Cheap Algarve Holidays

Albufeira

Albufeira is the biggest resort in the Algarve region and has the best nightlife. It's really a tale of two cities however. The new town has the nightclubs and open-air bars while the old town is full of charming cobbled streets and squares, colourful markets and open air dining. A wide selection of shops and restaurants will certainly keep you entertained during the day and when the night drops, wear your dancing shoes and party up as Albufeira is the place to be for party focused Algarve holidays.

Vilamoura

Vilamoura is a bit more of an upmarket resort complete with championship golf courses and a yacht-lined marina. Life revolves around this marina which is where you'll find the elegant bars and restaurants. Give your holidays to Algarve a bit of class by opting for Vilamoura as your place of residence and enjoy 4x4 or ATV tours of the surrounding mountain and forest paths in case that you prefer to add a bit of adventure too.

Lagos

In the Barlavento region of the Algarve you'll find the cultural gem that is Lagos. It's a great place for people looking for laidback outdoorsy Algarve holidays. Visitors will love the surfing opportunities here but those who love culture will also enjoy Lagos for the 16th century town walls and an Arab-built castle. Away from the beaches, there's a large marina with bars, restaurants and shops to keep you occupied.

Alvor

When you think of Alvor, think old-world charm. The narrow lanes lead right down to the harbour, plus it has its own lagoon and river. It's also got some of the best restaurants in this part of the Algarve. For entertainment you'll find music bars to keep you entertained at night and plenty of action down at the beach during the day. If, however you want to complement your holidays in Algarve with an activity you have never tried before, you can book a skydiving session on the nearby club.

Olhos d'Agua

Olhos d'Agua is just down the road from Albufeira but seems like a world away. It's a sleepy fishing village with a beach where the freshwater springs bubble through the sands and the rock pools make it great for the kids. This is truly a resort for authenticity - you'll see fisherman hauling in their catch down at the harbour ready to be sent to the restaurants to be grilled. There are many restaurants and bars to keep that holiday spirit going well into the evening.

Nature

People book Algarve holidays ultimately for the stunning beaches many of them Blue Flag and child-friendly. Along the Algarve you'll find hidden coves, bays and rocky inlets all adding to the beautiful scenery. You can also come up close to dolphins if you choose to take a boat tour which takes you out into the Atlantic.

Family Attractions

Family holidays in Algarve are always an enticing proposition and this can be easily justified by having a look at the available activities. The usual and beloved beachside activities such as swimming, snorkeling diving and windsurfing are well represented. Boat tours will take you out in the open of the Atlantic Ocean and give you exclusive access to magical secluded beaches and some of the clearest deep waters you have ever seen. When the ocean swell goes up you could try your legs in surfing and make your holidays to Algarve full of action. For a full day of entertainment don’t forget to visit the Zoomarine Aquapark and catch some of the best organised animal shows available in the region. Visit the historical Silves and Faro towns and stroll around their medieval stone paved streets or go to Vilamoura for some of the best golf courses available in Europe. In case that you want to relieve your stress even more, a visit to the local spa resorts will reward you with world-class services.

Nightlife

Algarve holidays are the perfect excuse to party like never before. The wide selection of bars, clubs, karaoke and disco will have something to offer for anyone looking to let their hair down. For a mellow evening try one of the numerous beach bars which offer great musical vibes and tropical cocktails to sip while you lounge by the beach. In case that you are up for a crazy evening full of dance and excess, one of the numerous nightclubs in the region will happily accommodate you. Stag holidays in Algarve are also a popular phenomenon so if you would like to wave goodbye to your last days of freedom with a bang, here is the place to do it. For the more traditional who would like a taste of home, the multitude of Irish and British pubs always have a fresh pint for you on the ready.

Food & Drink

Trying the Portuguese delicacies while on holidays to Algarve is a must. Bearing a lot of similarities with the Mediterranean cuisine but with its unique and tasteful twist, Portuguese cuisine is a delight! Mostly based on fresh fish and seafood caught fresh from the ocean, the dishes on offer are tasty and healthy. Try the razor clam rice or grilled sardines if you feel a bit more adventurous, or in case that you decide to stick with the staples try one of the numerous variations of salted cod dishes. The local wines are a tasty complement to any time of day and in case you get hungry during the day, one of the local bakeries will treat you with their famous Portuguese pastries.

The Southern Algarve region has lots of sunshine and hot summer weather with little rainfall. Hot summers are cooled by sea breezes, making the Algarve pleasant even at the height of summer. Winters in the Algarve are relatively mild in comparison with the British weather so it makes a great destination outside of the high season. Like the Algarve, Madeira summers range from 17-23C and 13-17C in the winter.

Algarve Carnival

February and March see the Algarve Region  quite literraly spring into life with colourful processions and other festivals marking the beginning of spring.

Portugal Masters

Golfers won't want to miss this renowned golfing event in October when the world's best golfers come to Vilamoura to compete in this championship.

Portimao Sardine Festival

Portimao might be the only place where sardines are so celebrated. Along the water's edge you'll find stalls selling charcoal-grilled and friend fish served with brown bread. Wash it down with a local wine. In the evening you've got music acts that keep things swinging all night long.

International Sand Sculpture Festival

The largest sand sculpture event in the world is hosted annually in the Algarve municipality of Pêra and it can only be described as spectacular. International and local artists shape the sand into large sculptures of any form and size which are then exhibited.

Read more: Purple Hearts best Algarve beaches