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The Algarve Holidays

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Algarve coastline with turquoise sea, sandy beach and white resort apartments on the cliffs, showcasing value holidays by the Portuguese coast.

Holidays to the Algarve are a solid choice if you want easy beach access, plenty to do and good value across the board.

Built for family holidays

The Algarve is set up well for families, with a wide choice of beaches, attractions and accommodation. Most beach areas have good facilities, calm waters and options for watersports. Away from the coast, you’ll find waterparks, zoos and golf courses, alongside restaurants serving both familiar dishes and Portuguese favourites like seafood and piri-piri chicken. 

Beaches that deliver

The coastline is one of the Algarve’s strongest points. Long sandy beaches sit below golden cliffs, and many have Blue Flag status for cleanliness and safety. Resorts like Albufeira offer several beaches within easy reach, along with nearby restaurants and bars, while areas such as Praia da Rocha and Olhos d’Agua offer similar standards with a more laidback atmosphere. 

Choice of resorts and pace

There’s a broad mix of places to stay along the coast. Busier resorts like Albufeira and Vilamoura have plenty going on day and night, while quieter areas such as Alvor keep a more traditional feel. This range makes it easier to match your stay to how active or relaxed you want your holiday to be. 

Best places to stay in the Algarve

Find out where you want to base yourself from these top resorts.

Top Algarve holiday deals

Why we love the Algarve

Here are some top tips from our team

The Algarve FAQs

Most resorts are within a 30 to 60-minute drive of Faro Airport. Pre-booked transfers are the simplest option if you want a direct journey to your accommodation. Taxis are available but can be more expensive while public transport, including trains and buses, is cheaper but may take longer and involve changes. 

You can manage without a car if you stay in larger resorts where shops, restaurants and beaches are nearby. However, a car is useful if you want to visit quieter beaches, explore inland areas or move between towns on your own schedule. 

The Algarve is generally good value, but there are some extras to keep in mind. Sunbeds and umbrellas usually come at a daily cost, and some restaurants may charge a small fee for bread or starters placed on the table. Boat trips and excursions are also additional costs to factor in. 

Many newer resorts, such as Vilamoura and parts of Albufeira, have flat walkways and good accessibility. However, some older towns and beaches have steps or steep paths, especially where cliffs meet the coast. It’s worth checking hotel access and nearby terrain before booking. 

Local buses and trains connect most towns along the coast, although services can be less frequent outside busier areas. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available for shorter journeys. If you want more flexibility, especially for daytrips, hiring a car is often the easiest option. 

When you click through to book your holiday, we’ll supply the exact travel requirements for your chosen destination through our partner, Passolution. In the meantime, check the FCDO for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and health and safety information.