Quick Facts
All of our resorts are located in the Algarve, a 130-mile-long stretch of beach running along the southern coastline from the Atlantic through to the border with Spain. Known for its whitewashed Moorish-influenced villages, ochre-coloured cliffs, golden sand, turquoise waters and some of the finest golf courses in Europe. Flying time from London is just over 2.5 hours. The name Algarve comes from the Arabic Ottoman language and means land to the west
Weatherwise
The Algarve is popular year-round, but the main months for beach activity tend to be late May through to mid-October when the days are usually bright and sunny. The autumn and winter months tend to attract those more interested in spas, cuisine and golf than beach or are just looking to escape the harsher climate in Northern Europe.
Why Portugal?
The contrasting colours, the lively resort towns of Faro and Albufeira but maybe even more attractive. The numerous small villages where you can still sample the authentic delights of the Med. Try and explore some of the inland villages as well as those overlooking the sea. The food, in our view, is some of the best in the region, plus of course the equally good but under-promoted wine. The excellent sporting facilities.
The region still retains an authentic charm, and whilst tourism is the major influence, this has not been at the expense of traditional flavour and atmosphere.
We do suggest car hire even for just a few days as this will add to your flexibility and will allow you to fully discover the region. And if your time allows you can easily drive across the border to Seville or Cadiz, just 2 hours away.
All of our featured hotels have some exceptional early booking offers that will increase the holiday value.
August, in particular, is a great month for visiting the Algarve, and probably the most popular 4 weeks of the year. The weather and the beaches will be the focal attractions, but it is also one of the main festival months, with the TMN Sudeoste Music Fest one of the most popular. There is even a 4-day festival dedicated to the delights of the sardine, held at the fishing village of Portimao.
As with most countries in Europe, the beaches are for both locals and tourists.
If We Were To Be Critical…
Faro and Albufeira, and to a slightly lesser degree Vilamoura Marina, are lively resorts, with areas of tourism excess, with maybe a more international rather than Portuguese influence. Expect to see Brits-Aloud Streets as well as Deutch-Strasse! Faro Old Town is a delight with its white-washed buildings, narrow cobbled streets and numerous restaurants. Adjacent you have the Ria Formosa National Park and wetlands and just 30 minutes by speedboat offshore the unique ” Deserta ” island. Golf is one of the main attractions, you will be spoilt for choice.
Portugal – A CHIC Location
