The Algarve is an endless string of stunning beaches, washed clean each day by the Atlantic waves. In springtime, almond blossom blankets the ground like snow, while the western headlands of Cabo de São Vicente and Sagres are renowned for their colourful and aromatic display of flowers from February to May. Later in the summer, the plains are covered with green pines, fig trees and orchards of orange groves, but it is the coastal resorts which lure the visitor attracted by long sunny days and balmy nights.
Albufeira is a fairly lively resort within the algarve, with plenty restaurants, bars and cafe's which spill out onto the pedestrianised streets.
Summer holidays in Albufeira are all about lazy days on the beach, and pottering around the town, nosing into the shops and resting up at a sunny café. Pottery and jewellery abound, and once a fortnight you can catch the local gypsy market. Down on the beaches, you might still spot the fishermen tending their boats, and you can take to the water yourself too as there are all sorts of watersports on offer.
As night falls the warm evenings tend to linger and so too do the revellers, folk dancers and traditional musci shows.
Hotels We Recommend:
Bayside Salgados Golf & Beach Resort 3*, Auramar Hotel 3*, Algarve Gardens Apartments 3*, Brisa Sol Aparthotel 4*, Olhos D'Aqua Aparthotel 3*, Solar De Sao Joao 3*, Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort 5*, CS Vila Das Lagoas 5*.
Alvor holidays are all about exploring the old and the new, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, from enjoying th day's catch a rustic fish restaurant, or exploring the medieval castle ruins or simply splashing down the slides at a local waterpark. An old port and a modern resort - enough to please young and old alike on a summer holiday in Alvor.
The Beaches are a great brush stroke of golden sand, backed by gentle sand dunes and scattered with gigantic islands of rock. Whatever you choose to do by day here, make sure you spend a few evenings at a quayside restaurant, with views over the natural lagoon. For this is the essence of Alvor.
A simple fish meal under the stars overlooking the sea, all washed down with a cold glass of local Portuguese wine.
Hotels We Recommend:
Casa De Alvor 3*, Alvormar 3*, Yellow Alvor Hotel 4*, Pestana Dom Joao II Hotel 4*, Pestana Alvor Park Hotel 4*, Le Meridien Penina Golf Resort 5*, Prainha Clube 4*.
Armacao De Pera was once a tiny typical portugees village, but now with its long stretch of beach and fairly decent day and night scene, makes this resort a must see, while on a stay in the algarve.
Alongside runs the glorious beach. And what a beach! One of the longest in Portugal, it is swathed in pale sand, with craggy cliffs standing sentry, and clear blue sea rushing up the sand to greet you. With watersports, beach bars and boat trips, you could probably spend your entire summer holiday in Armacao de Pera living it up on the beach.
Come sundown, fresh fish sizzles at the restaurants and cafés along the waterfront. Intimate restaurants beckon couples for meals under the stars in Old Pera. And the pace warms up gently at the resort's music bars and clubs.
Hotels We Recommend:
Quinta Das Figuerinhas 3*, Vila Gale Nautico Hotel 4*, Pestana Viking Resort Hotel 4*, Garbe Hotel 4*, Hotel Pestana Levante 4*.
Carvoeiro was once based around a small fishing port, and even today it has not lost any of its charm, and many people keep on coming back year after year. Cavoeiro is tucked into a spectacular coastline, and the resort centre is nothing more the size of a village square. A few steps and you're on sand, kicking off your sandals to enjoy Carvoeiro's small sandy beach which is sheltered by cliffs rising up from the bay. If you're self catering, there's a busy local produce market, as well as plenty of very good restaurants serving mouth watering local specialities.
When it comes to exploring, it's the contorted coastline that really sticks in the memory. You must go to Algar Seco. Catch a lift with a fisherman to see the crazy rock formations from the sea, then discover Carvalho Cove and twist through the tunnels to the sea. Families will find this an excellent base with good accommodation somewhere like the Colina Village, and attractions such as the Slide and Splash Waterpark just down the road.
Hotels We Recommend:
Rocha Brava Apartments 4*, Colina De Lapa Club 4*, Baia Cristal Hotel 4*, Colina Village Apartments 4*, Carvoeiro Sol Hotel 4*, Monte Santo Resort 5*, Suites Alba Resort & Spa 5*.
Lagos is a city that is very proud of its history, packed with great restaurants and circled by sand coves. Nowadays this is a town where kite shops nestle next to tanks of live lobster outside the restaurants, and local artists show their work alongside beach gear and postcards. You could spend hours pottering around the picturesque lanes, pausing for a beer or a coffee in sun dappled squares. Whether you're on a cheap holiday to Lagos, or something more indulgent, you'll find a restaurant to suit your budget, for this town is teeming with choices for gourmets.
Summer holidays in Lagos aren't short of a beach or two either. For tiny coves and larger stretches of rock studded sand are tucked into the coastline around the old city. Just across the river, Meia Praia offers a long run of sandy beach nicely sheltered from the north breeze. There's plenty of sightseeing for history buffs too, from the ancient slave market to the 17th century moated fortress overlooking the harbour.
Hotels We Recommend:
Montemar Hotel 3*, Dom Pedro Meia Praia Beach 3*, Vista Sol Park 3*, Awualuz Apartments 4*, Vila Gale LAgos 4*, Tivoli Lagos Hotel 4*.
