is known for its water sports. Luz is believed to be named after the beacon which was lit to warn fisherman of invading Moors. Today, the fishermen use lights at night to find squid, and they shine like an underwater motorway headed for Africa (The Road to Morocco), so the village is aptly named.
Tavira
Vale Do Lobo
Val do Lobo is an exclusive, self-contained community with its own entrance gate and security guards, and is one of the most prestigious resorts in Portugal. There is an extensive choice of restaurants, bars and shops, an onsite doctor, bank, post office and supermarket – everything you could need on your villa holiday.
Vilamoura
Close to the beach and set against a backdrop of lush pine forests, Vilamoura is a popular choice for a villa holiday in the sun. It is one of the largest self contained resort areas in Europe and has the facilities that can be expected for a resort of its size. Nightlife centres around the large lively marina, which forms the focal point of the resort. Shops, bars and restaurants overlook luxury yachts, and there is a cinema, and a casino if you fancy a flutter.
