Reasons to visit Algarve
The Algarve region of Portugal is a popular destination known for its beautiful beaches, stunning coastline and warm climate. Located in the south of the country, it has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers, making it a great destination for a holiday all year round. The Algarve is also home to charming towns, historic sites, and delicious local cuisine, making it the perfect destination for travelers looking for a mix of relaxation and cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for a winter getaway or a summer holiday, the Algarve has something to offer visitors all year round.
Amazing weather all year
The Region is also known for its mild climate and warm temperatures, making it a great destination for travelers all year round. The region is located on the southern coast of Portugal, facing the Atlantic Ocean, which helps to moderate the temperatures and create a mild climate. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), while in the winter months, they typically stay around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). This means that even in the colder months, you can still enjoy mild weather and plenty of sunshine.
This makes it a great destination for those looking to escape the colder and wetter climates of other parts of Europe. The region is also blessed with over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest destinations in Europe. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and beach-going.
The coastline boasts over 150km of golden sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and rocky cliffs. The beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports all year round. The sea temperatures are warm enough to swim in even in the winter months.
Outdoor activities under the sun
Golfing in Algarve is a popular pastime for visitors and locals alike, due to the region’s mild climate and beautiful landscapes. The Algarve is home to over 50 golf courses, making it one of the top golfing destinations in Europe. The courses range from challenging championship level to more beginner-friendly options, catering to golfers of all skill levels. Many of the courses are located near the coast, providing stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rocky cliffs that are a defining feature of the Algarve landscape. The courses are well-maintained, and many of them have been designed by renowned golf course architects, such as Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones. Golfers can also find a variety of golfing packages that include accommodation and green fees, making it easy to plan a golfing vacation in the Algarve.
Diving in the Algarve region of Portugal offers a unique and exciting experience for divers of all skill levels. The clear and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean provide excellent visibility and a diverse array of marine life to explore. From shipwrecks to underwater caves and rock formations, there is something for everyone to discover.
The Algarve is home to a variety of diving spots, with the most popular being the cliffs and rocky coastline of the western Algarve. The diving here is characterized by steep drop-offs, cave systems, and shipwrecks. The shipwrecks, in particular, are a popular destination for divers, as they provide a glimpse into the region’s rich maritime history.
In addition to shipwrecks and caves, the Algarve is also home to a diverse array of marine life, including octopus, moray eels, and various species of fish and sharks. The waters around the Algarve are also known for their large schools of barracuda and tuna, making it a popular destination for big game fishing.
Vibrant nightlife
The Algarve region of Portugal is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of options for those looking to let loose and party after dark. The main hub of nightlife in the Algarve is Albufeira, which is home to a wide variety of bars, clubs, and pubs. Many of these venues are located in the Old Town area, which offers a more traditional and intimate atmosphere. The Strip is also a popular spot for nightlife, with a wide variety of clubs and bars that stay open late into the night.
Another popular destination for nightlife in the Algarve is Portimão. This city offers a diverse range of bars and clubs, including beachfront venues with live music and DJ sets, as well as more traditional pubs and bars. The Marina in Portimão is also a great spot for a night out, with a variety of restaurants and bars that offer stunning views of the boats and yachts moored there.
The Best Portuguese food and wine
The local cuisine is heavily influenced by fresh seafood caught daily along the coast, as well as the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the region. The region is also known for its delicious grilled meats, hearty stews, and traditional baked goods. The Algarve is also home to a thriving wine industry, with local wineries producing a variety of delicious red, white, and fortified wines. Whether you’re dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant or sampling traditional dishes at a local market, the Algarve offers endless culinary delights for all tastes and budgets.
Some things you can’t miss:
- Cataplana: a traditional stew made with seafood, vegetables and spices.
- Sardinhas assadas: grilled sardines, a popular dish in the Algarve.
- Percebes: gooseneck barnacles, a delicacy often served as a starter.
- Arroz de marisco: seafood rice dish.
- Carne de porco à alentejana: a dish of pork and clams.
- Bolo do caco: a type of bread made with sweet potatoes.
- Pasteis de nata: traditional Portuguese custard tarts.
- Vinho verde: a young, light and slightly sparkling wine from the Minho region.
- Medronho: a strong and potent liqueur made from the fruit of the strawberry tree.
How to get to Algarve?
The easiest way to get to Algarve is to take a flight to Faro Airport, which is the main airport in the Algarve region.
Many airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and TAP Portugal offer flights to Faro from major European cities. From North America, you can fly to Lisbon and then take a connecting flight or train to the Algarve.
From South America, Asia, and Africa, the best option is to fly to Lisbon and then take a connecting flight or train to the Algarve. Some airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines offer direct flights to Lisbon from major cities in these continents. It’s also possible to take a direct flight to Porto and then take a train or bus to Algarve.
We recommend using some of the tools we mentioned in our post ‘ Top tools to find cheap flights online‘ to find the best possible flights to Faro. The, you can reach any of the other cities by train, car or bus.