Algarve holiday and local information, Portugal
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Why choose the Algarve for your holiday? For the 100,000's of holidaymakers from around the world that fly into Faro airport or drive or sail from other parts of Europe each year, it's the promise of sun-drenched days at the beach, sharing in a lovely relaxed, family-oriented culture and endless options for dining out and things to do. For Algarve tourists, Faro is only a 3-hour flight from Britain, Ireland and many other parts of Europe, and airlines offer some great prices on flights to Faro and tour operators have some really good deals on Algarve package holidays throughout the year.
The beautiful sandy Algarve beaches are, of course, one of the major attractions, because they are some of the best in the world but this sunny southern region of Portugal offers so much more as well. The fantastic weather in the Algarve, which delivers dry sunny days for most of the year, makes enjoying outdoor life a way of life.
The Algarve is perfect for walking, sightseeing and cycling and for all the sports you can imagine – Surfing, golf, tennis, horse riding, kayaking and even extreme sports such a skydiving (in Alvor particularly around December), rock climbing and wakeboarding. Families can enjoy water parks, a theme park and zoo, boat trips along the coast.
The Algarve is the perfect tourist destination for families, couples, independent travellers and backpackers, mixed groups and retired people. For families, we would suggest the coast and for the most accessible family entertainment centre between Quarteira and Lagos. Albufeira, Praia da Rocha and Lagos are the best for partying or for a luxury stay, Vilamoura or Ferragudo. For a fantastic beach and relaxed atmosphere Carvoiero, Alvor and Ferragudo are among the best.
For culture and history, try Portimao, Silves, Tavira, Lagos or Sagres and for quiet walks in beautiful countryside, visit Alte or Monchique. Independent travellers and backpackers, start Western Algarve because it’s the end with the cool culture where everyone’s welcome; just head to a bar on your first day and you’ll fit right in! For older generations, if you want to walk around with ease and avoid tackling steep hills or challenging steps down to the beach, try the flatter eastern Algarve resorts, such as Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo António.
There's also a great range of Algarve events throughout the year. The Autodromo do Algarve, near Portimão, held it's first event in October 2008 with the World Superbike Championships and has a calendar of motorsports events scheduled. There are powerboat championships, car rallies, motocross events, sailing and golf championships. The Algarve also knows how to party and celebrates with festivals throughout the year. Mardi Gras normally in February sees carnivals across the region with the most spectacular taking place in Loulé; Liberation Day April 25th, celebrates the end of a dictatorship in Portugal; medieval festivals are he
With a whole world to choose from for a holiday families keep coming back to the Algarve year after year for a holiday.
