Algarve holidays, hotels & resort reviews

The Algarve is Portugal's most southerly province and is bordered by the Atlantic on two sides. It stretches for over 80 miles from the Spanish border westwards to Cape St Vincent. Many holidaymakers associate the Algarve with golf, golf and more golf but there’s a lot more going on. In fact most tourist never place foot on the greens and the only tee they’re interested in as an A on the end. The Algarve is open for business throughout the year but the main season runs from April through to late October with tourist rushing for the lovely sandy beaches. The Algarve has a great selection of ‘Blue Flag’ beaches ranging from the long beach at Albufeira to small coves hidden along the rocky shoreline. The Algarve draws visitors from all age groups and the main resort of Albufeira can get rather noisy in July and August. The great thing about the Algarve is the wide choice of resorts on offer all catering for a different clientele so there’s bound to be one to suit your needs.

Multi Algarve Search

Algarve Pictorial

Algarve Resort reviews

Albufeira The most famous resort in the Algarve. Visitors could easily believe that they're in one of the Costa's or in one of the more popular Mediterranean resorts. Albufeira is loud, full of people, packed with restaurants of every sort, and in the middle of a large number of apartment blocks, hotels and villas. It has minimal charm in the summer months and unless you're in the 18 - 30's market then our advice would be to stay well away. The infamous 'Strip' has almost every facility the younger set could ever want (bars, good food, disco's etc.) and all the associated noise and hassle that goes with it. The 'Strip' is about 1½ miles long from the north (Montechoro end) to the south (Praia da Oura end). Going straight on takes you down Cardiac hill to the Praia da Oura beach; right goes to Albufeira town.

Almancil A typical Portuguese resort, Almancil is surrounded by olive trees and orange and lemon groves. There are a host of shops in Almancil plus all the usual amenities of a modern resort. Vale Do Lobo is only 3kms away where there is a championship golf course and a superb sandy beach.

Armacao de Pera Blessed with one of the Algarve's finest sandy beaches, Armacao de Pera is perfect for combining sunshine and relaxation with lots of water based activities. The sea front here is similar to Quarteira in that it has a large number of ugly apartment blocks with cafes underneath. There is, however, a less seedy atmosphere and, generally, a much less rundown feel to the place especially when you leave the sea front and walk along the narrow streets. The beach is long, very long, and stretches from the western cliffs and rock pools into the east where the town peters out and the fishermen ply their trade. There are numerous bars, cafes and great fish restaurants and the surrounding coastline is dotted with charming, cliff-framed coves ideal for days out. There is also a giant waterpark nearby to keep the youngsters happy.

Carvoeiro Picturesque with a delightful but small sandy beach, Carvoeiro is growing fast and unsurprisingly so, considering its many charms. Still a quaint fishing village with a working fleet, the main beach and nearby coves benefit from the shelter of high cliffs. Within the resort, you'll find a selection of cafes, bars and restaurants and a handful of shops. Carvoeiro is ideal for families who want to relax in a pretty location but do remember that like most resorts in the Algarve there's a generous helping of steep hills, which may not suit very young children.

Montechoro/Praia da Oura About 2 miles to the east of Albufeira, Praia da Oura is ideal for a family beach holiday. The wide, long expanse of golden sandy beach is the main temptation. The beach has a wide range of water sports available including, para-ascending , yellow banana rides, tractor tyre rides and jet skis. The next cove along has Scuba Diving for the more adventurous. There are also a good choice of friendly bars and restaurants. Modern, with its own selection of shops, restaurants and bars, it offers the bonus of beautiful Praia da Oura beach which is a mile away. Warning: There are some very steep hills and parking can be a problem

Montegordo A bustling yet typical Portuguese seaside town, this popular resort has developed from its fishing-village roots but not abandoned them. Monte Gordo has one of the longest beaches on the Algarve and the warmest seawaters. There are plenty of watersports available from the sandy beach. Montegordo offers a vast selection of bars and restaurants catering for all tastes. Montegordo is an ideal resort for couples and families.

Olhos D' Agua Olhos d' Agua is a firm favourite with families and couples looking for a refreshing beach holiday. The new promenade (built in 2002) has improved the beach front with both toilets and showers. Lying a few kilometres east of Albufeira, the resort's new hotels look out over one of the longest expanses of sand the Algarve offers, stretching for more than 5 miles. The gently shelving beach is perfect for young children and at low tide fresh water springs (providing there isn't a drought) well from the sands, creating little fountains and pools that are really delightful. The resort centre still portrays some of its fishing-port charms, with gaily-coloured boats moored on the sands and has small shops, local restaurants and cafes. Warning: There are some very steep hills and parking can be a problem

Praia da Luz The main attraction of Praia da Luz is the beach. This is a gently shelving, crescent shaped arena for an extensive range of watersports. It should be noted that the beach does get crowded in July and August. One end of the beach is rocky with a good selection of rock pools which should keep the children happy for a while. Situated at the western, and generally quieter, end of the Algarve, Praia da Luz is very popular with British families and you will either love it or hate it. It is not very Portuguese and, in fact, looks artificial with its hills covered in Moorish style white villas and apartments. Very little of the original fishing village is apparent but there is an extensive shopping area and many restaurants.

Praia da Rocha Praia da Rocha is famous for its long beach which is embraced by beautiful sandstone cliffs. When you're not lounging on the sands, you can stroll along the cliff top promenade, lined with restaurants and cafes. Shopping is good too, and at night there's plenty to keep you happy from numerous busy discos and a casino to some lively late-night cocktail bars. Sports are in good supply, including a great selection of watersports. Ideal holiday for the younger generation but you may as well be in Skegness with extra sunshine.

Quarteira Quarteira was originally a small fishing village but it has grown into a holiday resort combining the pleasures of a beach holiday with great town life. The new pedestrianised promenade, with small shops, restaurants and bars faces an inviting stretch of soft, sandy beach favoured by families and young people. Intertwined with the hotels are numerous open air cafes and bars where you can refresh yourself by day or night, as well as a good choice of appetising seafood restaurants. Shoppers will also want to roam the town's old quarter, where they'll discover a permanently lively fish and produce market, and on Wednesdays a fascinating gypsy market where Algarvian antiques, tiles and ceramics can be found on about 5% of the stalls but the remaining 95% are like any other 'flea' market - boring and uninteresting. Great for sea fishing from the beach.

Sagres Near the most South Western point of Europe, Sagres is located on the South side of Cape St Vincent. A sleepy, quiet town renowned for its impressive cliffs, local fish restaurants and wild orchids.

Tavira Situated at the eastern end of the Algarve Tavira was unaffected by the huge western boom in tourism. This means that Tavira has remained mostly unspoilt and is a great place to enjoy sun-baked days by the pool and on the beach. Its much quieter and with more traditional facilities in the west however its proximity to Spain offers a range of exciting day trips.

Vilamoura Cosmopolitan Vilamoura is a stylish choice for a relaxing or sporty vacation. Specially built to appeal to the holiday maker, Its centrepiece is a magnificent marina, full of expensive private yachts and cruisers but for those less well off a wide range of boat trips can be purchased. The marina competes with a buzzing waterfront of chic cafes, bars, boutiques and restaurants. First class sports facilities are thick on the ground with excellent golf, tennis, fishing and horse-riding, and there are two sandy beaches either side of the marina. Nightlife is relatively low-key and is mainly hotel based or situated around a wide selection of eateries. There is also a casino. Journey time from the airport: 30 minutes approx

ABTA & ATOL protection is included for all holidays.

Opening times so you can book your holidays direct